Here's my experience.
DH is not into the Disney thing (or really any kid themed park) at all. I knew his first time had to be special or he would never be back. I planned WL because it had that WOW factor and was one of the most budget friendly deluxes. I still remember his face when we walked into the lobby! To this day he admits it was a great resort and not what he thought Disney was all about. The proximity to MK was terrific. We resort hopped for breakfast/dinner to 1900 Park Fare, Chef Mickeys and 'Ohana--so easy! We took the boat to MK, then the monorail to TTC, then switched to Epcot monorail, which my kids loved. When I was planning out our current trip DH even told me to look at resorts near the parks since he valued the proximity of WL. I was in shock that he offered input with the planning!
This time we are doing a split stay at Pop (2 nights) and AKV (5 nights). When we left last trip we drove by the All Stars and DH said it didn't look so bad....we'll see! He is pretty spoiled with the deluxe stay and I am 100% positive he will love AKV, Pop, maybe not so much. I have planned to stay at Pop so we can walk over to AoA and see the theming--the kids want to see the Cars area but the family suites are not in the budget this time and my boys vetoed LM room. Also, I think the Pop rooms are neutral enough that DH will not be too overwhelmed by the over-the-top theming for 2 days.
As for the $800 difference, if you are pricing AKL savanna view I also suggest pricing out AKL pool view. We had a pool view at AKL last year and it was great (sans DH; it was grandparents/mom and grandkids only). Lots of places to see the animals around the resort and the kids had a terrific time there (then 3 and 6 yo). My kids actually asked to go back to AKL/AKV instead of WL--they loved the Kidani splash area. My now 4 y.o. wanted to go back to the "spitting snakes", which he remembered from the splash area, as I was planning out the trip.
Whatever your decision I am sure you will have a terrific time. Enjoy!
ETA: I just saw you are there for 3 nights. We stayed 4 nights at WL.