HELP! Need advice on changing from AKL!

[dossie]

Well I'm tired of worrying about the construction issue at AKL, where we're booked to go in July!!! After letters from our TA and making calls direct to the resort and reading several threads it seems there is a good risk of getting disrupted - with two kids 5 and underI don't really want to risk tired cranky little ones who can't enjoy the parks because they cannot have a daytime nap (which they will no doubt badly need).

So here' s the rap - we have decided to change resort and have been in contact with Virgin who have the availabilty we want - so it's now down to a toss up between CBR or WL.

I'd appreciate any advice or thoughts - We've stayed at CBR and know its very child friendly but also like the idea of WL as it's still a deluxe and we will be having a vow renewal so wanted to do something special.

I'm so confused!!!! Any comments gratefully received.

Thanks guys

 

[robinb]

I personally don't think that the construction will be that bad, but it sounds like the unknown is bothing you. I would recommend the WL over CBR. It is a very nice resort and a mere boatride to the MK. Your kids will LOVE it!

 

[dossie]

Thanks for your advice - Yes you're right Robinb - we are bothered but more so now as we have spoken to the hotel direct and also contacted our wedding coordinator at Disney to try and get some advice and both calls said it was loud noise and significant disruption - maybe they need to be over explicit to dampen the impact - not sure - but as its such a special occasion for us (10the wedding anniversary and vow renewal) we're not sure we want to take the chance on having extra stress, moreso because of the age of our littlies, due to construction issues.

 

[SammieG]

Wilderness lodge has the same feel as the AKL... and as Robinb said.. its a boat ride from the Mk which is definitely a bonus!

We were lucky to be invited to a wedding there once at it was lovely...

S xx

 

[robinb]

we have spoken to the hotel direct and also contacted our wedding coordinator at Disney to try and get some advice and both calls said it was loud noise and significant disruption - maybe they need to be over explicit to dampen the impact

I think that's probably it. They don't want you disappointed. While you will miss the animals at WL, it offers a lot of great things. I love the pool there as well as the geyser. It's designed by the same architect and has a lot of the same "flavor". If you really need animals, the petting zoo at the campground is accessible by boat and they have pony rides there too.

 

[islandmum]

we had the same problem - 2 boys under 5 and booked for savannah view AKL.

once we heard about the construction we called Disney and they said it was starting inside, there was a big chance we'd see it and hear it during the day until 5pm.

No question then - this is our first trip to WDW, why would we want to spend it in a hotel where there is construction when theres many more to choose from.

so we've moved to WL concierge, which with the boat trips to MK, the WCC and stuff over at Ford Wilderness - it looks a lot more suitable than AKL in hindsight.

we can always come back in a couple of years when the constructions finished at AKL but I didnt want to take the chance that it would impact our stay in any way.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi Dossie, I think you are making the right decision - and its really weird as we were planning on staying at AKL next May as its our 10th wedding anniversary too!! (we will also have 2 children under 5 with us as well and have opted against AKL because of the construction) - great minds think alike eh??!!!

Anyway - I haven't stayed at WL but it sounds from what everyone else has said that that may well be a great alternative for you - have a great time!!

Ps - I'm being nosey - but where are you having your vow renewals??

 

[dossie]

Thanks for all your thoughts guys - WL sounds great but having been through the figures with Virgin it seems that it will cost us more money and, sad as it may be, we just can't afford it - so we're going back to Caribbean Beach with water view (hopefully of the Bay in Jamaica) where we have stayed before. It's not deluxe but we know what it is like and feel like a weight has been lifted knowing we can lie in in the morning and nao in the afternoon without the sound of drills and banging. Alos the beaches and small pools will suit our kids down to the ground as well as the main pool if we need it.

We also have a refunded difference so we intend to take extra spending and blow it on really nice meals and other stuff for the vow renewal (e.g.private dining at the Grand Floridian on the evening of our vow renewal!!) to compensate ourselves.

AKL isnt going anywhere and our littlies will probably appreciate it all the more in a few years time.

I am quite excited - having done so much reading and planning about AKL, its like starting from scratch and the holiday isn't too far away now.

Roll on July - Good luck to everyone else contemplating a stay at AKL.

 

[KayleeUK]

Glad you are happy with the change Dossie Now you need to change your countdown

We have stayed at the CBR and it is a great resort! Having some extra things will make your vow renewal really special

 

[dossie]

Hi Dossie, I think you are making the right decision - and its really weird as we were planning on staying at AKL next May as its our 10th wedding anniversary too!! (we will also have 2 children under 5 with us as well and have opted against AKL because of the construction) - great minds think alike eh??!!!

Anyway - I haven't stayed at WL but it sounds from what everyone else has said that that may well be a great alternative for you - have a great time!!

Ps - I'm being nosey - but where are you having your vow renewals??

Sorry I forgot to answer this just now - we are having our vows renewed at the Yacht and Beach Club Gazebo, followed by dinner at the Grand Floridian. The guys at Disney Weddings have been fantastic (although you pay for it - we actually contemplated selling the children to pay for it......JOKE!!!!!)

It seems like a really excellent service and top notch package so I hope it will be an amazing experience. Good luck with your trip and anniversary - and from Exeter too - must be a South West thing!!

 

[Graeme]

I think I'd have done the same in your position. Have a great time and spoil yourselves with the extra cash

 

[robinb]

Were those your only two options? I ask because I really like POFQ for smaller kids. The pool is great for little kids and the slide is both fun and tame ... a great beginner slide. In addition, the resort is TINY and nothing is far from the pool, food court or bus stop. I totally understand cutting back to a moderate and I like CBR, I just like POFQ better for younger children.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

Dossie - the vow renewal sounds lovely - please make sure you report back - it'll make me really jealous but I'd love to hear all about it!! - you're going to have an amazing time I'm sure!!