I finally got a code with my name on it!!

[dreamingdisney]

First of all I want to thank you all for the advice and tips you give - you guys are awesome!

We're taking our first trip to WDW from May 8-13. There are four of us (DH, me, DS (12), and DD (4). Although we're still undecided on which resort to stay, I went ahead and used a AAA discount for AKL (savannah).

On Tues. I received a post card pin code for the value resorts ($59). We really wanted to stay at a deluxe, so I called CRO to see if I could get a discount for AKL. I was told that since the pin was for a value resort, I could only book a value resort.

I've read other posts that said it sometimes pays to call several times to get a CM who could really help. So, I've called everyday - still no luck.

Finally, this morning I spoke to a CM who said that I have a code attached to my name. The new rate for the AKL Savannah room is now $166.00/per night (instead of the $288.00/per night AAA rate)!!! Since I had her on the phone, I asked about the rate for other deluxe resorts, and she said that I could also get the CR garden view for $166.00 ($144.00 - standard).

Now here is my question - which would you choose - AKL savannah or CR garden room? I already love the thought of being in a monorail resort because of my 4 year old DD and the stroller, but my DS is really into animals. I would love to hear what you think?

 

[SnackyStacky]

First of all I want to thank you all for the advice and tips you give - you guys are awesome!

We're taking our first trip to WDW from May 8-13. There are four of us (DH, me, DS (12), and DD (4). Although we're still undecided on which resort to stay, I went ahead and used a AAA discount for AKL (savannah).

On Tues. I received a post card pin code for the value resorts ($59). We really wanted to stay at a deluxe, so I called CRO to see if I could get a discount for AKL. I was told that since the pin was for a value resort, I could only book a value resort.

I've read other posts that said it sometimes pays to call several times to get a CM who could really help. So, I've called everyday - still no luck.

Finally, this morning I spoke to a CM who said that I have a code attached to my name. The new rate for the AKL Savannah room is now $166.00/per night (instead of the $288.00/per night AAA rate)!!! Since I had her on the phone, I asked about the rate for other deluxe resorts, and she said that I could also get the CR garden view for $166.00 ($144.00 - standard).

Now here is my question - which would you choose - AKL savannah or CR garden room? I already love the thought of being in a monorail resort because of my 4 year old DD and the stroller, but my DS is really into animals. I would love to hear what you think?

The magic of the contemporary is in the tower, I believe. I'm not slighting the Garden View rooms in the LEAST, but I definitely think you'll find more magic in the Animal Kingdom Lodge savannah view rooms.

Have a fantastic trip!

 

[kjs1976]

Yes, I too beleive that the magic is in the tower! AKL is soooooo great on sooooo many levels, especially for the little ones and how they can see the animals! I would certainly stay with AKL...we would love to be able to afford to go back! How lucky! Wehn I called and asked about a code for AKL with our moderate code, the best deal she offered was $220. Maybe I should try again! Was your $166 with tax?

 

[3lilprincesses]

We have never stayed at either, but did stay in another monorail resort (GF) with 3 children, 2 in strollers at the time. I would pick CR. You said that your kids aren't really into animals anyway, and the convenience of a monorail resort is worth it. I can imagine you'll be spending the majority of your time at MK anyway. Just my opinion. I'm sure either would be wonderful. Have a magical trip!

 

[areno79]

How lucky to get a Value for $59...I'm hoping I get one of those! Although I have a sneaking suspicion that if I got a code for a moderate I'd have to upgrade
I'd vote for Contemporary, but I think I might be in the minority on that one...I'm all about the monorail running right through the hotel, just for the convenience factor

 

[dreamingdisney]

kjs1976, the $166.00 is not including tax - it's $185.00 total per night.

It's hard to make these decisions when you've never been before, so thanks for your comments - please keep them coming!!

 

[amyup]

I vote AKL. We just got back from WDW and was able to stay 2 of our 8 nights there (the other 6 were at Pop). We absolutely loved it. I'm already trying to figure out a savings plan so we can afford AKL for the entire trip our next time in WDW. But be warned the resort is so relaxing and peaceful you might not even want to go to the parks!

 

[fam4jc]

My vote is for AKL. I agree that the CR magic is in the tower with the great views. The bus for AKL isn't shared so that should make it better wait-time-wize. How many nights? You could split your stay. That's what we do. Our next trip will be Pop and AKL. It will be our first trip to AKL but I hear nothing but wonderful things about it being kid friendly and so relaxing. I can't wait to wake up and have my coffee gazing at animals. I think your kids would be impressed.

 

[ciera321]

AKL for sure. It is a wonderful resort in so many ways. You will love it!!!

 

[luv2nascar]

I would stay at contemporary
AKL does not appeal to me with all the animals
maybe when my kids are older
restaurants at AK are not for my family either

 

[emmabelle]

Unless I could afford the tower, I wouldn't stay at the Contemporary. The wing rooms look like dormatories to me. The AKL is so larger than life, it looked really cool when we ate there for breakfast in December. The pool is also zero clearance which would be good for your 4yr old.

 

[dreamingdisney]

My vote is for AKL. I agree that the CR magic is in the tower with the great views. The bus for AKL isn't shared so that should make it better wait-time-wize. How many nights? You could split your stay. That's what we do. Our next trip will be Pop and AKL. It will be our first trip to AKL but I hear nothing but wonderful things about it being kid friendly and so relaxing. I can't wait to wake up and have my coffee gazing at animals. I think your kids would be impressed.

Thanks everybody!! I've heard you loud and clear!! The image of having my morning coffee gazing at the animals did it!

At this point, I think we're going to go with AKL. It seems that there are more activities for the kids and the atmosphere is really kid-friendly. The AKL dedicated bus service is a real plus too.

My DS (12) wants to be a paleontologist when he grows up and he is just crazy about all animals, so I know he will love AKL. I really like the zero-entry pool for my DS (4).

As for the AKL resort food selections, we're just going to have to try it and see how we like it. I think the benefits of the resort outweigh the food choices.

Thanks so much for coming through for us!! I can't wait to go and I'll be sure to write a trip report.

 

[DisneyPhD]

When I called with a post card code the for that time AKL was closer to 200 a night. We got 129 a night in Aug 2003, so 200 seemed like a lot. We went with PORS instead.

I think AKL is a great choice for you. The pool is wonderful and it really is a great resort.


One word about the busses. Since the resort isn't that big it never is a far walk to the bus stop. Also since you are so far away from all the over resort, you don't share busses. This really cuts down on your bus time.

Sounds like you made the right choice.

Have a great trip.