Help me decide! AKL vs. Poly

[bubbasmom99]

Now that our flight info is finalized, I am trying to decide on accomodations. We are staying on points at the BCV but I don't want to use up points for the weekend, so I am looking for a Fri/Sat night stay at one of the deluxe resorts we have not tried yet....

I just called CRO and was quotes $167/nt for a standard Savannah view room at the AKL.

$209/nt for standard garden view at the Poly.

and $245/nt for a tower room at the Contemporary, which we have stayed in before, but I like for its convenient location to the MK.

I am leaning toward the AKL because I hear so many great things about the view, (and we have 2 kids, 5 & 2, who would get a kick out of the animals). But I am concerned that the location might be a bit remote from the other parks....

Any feedback? Thanks!

 

[steveanddonna]

Well, if you like the CR for its location, you'll LOVE the Poly for the same reason - easy to get to MK by boat or monorail, and a short walk to the TTC for Epcot monorail. We are thinking about trying AKL someday, but the Poly is our second home. Your kids will also love the abundance of "wildlife" at the Poly - our niece spent way too much time watching the bunnies, lizards, ducks and ibises. It's not quite zebras and giraffes, but they surely were up close and personal. I think the zero-depth entry pool at the Poly is also a big plus for kids.

 

[jadedNYer]

Our first trip, summer 2002 we (me and two boys now 6 and 10) stayed at the Poly because it was convenient. Last year we did a split stay at AKL and WL. The boys preferred the AKL and that's where we will be next week. I think it's because the AKL has so much going on (pool games, storytelling, night vision goggle animal viewing) The AKL also has a zero entry pool.

 

[wannabee princess]

I say try AKL! The animals are great, the atmosphere is wonderful, the food choices (from Mara and Boma) are delicious, the pool is a zero-entry and very large, the CMs are awesome, the store (Zawandi) is very unique and the resort is fabulous!

Since you are only looking at 2 nights there anyways, I don't think that you will find it too remote. Maybe plan a day as your AK day if you think the other parks are too far (although MK is a straight 15 minute drive). I would not let the fact that it is farther out stop you from staying there for the short time you are looking at.

The rate you got for Savanna is great - we just returned from a stay at $195/night!

 

[2dogmom]

AKL is very nice, but FAR. With 2 little ones, it may be a lot of work to get them on the buses, along with strollers, diaper bage, etc. We stayed there when DD was 2 and I swore I wouldn't stay there again until my kids were old enough to walk all the time. But the animals are awesome and the zero-depth pool was wonderful. I"m sure you will enjoy whichever one.

(Notice I am staying at Poly next time )

 

[bubbasmom99]

Well, after conferring with hubby, we decided to go for the AKL. It's only $151/nt before tax, and we're really only staying there for a day and a half, so the distance won't be too much to deal with.

FYI - the reservation agent said it was the "September Direct Mail" promotion code, but I didn't give her any code... so they must have this info in the computer somehow.... I entered my phone # and they were able to pull up this promotion. I did get the email last week but no postcard in the mail. I didn't have the email with me when I called.