last minute disney trip

[wdwrox90]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the board and look forward to mooching off of your expertise, if you don't mind.

In comparison to all of you guys this is super late, but with my dad's crazy schedule this is how our vacations usually end up working out. So we decided today that we'll be at disney from March 12th to the 19th. We have been to wdw once before back in 2001, when me and my sisters were much younger, but now that I am 20, and my sisters are 16 and 12 we thought the experience would for sure be much different. So for starters, we're booking today and are stuck between CSR and AKL. We're leaning towards AKL, but the distance from the parks is kind of a drawback for us. How long does it exactly take to get to the parks and is it convoluted?

Also any restaurants that jump out as must trys...or activities, especially for my 12 year old sister...she likes to act tough, but I know she's uber excited to go. Thanks for all you help! I can't wait to get some replies.

 

[Planning fanatic mom]

Congrats on your trip to WDW and welcome to the boards.

We always use the disney transportation because it is so easy, so I don't really know how long it takes to get to the parks. If you go to the resort forum, you'll find one for AKL, and those people will know how long it takes.

If I were stating at AKL, I would eat at Boma. We ate there last June and loved it. It is a buffet with some interesting choices. Make sure to try the Zebra Domes for dessert. Also, we like 50's PTC at DHS, Crystal Palace at MK, we haven't found a restaurant at EPCOT that we don't like. They are all good. Le Cellier is our favorite. Try to get that ADR ASAP.

Have fun planning and keep posting questions; someone will answer them.

 

[doconeill]

I've never stayed at CSR, but I have at AKL. We'd stay at AKL in a heartbeat again. Note that there are two parts to AKL now, and I don't know if you looking at a villa or not for the size of your group. "Jambo House" is the original AKL, and will have most of the standard rooms, and "Kidani Village" is all DVC villas and studios.

Jambo will have most of the dining options, with Boma (a good buffet, especially if you are staying there), Jiko (might be good for your parents, especially if they like wine), and Mara (the counter service), plus the bar/lounge. Kidani Village has Sanaa, another good table service location, but no counter service. You'd have to go back to Mara for that.

CSR is certainly closer to the other parks than AKL (you certainly can't get much further away from anything than AKL), but it's all relative - the actual bus ride should in general be about 15 minutes from AKL I believe, but you can get better answers to that on the Transportation board. Neither is going to provide you with direct access to any park.

 

[Mrs D]

If it were me and budget was no issue I would choose AKL just for the theming (note I have not stayed at either).

I use Disney transportation exclusively and honestly with any resort you'll be able to get to some parks quicker than others. In the end I feel it's pretty much a wash and no longer let transportation guide my resort selection.

As far as restaurants I agree Boma would be a given if staying at AKL. It was very good when I went in Oct. I'd also recommend O'Hana for a fun family dinner.
If you are looking for some character meals I loved the Cinderella/Step Sisters dinner at 1900 Park Fare at the Grand Floridian. The Step Mother & Step sisters are a riot and make the experience fun for all ages and not just for little kids. Your family may also enjoy either the 50s Prime Time Diner or Sci-Fi Drive In both at Hollywood Studios. They are kind of kitschy.

That's all off the top of my head.

Have a great trip!

 

[wdwrox90]

thanks guys for the answers! We decided on AKL for sure and I can't wait. I think the fact that we might be able to see exotic animals outside our window got us in the end!

Since I got more answers in this section than the actual pre-trip one, I guess I'll stick to promotions...even though nothing i'll probably ask has to do with it..

 

[mrssmith06]

I found this transportation wizard that I've been using to plan my days:

http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/asp/twiz.aspx


Hope that helps you.

 

[wdwrox90]

omg thanks so much! this was exactly what I needed!

life is so much easier now lol

 

[Granfan]

Have a great time. CSR is a nice resort as well. Be sure to request savanah view at AKL if you want to see animals from your own
window. The cost is higher but if you don't get a savanah view, I believe there are viewing areas for anyone.

 

[neyi888]

omg thanks so much! this was exactly what I needed!

life is so much easier now lol

oh yeah life now is so easier, It is so easy to talk with other people who are nice to help us.