Please help me decide!! Cars, cabins, akv??

[Boymom426]

Where am i going to stay???
Akv?? Cabins??cars??
hello all!! I am new here. I would love suggestions and advice about my family's upcomming trip in may.
We visited last year for our first time and stayed in a 3 bedroom villa at kidani (it was a last minute cancellation of a friend/family ) we loved having the space obviously lol. This year we wanted to revisit akv and stay in a studio villa with renting points to keep the cost down . We wanted to include two "down" days to enjoy at the resort and three day park tickets . However, we asked friends to join and they went and booked a cars suite and 5 day park hoppers with waterpark tickets . Their kids love cars . So i understand. now im torn and dont know where to book. I have two boys 2& 4 and my two year old has multiple severe food allergies . So a kitchen/kitchenette would be helpful . Thank so much

 

[MudQueen22]

We are staying at AoA soon. I've never gone deluxe.

 

[westie55]

First, I wouldn't necessarily change your plans or vision to exactly match your friends' plans/vision for their trip. I think it is possible to both enjoy Disney on your own AND together when your desires and plans match up. I don't even think it's necessary to stay at the same resort! You can meet up at parks, at a restaurant, etc. You can plan time to visit each other at your separate resorts if that's the route you choose (although do realize you won't be able to swim in the other resort's pool). When I've travelled with extended family, we always had a great time and we often split up into groups based on age/interest. If your friends want to do water parks and you don't, fine. They can hit up Blizzard Beach while you lounge at your resort. It's ok! I actually prefer this to spending 24/7 with another family whose touring style may differ from my own.

Regarding resort choice, I haven't stayed at the Cabins so no help there. AoA is fantastic and is great for kids your children's ages. There is a kitchenette in the suites. AKV is awesome, but you know that You can't go wrong resort wise. I'm always up for trying new resorts, so I think given the situation I would consider trying AoA so that your families can have pool time together if you want. Kids love swimming together

 

[nursejackie]

We have stayed at both. We only stayed one night at AoA in a cars suite at the end of our trip. We wouldn't do it again though as it's too busy, the lines for buses were ridiculous, we had to wait for the third DME to the airport there were so many people waiting, and the food court is also packed (little wonder considering the size of the place). But it does have toasters and microwaves for anyone to use if that helps if you need to prepare your own food. The pools were okay but didn't have slides, but the resort is amazing to look at and explore, it's just not for us.

We rented DVC points for a 4 night stay at Kidani village and loved it, although when we visited Jambo House we said we'd stay in the lodge next time as we preferred it over there, as there's more going on. The pools were good at both and have slides (as you probably know). It wasn't as busy as AoA and we love the luxurious touches in the Deluxe resorts.

Have you considered renting DVC points for Beach Club? Stormalong Bay is a wonderful pool area with many pools and a huge slide. We loved it and are definitely going back there soon.

 

[Boymom426]

I appreciate everyones advice!!! Its nice to hear from someone else besides my husband lol. I wanted to rent points for animal kingdom kidani bc we had such a great time last year. I would be interested in jambo too. They have many more food options. Kidani told me they didnt serve fried food and couldn't accommodate my sons dietary needs. As hard as it was.. i was able to overlook that and still have an amazing trip. I havent looked into beach club. I know their rooms could be pricey. I wanted to rent through davids to keep the price down

 

[sharadoc]

Hi. With a 2 and 4 year old, Stormalong Bay can be a stressful situation. It's very spread out.

I haven't stayed at AoA, but it sounds like it would be a ton of fun for little ones. The cabins are great for peace and quiet, but also may be stressful for getting to and from anywhere outside the resort, but if you have a car, it's wonderful. There are a ton of activities at Fort Wilderness and an easy boat ride to Magic Kingdom. You can rent a golf cart to get around the resort, too, which makes it super convenient.

How much cooking do you expect to do? The kitchenettes only have a toaster and microwave. The cabin has a full kitchen.

You may do fine with a Disney discount in a studio too, depending on when you go. You're most likely able to get Boardwalk, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs or Animal Kingdom villas on a cash reservation.

 

[Boymom426]

Kitchenette is fine for me. What does a cash reservation mean? Davids only has okw and ss.

 

[nursejackie]

As you can see from my disboards 'signature' we stay at OKW alot. We rent points for either a one bedroom villa with a studio lock off or a two bedroom villa which have full kitchens and loads of space. It can be spread out but if you research it you can get in a great building for easy access to all the facilities. The pool has a slide and there is a play area and sandy pla section. We love the atmosphere and can't imagine not staying there as part of our annual split stay visit for Chirstmas.

