Opinions needed

[JillianLeigh]

My family will be going Jan 11-16 and staying in a studio at either AKL, OKW, or SSR. We are traveling with a 3yo and 1yo, and most likely relying on Disney transportation. I'm torn. What resort would you choose and why?

 

[JennyDrake]

I would not choose AKL due to the limited CS options and the level of in room noise. I have not been to OKW yet, but I really enjoyed SSR!

 

[mickeynut1]

My family will be going Jan 11-16 and staying in a studio at either AKL, OKW, or SSR. We are traveling with a 3yo and 1yo, and most likely relying on Disney transportation. I'm torn. What resort would you choose and why?

We've never stayed at OKW or SSR, but we loved everything about AKL. We thought the buses were great as it took only 5 extra minutes or so to get around compared to other resorts. Since the buses only service AKL and Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). In addition, Boma is one of our favorites for TS and we loved Mara as we found it to have a lot of variety for quick CS meals/snacks. We've had 2 great stays at AKL and wouldn't hesitate to go back.

 

[amym2]

We've stayed at both OKW and AKL (well AKV- Kidani) and loved both. We didn't have noise issues at either one. One thing to consider about OKW is that there are only elevators in one of the buildings, so chances are if you are on an upper level floor, you'll be walking up stairs. That can be an issue with little ones and all of their stuff. We had a car at OKW, so we didn't use the buses much. There is a CS restaurant, but it only has outside seating.

We loved AKV and didn't find the lack of CS to be a problem, although we were in a 2 bedroom and had a full kitchen. At AKL- Jambo, Mara is a great CS restaurant, and even at AKV-Kidani, they bring in breakfast sandwiches you can purchase and they have lots of grocery supplies as well. We found the bus service at AKV to be excellent.

SSR is our home resort (where we own DVC), but we have yet to stay there in the main buildings. We stayed in a THV once and used the SSR pools, and the kids loved them (but our kids are older). SSR does have a CS restaurant that has indoor seating. Again we had a car on that trip.

Really I think they are all excellent resorts. OKW and SSR require more outdoor walking, but that shouldn't be an issue in January unless you hit a really cold spell. The animals at AKL/AKV give it a step up from other resorts. We didn't have a savanna room, but there were plenty of places to see the animals. The TS restaurants there are excellent. Good luck with your decision!

 

[owynn]

I love AKL and like the above, I didn't have a problem with only having CS in Jambo House. The big advantage to me over SSR and OKW is the compactness of the resort. No internal bus stops and while it may take a few extra minutes to get to and from the resort on the busses due to distance, it was not really any longer than some of the other resorts. The theming, landscaping, and everything else available at AKL vs the other two you mentioned blow away the other resorts.

 

[Babsy]

We've never stayed at OKW or SSR, but we loved everything about AKL. We thought the buses were great as it took only 5 extra minutes or so to get around compared to other resorts. Since the buses only service AKL and Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). In addition, Boma is one of our favorites for TS and we loved Mara as we found it to have a lot of variety for quick CS meals/snacks. We've had 2 great stays at AKL and wouldn't hesitate to go back.

I agree with Mickeynut1!

Also, the AKL has much more impressive theming and the activities are awesome! The buses are excellent, in our experience, with only one stop at Jambo and one stop at kidani. The pools are really nice as well and you can use both regardless of which part of the resort that you stay in. The Sanaa restaurant is great for lunch - you can watch the animals from your table!

I have always had great stays at the AKL! The CM's are super nice here and seem to go out of their way to be helpful.

Staying at the AKL is a truly unique experience

 

[mickeynut1]

Staying at the AKL is a truly unique experience

 

[abner1776]

Even though OKW is one of our favorites, it's a very spread out resort which may not be the best with your little ones. Mid January is going to be cool so your use of the various pools will probably be limited so you will need other distractions for the kids. OKW does not really offer too much for the kids other than the pools. SSR is huge and also spread out but they do have other activities for the kids besides the pools, plus SSR has easy access to DTD and by next Feb most of the construction will be finished at DTD. AKL does offer more activities for the kids besides the pools and with the option of access to the savannas, AKL is a good choice. I would go with SSR, AKL and OKW in that order.

 

[Disney Mom 7272]

I would choose AKL. We have stayed there 2 times and have never had any problems with noise level. I love that they have their own bus and do not share with any other resorts so therefore the buses aren't overly crowded. I don't feel like it took too long to get to any of the parks. As far as food, we always eat at the park that we are going to so it has never been a problem for us!

 

[illinidp]

For a multiple night stay I would always choose AKL hands down. OKW and SSR are fairly similar to me so we often wind up at OKW on extra days because it takes fewer points, unless we are staying in a treehouse at SSR.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I wouldn't let the fact that only Jambo House has in the CS dining. OKW only has Goods to Go which is just a pool side counter service, nothing big. And SSR has Artists Palette and the pool side counter service. None have a food court like the moderate or value resorts. But you do have either a kitchenette or full kitchen in your villa.

However, OKW has very few buildings with elevators. With a 3 yr old and 1 yr old, I expect you will have strollers and other baby items to carry up the stairs. If that is a concern, you can request a first floor villa. SSR and AKV both have elevators.

 

[JillianLeigh]

I wouldn't let the fact that only Jambo House has in the CS dining. OKW only has Goods to Go which is just a pool side counter service, nothing big. And SSR has Artists Palette and the pool side counter service. None have a food court like the moderate or value resorts. But you do have either a kitchenette or full kitchen in your villa.

However, OKW has very few buildings with elevators. With a 3 yr old and 1 yr old, I expect you will have strollers and other baby items to carry up the stairs. If that is a concern, you can request a first floor villa. SSR and AKV both have elevators.

Good to know about the elevators. We will be lugging all kinds of stuff with us I'm sure so that will definitely play a role. I think we've decided on AKL. The limited bus stops was the deciding factor for us. OKW would be our second choice since the rooms look bigger and we'd get 2 queen beds instead of a queen and sleeper sofa.

Thanks everyone for your advice!

 

[worleygirl26]

Just got back from AKL and my 6 year old is begging to go back. My 1 year old was really interested in the animals too. We had no issues with the buses. We plan to return next year!