Help! Can't decide...

[MsHanSolo]

Okay, so I'm new to the Board but I've been lurking awhile. I've done some research but can't decide between two resorts. I haven't been to WDW in years and the last time I went I didn't plan it. It's just going to be my husband and I and we are going for our 5th anniversary. I had originally decided on the Contemporary, because of the access to everything, nicer rooms and haven't stayed there before. My husband was really interested in staying at the AK, but I wasn't sure because I'd read that the bus transportation is a hassle. We are going the 3rd week of August in the off season, so I was wondering if anyone could weigh in on the buses at AK or if it would just be better to stay at the CR?? Thanks!!

 

[mlandgrebe]

It depends on what you like to do. AK is great (I love Kidani Village) but the transportation can take a while to get you where you want to be. If you plan on spending some time at the parks but would like to spend downtime at the resort, AK is perfect for that. They have the animals, beautiful secluded areas, a great pool, and nice atmosphere. We even enjoyed a talk given by one of the CM about his village in Africa.

If you plan on spending most of your time in the parks, the Contemporary seems to be a better choice (especially if you want to get back to your room in the middle of the day). I've never stayed there but the location is fantastic.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Missytara]

I would stay at the CR, and be at least close to MK; and the monorail over to Epcot.

Schools in the NE go back around the 22nd/23rd of August, so the third week in August (the w/o the 15th) will be somewhat crowded.

I think it would be preferable to be close to alternate modes of transportation.

 

[Disney grandma]

Both resorts are very nice, but the rooms at CR are not really "nicer"than AKL, they are totally different in style and bigger, but if your husband wants AKL, the rooms there are beautiful and themed. You can walk to the MK at CR and, of course, the monorail, but the buses at AKL run regularly and we have never had a problem. It is a fabulous resort and so relaxing at the end of a day at the parks. I do like CR too, so you can't make a bad choice.

 

[MsHanSolo]

Thanks for the input! We'll probably discuss a little more and see what we mostly want to do and go from there, so this will definitely help.

 

[rie'smom]

You could do a split stay at both. We do this all the time. The resort will transfer your luggage to the next resort. Just bring or have the bell service bring your luggage downstairs to the bell stand and ask them to transfer your bags. Easy and this way you can stay at your picks.

 

[Niki in NJ]

Okay, so I'm new to the Board but I've been lurking awhile. I've done some research but can't decide between two resorts. I haven't been to WDW in years and the last time I went I didn't plan it. It's just going to be my husband and I and we are going for our 5th anniversary. I had originally decided on the Contemporary, because of the access to everything, nicer rooms and haven't stayed there before. My husband was really interested in staying at the AK, but I wasn't sure because I'd read that the bus transportation is a hassle. We are going the 3rd week of August in the off season, so I was wondering if anyone could weigh in on the buses at AK or if it would just be better to stay at the CR?? Thanks!!

It's going to be hot when you are there in August, so that would be my deciding factor to stay at CR. It's going to be much easier to take afternoon breaks to relax and get some time away from the heat. Plus, the rooms are all re-done and modern. If you can stay in the tower you can have some really great views. You have access to many great signature restaurants right there on the monorail at CR and GF. When my fiance and I (we were only dating then) stayed at the CR, we spent a lot of time resort hopping trying out the different restaurants at the resorts near us because it was so easy. Plus, it's an easy monorail ride to Epcot, where we always spend most of our time.
Just throwing it out there - our new favorite hotel is YC! We love being at an Epcot resort for the easy walk to Epcot, enjoying the boardwalk area, and the walk to DHS. We don't spend a lot of time at MK compared to the other parks, so it works out really nice for us. We love being able to walk to Epcot to grab a bite to eat, or walk over and enjoy a margarita in Mexico

 

[TJA]

As you are discussing your options, I also just want to throw another option out there of an Epcot resort. If it were just DH and I, I would choose either YC or BWI. The location is great having the boardwalk to enjoy, plus a short walk right into the countries in Epcot for some nice sit-down meals.

If your true desire lies with either AKL or CR, as others have posted I'd choose based on how you will plan your days. Parks and afternoon breaks would equal CR. A fair amount of resort time would equal AKL.

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Another vote for CR! Close to MK and Epcot, and plenty to do at the resort. The rooms are really spacious, and you have some great dining options at your disposal. You can always book an ADR at AKL (Boma, Jiko or Sanaa) and check out the resort then.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with the Contemporary because in my opinion they have a much better overall location, bigger rooms, more transportation options which includes the Resort Monorail and the walkway to the Magic Kingdom.

 

[spiceycat]

would definitely go with CR.

that says if he likes the atmosphere better at AK than CR - might try WL on him.

it is close to CR - there is a boat to the MK but otherwise bus. (or you can take the boat to CR)

just remember to get to the MK from CR or BLT walking is faster than the monrail.

 

[crazygoalie39]

I would go with the CR. You can't beat the location and the views, especially if you get a MK view. AKL is a great resort, but I just don't think anything compares to the monorail resorts.

 

[billfatora]

Another thums-up for the CR... but I would agree with the PP... you just might want to consider the Beach Club or the Yacht Club also.

 

[B-Ride]

I just can't warm to the Contemporary. I would stay at AKL and rent a car.

 

[pigletto]

If you had a car I would say AK. Without one, I would go with the Contemporary. 3rd week of August is still fairly heavy crowds, they don't really drop off until a week later. In the heat the Contemporary would get my vote for it's location and transportation options.

 

[MsHanSolo]

Well...this just figures. With everyone's help I had made a decision about moving our week to the 4th week, and staying at the Contemporary. I checked online and it's saying that they don't have any rooms! Ugh. I guess I can call and check but I'm so discouraged!!

 

[bitohoney]

Never stayed at CR but I loved AKL. I don't think you can go wrong with either. I don't have any complaints about the buses at AKL. We never waited more than 8-10 minutes. Yes, I timed it.

 

[jewels1916]

I loved AKL when we stayed there, but we had a car. I don't know if I'd stay there if I didn't have a car. And I know, I'm completely spoiled when I say that. But my choice between these two would be Contemporary, because of it's proximity to the Magic Kingdom. MK is my favorite park, and I like to open and close our trips there. And it's such a short little walk from CR to MK, you really can't beat that.

 

[Sue M]

We always stay the 3rd & 4th week of Aug, while the crowds are low the 3rd week (local kids are back in school) the 4th week is even less crowded.

The CR is on monorail so better transp to MK & Epcot. But the theming doesn't do it for me. For MK resorts we've stayed at Poly (same size rooms as CR), & WL (same size rooms as AKL). WL not on monorail, but has boat to MK (& CR where you can grab monorail).

We loved our stay at AKL. I thought the bus transportation was very good. Never had a long wait. It's a great resort. We enjoyed the cultural exchange evenings, night time savanna viewing with the night scopes, culinary tour, and the CM interaction at the Savanna viewing stations around Arusha Rock.

Don't stress, AKL is a great resort. The theming is spectacular.