Poly lovers going to AKL, will we be disappointed?

[noahsmom]

We've been to WDW 2 other times. Both times at the Poly Concierge. We decided that next summer we'd like to try AKL concierge so we can go on the sunrise safari. Since DS is older we no longer have the need for naps in the afternoon (well at least not for him). DS is not happy about the change because he LOVES the monorail.

I'm starting to worry that we won't like AKL. DS is an animal nut so I think once he sees the animals he'll get over the monorail. DH loves the services of Poly concierge (he's now hooked on concierge and will not consider anything else). I just worry the other 2 won't be happy. I'm the mom it's my job to worry.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

 

[johnvree]

We always stay at the Poly. Last trip we split our stay between AKL and the Poly. Here's the good news. You definitely will not be disappointed with the AKL. The resort is great for a lot of the reasons you probably love the Poly. It has kind of an old world/adventure type feel. It is beautifully landscaped. And it makes you feel like you are in a far away land. That's the bad news. Sometimes it feels a little too far away. It is an easy drive to DAK. But that's about it. There is nothing else close by, and sometimes it feels it.

One of the things we love about the Poly is that, despite its isolated feeling, you can quickly get to a ton of stuff. You are a monorail or boat ride away from two of the four parks and three other deluxe resorts. You have multiple options for recreation and scores of restaurants to try. Not so at AKL.

We loved our stay at the AKL. However, my DW and I both agreed that we would not want to spend an entire vacation there. I don't know how long you are staying, but splitting our stay was very easy. The move did not cause any downtime at all. You may want to consider that.

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Poly is my favorite, but we stayed at AKL last year (not concierge) and I really liked it too. What a great atmosphere it has! I would suggest having a car though.

 

[SB in KY]

We have stayed at AKL and Poly concierge several times over the years and I have to say the AKL has the Poly beat hands down in terms of service and concierge offerings. I agree with a previous poster that said it is kind of isolated...but in a way that is part of the charm....I still love the monorail resorts (actually CR is our absolute favorite)....but for an incredible hotel experience the AKL is hard to beat.

I think your kids will LOVE the AKL...the lounge never seems as crowded and hectic as the Poly and it is such a nice place to relax and enjoy that incredible lobby....that is if you can drag yourself off of your balcony....I made myself leave the parks everyday by 4 PM or so, so I could sit out and watch the animals in the late afternoon and evening.

My take on it is....not as convienent as the Poly, but a much more enjoyable hotel experience IMHO.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

DO IT!

We have stayed at both several times.

The Poly is my first WDW resort back in 1971 and still my favorite. However, we go 4-5 times annually and rotate our resorts.

You will love AKL for all of its' merits!

You will go back to the POLY and several other WDW resorts over the years.

Enjoy!

 

[DisneyMim]

We are huge Poly fans, but also enjoy AKL. It's a different atmosphere, but that's what we like about Disney, many different resort experiences. We always rent a car, but as another poster said, IMHO a car is more important at AKL than at the Poly. The only negative about the resort is going to MK, but this is a problem at any resorts other than the monorail resorts. AKL is a wonderful resort.

Have a Great Trip!!