Is AKL or WL really worth $1000 more than say the Coranado Springs Resort?

[mickeynut1]

We will be there for a week when we go

As others have said, only you can decide whether or not the extra cost is worth it. With that said, we haven't stayed at CSR, but have stayed at both WL and AKL and for us, it's totally worth the extra cost. WL is convenient to MK via boat, as well as to the CR where it's easy to hop on the monorail and visit the Poly and GF. AKL, on the other hand, is kind of away from everything, but is still a great resort with great bus service (IMO). Our first onsite stay was at CBR and while we loved it and had a great trip, we love the deluxe resorts for the extra amenities and now won't stay anything else. If the extra cost is doable, either one is a great choice as both of them are the cheapest of the deluxes and are both beautiful resorts. Good luck with your decision, although I'm sure you'll have a great first trip no matter which resort you choose.

 

[herb102211]

I would say the WL would be worth the extra money since it’s only a boat ride away from MK and you’re fairly close to the other monorail resorts for dining, shopping etc. I wouldn’t spend the extra money to stay at AKL mainly due to its location.

As the PP said, have you looked in POFQ. It’s a much smaller resort that CSR and IMO the ambiance is much better, too!

 

[GrandCalifornian]

What do you mean renting points?

You can rent points from DVC members and use them to stay at DVC properties, including the Villas at WL or AKL. Often this is done through a broker, as described on this thread. The way it works is different resorts have different point values per night that it "costs" to stay there. You can determine the total number of points required for your trip, and book a resort stay and pay a fixed price per point required. Compared to booking through Disney there is usually a substantial savings. The biggest down side is that it is non-refundable and to get the more popular rooms you have to book early.

As for your original question, it is a very individual decision as to which level of resort is "worth it" based on what you enjoy and what you plan on doing on a particular trip. A nicer resort might be worth more if you will spend more time there or want preferred transportation options to a certain park. If you aren't traveling to and from the room very often, the size of the resort and transportation options might not matter much. Even within a resort class the different resorts have different options that appeal to different people.

In our case, we have decided that WL was worth it for 3 trips now, but we save money by booking a Standard View room. We have always had a nice view, and have even been upgraded to Inner Courtyard view without asking. For us, a cheaper room at a nicer resort is what works best for us. Good luck and enjoy your trip.

 

[kanderson89]

As folks have said, the whole concept of "worth/value" is subjective. Is this a splurge trip/once in a lifetime? A potential yearly jaunt? What time of year will you go? Are you resort types...spending a lot of time at the pool? With a 14 year old, are you more likely to spend time at DHS and Epcot? All are questions to think about.

We've stayed at both WL and AKL and love them both for different reasons. We're lucky that we can afford a deluxe, then again, we go at the "value" time. For us, WL is incredibly convenient - we love national parks, and the ambience feels like Yellowstone....you feel worlds away. It's pretty low-key, which may translate into "boring" for a teenager, although you can rent bikes, boats, watch movies on the beach, etc. AKL was wonderful for the animals and food choices. Haven't stayed at CSR. In the end, you'll probably like any place you stay

 

[Dixiemom]

Have never stayed deluxe but have been to CSR. We loved it. We booked a preferred room so it was closer to the main building. Now the main pool was further, but we actually only went to it once maybe twice (awesome pool by the way). DH wanted to stay there because it has a fitness center. AKL was not that more expensive this year when I was looking to book, but the budget was still too strict to allow it. Staying at POR for the first time and looking forward to it. Have also been to POP (last year) and loved it too! Guess we just love anywhere on property

You'll be happy whatever you decide, just enjoy

 

[Missytara]

The manager at the Watering Hole where I eat nightly just upgraded from CBR to WL; their favorite resort. It was almost $1,000.00 and it was worth it to them.

They are going on a combo Disney World/Sea World/Universal trip for 11 days; 8 at Disney and 3 at Universal.

Their kids are creeping up to teenagers and they won't have this time back again.

So yes, to some it is definitely worth it.

 

[pmaurer74]

I think so. Why not try a split stay and stay deluxe for 1/2 the nights. We are doing that this time due to finances.

 

[pmaurer74]

I have stayed at both WL and CSR and to me there is no comparison...WL is our "home" resort and we will likely become DVC members there.

 

[robinb]

yes 1st time!

Wow! You have been on the DIS since 2004 and your other trips fell through. Bummer . I don't mean to pry, but was it financials? If that is the case, I would definitely stick with a Moderate or even a Value. If something crazy comes up again you'll be glad that you saved that $1000!

 

[nikkid1]

Ok, I will start by saying WL has not caught my interest. We did spend our honeymoon in CSR... It was ok. We have been to AKL twice in the last year. It is amazing. I am planning another trip 12/13, and I am having a horrible time accepting the families request to try new places and stay at BWI. I always thought I wanted to stay at every wdw resort and now I am stuck at AKL. It is SO beyond amazing. Feels like home! As long as you have a savanna view it is something everyone should experience.

Have a wonderful trip whatever you decide.

 

[ssatterly]

Wow! You have been on the DIS since 2004 and your other trips fell through. Bummer . I don't mean to pry, but was it financials? If that is the case, I would definitely stick with a Moderate or even a Value. If something crazy comes up again you'll be glad that you saved that $1000!

No other things got in the way such as family wanted to cruise....

 

[Wood Nymph]

We will be there for a week when we go

What kind of places do you stay when you go on vacation? Do you splurge a little for a four star hotel, or do you prefer to save money and get a standard, no frills hotel room? I would say that if you are the four star type, then go for the deluxe option. If you normally stay at a more budget friendly hotel, then go for Coronado Springs.

We always like to splurge on our vacations. It is one of the few things that we spend a little extra money on. That is why we always stay at a deluxe resort. We like to spend time at our resorts, too.