Really stressed about upgrade (mod to deluxe) decision

[Terry's Angels]

Hi everyone,

I am really having a hard time making a decision about this. Family (dd/5, DH and I) will be going to WDW 5/7/07-5/13/07. I just got off the phone with AAA (I really don't like dealing with WDTC at all from previous experiences) and was quoted $2,373 for standard room at CSR, including dining plan+water park plus option (we don't park hop), trip insurance and tax included. The WDW site price quote this morning for the same thing was $2,556 without taxes or trip insurance. The agent discussed with me her recent trip to AKL which she loved and thought that we would really like it. I had asked her to price it out and it was $3,452 w/Savannah view with all the above stuff. The question is should we upgrade? This will be our first on-site trip but we've made several other trips to WDW and we've visited AKL for Boma and enjoyed it. My DH says that he would like to stay at AKL but thinks the price is steep - but he's willing to pay it if I want to.

The issue for me is that I'm a bit of a cheapskate. The reason that we've always stayed off-site is because I just think that WDW resorts are overpriced. Ok - so I've gotten past that and decided that we want the on-site experience probably just this time (b/c we are typically a suite style family and I will NOT pay the prices for suites in deluxe hotels). Is approximately $1,000 more for a deluxe room worth it?

We're a bit of a commando style vacation family and we don't spend much time in the room. BUT my DH calls me a hotel snob (which I disagree - I just think that hotel quality should be in some way connected to the price you pay) and may have problems with the moderate resorts. I just can't tell from the pix and I most people who I have spoken with say "it's up to you". I know that- just would love some advice

Thanks

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I've been to AKL and absolutely loved it. This trip, though, I'm trying a mod (CSR) and I'm a little concerned as well, since I'm a little spoiled. Still, I've heard such wonderful things about all the resorts that I'm willing to take a "risk" here.
Okay, so this doesn't help you in your decision, does it? If you're not going to spend much time in the room, I'd say it won't make a huge difference. But to wake up to giraffes feeding off your balcony...priceless! If you go AKL, go savannah.

 

[ProudMomTo3Boys]

I had originally booked my trip at POR and then switched to WL. I really wanted to stay there. However I couldn't justify the extra cost to stay there, it was like 660 dollars more for a standard room. So I switched back to POR. We are not going to April but I am not having second thoughts. I am there to experience Disney and I am still at a Disney resort and we will be at the parks most of the time. You have to take into consideration how much time you are going to be spending at the resort. Also, just because one person loved AKL doesn't mean you will. I would say maybe one of the days you are there go and visit AKL and you can always stay there on your next trip. Hope that helps you.

 

[Terry's Angels]

Thanks for the input. We have visited AKL for dinner at Boma but I've never been in a room. I think that would help. Thanks so much for the insight so far.

 

[InstImpres]

Couple of thoughts...can she get you an AAA rate at AKL without the savannah view? That would give you the benefit of the resort with a lower price tag. The other equally priced resort to consider would be Wilderness Lodge. With the age of your DD you might enjoy the convienence of the boat to MK. WL has lots to do too but onviously no animals. With any of these options, you'll be onsite at Disney, so I am sure it will be terrific!! Enjoy whatever you decide

 

[Bstanley]

We've stayed at both CSR and AKL so I'll chime in.

AKL has several varieties of rooms - there are Savannah standard and Savannah Deluxe. The standard rooms are only modestly larger than a CSR room - but the bathroom layout is different and since AKL is a 'hotel' versus a 'motel' like many of the rooms at CSR (cabanas/casitas) - the feel is quite different. The deluxe rooms are substantially larger than the standard rooms - more like the Monorail deluxes.

AKL has interior hallways, a dramatic central lobby and all the 'trappings' of a deluxe hotel (restaurants, shopping, etc). Savannah rooms also have balconies so the feel is more 'deluxe' and being able to watch the critters is a great boon of course. In addition the CMs and the special touches around the resort like the storytelling around the campfire each night, the guides out at Arusha Rock, etc. really add to the feel of the place.

Having said that - I have nothing bad to say about CSR - in fact we'll be staying there for 8 nights this December for the same reason you mentioned, the budget didn't stretch to cover AKL this trip.

Bottom line is if you think during your trip you will end up measuring each aspect of the AKL and trying to decide whether it was worth the money rather than really enjoying your vacation it probably isn't worth it.

 

[Terry's Angels]

We've stayed at both CSR and AKL so I'll chime in.


Bottom line is if you think during your trip you will end up measuring each aspect of the AKL and trying to decide whether it was worth the money rather than really enjoying your vacation it probably isn't worth it.

I'm glad you said this, because that something I may do. Thanks for the advice.

 

[mama2ella]

We've stayed at both CSR and AKL so I'll chime in.

