Resort advice: short getaway for mom & dad

[Ashley Marie]

We currently have AKL standard view booked for 4 nights for a short adults-only trip. We would be spending mornings at the resort and going to the parks in the evening. A much-needed getaway!

Trying to keep budget lower (otherwise we'd probably be at the Poly). Because of the extended resort time, I've mostly ruled out mods and the values are just not relaxing for us.

Plans are to attend two Disney After Hours at MK, go to AK one evening and do either HS or Epcot one evening. *Maybe* hit up a park one more time on check-out morning since we'd have a late night departure. But we might want to just sleep in and laze around the resort.

Would you stick to AKL standard, or switch to any of these options for a little bit more?

Animal Kingdom Lodge pool view +$100
Wilderness Lodge nature view +$200
Yacht Club garden/woods view +$300

Of course, we could save $300-400 by going to POFQ garden or river view...

Thoughts?

 

[clayfolks]

In terms of relaxation, AKL wins for me. If you request Kudu Trail you have a shot at an obstructed savannah view, so why spend money on a pool view? Play take a chance...

 

[Sue M]

You didn’t mention what time of year, and if pools are important. I know AKL is planning on closing pool for refurb. Possibly Sept? I’m not sure, you’d have to look into it.
But if pool is open I’d switch to AKL pool view.
WL would be a nice option for your 2 MK nights, with a enjoyable boat ride to and from.

 

[raddisneyfan]

We currently have AKL standard view booked for 4 nights for a short adults-only trip. We would be spending mornings at the resort and going to the parks in the evening. A much-needed getaway!

Trying to keep budget lower (otherwise we'd probably be at the Poly). Because of the extended resort time, I've mostly ruled out mods and the values are just not relaxing for us.

Plans are to attend two Disney After Hours at MK, go to AK one evening and do either HS or Epcot one evening. *Maybe* hit up a park one more time on check-out morning since we'd have a late night departure. But we might want to just sleep in and laze around the resort.

Would you stick to AKL standard, or switch to any of these options for a little bit more?

Animal Kingdom Lodge pool view +$100
Wilderness Lodge nature view +$200
Yacht Club garden/woods view +$300

Of course, we could save $300-400 by going to POFQ garden or river view...

Thoughts?

If you are going to spend lots of time in the room, then I'd stick with what you have. If you are going to spend a lot of time on the balcony, you might want to spend the extra $100 for pool view, if you want to avoid getting stuck with parking lot standard view. AKL is one of my favorite resorts and I would definitely stay there if I was going to spend as much time as you plan to at the resort-- 2 gyms, 2 pools, and great eats all around. As much as I love the POFQ and saving money, it wouldn't be my choice for a resort staycation. It's great if you want to get a lot of walking in--that's why I like both POFQ and Riverside. However, the food options in no way compare to AKL. I also think the pool situation at AKL is much better for adults.

 

[katmatry]

For $100 I'd switch to pool view, but check the dates as the pool is scheduled for refurb.

 

[disny_luvr]

If you can swing it, I’d go with the YC. We love the Epcot resort area. It’s so nice to stroll over to Epcot in the evening for a drink or two. The Boardwalk is also a fun place to hang out. SAB is also a great pool. It can get noisy with the afternoon pool parties, just FYI.

 

[Ashley Marie]

You didn’t mention what time of year, and if pools are important. I know AKL is planning on closing pool for refurb. Possibly Sept? I’m not sure, you’d have to look into it.
But if pool is open I’d switch to AKL pool view.
WL would be a nice option for your 2 MK nights, with a enjoyable boat ride to and from.

Early July ... so definitely needing that pool time! I was considering WL for the boat convenience with the after hours event, but I feel like AKL might have a better pool and dining for our needs.

 

[Ashley Marie]

In terms of relaxation, AKL wins for me. If you request Kudu Trail you have a shot at an obstructed savannah view, so why spend money on a pool view? Play take a chance...

Any request besides Kudu Trail to have a better chance at that?

 

[Ashley Marie]

If you can swing it, I’d go with the YC. We love the Epcot resort area. It’s so nice to stroll over to Epcot in the evening for a drink or two. The Boardwalk is also a fun place to hang out. SAB is also a great pool. It can get noisy with the afternoon pool parties, just FYI.

We have stayed at BC (part of our honeymoon) and really enjoyed the pool and atmosphere of the area. In early July, I imagine that pool is packed, though. Also, we will probably stick to only 2-day park tix (not counting the MK After Hours) without a hopper, so we won't be able to stroll into Epcot just for a drink or something to eat. I do love the look of the refurbished YC rooms!

 

[Sue M]

Early July ... so definitely needing that pool time! I was considering WL for the boat convenience with the after hours event, but I feel like AKL might have a better pool and dining for our needs.

We like AKL too, it all depends on your priorities. WL has 2 pools, in close proximity of eachother. The Villas pool was just re-done. I’m looking forward to checking it out in Aug.

 

[SarahC97]

I'd stick to AKL but go for a pool view!

 

[Chelley00]

I adore AKL but I wouldn't want a pool view. Pools can be loud with kids yelling and the music. For an adults only trip I want to be somewhere quiet where we could relax on the balcony in quiet

 

[clayfolks]

Any request besides Kudu Trail to have a better chance at that?

Not that I know of. You might want to have touring plans put in a room request for you. From what I’ve read, people have had a lot of success using their service.

 

[SharonZ]

I would definitely spend the money for at least pool view.

 

[Ashley Marie]

Okay - so I’m sticking to AKL but for 3 nights. Switching to Poly for the last night as a surprise to my husband. We are at MK After Hours that night. Plus our flight back isn’t until 10pm on our departure day, so we will have all day to enjoy the resort! Even snagged an ‘Ohana res.

 

[DisneyFansInNYC]

We are trying AKL for the first time this summer and we are spending more time at the resort - since we love the AKL and love their food. I would spend the extra money and get a Savannah View. I can't wait to sit on the porch and watch the animals. Enjoy!