 

[jennilouwho]

I have only stayed at AOA, but we loved it and the chefs at the food court were so accommodating to my son's food allergies when we did eat there. I never worried once. They always too the time to visit with us and make sure his food was safe

 

[DizDaD7]

Where am i going to stay???
Akv?? Cabins??cars??
hello all!! I am new here. I would love suggestions and advice about my family's upcomming trip in may.
We visited last year for our first time and stayed in a 3 bedroom villa at kidani (it was a last minute cancellation of a friend/family ) we loved having the space obviously lol. This year we wanted to revisit akv and stay in a studio villa with renting points to keep the cost down . We wanted to include two "down" days to enjoy at the resort and three day park tickets . However, we asked friends to join and they went and booked a cars suite and 5 day park hoppers with waterpark tickets . Their kids love cars . So i understand. now im torn and dont know where to book. I have two boys 2& 4 and my two year old has multiple severe food allergies . So a kitchen/kitchenette would be helpful . Thank so much

1st off--->to the DISBOARDS!

2ndly..It is hard to go back once you stay deluxe...Being that this was your first visit & you stay in a villa, *(A 3br to be exact) You'll constantly keep comparing everything to that..Including a studio Which will fail in comparison. (Not resort wise just size wise) You did say you'll be having 2 resort days....AKL/V is perfect for that which I'm sure you're already aware of.. AoA Would be a good choice as well. Room wise you'll get to spread out a bit, and being that the kids are still younger, the big slide at some of the other resorts won't be missed (I'm guessing)

I've never stayed at the cabins, so this is another interesting choice...You'll have room to spread out as well as beautiful grounds, plenty of restaurants, and so much to do & see...

I'm actually leaning towards this resort for you...Nice boat ride to MK as well

BTW don't worry about the allergies for the kids...For WDW is the one place that Actually* GETS IT*
Enjoy.

 

[Boymom426]

So i think we decided and are going to do a split stay 4 nights at kidani and two nights at aoa in a little mermaid room. Thoughts?

 

[HopperFan]

- We go often with others and seen the good, bad and ugly.
- Most the time we have stayed at different resorts.
- This allows private family time and less stress.
- I would not change your plans at all.
- Coordinate parks on the 3 days you have .. meet at the park, mid morning.
- This way no issues on if someone arrives a little late.
- Maybe book a TS lunch or dinner ADR with them on those days.
- Keep your resort days and they can do their extra park days.
- Maybe on a down day if they are doing water park, meet somewhere for dinner.

If they are planning full park/waterpark days ... I see no advantage to a split stay or being at same resort.

 

[Dug720]

So i think we decided and are going to do a split stay 4 nights at kidani and two nights at aoa in a little mermaid room. Thoughts?

How do your boys feel about Little Mermaid? Those rooms are extremely well themed, and some boys might balk at that much Little Mermaid. Not all would, which is totally cool - but it's just something to be aware of.

 

[Boymom426]

My boys are 4 and 2. I a little concerned about that.

 

[Deb & Bill]

So i think we decided and are going to do a split stay 4 nights at kidani and two nights at aoa in a little mermaid room. Thoughts?

Are you going to rent points for that? I thought you said only SSR and OKW were available. If that is all that is available, you aren't going to find them with a different points broker.

 

[Babsy]

1st off--->to the DISBOARDS!

BTW don't worry about the allergies for the kids...For WDW is the one place that Actually* GETS IT*
Enjoy.

Our experience with severe allergies was that WDW didn't "get it' at all. I tried to let them know in advance about the many and severe allergies that my sister has, but only one restaurant got back to me - BOG. However, when we arrived, they had no knowledge of the supposed meal. I hadn't thought to bring the email with me, so my sister had no lunch for the one meal that she believed me and took a chance on Disney.

I would be careful and be ready with meals/food after that experience. My DGS has severe and multiple allergies. We will stay DVC with a full kitchen when we go to WDW with him. We will have to cook his meals and bring them with us when we eat at restaurants. Disney is not equipped/willing to deal with multiple, severe allergies.

