Help choosing resort

[Liam'sMimi]

Hello
We haven't been to WDW in a few years. Our one and only visit we stayed at Pop Century and my grandson loved it. I am in the beginnings stages of planning a return trip for 8/26 to 8/31 spurred on by the current "Fun and Sun" room discounts. I was surprised to find that a pool view room at AKL fit into my budget (just barely) none of the other deluxe resorts do. I know it will be crazy hot and my plan is mid-day breaks spent at the pool and AKL pool(s) look beautiful! My concern is food....It will be me and the grandson again (now 12) and to say he is a picky eater is an understatement. He is on the Autism Spectrum and his lunch is goldfish crackers (which I bring) while dinner consists of pizza or MAYBE meatballs in marinara. He eats chicken nuggets but only from McD's. That's basically it. Eating while travelling is challenging for us! I'm afraid there won't be anything he will eat at AKL. I'm tempted just to book at Pop again because I know the food is acceptable to him but I'm also wanting "nicer" lodging. I know nothing about any of the moderates. Any families out there with recommendations? Any input on AKL food. I looked at menus and I don't see any pizza. I know it seems crazy to book lodging based on a kid's palate but he will go without eating rather than try something unfamiliar, a product of the autism. So.....looking for a fun resort, with a great pool and "not fancy" kid food : )
We also will be reliant on WDW transportation..no rental car. Pop would suit our needs and save some $ but I'd hate to miss out on something better.
Thanks for any help you can offer!

 

[Skippyboo]

What menus are you looking at for AKL? For pizza and nuggets you need to look at The Mara which is the quick service restaurant. I love AKL. Spent three previous stays there going back in June. They have a lot of activities for kids, Disney movies by the pool at night. Plus the animals, plus it’s all interior hallways so it’s quiet inside. If you want to save a few bucks, go for a standard view instead of the pool.

 

[1GoldenSun]

Will he eat flatbread pizza? My picky eater usually shuns flatbread pizza, but he likes The Mara's.

Are there particular foods he's used to eating at home that you could order from a grocery delivery service and heat up in The Mara's microwave? Will he eat microwaveable frozen pizzas? Does he eat Uncrustables? You can find those all over Disney.

I think you and your grandson would really love AK and I'd hate to see you pass it by due to food issues, but then again, the kid's got to eat!

If you do choose AK I agree with the PP that pool view isn't necessarily worth the cost. Savannah view is nice, but there are plenty of places for animal viewing. Also, be sure to visit the Kidani pool as well as Jambo's; it's awesome for kids and just a short walk away!

ETA: Any chance you could bring a bunch of McDonald's chicken nuggets with you (maybe pick them up at the airport), keep them in the fridge, and microwave as needed?

 

[Liam'sMimi]

Will he eat flatbread pizza? My picky eater usually shuns flatbread pizza, but he likes The Mara's.

Are there particular foods he's used to eating at home that you could order from a grocery delivery service and heat up in The Mara's microwave? Will he eat microwaveable frozen pizzas? Does he eat Uncrustables? You can find those all over Disney.

I think you and your grandson would really love AK and I'd hate to see you pass it by due to food issues, but then again, the kid's got to eat!

If you do choose AK I agree with the PP that pool view isn't necessarily worth the cost. Savannah view is nice, but there are plenty of places for animal viewing. Also, be sure to visit the Kidani pool as well as Jambo's; it's awesome for kids and just a short walk away!

ETA: Any chance you could bring a bunch of McDonald's chicken nuggets with you (maybe pick them up at the airport), keep them in the fridge, and microwave as needed?

Thank you for your replies. He likes pizza that most people would turn their noses up at....basic cheese pizza similar to what you find in food courts/cafeterias. Microwave pizza is a hit. I know he will eat pizza in the parks so maybe we'll just plan our schedule that way. He's just so weird with food (I can say that ❤) he inspects everything to the max. Flatbread pizza could work as long as it is just sauce and cheese.....god forbid there be any herbs I'm really leaning towards AKL. Its only a few days so if he eats goldfish twice some days it won't be the end of the world. Good to know that a pool view room isn't necessary, though being able to see the pool is one of his pleasures. He likes to watch the early morning activity and cleaning. He's a strange little dude!

 

[Skippyboo]

They have a pepperoni flatbread. I would think they could make it without the pepperoni. There also a bakery with cookies and pastries plus grab and go stuff in the cooler cases. The Mara is right by the pool and there are tables outside if he wants to watch the pool get cleaned in the morning. There is also a fire pit and marshmallows roastingin the outside area off the lobby. They have night vision googles that you can look at the animals at night. There is a flamingo pond by the pool and there’s usually people at the animal overlooks that can answer any questions you have.

