Need help!

[nicurnc]

Here's my dillemma....
My DH and I are taking DN 15 DN12 on their first trip to WDW.. We want them to have a blast (we always do
I was able to get ressies at AKL through SOG (savannah view for $184/night) April 25-30.

Now I've read lots of good things on this board about the Swan/ Dolphin and we could use the $129 rate. I could get two rooms for about $300 more and this wouldn't blow the budget too badly.

DH is not alot of help. He says he trusts my judgement and he always loves whatever I have planned for us, but does say that two rooms since these kids are teen and preteen would be nice. ( Two rooms at AKL would be blowing the budget out of the water!)

Will we be dissapointed since these resorts are truly not "Disney"? Staying at the S/D seems like it would be convenient, being so close to Epcot and MGM.

Any thoughts and/or suggestions

 

[Angel143]

I WOULD STAY AT THE AKL! I LOVE IT THEIR ITS NEW AND IT'S NICE! I HAVE NEVER STAYED AT THE SWAN OR DOLPHIN AND I DONT PLAN ON IT BECAUSE IT DOENST AMUSE ME VERY MUCH. BUT IF I WERE YO I WOULD SATY AT THE AKL!

 

[*DiSnEyGuRlIe267*]

I dont like the S/D much either but it would be nice to get the 2 rooms, but the AKL is nice to and after all its only a room, so I would suggest AKL, since you wont be in the room that much!

 

[Poohlovr]

I think if you read back through the SD posts <i> from people who have stayed at the resort</i>, you'll see that most people have been very surprised at how much they really enjoyed these hotels and have become repeat visitors.
You do read of the occasional complaint, but, that's true of every resort at WDW.

I stayed at bothe the AKL and the Dolphin (2 times) last year alone. While we enjoyed the AKL, it was remote compared to the SD. We love the location of the SD--right on the Boardwalk...walking distance to MGM and Epcot.

Personally with two kids those ages, I would take the 2 rooms, just for the extra bathroom

Plus, you can't beat the Magic in sitting on your balcony watching the fireworks or falling asleep watching the glow of Spaceship Earth.

 

[cindyfan]

Tough decision !!!
My first response was......GEEEE....stay at the AKL.
BUT....since they are 2 teenage boys, it would really be nice to have the seperate rooms AND..... be within walking distance of the Boardwalk......ESPN Club!!
And so close to Epcot, MGM!!!
IMHO....I think they would enjoy time at the Boardwalk, plus they have the boats and bikes to rent.
But if you are strictly planning on the parks only......Then AKL would be great.
They would truely love the animals, etc.
Whichever you decide, they will have a great time

 

[MichaelH]

We stayed at the S/D a couple of nights one time. We got a good rate through SOG. However, to me it felt like an off site Hotel. It did not have the Disney feel for me like the Disney resorts.

However, it is a nice place and its location to EPCOT and BW is nice. The boys would probably like the activities they have a the BW.

If you have a AMEX card there is a discount code on mousesavers.com for the moderates. Just an option to look into I believe that the rate is $94/night not including taxes. Hope this helps.

 

[nicurnc]

Thanks for the opinions....I have asked for a quote from DU, hoping to try for the AMEX code on a moderate.

So many choices....so little time!

Loretta

 

[suevee]

Also are they hanging with you all the time or are they going to have some free time? They might like the activities around the boardwalk. With easy access to MGM and Epcot and hand radios to keep in touch the S/D sounds like the best bet. You could book 2 nights at AKL, then change to S/D for the remainder of your trip. The extra space would be nice toward the end of your stay.

 

[nicurnc]

I think the S/D is going to win. The extra room, plus being so close to Epcot and MGM is sounding too good to pass up.

We have stayed at BWI with our two kids and could see the fireworks from Illuminations from our balcony...the look on their faces is something DH and I will remember forever!!

Anyone have tips on rooms to ask for?

Loretta

 

[Momto8]

While I've never stayed at AKL, I would choose the Swan/Dolphin as this is right in the middle of the 'magic'. True, it is not the greatest theming, but being close to Epcot, MGM and the BW area wins hands down for me. I just love the whole Epcot resort area. The lobby is awesome at the Dolphin too.

To me AKL is too remote, but I would still probably stay there someday if I was able to get a good discount. Transportation is just more convenient to me at the S/D....I enjoy the ride on the water taxis. Plus you can walk to Epcot in just 10 minutes if you don't want to wait on the taxis. I've heard that AKL is a beautiful resort and it would be cool to have a Savannah view room, but I would rather have 2 rooms with 2 bathrooms. This would give you a little more privacy while still being able to keep a watch on the 2 boys.

I would also go with the Dolphin over the Swan since you have teens staying with you. They have more to offer with the game room there and Tubbi's Buffeteria. The main pool is a little closer to the Dolphin but not much. The rooms are a little bigger than the Swan, but the Swan has queen beds (I heard the Dolphin's is only one inch narrower, so there isn't much of a difference there) and the Swan also has the double sinks.

Join Starwood and you might get a free upgrade if they're available. We got a waterview with a balcony on our last visit for the teacher's discount.

This is JMHO and you need to go with what is best for you.

Good luck!

 

[nicurnc]

Thanks for the input, Theresa. I see you've stayed at the Dolphin, so your opinion counts alot : )

I think the theming is kinda nice at the S/D, and that pool looks awesome!

DH and I think it's great to try all the resorts, so I each time you get a new vacation.


Loretta