Is AKl right choice for trip w/grandmother?

[Rneighh]

I am taking my 72 year old mother and my daughters 13 and 10 to WDW in Feb. Do you think AKL is the best choice of resort in case Mom wants to stay at hotel for part or all of a day? I thought this resort would give her lots of options during the day. When we go (hubby is not going on this trip) we stay at a moderate because we spend so much time in the parks. Will AKL be best or should I consider other options?

Renee

 

[Tiffany]

Originally posted by Rneighh
I am taking my 72 year old mother and my daughters 13 and 10 to WDW in Feb. Do you think AKL is the best choice of resort in case Mom wants to stay at hotel for part or all of a day? I thought this resort would give her lots of options during the day. When we go (hubby is not going on this trip) we stay at a moderate because we spend so much time in the parks. Will AKL be best or should I consider other options?

Renee

If your mother enjoys animals and sitting pool side then she will be fine. The gift shop at the AKL is also very interesting. Sitting pool side and then strolling the resort looking the animals is a great way to pass the time.

 

[Janet2k]

My daughter and I had my parents join us at the AKL for a few days over the Christmas holidays. My Mom is a little younger than your mom, but she really enjoyed the resort (my Dad did, too). Both of my parents were just amazed by the AKL and its beauty. They enjoyed hanging out at the pool area, as well as hanging out on our balcony watching the animals.

 

[DeeP]

AKL is great if your Mom likes to look at animals, it is a beautiful resort. But the Epcot resorts might give her more options, she could take a walk on the boardwalk, go into the stores & restaurants or take a short walk over to WS at Epcot through the International Gateway or take a boat ride to MGM.

 

[Deb & Bill]

With a savannah view, your mother will have a wonderful location just to sit and relax. We loved sitting out on our balcony early in the morning, late in the evening, just about any time. There is so much to do here. They have the greatest shopping there, too. And activities in the lobby. Plus, if she likes, she can hop a bus to another location.

We took my mother with us to OKW (we're DVC members) and she spent some time just taking a nap or two while we went swimming. (She's 84) Most of the time, we all went to the parks together. We did take her to Cirque du Soleil and she loved it.

We didn't commando this trip and spent time swimming, watching parades and shows, and special dining trips - CRT, Boma, etc.

 

[Richyams]

I think that it is a very good choice. The cost will be more than the moderate, but the wider availability of things to do, especially the types of things to do, will probably be perfect for your trip.

We took our first visit, planned a morning trip ended by lunch and a trip to AK. We ended up spending all day there and leaving after a very nice dinner at Boma,

 

[Ona]

Hiya!

We stayed at AKL last Christmas. My 83 year old grand mother was with us. She loved it!!!

Even if the heat is too much there are a few indoor viewing areas with excellent views and rocking chairs that I could have spent all day in. If I was anywhere else other than in WDW I probably would have.

You really can spend a lot of time just watching the animals. Each savannah is so different and there is always something going on.

Even the pool area itself is absolutely beautiful. There is an excellent opportunity to people watch in the lobby. Even the arcitecture is outstanding. I think there is also African story telling around the campfire and cultural representatives who are only to happy to talk with you and let you know all about their culture and the animals too!

I would definately recommend it.

Ona

 

[Beanie]

I definitely think it is a great choice!! Looking at the animals and sitting poolside was so relaxing for us! If you have a Savannah view, I am sure your grandmother will love it! There is such an assortment of animals throughout the day to look at!

Have fun!!

 

[dumboroo]

Last year when I went to WDW with my grandmother we toured all the other deluxe hotels (we were staying at the YC concierge at that time). She was not as fond of the AKL as some of the other hotels, she felt to secluded. The AKL (as well as the AK park) is very hot so if your grandmother likes to spend a lot of time outside the heat could become a danger. My grandmother thought it was a lovely hotel with beautiful scenery, but that she was just too far away from everything.

At the YC we had a water view she loved looking out on to the boardwalk, she would sit on the balcony and read most of the time she chose not to go to the parks. She felt the view was a real benefit, for her at least. Also, if your budget allows for it, try the concierge. My grandmother loved the ability to grab a snack whenever she wanted without having to find a restaurant or cafe. And the lounge gave her another quiet place to read.

If you have any other questions regarding what a grandmother may enjoy in WDW, I will be more than happy to ask mine.

 

[Rneighh]

Thanks for the input. My MOm loves to watch animals. As I child we were always going to the zoo. I think AKL will be perfect.

Renee

 

[RUDisney]

We took my DGM to WDW when she was 70. My DGM was a couch potato, so which resort wasn't an issue as long as she got a day to relax and catch up on her soaps. The two places she always wanted to go to were WDW and Hawaii. She never made it to Hawaii, but when we told her she could come to WDW with us, she forced us to drive from PA (in two cars) because she "would have a heart attack and die if she had to get on a plane." We stayed off site on that trip in a rented house because of the size of our party. Since her ankles swelled when she walked and from heat, my parents wanted to rent her a wheelchair. She refused... her pride, you know. It was the most miserable day we ever spent at MK. At one point, she refused to go any further. She wanted to sit in one spot until we were done having our fun.

Somehow, she found out that wheelchairs got to cut the line with their party. The next day, she was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed waiting in line for a wheelchair and the rest of the time was great. She chose one day to stay at the house to rest. Like I said, she puttered around and watched her soaps.

I'm sure that no matter what you decide, your Mom will have a great time.