Is AKL worth $51 more per night, or should we stay at a moderate?

[disney-super-mom]

We have a room booked at the AKL (standard view), and it's $51 more per night than staying at one of the moderates. So, would you pay an additional $51 per night to stay at the AKL, or would you just stay at a moderate?

 

[Cool-Beans]

If I knew how much money you have and how much you value the perks of the AKL, I could answer that question. Not trying to be a snip, but we really need more info here. Can you afford it? Do you prefer having everything under one roof? Do bellmen and valet count as "important" on your list?

For me, it is worth it.

 

[simonkodousek]

IMHO, the main reason I would stay at the AKL is the Savannah View. So, my answer would be no.

I would check out the POR!

 

[Mousemom]

If I had the extra $51 to spend I woudl defiinately stay there. We love AKL and have stayed 3 times. I do think that the moderates are very nice but I just love all that AKL offers. If possible maybe split your stay. We did this oncel Stayed 4 nights at Movies and 5 nights at AKL during Christmas. It was wonderful.

 

[DVC Mike]

I would stay at AKL over a mod for $51 a night.

 

[G8r4evr]

I love the mods and have never stayed at AKL, but if I was given the opportunity to stay at AKL for only $51 more per night, I would definitely choose AKL.

 

[disney-super-mom]

If I knew how much money you have and how much you value the perks of the AKL, I could answer that question. Not trying to be a snip, but we really need more info here. Can you afford it? Do you prefer having everything under one roof? Do bellmen and valet count as "important" on your list?

For me, it is worth it.

Seriously, I don't think you're being a snip.

Yes, we can afford it, but since we could only book a standard view, I'm not sure if it's worth the extra $51 per night.

We'll be there Dec 7-14, and although DH and I have been to WDW once before, it will be our little boys first visit (DS8 and DS5).

One thing that AKL has, which DH and I really enjoyed on our last trip, is Boma. We really enjoyed our meal here. And of course, the resort itself is just gorgeous.

I also like a balcony, but not sure if I want to stare at pavement and cars. A few people said the standard views aren't too bad because a lot of the parking lot view is blocked by trees, so you're balcony feels a little more private and jungley.

I don't know. I guess I already booked it, so we might as well stay with it, but on the other hand, maybe we should save extra money and spend it on something else during our vacation.

 

[Crazy Kanga]

Definitely stay with AKL.

 

[slug]

Seriously, I don't think you're being a snip.

Yes, we can afford it, but since we could only book a standard view, I'm not sure if it's worth the extra $51 per night.

We'll be there Dec 7-14, and although DH and I have been to WDW once before, it will be our little boys first visit (DS8 and DS5).

One thing that AKL has, which DH and I really enjoyed on our last trip, is Boma. We really enjoyed our meal here. And of course, the resort itself is just gorgeous.

I also like a balcony, but not sure if I want to stare at pavement and cars. A few people said the standard views aren't too bad because a lot of the parking lot view is blocked by trees, so you're balcony feels a little more private and jungley.

I don't know. I guess I already booked it, so we might as well stay with it, but on the other hand, maybe we should save extra money and spend it on something else during our vacation.

Since you said you can afford it, I think the 50 bucks per night is money well spent.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I've never stayed at AKL but I think I would go for it. You would get queen size beds!

 

[JoanneNC]

I've never stayed at AKL but I think I would go for it. You would get queen size beds!

This is priceless to me

 

[MickeyNicki]

I would pay the additional $51

 

[septbaby]

I've never stayed at AKL but I think I would go for it. You would get queen size beds!

Actually, they may be able to King size and bunks for the boys!

With age of your boys I think you and they will love AKL, especially near the holiday. You get the benefit of the decor, all of the family and children's activities, health club, Boma, dedicated buses all under one roof!

We have a trip planned with our 6yo boy for Aug/Sep. I am excited about it.

 

[shellybaxter]

I love AKL - Its one of my favorite resorts. We are even trying to put together some cash so we can add on DVC point at AKV because its one of our favorite resorts.

All that being said; I would stay at a Moderate over the Standard View at AKL anyday. I HATED the standard view. We were right over the entrance way where all of the cars pull up. Even with people walking by on the sidewalks I felt like the moderates were more private.

If I had to factor in the Queen VS Double bed issue I might feel differently (Maybe - but I'm not sure). We always get a King room at a Mod so I can't really compare that aspect. Could you swing a pool view room? I'd take a pool view room at AKL even though I truly prefer a savannah view

 

[tkldisney]

I would pay the extra 51 especially since it's the boys first trip. The extras you get at a deluxe resort are worth it to me and my dh just agreed with me.
We have never stayed there, but dh really, really wants to stay there. I like the Epcot resorts but, am thinking about trying AKL for our Nov. 08, 20th anniversary trip.

Just having 2 queen beds it worth it. Make sure you try Boma for at least one meal. Have never been there for breakfast but love the dinner.

 

[daisyduck123]

AKL

 

[disney-super-mom]

I love AKL - Its one of my favorite resorts. We are even trying to put together some cash so we can add on DVC point at AKV because its one of our favorite resorts.

Could you swing a pool view room? I'd take a pool view room at AKL even though I truly prefer a savannah view

If we buy into DVC, we'll most likely wait until they start selling points for the Grand Californian Villas.

I actually tried to book a pool view, but they didn't have any available to book for some reason. Maybe it was because I was using a code, and the code couldn't be used for a pool view?.....I don't know, but I thought it was weird that I wasn't able to book a pool view at the AKL so far in advance. I can't imagine that pool view rooms are already all booked up for early December by mid-January.

 

[Disney_Freak56]

I'd go with AKL. I've stayed there four times and love, love it! I've also booked standard view twice and surprisingly was upgraded to a pool view twice.

As far as staying without a savannah room -- I've never had a savannah room, but have enjoyed seeing the animals from various points throughout the resort. And I've never felt deprived because we didn't have a savannah room either.

There is something to be said for having a nice balcony to relax on after a long hard day in the Parks or in the early morning hours before the Resort wakes up.

AKL has lots and lots of activities for your kids to enjoy -- cookie decorating, activites that involve collecting beads -- enough beads to make a necklace. And since you said you love Boma -- you're right there -- no driving from another resort or transferring from your resort bus at a theme park.

One word of warning -- sometimes it's hard to down-grade once you've gone deluxe -- and even though AKL (and WL) are not the most expensive of the deluxe resorts -- they do have a lot of the same amenities.

 

[vod2117]

I would stay AKL. You get a higher level of service at a deluxe and and also better transportation.

 

[TLSnell1981]

Since money isn't an issue...definitely AKL. I have not stayed at AKL, but my daughter has. She absolutely loves the resort and has stayed at many different WDW resorts over the years. Hope you guys have a magical trip!