Bottom line is if you think during your trip you will end up measuring each aspect of the AKL and trying to decide whether it was worth the money rather than really enjoying your vacation it probably isn't worth it.

I agree!

 

[pbharris4]

Did you think about renting points from a DVC member (which is probably cheaper) and you could stay at a deluxe like Boardwalk, Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge, OKW, or Saratoga Springs? Beach Club and Boardwalk are both within walking distance to Epcot and MGM and Beach Club has an awesome pool/play area witha sand bottom for the little ones. Just a thought.

 

[pbharris4]

Forgot: Go to the DVC forums and you'l get a lot of info there. There's also a rent/trade board. I've never rented my points because we always use them up and then some. Then you could stay in a 1 bedroom villa.

 

[minniemusician]

When I read that you were a hotel snob I just had to write. My DD (age 22) is as well and we have stayed in most of the Hotels on property from the Grand Floridian to Pop Century. While nothing compares to GF we love AKL and WL. Our favorite moderates are CSR adn POFQ. CSR is really beautiful the three different sections of the hotel each have the own charm. The pool is fun and the walk around the property is beautiful especially at night. I wouldn't hesitate to stay there and my DD loves it as well.

 

[princessvacg]

I have stayed at both. I, unfortuneatly, stayed at CSR the year AFTER AKL. AKL is by far my favorite resort. It is incredible. I would pay the increase hands down. I was not that crazy about CSR. However, if you have never stayed on site, you probably will be just as in love with CSR as I am with AKL.

 

[tinkertastic]

Hi, I have stayed at a few moderates through the years and Just last Jan. we( my DH and I) stayed at the AKL. I just have to say, I love the POR, yes it is a moderate but it has soooo much charm, anyhow we usually stay there but decided to take the plunge and spend the extra $$ for the AKL, Savannah view and all. OK, so there is no denying that the AKL is fantastic, but in retrospect I just can't justify spending the extra cash. Next time I will just make our ADR at BOMA and once we're done with breakfast we''ll just take a stroll over to the savannah and spend a few minutes enjoying the views. It truely is lovely but in my opinion not worth the cost. Good luck, and I hope you family enjoys your trip and your resort choice.

 

[Cass]

So basically 150.00 more a night more for AKL, I think it is worth it for a stay at this beautiful resort, your DD will love the zero entry pool & the beautiful animals.

 

[Piglet'sPal]

Have you considered doing a split stay? Maybe stay at CSR the first few days and then the rest at AKL? That would definitely cut down on the cost as opposed to staying the whole time at AKL. Just something to consider!

 

[dvcnewgirl]

Being a fellow cheapskate I would worry about the money the whole time. I personally would stay at the moderate first. I dont want to make things harder but I was not crazy about CSR either. But I like a lot of the moderates and love POFQ.

 

[MauraAndIainsDad]

I too have stayed at both resorts and I can tell you that CSR is my least favorite Moderate resort - I think I'm just not into the Southwestern theme. Plus, there was a strange, faint smell in the air outside and it just seemed hotter there! Plus, our room was so far away from the main building that every time we needed to go to the food court or front desk, we had to drive.

AKL is a beautiful resort - and I didn't think I'd like it going in! If you decide to stay there, you will kick yourself if you don't get a Savannah view. My DW woke up in the middle of the night a few times and she would sit on the balcony and watch the animals until she grew sleepy again. She said it was so peaceful and relaxing. Plus, we usually eat breakfast in our room so the balcony was a perfect place to do so. I'm not a cheapskate - usually - so to me it would be worth the upgrade. In fact, I'm waiting on a January code so that I can book us for an AKL Savannah room. You could also take the previous advice of Piglet's Pal and do a split stay - the resorts are close to each other and Disney will transfer your bags while you are out enjoying the parks.

 

[Terry's Angels]

Hi everyone,

Thanks so much for the advice - DH and I have talked about it, looked at pics and talked about it again and one thing is for sure - we'll stay at POFQ if we go for a moderate - so the decision still needs to be made about staying at the AKL. I didn't think about splitting the stay, but I think that it might be too much trouble with a five year old. How do other people do it with kids? Is it worth it?

 

[princessvacg]

We have moved a few times. It is really no trouble at all. Actually, the resort moves everything for you. All you have to do is have everything packed. If splitting the stay between the 2 resorts is a way to stay at AK, then I would do it. You will not be sorry moving to AK. It is a fabulous place. Of course, make sure you stay at POR first, then the AKL.

 

[dvcnewgirl]

POFQ is a great choice with a young child. It is small and you will be close to everything. If you decide to split stays it is very easy. Have your things packed and call bell services to come pick up your things and they will be moved. Also if you know that you are going to move you can pack for two stays with two suitcases so that when you move one will be dirty clothes and one will be new clothes for the next part of your stay. Good Luck with your choice.