Opinions - Please! I'm very confused!

[rach98n]

We will be travelling to Orlando the first week in Feb for 5 nights. Family of 5 - 3 kids being 8,8, and 11. We COULD cram into a deluxe at the AKL, but I'm thinking of just getting 2 standards. Here's the question...

- Choosing between 2 rooms at AKL and All Star Pop or Sports...I know there will be a huge cost difference, but is it worth it?? The AS resorts seem kind of loud and cold to me while the AKL seems warm, cozy and quieter. Any opinions?

- How hard is it to get adjoining rooms??

- Book now or wait until Feb discounts are released?

Thanks in advance!

 

[WendyinNC]

What about staying AKL concierge? That way you can use the lounge if you need some space. Of course a 2 BR Villa at the BC would be nice also. Just think of it as helping the economy.

 

[JudyS]

I was going to suggest a "Home away from home" resort, too. Some of the Boardwalk Villa studios sleep 5. You could try to rent one via the DVC Rent/trade board here.

I stayed at the All Stars once, and didn't like them, although kids often like the huge decorations.

 

[rach98n]

Unfortunately and stupidly for me, I told the kids about the AKL and they may not let me off the hook! LOL Of course, we have final say, but they were pretty excited about that place. When I'm seeing rates that people are getting for $169/night SV, I'm thinking that wasn't so bad. When I looked for a res through the Disney website, it gave me a 5 night price of $2425 w/o tickets which ends up being about $500/night! What's up with that!

 

[Winnie Pooh Fan]

I see you mentioned the AS but I have heard that the Pop is much nicer and does not have the convention/tour bus crowds that the AS have.

You might check out the board for the Pop many there call it a "moderate lite."

We went to WL in July and loved it and would love to check out AKL so I can definitely understand your delima because we are facing it ourselves.

 

[x5x5x5x5x5]

If you can swing it, go with AKL. The resort is absolutely stunning - and kids really seem to like seeing the animals. Pop Century is also a good choice. AKL will almost certainly be quieter and a bit more serene though. I would probably book now just to be safe - and then change the rate if the discount codes come out. Adjoining rooms? Not sure about that - but perhaps the earlier you book and request it the better.

 

[webray]

a BWV studio only sleeps 4..there is one bed and a sofa sleeper.

 

[STEPHILL]

We stayed at the ASMo a couple of years ago. I did not like it. It is very loud and we were very far from the food court and bus terminal. I was also 6 months pregnant and it was hot in December, so I may not be the one to ask. I have friends who love the place though. Maybe a cabin at Fort Wilderness is a better option. It has a kitchen and stuff so that may leave you more options with the kids, plus from what I hear, there's lots to do for the kids. I hear AKL is nice, but far from all of the other parks. Hope this helps.

 

[rach98n]

Ok, for now, I have reserved 2 adjoining parking view rooms at the AKL for $199/night each. Any opinion on how low this could possibly go when the Feb discounts come out? I am also a Disney Visa holder, so something might happen there.

I have to say the CSR that I spoke with on the phone (the 877 #) was delightful, helpful, and very efficient!

 

[Kimberle]

The Junior Suite/deluxe room at WL sleeps 6. You have a bedroom & living room, 2 TV's, 1 bath.

Maybe you could get a good rate for it if you're interested.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

Please take a look a the cabins at Ft. Wilderness!

 

[motaei]

Just a thought, but you could stay at a mod in two rooms for about the same price as one room at AKL. I agree that AKL is very cool & I really want to stay there some day, but with 2 rooms at a mod, you get a very nice atmosphere, 2 rooms & 2 bathrooms without all the "in your face" decorations that you get at the All-Stars. Just a thought.

 

[tar heel]

Make sure to ask for "connecting" if you want the rooms to have a door inbetween. "Adjoining" does not mean that in hotel talk. Connecting rooms are guaranteed when the people in the second room are minors.

Our family of 5 (kids older than yours) "crams" into one room at the YC regularly. Last year, we got two All Star rooms, and our family agreed that the extra space, beds and bathroom was great but not worth what we gave up to go value. We spent two nights in two rooms at CSR, though, and would give doing that again some consideration.

If you decide to stay elsewhere, make a ps at Boma, go early and enjoy the AKL -- that's what we do. I love the resort, but am not willing to pay the deluxe room price for a resort that doesn't also come with a killer location.

 

[johnsonet]

Stick with the AKL - it is beautiful. Hopefully the rate will come down to more like $120 a night. I've seen $109 in Value season but that was a Passholder rate. Good luck!

 

[rach98n]

Thanks to all of you for the good advice! Especially Liz for giving me hope of a major discount possibility! Thanks to for the heads up that connecting and adjoining rooms are different! I need to make sure that she requested it that way.