save $$ or AKL

[nealsmith]

We are planning a trip for end of May. We have a 5yr old girl and 2 yr old boy. I'd love to stay in AKL but my thrifty side wants to stay in a value resort. Would save ~700-1000 if we stayed in a value resort. Wife tells me our kids will only be this age once. I agree, but as many will point out, we should be spending most of our time in the parks. I could see us spending a fair amount of time in the resort, especially if there are activities.

Our only trip was Oct 07' and we stayed with my wife's parents at The Greens.
Loved Halloween at Magic Kingdom, that was a blast!

Also, any advice on booking? I've been going through Southwest vacations, as well as WDW direct. planned on booking through Southwest.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Stitch2244314]

$700-$1000 is really a lot of money... I don't know if it's worth it.

Plus, I know your wife was saying that your kids will only be 5 and 2 once. While this is true, I think that would actually be a reason to stay at a value. Kids love the values because they're so Disney themed, bright, and colorful. I'd wait until the kids were older to do AKL... I think they'd appreciate it more!

Just my opinion, but if I you went with the value, I'd recommend either POP or ASMovies... They have the most "Disney" themes.

Good luck on your decision!

 

[mickeynut1]

If the extra cost is doable without causing a financial strain, then I say go with AKL . We think the deluxe resorts are totally worth the extra cost......but everybody's opinion differs . Our first stay on Disney property was at a moderate (CBR)...and although we loved the resort....the following year we tried the BC and we haven't stayed anything but deluxe since . We do spend quite a bit of time at the resort and we enjoy the amenities the deluxe resorts offer. With the ages of your kids I think they would love the AKL (although we've never stayed there....only visited). But in all honesty, I think only YOU can decide whether or not the extra cost is worth it. Good luck with your decision.

 

[jerseygirl81]

I'd have to agree that when my boys were younger I felt it was the best time to stay at the values. They did'nt care about slides and sit down restaurants and biggers beds so it did'nt seem worth the extra money. The values are fun for kids the pools are nice. Maybe your wife would rather stay at the AK then that I could also understand. Linda

 

[mef78]

AKL is wonderful, and there are a lot of actvities (both free and at cost). That said, at 2 and 5, I don't imagine your kiddos would really remember the hotel all that much and would probably be just as happy at a Value as they would at AKL (you can always visit AKL and go out to the animal view ing areas).

I'd say the choice is really for you and your wife (as Linda said). In that case, if the financial strain isn't such that you'd regret spending the extra $$, you should really consider AKL. It would be more comfortable for you and DW to have a queen bed, you could get bunk beds for the kids, and the amenities are nicer overall. If YOU guys would be as comfortable at a value as at AKL, then absolutely save the money.

 

[KatMark]

Since your kids are young enough to "not" care about their surroundings of animals, etc., I would stick with saving the dollars and staying at a value. As you indicated, you will probably be at the parks most of the time and only using the resorts for sleeping/showering. Personally, we don't care for the values...but we are also now two older adults (50+) and we spend a lot of time at our resort and, therefore, always stay at our moderate of choice (we will eventually do the AKL when the kids are done with college and we are done paying tuition and can afford a savannah view). But I always tell people who ask for a value or a moderate or a value or a deluxe to see just how much time they plan on being at the resort. If it is just sleeping/showering, the value is good enough. If you plan on using all of the other things at a resort that the moderate/deluxe offer, then go with the moderate or deluxe.

 

[mickeystoontown]

I'd save the extra money and do something special like a dinner show or Cirque de Soliel.

 

[purplebelle]

I stayed at AKL and was told if I liked WL I'd like AKL. AKL was fine, but we only stayed there b/c of the 40% pin and 4 of us shared the room so it was splite between 4 adults. I've never stayed at a value resort either, but if I had a future visit and had to pick between AKL and any value, I'd for the value. Especially with the discount, it's unbelievable how reasonably you can pay to stay on Disney property.

Also, with little children, they might like the characters all over the value resorts versus the African feel of AKL. I just didn't really care for AKL...

 

[TheWog]

With children that age you will wnt to spend time at the resort. I would say stay at AKL and utilize the balcony during naps, at night, etc. Good luck.

 

[nealsmith]

Thanks for all the responses. I would agree that the kids won't know the difference this time, anyway we'll go to AK once or twice while there, should satisfy the animal within each of us... (<--daughter had to click that)

I know we'll be making great memories at the park anyway. I've booked 3 character dinners so far. One at Cinderella's table for an early birthday

Thanks again!

 

[Stitch2244314]

Thanks for all the responses. I would agree that the kids won't know the difference this time, anyway we'll go to AK once or twice while there, should satisfy the animal within each of us... (<--daughter had to click that)

I know we'll be making great memories at the park anyway. I've booked 3 character dinners so far. One at Cinderella's table for an early birthday

Thanks again!

You'll have a great time!! Have a fun trip!

 

[oddBotkins]

We are planning a trip for end of May. We have a 5yr old girl and 2 yr old boy. I'd love to stay in AKL but my thrifty side wants to stay in a value resort. Would save ~700-1000 if we stayed in a value resort. Wife tells me our kids will only be this age once. I agree, but as many will point out, we should be spending most of our time in the parks. I could see us spending a fair amount of time in the resort, especially if there are activities.

Our only trip was Oct 07' and we stayed with my wife's parents at The Greens.
Loved Halloween at Magic Kingdom, that was a blast!

Also, any advice on booking? I've been going through Southwest vacations, as well as WDW direct. planned on booking through Southwest.

Thanks for any help!

Advice - with kids that young I recommend taking afternoon breaks at the pool , it refreshes the body and the spirit for the return to the parks in the evening. Have stayed at ASMusic and ASMovies. Movies has a more recognizable theme for young children. It makes going to the bus more inviting.