Saratoga or AKL?

[Peaseblossom36]

I'm struggling with making a decision between Saratoga and AKL. We were originally at Copper Creek but the savings was too much to pass up with the 25% off AND had a room with no tub(), so have decided on rebooking. We like the look of both resorts and do have one night at Kidani in a Savannah room (had to add a night for better flight options).

I haven't stayed in either resort before but we do like the look of both. We do have a toddler and are planning on following her lead and anticipating pool time being a hit. We are also thinking that being able to sit on a balcony will be nice. At AKL we would be in a standard room. Where ever we are we will be in the room for 8 nights. ETA: We will be there in September, so was thinking maybe the inside hallways at AKL would be nice weatherwise?

If anyone has stayed at both (especially with a toddler) I would love feedback on both.

 

[Marthasor]

I would pick AKL. I've stayed at both and Saratoga is SO large and spread out. With a toddler, I would prefer having less bus stops and everything under one roof - your room, lobby, restaurants, gift shop, etc.

 

[saraheliz]

I'd go with AKL. We stayed at Kidani last year and there were so many times that it was storming as we came back to the hotel and we were very grateful for the interior hallways.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

I'm struggling with making a decision between Saratoga and AKL. We were originally at Copper Creek but the savings was too much to pass up with the 25% off AND had a room with no tub(), so have decided on rebooking. We like the look of both resorts and do have one night at Kidani in a Savannah room (had to add a night for better flight options).

I haven't stayed in either resort before but we do like the look of both. We do have a toddler and are planning on following her lead and anticipating pool time being a hit. We are also thinking that being able to sit on a balcony will be nice. At AKL we would be in a standard room. Where ever we are we will be in the room for 8 nights. ETA: We will be there in September, so was thinking maybe the inside hallways at AKL would be nice weatherwise?

If anyone has stayed at both (especially with a toddler) I would love feedback on both.

I've stayed at both with kids but even without kids, AKL would be my preference. It's definitely more unique especially with the animals which having a toddler, would be more of a hit. Yes, having a nice bus stop that's covered to get to will be nice given rain/sun. Better dining options imo and there's really no benefit of transport of one over the other outside of fewer bus stops at AKL vs SSR.

 

[PalmettoPath]

I'll take the minority position here. I would go with SSR. Lots and lots of grassy space for a toddler to run and play. Plus, five pools on property (we find the AKL pools undersized and overcrowded) and transportation is great from there in our experience. You'll be on buses in either case, but when our daughter was little she absolutely loved SSR because it's basically like a big grassy park for kids when you step outside (and great proximity to Disney Springs as well for you). If it's rainy or poor weather, then AKL would have an edge.

 

[supersnoop]

Kidani has a great pool, especially for younger kids. I think either Kidani or Jambo would be better if you're worried about weather since you'll have covered access to the buses.

 

[StevieB81]

I'd pick Kidani. It's really just so much nicer. Also, if you're driving the parking at Kidani is covered as it's underneath the hotel.

 

[RanDIZ]

AK by a mile! Kidani has nicer pool, and AK overall has best restaurants on property.

 

[robinb]

Kidani has a great splash pad/kid's area. It also has animals outside the room. I would go with AKV over SSR all day, every day.

 

[5kidsmommy]

Not a personal fan of AK but with a toddler I would totally pick it over SSR. I think it would be the best choice for your family.

 

[eticketplease]

Also if staying at Kidani the Community hall is right across from the laundry and with a toddler I imagine lots of laundry

 

[cdobert]

We enjoyed our savannah view room; but I would go with SSR in the grandstand section. Two pools within walking distance as well as the community hall.

 

[Ronaldo17]

We love SSR, but in September with a toddler it would have to be AKL. Great pool, sheltered walk from bus stop , loads to do at Jambo and internal corridors.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

At AKL we would be in a resort (standard) view room at Jambo, this is the part where I'm between the two since it's standard view. And they do both appear to have beautiful pools. She is kind of sensitive about splash pads/spray areas that are more wild/water dumpy(not a great descriptive term but I think fits).

We have one night tacked via DVC rental in a Savannah room at Kidani, which will be staying them same.

 

[matt_in_nh]

Depends on your family, SSR is more spread out and generally shorter bus rides. AKL is better if you like the animals, smaller resort and better restaurants but you will have longer bus rides tot he parts that are not AK.

 

[SharonZ]

I would vote for SSR, unless you are staying in a Savannah room.

 

[rdevans_2000]

Definitely AKL. SSR is nice. Better than some people give it credit for. But the theming, detailing; art, and general vibe at AKL are all amazing. Plus the food at AKL is a 10 out of 10 and IMHO about a 3 or 4 at SSR. Good luck and have a great trip.

 

[sainca11]

AKL is my favorite and I like just having one bus stop, as opposed to multiple at SSR. The food at AKL is what seals the deal for me, my absolute favorite in all of WDW. I do think SSR is underrated, but you can't find a resort like AKL anywhere else on property.

 

[Peaseblossom36]

Thanks everyone! I think we're going to stick with AKL and hope for a partial savannah view Having everything under one roof will probably be best since this is our first family trip.

We'll have to plan another trip to check out SSR

 

[2kids1dog4me]

AKL. Saratoga Springs is my least favorite deluxe.