Should we switch to AKL?

[kristainohio]

We are currently booked at POP for 9/16-9/22 with free dining (upgraded from QS to regular Disney dining plan). We've always stayed Wilderness Lodge but this is our first trip with the girls. My two concerns with POP are the double beds and the size of the rooms. We are going to be there for a week and since we will be returning to the hotel to nap everyday (DDs are 4 and 20 months) I think we are going to want to have a little more room to spread out. We've always wanted to stay at AKL as well. Should I spring for it? I think it will be about $700 more based on my calculations. I also really like the idea of the zero-entry pool since the girls are still little. Does it take longer from AKL to the parks than it does from POP? I don't know why I'm second guessing myself so much! I just want the girls' first trip to be very special!

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

YES! AKL is amazing and the girls will love it. The first time my 26 month old saw the animals through the windows she got so excited she could hardly contain it. We have loved the AKL ever since. She will be 8 years old next week, and the only resort she insisted on for our upcoming trip is AKL. (We are hopping around to several resorts during our two week stay, but AKL was her only must-do.)

Edited to add: The buses have always been great at AKL. I did not find the travel time to be any different than our stay at POP last summer. (We stayed at both resorts last year.)

 

[reiella]

We are currently booked at POP for 9/16-9/22 with free dining (upgraded from QS to regular Disney dining plan). We've always stayed Wilderness Lodge but this is our first trip with the girls. My two concerns with POP are the double beds and the size of the rooms. We are going to be there for a week and since we will be returning to the hotel to nap everyday (DDs are 4 and 20 months) I think we are going to want to have a little more room to spread out. We've always wanted to stay at AKL as well. Should I spring for it? I think it will be about $700 more based on my calculations. I also really like the idea of the zero-entry pool since the girls are still little. Does it take longer from AKL to the parks than it does from POP? I don't know why I'm second guessing myself so much! I just want the girls' first trip to be very special!

Check availability. A lot of the Savannah Rooms for my vacation time were blocked from discount availability, if that was part of your consideration.

Some of the Standard View rooms have some pretty bad views at AKL, but regardless of your room you can still go to one of the many lounges that overlook the Savannah anyway, so it's not that big of a deal .

 

[Sue M]

I would switch, yes. With AKL, I'd check pricing with free dining, vs room discount and buying DDP. One will be better. I know staying deluxe for my daughter & I, for 2 people, tailing the room discount and paying for the DDP has always been the better deal. Have to do the Disney Math

 

[Singinglizzie]

If you can swing the extra $700 I say SWITCH. I absolutely love AKL - the attention to detail, the Museum quality Art, the Animals, the Staff - it all makes for a wonderful stay. I would recommend a pool view room - which are less expensive than the Savannah views. There are animal viewing spots all around the resort so for a first time, you will get to see animals and will get to stay onsite for a bit less. Of course the Savannah views are great, but if cost is a factor then pool view room is a good choice. I have stayed at AKL with a pool, standard, Savannah, views, as well as at Jambo and Kidani and honesty, I have had a great time every time. Have fun deciding.

 

[Nancyg56]

AKL is my very favorite resort! I would change in a heartbeat!

 

[ExpatDisneyLover]

AKL is an amazing resort - nothing else like it!!

 

[bluesuzy77]

I agree! I have stayed at both the AKL and Pop and the AKL is my favorite! Even if you don't have a Savanah room, the "warmth" of the Resort is so worth it. My kids stayed at AKL for their first visit and thought it was magical.

 

[kanderson89]

I think if you can swing it financially, and the girls like animals, it would be worth it. The 4 year old may remember the vacation when she's older (I was 5 when I first went and remember glimpses), but the 20 month old won't remember a darn thing. So, not sure I would put much stock in memories as much as in current enjoyment for them AND you. If you're relaxed and having fun, they will, too.

Transportation at AKL is just busses, but they are just fine. And the place does have lots of room to spread out and find nooks and crannies. Not quite as many kids as other resorts, but the ones there were well-behaved (thankfully!) Haven't stayed at POP, so can't give a comparison, but we would stay at AKL and WL again...and again....and again....

 

[Grumpy1969]

The AKL pool is nice. One of my favorites.

 

[mickeynut1]

If the extra cost is doable, I think it's well worth the switch . We've never stayed at Pop so I can't comment on the transportation at that resort, but we didn't think AKL was bad at all. It does take a little longer to get around since it is away from everything, but the buses only service AKL and Kidani, so there's no sharing with any other resort. I think your DDs would love it.....it's a great resort . You don't say what room category you're looking at, but we've stayed savanah view and pool view and the pool view was just as nice as the savanah view, IMO. So depending on what you're looking for and what's available, you really can't go wrong. Good luck deciding, but I don't think you'd regret switching .

 

[mmmears]

AKL is wonderful -- I'd make the switch. Seeing real giraffes, zebras and other African animals wandering around your hotel is pretty amazing... Plus it's nice that it's all one building (no need to worry about heat or rain when going around the resort).

Also, the pool is very nice. There is a zero-entry and a nice slide (not very big). There is also a great water play / splash area at Kidani that little ones seem to love.

 

[maryj11]

Yes I would switch to AKL in a heart beat !

 

[KatMark]

I can't comment on Pop because we've never stayed there. But we have stayed at other values and we just can't do them. We stayed at the AKL last year and fell seriously in love with it. I would upgrade to the AKL immediately.

 

[danceintherain]

Pop and AKL are very close to each other, so the travel time is similar. I would definitely stay at AKL. If you can't afford a savanna view, go with a pool view. The pool is beautiful and it guarantees that you'll be close to the lobby, restaurants, and pool!

 

[Disneyfreak616]

Yes yes yes!!!

 

[Paradise18]

We really enjoyed AKL, but we won't return to POP. If you can swing the extra I don't think you will be sorry.