Help me decide AKL or GAYLORD PALMS

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

I am really torn. We are staying one week in Wyndham Plams Resort thanks to all the posters on this board got a terriffic rate. However, since we are driving in we want to stay our 1st 2 nites in a deluxe. We are not planning on any parks the 1st 2 days. SO I got a rate of 184.00 per nite pls tax at AKL. (stayed there last year..really liked it) But now I just got a great deal at the GAYLORD PLAMS RESORT..2 nites plus breakfast, plus 2 bottles of water & 2 bottles of OJ each day for a total of $249.00 pls tax. (atrium view) This resort looks awesome. Any opinions? The Canyon Ranch Spa is on site.

 

[hercamore]

Hmmm.

how did you get that rate at the Gaylord Palms?

Sounds like you're going to save quite a bit by staying at GP instead of AKL since your're getting bkfst, too.

Unless you really want to stay onsite for a couple nites, I vote for the GP.

Herc.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Herc,

Their websiite had some differant specials going on. This just happened to be our dates. The rack rate on the atrium room is $360.00 so I think its a great deal. I spoke to the hotel and the breakfast is in one of the nice restaurants. Also searched and found some great pictures. I'm leaaning more towards this and I think my kids would love the pool.

 

[hercamore]

Just looked at the special on their website.

Sounds too good to pass up!

Luxury room, free bkfst (which is probably pricey) nice location.

Have there been any board reviews of this hotel yet?


Herc.

 

[pilgrimage]

Try biddingfortravel.com. Folks are getting the Gaylord Palms for $85 per night .. If you bid resort quality and Disney area (WDW zone), this is the property priceline is giving often. The others are also quite nice--Marriott World Center, etc. My colleague stayed at that Marriott for $75 the week of Easter through this site and loved it.
Just another option. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[DVC California]

...Try biddingfortravel.com. Folks are getting the Gaylord Palms for $85 per night ...

Gaylord Palms has only started showing up on Priceline and for only one specific weekend (4/26-28). This was probably an inventory fluke because the bid amounts ($83-85/night) that GP accepted usually are enough to trigger a Priceline "upgrade" to Resort level (Marriott Orlando World Center, Wyndham Palace, etc).

I would be very careful in bidding WDW 4* and hoping to land Gaylord Palms until more successful wins are recorded.

That being said, I think the rate you have at GP sounds decent copared to AKL, especially factoring in the breakfast. Go for it!

My two cents, Steve

 

[Boots]

As much as I recommend staying onsite, these rates at GP sound wonderful! Have a great vacation!

 

[rjordan]

I usually would say onsite...onsite...onsite. BUT with all the recent cutbacks at Disney (EE, e-nites, hours) I say go for GP, too. Have a great time, whichever you choose.

 

[Pug Mom]

All I have to say is the GAYLORD is the most amazing resort I've ever seen!!! There is no comparison....This place tops every disney hotel in my opinion!!! We were exploring the area and passed the Gaylord and had to stop because the outside alone is just breathtaking. We walked around the resort and the indoor atrium is AMAZING...completely surreal under this enormous glass domed roof. My only critcisms were the two pools were somewhat small for this large of a resort (comparable to the Disney Deluxe resort pools) but don't get me wrong....I'd stay here for $200 a night!!! You have an amazing deal!! Stay at the Gaylord....you'll love it! We want to stay here on our next trip to WDW. I only hope we can get as good a rate as you have there. ENJOY!!

 

[hercamore]

Put mom,

Where is the GP in relation to the HIFS? I know it's close, isn't it?

Thanks,

Herc.

 

[Pug Mom]

Yes, its fairly close to the HIFS but you may be thinking of the Marriott World Center which is right across the street from the HIFS....The Gaylord is farther south on the southern extention of International Drive.

 

[MOMTOMOOTOO]

Thanks everyone for your opinions. GAYLORD PALMS it is!!!

 

[cottontail]

I vote for two nights at akl, especially if you are hanging at the resort, besides the obvious pool activities, you have the animals.. Just got back and loved it, did alot of resort days there. I saw the gaylord palms from the highway, it looked nice too, but I was so taken with the animals, plants, the pool, just everything about the akl.

Deb.