OP,
can your 2 yo manage to eat in a normal restaurant off the menus? If not, how will you get him meals when staying in a LM at AoA? Just something to consider. (We would not be able to manage with my 3 yo GS without a kitchen or some facilities. Too many allergies and the danger of cross contamination too likely)

 

[AdamEfimoff]

Where am i going to stay???
Akv?? Cabins??cars??
hello all!! I am new here. I would love suggestions and advice about my family's upcomming trip in may.
We visited last year for our first time and stayed in a 3 bedroom villa at kidani (it was a last minute cancellation of a friend/family ) we loved having the space obviously lol. This year we wanted to revisit akv and stay in a studio villa with renting points to keep the cost down . We wanted to include two "down" days to enjoy at the resort and three day park tickets . However, we asked friends to join and they went and booked a cars suite and 5 day park hoppers with waterpark tickets . Their kids love cars . So i understand. now im torn and dont know where to book. I have two boys 2& 4 and my two year old has multiple severe food allergies . So a kitchen/kitchenette would be helpful . Thank so much

why those three resortS?

 

[PatMcDuck]

I am DVC so I often stay at a DVC resort. But I also stay often at other resorts, and I have stayed at AoA 5X. Cars being my favorite section for a couple of reasons (it is the easiest for me to do a laundry run too). The space at AoA, and 2 full bathrooms is so nice. I would take AoA and perhaps book a meal at one of the AKL restaurants if you want to visit over there. I admit, we usually drive to the parks, except MK, so the busses do not annoy us much. Breakfast in the room, so we only hit the food court here and there, usually not at peak times.

We just stayed in the Cabins last October. My husband LOVED it, I liked it. He likes the camping type atmosphere, I like hotels. LOL. At the cabins, you need lots of patience for the busses, or a car or a golf cart. No quick trip to a food court or groceries. Kids there have a blast, however, clearly. Many stay there for long stays, in their campers, (not as much true for the cabins.)

 

[sndral]

Where am i going to stay???
Akv?? Cabins??cars??.... I have two boys 2& 4 and my two year old has multiple severe food allergies . So a kitchen/kitchenette would be helpful . Thank so much

DVC studios do not have kitchens. That 3 br. you stayed at last year is nothing like a studio. Think of a studio as a large hotel room with a sofa bed instead of one of the beds & a microwave and a coffee maker. That beautiful kitchen is only in the 1 br. and larger villas not in the studios.

Kitchenette is fine for me. What does a cash reservation mean? Davids only has okw and ss.

A cash reservation means you reserve a villa from Disney. Usually reserving through Disney costs more than renting DVC points from an owner or a broker, like David's. Since your vacation is 2 - 3 months away most DVC studio villas are long gone so unless you want to stay at OKW or SSR you may be out of luck for May 2017, as AKV studios look to be pretty booked this May @ both Jambo & Kidani.
Why not get a family suite at AOA?

 

[DizDaD7]

Our experience with severe allergies was that WDW didn't "get it' at all. I tried to let them know in advance about the many and severe allergies that my sister has, but only one restaurant got back to me - BOG. However, when we arrived, they had no knowledge of the supposed meal. I hadn't thought to bring the email with me, so my sister had no lunch for the one meal that she believed me and took a chance on Disney.

I would be careful and be ready with meals/food after that experience. My DGS has severe and multiple allergies. We will stay DVC with a full kitchen when we go to WDW with him. We will have to cook his meals and bring them with us when we eat at restaurants. Disney is not equipped/willing to deal with multiple, severe allergies.

OP,
can your 2 yo manage to eat in a normal restaurant off the menus? If not, how will you get him meals when staying in a LM at AoA? Just something to consider. (We would not be able to manage with my 3 yo GS without a kitchen or some facilities. Too many allergies and the danger of cross contamination too likely)

I'm sorry for whatever reason no one accommodated you, but I've never heard of(on here or elsewhere) ,nor have we had any issues in our last 6 or 7 trips...

Between my DW being GF for the last 6 years and recently(2 trips or so) Vegan, and my DD being Lactose intolerant, And our neighbors ( who we usually travel with ) Their DS 5, has a GF, Egg, Soy, & Lamb, & my DS's friend who occasionally comes with their family has a Peanut allergy and also Tree Nuts. Not ONE time did we experience any Problem,lack of knowledge,or any issues from any CM, CHEF, MGR. at all.... And we eat out at TS, pretty much every night, and some QS as well as breakfast too....I'd say 60 meals easily..

What we usually do is @ the 180 day mark when I make the ADR's, that's when we just not whatever the allergy is, and just deal with it upon arrival...They've been more than accommodating, and even show you around to inform you what you can & can't have.

Now, on the contrary, DLR was quite the opposite....We though out in Cali for sure that they'd understand, but most of the TS, in both parks there , as well as a few in L.A. were really clueless, and misinformed .

I'm not sure of what your allergies are(no need to know)but maybe they're justy way more severe than what we have to deal with, and sorry for that. Hopefully things will be better in the future