Should I split a 5 night stay between GF & AKL?

[queenofhearts]

Hi everyone! I'll be visiting Disneyworld with my boyfriend Nov. 3-Nov. 8. We're currently booked for five nights at the AKL Concierge. Here's my question:

Should we split the five nights between the Grand Floridian (probably in a lagoon or garden view) and AKL Concierge? Or, should we just stay in the AKL Concierge all five nights?

We'd probably do the first two nights at GF and the last 3 at AKL. If we switch resorts, do we have to move our own baggage, or will the resort move our baggage for us?

Thanks for your advice!

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

I would split it, doing 2 hotels in 5 days isn't bad at all. When I split I took my own luggage cause we took carry-ons in on the plane. Have a great trip no matter what you decide to do.
PS, if you stay at GF get a room looking out at the castle to view the fireworks that way, well worth the money

 

[queenofhearts]

I just called the WDTC, and they said that if I book the GF for 2 nights and stay at the AKL Concierge for 3, I can't stay on my Discovery Magic Package for the first 2 nights (because they require a minimum 3 night stay for the package).

I thought because I was staying in a Disney resort 5 nights in a row that I could book the package for all 5 nights, but I can't. Does anyone know if this is true, or could the CM have been mistaken?

 

[imbe@aol.com]

Originally posted by queenofhearts
I just called the WDTC, and they said that if I book the GF for 2 nights and stay at the AKL Concierge for 3, I can't stay on my Discovery Magic Package for the first 2 nights (because they require a minimum 3 night stay for the package).

I thought because I was staying in a Disney resort 5 nights in a row that I could book the package for all 5 nights, but I can't. Does anyone know if this is true, or could the CM have been mistaken?

I don't know the answer to your question for sure (I tend to think the CM IS right .. sorry!!) BUT ... if I were you, I would call the AKL concierge, and ask them -- they're all really knowledgable and quite willing to help, and they should be able to straighten this out for you! Good Luck!

Judi

 

[queenofhearts]

Judi-

Thanks for the help! That's a great idea.

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

That is right, you can't have a package and break up the hotels. WHY, that doesn't make sence to me, if you are staying on Disney property but that is the reason why I do everything seperate so I can split my stays, just adds a little more adventure to my already adventurous trip.

 

[bjakmom]

I ran into the same problem when I wanted to switch 6 night fall fantasy with DC disc - we ended up needing more room when older DD and DS decided to join us. For us it was cheaper to rent DVC pts at BWV 1 BR for first 3 nights, then move to AKL with package for last 3 nights after big kids leave. Taking the package with $50 DC disc spread over only 3 nights actually made the room rate cheaper. At BWV we will have to buy our UPHs without last day, because the AKL tickets will kick in on the day we check in. That's another thing to watch out for if you want to go UPH - two packages will overlap and I've never heard of anyone being able to deduct the first or last day of stay with a package. Maybe you could look into renting points and staying BWV of BCV studio for the first few nights- if it's not weekend points, it can be surprisingly economical- and the Boardwalk is a lot of fun when the parks are closing early!

 

[queenofhearts]

Oh well. At least I tried, and I know now that this cannot be done. But, I'm sure we'll have a GREAT time at the AKL!!! This just means we'll have to go back again to stay at the GF!

Thanks to all for the information!

 

[A1A1]

These are my two favorite resorts on property! You are going to love AKL, and for your next trip --GF is the best!

 

[Janet2k]

QueenOfHearts, I just want to thank you for allowing me to take your photo during one of my prior WDW vacations. That was so gracious of you. Link To Photo. (hee hee ) By the way, I hope you enjoy your stay. The AKL is my favorite resort and the GF is my husband's favorite. You can't go wrong with either of those two. And if you're going to be doing concierge, the AKL has the best staff, in my humble opinion. If you get to speak to Don D., please tell him that "Janet from the Dis says HELLO!" (he knows who I am as we go way back to Opening Day of the AKL).

 

[susy]

We will be at AKL for the first time Labor Day Weekend. We booked with a rate of $129 standard.

I have a tape of an episode of great hotels when AKL was featured. Samantha Brown stayed in a 2 bedroom suite on the concierge level. They showed the lounge and the food and it all looked wonerful!!!!! I know you will have a wonderful time. Perhaps you could make dinner reservations one night at GF and kind of visit. You can do your next trip there.

I know that AKL buses are supposed to be great, since you don't have to share with the other resorts. Just get to the parks early!!!

I will post a report and review of AKL when I get back.

 

[robinb]

This is just my opinion, but I don't think you should split a 5 night stay. Changing hotels can take a long time, even if the Disney luggage fairies move your things. First of all, you really won't be able to "settle in" to either resort. 2 or 3 nights is just not enough time to relax into your own place. Second, you'll have to pack up part way through your stay. Always (at least to me) a pain. Third, you may not be able to get into your room until 4 pm on the day you change resorts. If you want to take an early afternoon nap, you may not be able to that day. I think you will have a much better time if you pick either AKL or GF and stay there for all 5 days.

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Well sweetie, your package prevents you from switching resorts anyway...so enjoy the AKL. Go visit BUSHMAN#1 in the ZAWEDI MARKETPLACE. He's a WONDERFUL artist! I want that report when you get back. I want to know all about those wonderful restaurants that your new friend helped you pick out.

 

[Ilove8Trax]

Stay in the AKL Concierge the whole stay. I think 5 days is too short to swith between 2 resorts.

Think about when the next time you will be visiting WDW. What kind of trip would you want then? Maybe a little longer so then 2 resorts would be easier or another short trip to try GF. Wherever you go should be fun and great.

 

[queenofhearts]

Susy-I'm looking forward to reading your review. Have a spectacular trip!

Janet2K-I'm very photogenic! I'll definitely give your message to Don, but it's sounding like you might have an opportunity to tell him face-to-face!

Everyone- Thanks for all of the recommendations and words of encouragement! I'm feeling great about staying the AKL all 5 nights! And, with the help of a new friend, I've already developed an itinerary, complete with where we should eat!

 

[DG-12]

You can spilt the stay with Discovery Magic- but all Disney Packages require three nights- which is why you are running into problems. You could book two nights without package and the other nights with- I did this last year- I know you can.
Dana