 

[Liam'sMimi]

They have a pepperoni flatbread. I would think they could make it without the pepperoni. There also a bakery with cookies and pastries plus grab and go stuff in the cooler cases. The Mara is right by the pool and there are tables outside if he wants to watch the pool get cleaned in the morning. There is also a fire pit and marshmallows roastingin the outside area off the lobby. They have night vision googles that you can look at the animals at night. There is a flamingo pond by the pool and there’s usually people at the animal overlooks that can answer any questions you have.

Thank you so much. I am sold

 

[DeanDoug]

I think you'll be fine. I work with many students on the autism spectrum and understand that "routine" is vital! I agree that I think you'll find something acceptable for him at the Mara... they will make things to order as best they can. I also agree that you may need to look at the "grocery" options in the Gift shop (located right off of the lobby). If you're ok with using a microwave, you will be fine... there are several frozen pizza options! Also, please don't hesitate to share with the cast, even at check-in or calling before you arrive, that your grandson has ASD. They can help guide and support you. Enjoy!

 

[VAfamily1998]

It looks like you got some great advice already. I just wanted to mention that there is a McDonalds about 2 miles away from Animal Kingdom Lodge (it appears to be less than $7 for an Uber ride there.) It's also walking distance to All Star Sports resort (about half a mile) and open 24 hours.
If the food situation got really tough you could head out there and even "stock up" with some to keep in your room fridge.

 

[Pmm_]

If you have the opportunity to book any deluxe over pop, I would take it. Not because Pop Century is bad, but because the deluxes are just so good. The experience of staying in a resort with a savannah full of animals is one your grandson will never forget.

Here's the current Mara (quick service) menus: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/animal-kingdom-lodge/mara/menus/dinner/

 

[DisneyWishes14]

AKL is gorgeous, but, if it's in the discount, you may want to consider WL as well. They also have flatbreads and chicken nuggets on their Roaring Forks QS menu. The resort is gorgeous (created by the same design team that did AKL) and they also have a lot of resort activities. It's also just a boat ride away from MK. You can also take a boat over to Ft. W to see the WDW horse stables if that holds any interest. I just wanted to throw that out as a possible alternative if it prices lower than AKL. If not, AKL is awesome!!!

 

[Skippyboo]

AKL is gorgeous, but, if it's in the discount, you may want to consider WL as well. They also have flatbreads and chicken nuggets on their Roaring Forks QS menu. The resort is gorgeous (created by the same design team that did AKL) and they also have a lot of resort activities. It's also just a boat ride away from MK. You can also take a boat over to Ft. W to see the WDW horse stables if that holds any interest. I just wanted to throw that out as a possible alternative if it prices lower than AKL. If not, AKL is awesome!!!

I just check OP dates w general fun n sun discount -WL only had a courtyard view with bunk bed for average of 391 per night. AKL has a std room for 250 a night, pool view for 269, Savannah for 360. So WL isn’t cheaper.

 

[megs1313]

POR (though I don't know if they have a discounted room or your dates) might also be a solid option. They have a great pool.

But AKL is my hands down favorite pool on property and I think you can probably make it work with stuff from the mara and some groceries in the room to supplement. Have a great trip!

 

[Skippyboo]

OP, how is your grandson with breakfast? I believe you said there are places in the park that he will eat at, so is it possible to your lunch and dinner meals so you eat in the parks?

 

[Disneylvr1971]

You can get a regular full size pizza. (Not flatbread) They don't show it on the menu, you just have to ask for it. We own DVC at AKL and get this frequently to take back to the room.

 

[Liam'sMimi]

OP, how is your grandson with breakfast? I believe you said there are places in the park that he will eat at, so is it possible to your lunch and dinner meals so you eat in the parks?

He will eat pancakes, but not waffles....go figure! So if I feel like having breakfast out we are covered. I usually bring single serve Cinnamon Toast Crunch cups and OJ and he snacks while I'm getting ready or while waiting for the bus. Everybody has been incredibly helpful and supportive here. I once posed a similar question on TripAdvisor a few years ago and I got a lot of "if he's hungry he'll eat what's available" so I appreciate your kind responses. In the parks he's good with pizza slices or a side of meatballs if I see them. I've learned over the years to ALWAYS have goldfish crackers in my bag in case we can't find something he wants. I forgot to add he LOVES Churros so he has a couple of those in the parks

 

[Liam'sMimi]

You can get a regular full size pizza. (Not flatbread) They don't show it on the menu, you just have to ask for it. We own DVC at AKL and get this frequently to take back to the room.

Great to know!!!! Thank you for sharing this info with me ❤

 

[meggiebeth]

Definitely go for AKL at that rate - I rarely see it for that cheap when I’m looking! The resort is beautiful and has some great dining options. Boma is great for breakfast if you enjoy buffets and there’s lots of choice. As others have said POP is a great resort but the values don’t come close to deluxe hotels. Plus, there’s so much going on at AKL that I’m sure your son will love, with all the different animals to see. Sorry - I’m not much help with the food question having not eaten anywhere at AKL but Boma for breakfast, but it looks like you’ve got some great responses about where your son may be able to eat!