We have plans at this point to stay 2 nights at AKL and then 5 nights at YC. (Nov 15-22..... no kids with us, we are 40) We are now thinking about staying longer at AKL since we are worried that we will like it too much to leave after staying just two nights. We have a Savannah view at AKL and a standard view at YC. It not a huge deal that we would be saving $53 a night but it sure would be nice. We have never stayed at either resort so we don't have any first hand knowledge what we would like better. We have just been reading and reading on here and just thought we could use some expert opinions! So what do you think? What would some of you do? We do like the idea of being close to EPCOT but then again we will have a car and also don't mind taking the bus. AUGHHHHH This is driving me crazy
I'd personally stay with the way you have it now. The AKL will be neat but you'll love getting over to the YC, it's so romantic to stroll along the walkway between international gateway and your hotel. You can stop to sit on benches along the way and at night there are lamps lit along the way. We visit on the benches, hold hands walking along the Boardwalk, etc. They have a romantic dinner at the Yachtsman Steakhouse that is wonderful and you'll be close to Beaches & Cream too.
Instead of extending your stay at AKL, did you consider whether you might want to upgrade to AKL concierge during your two days there? Apart from giving you access to the AKL concierge lounge, it would also allow you to take (for an additional fee) the sunrise safari that is exclusive to concierge guests. Unrtunately, the difference in price for the two days will be more than the $53 you've mentioned...but you can learn all about the AKL concierge in various discussion threads on this discussion board )
Haven't stayed at YC but have eaten there and toured the hotel. We have stayed at AKL, and it is perhaps the best themed hotel on property. The location of the YC is terrific. You can walk or take a boat to the Boardwalk/Epcot/MGM--not to mention walking access to the BC/BWI/Swan and Dolphin). At AKL, you're going to be driving or taking a Disney shuttle no matter where you go. Unless you think you would be spending lots of time at the resort just chillin' and admiring the animals, I think your plan looks good.
Why not add an extra day to AKL and drop one at the YC that way it will at least give you another day to enjoy the AKL and you still have 4 days to enjoy the YC. I think both have their advantages and since you are already splitting the days it should be no problem.
Most recent trip we were booked at YC and WL - liked YC so much we cancelled WL, will save that for future trip. Every time we stay somewhere new it becomes our new "favorite" resort, lol. It's fun to try different places. You plan sounds good. Enjoy! !
I think it depends on what you are looking for. We absolutely love the animals for AKL is much more attractive to us than YC. We enjoy waking to viewing the animals and just sitting on the balcony watching. If that isn't your cup of tea then the YC is also great. The area itself is nice. And you can walk to both Epcot and MGM. Plus the boat ride, although slow, would be nice for a couple. Sometimes little ones get a little "bored" as my son tells me when we go from Epcot to MGM. The pool variety at YC is also better. Stormalong Bay is cool whether you are a kid or an adult. And, the slide is a blast. Plus, you have another quiet pool at the YC. The AKL pool is nice but truly nothing spectacular. Quite serene and calming though. Nice to relax around. And we enjoyed sitting in the hot tub and watching the giraffes eat. That we had never done before. All in all, I think it depends on what your likes are .. in that regards. Both are very nice resorts with a charm of their own. The location of the YC is the most appealing for us as you can walk over the boardwalk and there is much more entertainment very close. Whereas at the AKL you are much more secluded.
We are looking forward to seeing the animals, sitting on our balcony etc....One of my concerns with AKL was how dark I heard the rooms were and I know they are smaller. ( but there will only be two of us so not a big deal) In regards to YC I'm not really a pool person but I know my husband is going to love stormalong bay.I am looking forward to the light large room with a balcony while being so close to everything. Thanks everyone for your input. I'm thinking that maybe we will stay with what we have. I think I'm just getting anxious and second guessing myself since we are getting closer. I'm also thinking of getting a PS for the Yachtsman since I've been hearing so many good things about it.
we really enjoyed Animal Kingdom and I didn't notice that the rooms were small, but I have to agree they were dark - not dark decor, but the lighting wasn't bright enough at night. They were fine during the say. We stayed at AKL for 3 nights and that was just about right. Gave us 2 full days to enjoy the resort, as the check=in and check-out day you don't seem to get the full advantage of a place
