My Disney Fates

[Candikayne]

I didn't vote, but why not go with a value resort and not have to go without a vacation for so long? We personally love the values and then you'd have something to look forward to in a year of so. JMO...

I could never promise not to visit for three years.
I would go nuts...literally nuts!!

 

[Buckeyemouse]

I agree with BelleBud. You have already made your decision. Good luck and have fun. Congrats on your degree.

 

[PoohsFan1]

My initial reaction was to choose the 10 nights at Poly, only because that is my favorite resort, but after reading a little further and finding out you would have to forfeit another vacation for 5 years , I voted for AKL. We have never stayed here before, but I think it would be just as nice because of the animals. Plus I wouldn't stand having to forfeit a vacation for more than 3 years....heck, I can't stand the fact that I have to wait every other year to go. Good luck with your decision, it's a tough call.

 

[thesupersmartguy]

Is there any way to shorten the trip to 7 days at AKL and have another trip in say 2 or 2.5 years? If not, I would fully suggest you stay where you feel the best booking.

Maybe even try a mod or value and be able to go back next year?

If time is not a factor, I would go with the split stay, that way you can enjoy both resorts, and only add 1 year to the time between trips.

Be sure to keep a eye out, Disney offers some superb deals throughout the year.

 

[KSG'sDisneyMem]

I have to agree with PP regarding staying at a value and then you would not have to skip ANY years. But if your family is a deluxe only, I would say the AKL. Your daughter is at a great age to really enjoy this resort and then you would only have 3 years to wait for another WDW vacation.

 

[Carlyzmom]

Just returned from AKL and LOVED it!! I am working on my trip report.

 

[disneynuts777]

I have to pick 'other' (even though it's not there)... I couldn't go that long between vacations... I'd definitely go cheaper (moderate or value), but do the 10 days, and go on vacation again next year. Your dd will not care about how much the resorts cost, she will be happy in any hotel. And she will be thrilled all over again next year when you go on a family vacation again (wherever you go). Vacation time is quality family time to me, a quality that you just cannot get at home spending time together... it's discovering new things together, that's why I just couldn't do that. Your dd is 6... so the next time you'll go on a family vacation will be when she's 9, 10 or 11... I'd rethink the whole thing. (I'm not meaning to sound judgemental or bossy, so please don't take it that way, I just want to give you something else to think about - because it's not confusing enough, right?
.

I would rather stay at a moderate or even value and go on vacation every year or at least every other year. Family time is to important and the children grow up way to fast!!!

 

[styron]

Definitely AKL, even if the vacation consequences were the same. I don't like the theming at Polynesian, and it's chaotic from all the people passing through for dinner. I'd go for the luxurious peaceful feel of AKL.

 

[MinnieMommy07]

I agree that taking a vacation every three years seems odd, but the way the economy is, the high gas prices (I live VERY far north), and DH and I try to avoid large sums of debt as much as possible. I do NOT understand how some people can make it to WDW EVERY year- and stay at the Grand Floridian or Beach Club for a few weeks!? We ARE staying at All Star Music in 2011. Which means yes, you guessed it we can afford a VALUE every TWO years! I think the ASMu is super cute but a little exhausting to stay every time we go, my husband and I aren't big fans of POP or any of the moderates, and I'd love to stay at a Deluxe as a college grad/honeymoon/anniversary/everybody's birthday/family vacation "gift"! I really appreciate everyone's advice and yes- I may even have to downgrade to a seven day stay if the economy doesn't pick up soon! Staying at a deluxe for a week along with airfare, park tickets, food, gifts, clothes for the trip- you could put a nice down payment on a new house where I'm from! It'll probably be a one time thing and we'll probably go back to the All Stars after that loooooong three years!
Again- thanks to everyone, you are all so helpful!

 

[Dawn68PA]

I chose AKL. We loved our stay there.

It's the shortest time between vacations.

Split stays - I personally hate them with a passion. Wasting time to pack and unpack in the middle of my vacation, makes no sense to me.

 

[DJFan88]

I go with the AKL as the shortest time between. Plus, it's Disney, it's all good.

But, with that being said, I definetly agree that downscaling to a moderate or value and taking a vacation sooner is the best way! Those hotels are great too. Sometimes a deluxe cannot beat a moderate, all things considering.

 

[srwarden1928]

Of your choices, I voted for the split stay. I think Poly and AKL are both fabulous resorts. What I could never do personally is forfeit vacation for ANY number of years. I refuse to restrict myself to only ONE trip a year. Certainly they are not all Disney trips, but I have to get out of here several times a year. Perhaps you could stay at a more cost friendly resort, such as Pop, and go back the next year. That is what I personally would do.

 

[Mick West]

Do what any loving wife would do - pick the one you really want, and then work on changing his mind on the time line!!

 

[bethclayton]

op, we recently stayed at akl and it was positively amazing. i cannot wait to stay there again sometime! my ds had just turned 7 a few weeks before (so, close to your dd's age), and he loved it.

we have only been to wdw 3 times... but all in the past 3.5 years. the first time, i thought it might be the only time we could ever afford to go. then a little over a year later, a good deal came along. the second time, i thought maybe we could make it happen again but not for a very long time. then an even better deal came along and we got to go again in january. don't despair, you never know what will happen to make another trip possible. we have stayed at a value, a mod, and a deluxe, and never paid more than $2600 total including airfare from pa and dining plan for 2 adults 2 kids. just keep your eyes open.

 

[highsmith]

I know lots of people disagree, but AKL is so far out if you are using Disney transport! You save a day or two of a 10 day vacation not on the bus at Poly! I stayed at Poly in 1982 and loved it then and still do! Have ridden out a hurricane there and love the grounds!

Work hard so you can come back sooner!!!

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

I picked the split stay. If we ever stay as many as 10 nights (or more) I would split resorts. We have never stayed more than seven nights and it just seems like too much hassle and taking time away from something else to split resorts.

 

[MariaEllerºoº]

Personally, I wouldn't want to forfeit my yearly vacations. So, I would book a cheaper resort so that I could afford to go the following year.

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

I vote with CRResort....

Go with Poly.....

Graduate....get a fantastic job....take the trip.....do so great at fantastic job....you are now the breadwinner....

You make the decisions.....

Go to WDW now every year....You are in charge....All bills are now paid for you and DH's paltry paycheck goes only to WDW trips...

Join the DVC.....

You get the picture! Have fun!

 

[TSMAMI]

I picked Animal kindom lodge so you wont have to wait so long to take a trip. Did you ever consider staying at POP Century? I know it cant compare to a Delux, but you could go more often

 

[Rora]

AKL is my choice. Although staying at a beautiful resort is always a major plus, I'd so much rather stay in a Mod or a Value and get to go more often!

Good luck!