Resort Review

[Eeyore2003]

Just back from AKL and here's a little review of the resorts we've stayed at--

Animal Kingdom Lodge
---I loved this resort. I would not stay here without a Savannah view, as that is one of the most important things I thought wonderful. We had an Arusha Savannah view on the Zebra Trail side.

My recommendation would be to ask for a 3 or 4th floor room (best view levels), Zebra Trail (nearest to the pool and Mara's), Savannah view, (I'm not sure, but we saw animals on both savannahs, so either one, Arusha or Uzima, I think), a middle building in the half circle. (we were in the last building, and with bad knees, after walking the parks, I would have sure appreciated a closer room, it's a long way down there!!!)

This resort is perfect for a relaxing, quiet vacation. Sitting on the deck watching the animals is so peaceful. We found the bus service good. I would not stay on the other side of the resort, the walking distance to the pool and Mara's has to be really long.

Contemporary--tower room---
I don't think you can beat the Contemporary for families. It's so convenient for everything. Literally everything is right at your fingertips with little walking. Largest gameroom on site for the kids. Fun decor, it just makes you feel like you're at Disney World!!!

Boardwalk Inn--
We really enjoy the Epcot resort area for off season. The Boardwalk Inn in December is very quiet, very adult, very peaceful and the convenience to Epcot (which stays open the latest in off season) is wonderful. Also having the Boardwalk there in the evening is great. Between Epcot, the Boardwalk and the other Epcot resorts right there, the "near by" restaurant selection is definitely better than anywhere.

Old Key West-
We had a wonderful time at Old Key West. The bus service is EXCELLENT and the "community feel" is so special. Even though we just rented points from a DVC owner, you really felt like you were part of something "special" at Disney. This would be a wonderful resort for a quiet but fun vacation.

Well, that's it so far. The more I stay at the more I want to try!!! I literally loved them all and they all are nice for different reasons and purposes. I do have a soft spot for the Contemporary, since that's where we went so many times with the kids, but they all are special in their own way.

 

[lmhall2000]

Since you've hit two areas that I'm considering (Contemporary Tower/Epcot Deluxe hotels) if you could only choose one to stay at with a 9, 6 & 5 year old which one would you do? Their favorite parks are Epcot and MK...so I'm kind of torn...are any of the rooms nicer than the other? We're going to be there in January and it'll be our last Disney trip until their grown and out of the house....would love your opinion.
Tara

 

[ztam3]

We are staying in December for the first time and are very curious about the resort. We have always stayed at Moderates in the past. This is quite a stretch. Please tell me I will love it. Also, did you walk to Downtown Disney at all? If so, please tell me about the walk. Sorry for all the questions. I am so excited I am ready to burst!!!!!

 

[Eeyore2003]

I did answer in your thread when I saw it, but since you've now said that they do like Epcot also, I would then recommend the Epcot area for off season. It stays open later than the other parks and it's so nice to just walk over or pop in the boat and walk around. Stuff on the Boardwalk also stays open later too.

I have only stayed at the Boardwalk Inn, but I'm thinking of the Beach Club for May. I'm not sure if you can actually go in the pools in January, but Stormalong Bay sounds nice for kids, and when I looked at the pictures off rooms at allearsnet, I liked the Beach Club decor better than the Yacht Club. So I guess of the 3, I'd eliminate the Yacht Club!!!

The Boardwalk Inn is very nice and has a very cute pool also. the rooms are lovely. I liked being on the Boardwalk and I'd ask for a "lagoon" view room. Just so you know, "water view" could mean a pool at the Boardwalk, so I'd get specific. I'd ask for a "lagoon view" at the Beach Club too. But then, I like "views" from my room!!! Hope this helps.

Like I said, I really don't think you can go wrong with any of them, they're all so nice and special in their own way.

 

[Eeyore2003]

ztam3,

We were there in July. DH and myself, age 50 in a studio and brother, SIL ages 30's and neice and nephew ages 11 and 7 in a studio. We ALL loved it.

I was very worried also and had heard so many "bad" things about OKW. I found the bus service wonderful, both to AND from the parks. OKW itself is very peaceful and you just somehow feel well taken care of. It's a very "community" atmosphere.

It seems like the bus driver knew some of the poeple etc. I think they are adding a slide to the pool at this time, but we found the pool fun also. We were in building 62, which is right across from the main pool, so everything was very handy. The rooms are beautiful and large. I can't really think of anything "bad" about staying there. It was also nice parking right outside the door.

There is a boat that leaves every half hour for Downtown Disney, or a bus. I'm not sure about how long the walk would be. I would not worry at all, you're going to have a wonderful time!!! If you have any other questions, just let me know.

 

[Eeyore2003]

ztam3, I forgot to mention, when you drive into the gate at OKW, the gatekeeper always says "Welcome Home". (we were just there in July) When we drove into the AKL last week, we missed being "welcomed home"!!!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Originally posted by lmhall2000
Since you've hit two areas that I'm considering (Contemporary Tower/Epcot Deluxe hotels) if you could only choose one to stay at with a 9, 6 & 5 year old which one would you do? Their favorite parks are Epcot and MK...so I'm kind of torn...are any of the rooms nicer than the other? We're going to be there in January and it'll be our last Disney trip until their grown and out of the house....would love your opinion.
Tara

As I was reading through the posts I found I had the same thought as others..EPCOT is open later in off season, but then again Cont rooms are so much larger and with the monorail gliding right through your kids will be blown away - you will be one cool parent! You'll love it as well. And it has Chef's Mickey's - a great place to begin your visit the first evening!

Yep...as much as I like the EPCOT resorts, they are not the same for kids in off season as the Cont - you can also walk to or from the MK from the Cont so that is handfy and the monorail takes you to TTC where it's an easy change to the EPCOT monorail.
Have you looked through all the phots on www.allearsnet.com ?

Okay...EPCOT for adults, Cont for the kids!! My kids absolutely loved it..and if you get a standard room be sure to request the north wing, mid way -the monorail will glide right past the room and it;s incredible when the kids see it go by! In the Tower I would say MK for the kids too...and then will also see the monorial. It's a bsuy place, but it great!

Whichever you choose you'll have a wonderful time!

 

[ztam3]

Thanks so much for the information. This may be an odd question, but did you notice the television in the studio to be any smaller than any of the other resorts. We spend very little time in the room, but we always watch tv before bed. The pictures make it look as though the tvs may be somewhat smaller. Again, I really appreciate the information and your opinion.
THANKS A MILLION!!!

 

[Eeyore2003]

ztam-the TV's seemed larger in the studios than in the regular rooms, but then they could be the same size. I'm thinking larger, but I'm not sure.

 

[ztam3]

Thanks