help Aussies decide between AKL concierge and CR concierge....your opinions please

[aussiedaisy]

We're coming to WDW at the end of Oct for 10 days. We have previously stayed at the CR concierge which was great, especially due to the location.

Now, we have just been looking at the AKL concierge mainly because the price difference is so HUGE....like $200 difference from the CR!!!! We just can't decide whether to pay the extra for the CR convenience factor or stay at AKL and save money..... my concerns are

*distance and having to wait for buses, especially after events such as MNSSHP or if we want to go back to the room for a nap

*not sure if the AKL will have the same 'disney' feel to it, it looks pretty dark and gloomy in some pics I have seen.

*the concierge lounge not being on the same floor as the rooms like the CR. So, if I want to have breakfast in my room I have to carry it on the elevator.

*How to get to other resorts to eat at restaraunts???

*Don't want bunks in the room...are there rooms with only queen beds?

Other questions I have .....

*What is the concierge like compared to the CR?

*are the beds comfy and the rooms usually fairly well kept and clean?

Would love some advise, just don't know whether I would like AKL as I haven't seen it before. We could always do a split stay I suppose but staying soley at AKL the whole trip would be cheaper. Thanks everyone!!!

 

[thesupersmartguy]

If your looking for a concierge resort with convenience, you might want to consider Yacht/Beach clubs. They are both within walking distance to Epcot and a short boat ride or walk to MGM (Hollywood Studios), and a short 5-10 minute bus ride to MK. We stayed there in October and are going back in April.

The beds are comfortable, and the resort overall is quiet.

The rooms are kept very clean.

The concierge level is on the same floor as your room.

Bus ride waits are short.

Art Lark the greeter welcomes you everyday.

There are queen beds or 1 King.

The concierge staff is very friendly.

It definitely has that "Disney Feel".

And the price is comparable to that of the AK and CR.


Hope this helps.

 

[Kimberle]

We're coming to WDW at the end of Oct for 10 days. We have previously stayed at the CR concierge which was great, especially due to the location.

Now, we have just been looking at the AKL concierge mainly because the price difference is so HUGE....like $200 difference from the CR!!!! We just can't decide whether to pay the extra for the CR convenience factor or stay at AKL and save money..... my concerns are

*distance and having to wait for buses, especially after events such as MNSSHP or if we want to go back to the room for a nap

*not sure if the AKL will have the same 'disney' feel to it, it looks pretty dark and gloomy in some pics I have seen.

*the concierge lounge not being on the same floor as the rooms like the CR. So, if I want to have breakfast in my room I have to carry it on the elevator.

*How to get to other resorts to eat at restaraunts???

*Don't want bunks in the room...are there rooms with only queen beds?

Other questions I have .....

*What is the concierge like compared to the CR?

*are the beds comfy and the rooms usually fairly well kept and clean?

Would love some advise, just don't know whether I would like AKL as I haven't seen it before. We could always do a split stay I suppose but staying soley at AKL the whole trip would be cheaper. Thanks everyone!!!

Hi, I have stayed at both.

While CR is much closer to MK, AKL is actually a bit closer to MGM & Epcot, and much closer to AK. I've never been to DTD, so I can't comment. They are both about the same for TL, AKL is a bit closer to BB.

The bus transportation is very good for AKL. We never had to wait long for a bus. What was also nice, since AKL doesn't share with another resort, we could practically walk on the bus after Illuminations and Spectromagic. (Didn't do Spectro this trip.) We also go seats.

The concierge rooms are on the 4th fl, lounge is on 6th. So, yes, you do have to carry your food on the elevator. It was nice, though, to eat b/fast on the balcony while watching the animals.

Concierge food choices. They are both good. I preferred CR's. They had more variety and nicer desserts. AKL was mainly that of an an "African flair/spiced". So it did get a bit boring after a few days. Plus, the spices didn't really agree with me. AKL did have more snacks during the day.

I didn't think AKL was dark and gloomy at all. It has a very African feel.

Resturants, yes, AKL is sorely lacking (imho). They have 2 sitdown. They are only open for b/fast and dinner. It blows my mind there is no sitdown for lunch. Mara is also the small, typical deluxe fast food. Not a lot of choices, and other than a few grill/hot items, the sandwiches and salads were premade.

If you want queen beds, I don't think you'll have a problem at either resort. Also, the rooms at CR are much larger than AKL, as is the bathroom area.

I did enjoy our stay at AKL. Because of it's location, it does require a bit more planning. There is nothing like viewing the animals from your room. Plus, you should really do the Sunrise Safari as it is only available for concierge guests.

Since you're staying 10 days, why not split? Do 7 at CR then the final 3 at AKL.