Next year-SSR, OKW or AKL ?

[cantwait!!!!!!!!!!!!]

We loved SSR this year but am coming round to the idea that a change would be nice, especially as with high flight prices we are looking at a studio rather than a 1 bed.

So options are
complete orlando package flying with BA staying at OKW or SSR studio, dining plan and ultimate tickets

or
Thomas Cook, direct holidays package staying at AKL,transfers, dining plan and ultimate tickets

Prices very similar. Both for next August, 2 adults and 2 children-it will be my 40th while we are there !

Will I find the rooms at AKL tiny after having a 1 bed this year ? We ate at boma and loved it but it was our first day, we were shattered and it was pouring so we didnt really look round much.

Any thoughts ?

 

[disney_princess_85]

Is it a studio at AKL or just a standard room?

 

[cantwait!!!!!!!!!!!!]

just a standard room, thats expensive enough lol !

 

[disney_princess_85]

just a standard room, thats expensive enough lol !

I understand your dilemma. We stayed in a studio at SSR this year and I think we'd have a hard time staying in a standard room elsewhere. We loved the extra space and the kitchenette. Having said that, AKL is a lovely resort. Not much help, I know!

 

[Disneymad]

I won't lie, the room will feel tiny in comparison but then even a studio will feel small after experiencing the glory of a 1 Bedroom so I think that's going to be a dilemma you'll face either way.

To it's advantage, AKL is a stunning resort imo. It also has bunk beds in the room (not sure if it's all of them or just some) which makes things feel a little less cramped compared to having 2 normal beds. There is also a small refridgerator built in to a cupboard unit so that it doesn't spoil the decor.

I have a picture an AKL room somewhere. It's a bit old now and wasn't that great in the first place but will try and remember to dig it out when I get home tonight for you.

 

[Elise79]

I won't lie, the room will feel tiny in comparison but then even a studio will feel small after experiencing the glory of a 1 Bedroom so I think that's going to be a dilemma you'll face either way.

To it's advantage, AKL is a stunning resort imo. It also has bunk beds in the room (not sure if it's all of them or just some) which makes things feel a little less cramped compared to having 2 normal beds. There is also a small refridgerator built in to a cupboard unit so that it doesn't spoil the decor.

I have a picture an AKL room somewhere. It's a bit old now and wasn't that great in the first place but will try and remember to dig it out when I get home tonight for you.

The bunk beds are a booking category at AKL most rooms have 2 queens.

Any room is going to feel small after a one bed. OKW has the biggest studios on property and is bigger than a standard room at AKL.

I would go for OKW personally as it will give you most space.

 

[jen_uk]

I stayed at ALK last year and absolutely loved it, when we then changed to OKW for the last few nights I was really disappointed. AKL is a beautiful resort, the animal viewing areas are fab, there is better dining options and the pool is great

 

[wayneg]

Stayed at AKL with Savanah view std hotel room, nothing special but the best view possible to wake upto. Take that view away and no way would I stay there. We visit AKL every trip to look at the animals, have a meal (or 2) I wouldn't pay to stay there without the view from my balcony BUT we don't use any of the hotel facilities, only used the pool for 30 mins before it got too busy for me.

Edit, read Jen's post, just shows the different experiences people have, take away the Savanah view and we prefer OKW, I think Jen would take any room at AKL over OKW as she didn't enjoy it anywhere near as much as we do.

 

[jtlover]

We have stayed at both SSR and AKL. Love them both.

I dont think the rooms at AKL are that small - you know you are in a hotel whereas SSR you feel like it is more like a home.

We have stayed in a standard room and savannah room at AKL and although viewing the animals on your balcony is lovely I wouldnt necessarily pay for it again. Standard room is fine - plus there are loads of viewing areas to see the animals all day. Plus at Disney we are not there all the time anyway

 

[quandrea]

OKW!!! We just got back and loved it. THe studios there have two queens and you get the kitchenette. Rates are not too bad. They have just renovated and the resort is better than ever. The feel of the place is quiet and laid back. I feel it is a real refuge from the parks. Love it and looking forward to a return visit in December.

 

[cantwait!!!!!!!!!!!!]

Thanks for all of your replies but Im still not sure which to go for !

We have decided we want a different holiday to this year and Im thinking OKW would be very similar to SSR, on the other hand we loved SSR !

 

[jtlover]

If it helps we have stayed in different hotels each trip we have gone to Disney in recent years. Although we are going back to SSR next year It is exciting because you are trying a new one but know you are still on disney property so you havent left the magic when you leave the parks

I am sure you will enjoy it whichever one you choose.

How long are you going for? Maybe the answer is to do 2 split over your holiday

 

[PudseyChancer]

Thanks for all of your replies but Im still not sure which to go for !

We have decided we want a different holiday to this year and Im thinking OKW would be very similar to SSR, on the other hand we loved SSR !

OKW is a totally different vibe to Saratoga Springs, we had a look round SSR and were very underwhelmed. Having bought into DVC we suddenly have a great deal of choice over where we stay next, but to be honest, it's going to be hard to find somewhere that can compete with OKW's laid back atmosphere!

 

[eeyorefanuk]

I overheard an english family who had DVC, they had spent the first half of their holiday at AK and the second at Saratoga, they said they preferred saratoga!

 

[crabbie1]

I overheard an english family who had DVC, they had spent the first half of their holiday at AK and the second at Saratoga, they said they preferred saratoga!

Horses for courses and we all like different things. "Cant wait" it is a personal thing and with examples given above everyone has there own views likes and dislikes.I have stayed at all 3.Although I did do DVC rented points at OKW and AKLV and booked through WDW for SSR I would choose AKL for its tranquility,theming and the shear wow factor when you walk in the lobby in Jambo house. We did pay for a savannah as it was my 40th bday trip and after not having the best experience at SSR We fell in love with it totally. There is so much to see and do and they have great activities for the kids. The studio at SSR is smaller than AKLV .OKW studios are great and this was my second favorite. As I said from a personal perspective the hotel is in a different class and all the fine detail in the hotel,the pools,is stunning.I do have pictures to download onto here.It was lovely waking up to giraffes and zebras but if I had the choice of staying here or not at all I would def have a standard view.Some of the standard rooms have partial savannah views so I have read and like others have said there are plenty of viewing areas.We stayed in Kidani.Have you thought about renting points and perhaps do a week at each or a 10 and a 4We did RPR SSR and AKLV and really didnt find it a problem with moving the 3 times. I have priced up for next year and it is cheaper to rent DVC and pay for DDP than book as a package. The studios do have a sofa bed though so if you want 2 beds then OKW is probably your best option.Good luck and I am sure you will make the right choice for you.