HELP--Still Torn - Pop(5days=$700) AK(5days=$1450)

[Mcmouse]

If you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort I'd try one of the Epcot resorts. BEach Club or Boardwalk would be my choices for easy access to the Boardwalk area and Epcot.

 

[MonkeyPants]

I think where you stay is important depending on how you plan to vacation


if you are going to do the vacation of GO GO GO!!!! then it doesnt matter where you stay

if you want the kick back and relax aka slow and easy vacation then your lodging is more important. I've been for a number of long trips 10-14 days and they were intended for slow and easy and I think my favorite for that was one of the times we stayed at OKW, balcony, with shade. It was great to sit back and enjoy the view.


I havent stayed at the AK yet, but my brother was down there and had a savannah view and he said it was absolutely INCREDIBLE. He said he had giraffes right outside his window one morning.

 

[nasmith]

I'm another person voting for AKL based on your Husband's dislike of a moderate, I'm afraid........However - If the extra cost is going to cause you alot of stress, then maybe it's just not worth it....

My Husband is not the Huge Disney fan that I am....He hates crowds, hates waiting in line, hates sweating in the heat, hates the noise, noise, noise .....He likes Disney's incredible attention to detail and their customer service...................He puts up with my constant need to go to WDW because when I travel with him, we always stay at a Deluxe (usually concierge)---and this enables him to escape from the crowds into a more quiet, peaceful atmosphere....Plus, the Deluxe resorts (esp. AKL) embody the 2 things he likes most about WDW (Attention to detail and customer service).

When I travel with my Sister, Son or even my MIL (Heck, I'll go with anyone, anytime! ) We'll usually stay moderate or value -----

Jill

 

[pitmindi]

Thanks to everyone who gave me so much advice. You all are the greatest. It seems that everyone is suggesting a deluxe resort since we will be spending so much time at the resort. DH hated the Carrib Beach due to the motel feeling. He spent much time in his room with the drapes closed (for privacy) watching TV while I swam with DD in the pool and played with her in the sand. We all hated the food court. The food tasted like airplane food and there were often no tables to sit at once we got our food. We stayed at Universal's Royal Pacific Resort for the same price as we paid for Carib Beach and there was no comparison. It is a highrise, you can open the drapes and still have privacy, the pool is much more beautiful, the lobby was awsome...everything about it was great!
I wanted to do disney rather than universal since I much prefer disney parks to universal. We had booked the Swan but changed it after Disney's free dining offer. People who stay at the pop seem to really like it. I like the fact there are 3 pools, the resort is new, there is music at the pools, and it has a great arcade. Of course, AK people also love that resort. The pool looks lovely and the extra activities sound fun for DD who is 10. We can afford AK or WL for $1435, but that is the most I am comfortable at spending for 5 nights of lodging plus dining. I dont want a deluxe standard room with a parking lot view, since that sounds worse than the Pop. Our car will enable us to have breakfast out and drive to the parks, etc. DH works all the time and gets limited vacation time so I want this disney trip to be positive, unlike the last trip. I know DD would be equally happy at either resort, meeting a playmate at the pool is all she cares about, as for me, I'll be happy anywhere with water. Anyways, thanks again for everyone's help.

 

[montblanc]

Animal Kingdom Lodge is my vote, I was just there and had been at POP Music 6 years ago, no comparison. At AKL you are in another world and it is so much fun. Of all the hotels none give me the feeling of being "away" like AKL. I had a pool view, btw....

 

[MelodyMack]

EASY QUESTION....go for the value, pocket the money, and tell your honey to "slum it" in the name of your retirement/ home improvement/ savings account /another Disney trip...something important!

Besides...no matter where you stay, you'll be together

Mel

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

If you want to save a little money, you could always book the first night of your trip at Pop, and the rest at AKL. This works especially well if you're arriving in the late afternoon or later on your first day.