Have I made a mistake??

[DisneyShack]

We originally had ressies at POFQ but I switched to AKL when the new rates came out in order to surprise my DW. It increased the cost a total of $180 for 4 nights. I am starting to wonder if it will be worth it. We will just be staying in a standard room. But we have 2 DD (2 1/2 and 5) and I think they will really enjoy the AKL. The first and last day of our trip will be specnt at the resort so we will be using the resort for more than just a bed. Also, we stayed at POFQ in 97 (prior to kids). Is the extra cost really worth it?? Are there "public " viewing areas for the savannahs?

One other question - when requesting an upgrade for a room, do they charge you the difference in price, is there a discount, or is it complimentary?? Thanks a lot.

 

[Blue Eeyore]

Hey there! I don't know anything about room upgrades, but we stayed at AKL last September and it was great! There were plenty of public viewing areas to view the animals... out on the rock, by the pool and on some balconies. The hotel is beautiful and I definitely think it's worth the difference that you will be paying. The only negative thoughts I have about AKL is 1) You're really far away from everything... buses only, no monorail, boat, etc. and 2) I wasn't crazy about the restaurants but most people RAVE about them! Anyway... hope that helps. Have a FABULOUS trip!

 

[DisneyShack]

How was the bus service? I've read that the buses are not shared with any other resorts. Was the bus service efficient? How long was the ride to MK and Epcot?

 

[KristiKelly]

We stayed at (what was) Dixie Landings in 1999, now Port Orleans Riverside, and it was nice. In 2002, we stayed at AKL, we all loved it. PO has no balconies and AKL does, this was nice having small kids, we could put them to bed and we could sit out on the balcony. We did have a Savannah room and the kids would sit on the balcony in the mornings and eat their cereal and watch the animals. As far as being farther away from everything, that never bothered us at all, it helped to make the setting, we thought. I definitely think it's worth the extra $180.

 

[lillygator]

I keep doing the same thing.....we had ressies at Coronado Springs, king room, which we had never stayed in before and then when the Fl rates came out I switched to AKL savannah view. Of course I am pretty sure we will love it as my DD loves the animals, but she and DH also love the water. The pool at CS looks awesome and I was looking forward to that....

......I am in the mind set that we will have to visit *all* of the resorts one day and will visit CS on another trip.

To answer your question....I am not sure if the extra cost is worth it YET but I think so...I think it may be more relaxing than the other resorts.....I could be completely wrong.......


are you planning on relying on bus transportation or will you have a car.....yes, this resort is far away, but nothing it truly FAR away......now Sarasota (2 1/2 hrs) is FAR away!

 

[DisneyShack]

We will have a car and are planning on going to MK for 2 days and Epcot for 1. Is it better to take your car to the parks? I was thinking maybe for Epcot since you park close to the entrance but for MK you still have to take a tram to the TTC and then transfer to the monorail or ferry; however, the bus will drop you off right in front so it seems the bus is a better choice for MK.

 

[lillygator]

I think your own car is better....no waiting in line to board or waiting for others to board...no bus drivers taking wrong turns and getting lost (happened to us in Feb), no complaining families at the end of the day going back.....

 

[jaysue]

No mistakes here - AKL is a very nice resort and Uzima Pool is great as well with zero entry area (the POR/POFQ pool is great as well) - the atmosphere of the AKL is just amazing - the lobby is awesome!

As for driving versus bus, bus to MK since as you say it gets you to the front door. As for Epcot, driving does work well in terms of speed and access unless you are staying for illuminations then the bus might be the better choice

thanks
jaysue

 

[k&a&c'smom]

We love AKL, and it's hard for us to stay anywhere else!! In fact, we couldn't decide between the Poly and AKL for our next trip, so we didn't - we're splitting our stay between the two!

As for the bus service, we found it to be very convenient. We quit renting a car several years ago, as we found that we would park it and never use again until we went to the airport. Even when we drive down, we never use our car, WDW trans. is just so easy. If I remember correctly, MK is about a 20 min. ride, Epcot about 12-15 min. and MGM about 10. Of course, AK is only about 6 min. away.

I have never gotten an upgrade, but from others' reports, just ask at check-in, if it is available they will probably give it to you. If they want to charge you, just say "no, thank you!" You won't be the first person to ask!!

 

[johnvree]

You are going from a moderate to a deluxe for $45 per night (including tax). That's worth it to me.