Someone reassure me, please!

[MScott1851]

We originally had 7 nights planned at the YC, but decided to move to AKL for five nights, then to Portofino Bay for two nights. Someone make me feel at least a little better! I am afraid I am going to be sick, I'm so worried I made a bad decision!

Misty

p.s. This is my honeymoon, so I want everything to be extra nice...I figured since the AKL was newer, and I am an African design/print/furniture FREAK we would like it better...

p.p.s We are getting room AND ultimate hopper passes at AKL for the same cost as room ONLY at YC through the Fall Fantasy Package, so cost was also a factor.




__________________

 

[hallie]

Ok, from one *Megara* to another-lol, I think you'll LOVE the AKL. we were there in April for 2 weeks and it was amazing, we didn't want to leave. It is a beautiful resort, it even smells good! The restaurants are fantastic, even the Mara(food court) was great. There are 2 hot tubs, one that's more secluded where I saw all couples and a larger one by the playground were people with kids were always at. Plus the transportation was the best I've ever experienced at WDW. We never waited more then 10 minutes for a bus, plus AKL doesn't share it's busses. I just fell in love with every aspect of this resort and was so sad to leave.
.
With you being an African design freak, you will be in heaven!

I suggest the 2nd floor, Zebra Trail facing the Arusha Rock savannah. Also make sure to say it's your honeymoon you might get an upgrade.

Have a great trip!!!!

 

[4greatboys]

I think you booked 2 great hotels! I saw AKL on Travel channel and am dying to give it a try. Portofino is also a great hotel and with the pass they have that allows you to go right up to the ride you cant beat that. You will have a great time, pls dont worry. You and dh can pick together the next disney resort you want to try.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

You've made an excellent decision. AKL will please you mightily! The Ibo tribal dance "mask" that is in the lobby will awe you to your toes!

Portofino Bay is not an insignificant hotel. The president recently stayed there and it does offer that front of the line perk!

You'll have a lovely honeymoon and be very happy with your accomodations.

 

[n2mm]

We recently stayed at the AKL and really enjoyed it. While we were there my daughters stayed at Portofino (for a conference) and absolutely loved it. My husband (who's a CM) loved it too. He said the bathroom was bigger than our room at the AKL and even had a phone in the bathroom. He was quite impressed. My daughters loved the front of the line access, which is a perk only for their hotel guests.

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

You chose two really nice hotels, I have never stayed at Portofino but from what I read you can't go wrong. I stayed this past June at AKL a savannah room and you are going to love it. the hotel lobby is really pretty, Bomas is great, the food courd is wonderful. tell them it is your honeymoon and maybe, (keeping fingers crossed for Misty and her soon to be husband) you'll get an upgrade. have agreat time, take lots of pictures, you ll have those and your memories in your minds and hearts forever.

 

[Carrieberry]

I think you made the right choice. It will seriously be like two different trips! You will love Front of the line access and the Portofino looks beautiful. Don't worry I think it will be fabulous! In fact-I'm jealous! Congrats on your upcoming wedding!

 

[Minnie's Mate]

Have stayed at Yatch Club and twice at AKL. AKL is our favorite. We had Savannah Room (on Zebra Trail) one trip and Pool View (Zebra Trail) the other. We will be going back to AKL in 2003.

Yatch Club is really nice, but very subdued in regard to theme. I think you made the right decision. Have a great Honeymoon and best wishes.

 

[eeyore0062]

Since you say you like that African type of decor, you will probably be happy. Personally, I would have perferred the YC... not only for the ambience, but the convenience.

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

 

[daannzzz]

I have stayed at Yacht Club and the Animal Kingdom Lodge and wandered around Portofino Bay.
Your decision is fine. The decore and atmosphere at AKL is awesome and you have all the animals to look at. At the Yacht Club the atmosphere is a bit more formal feeling and you have the proximity to two of the parks. The pool is good too. At AKL pool is good as well though not as elaborate. Transportation is great. I like Boma and Mara better than any of the Epcot resort area restaurants...well Tubbis makes a good hotdog.
Portofino was very pretty and I was so impressed I am planning two nights there myself next year.

 

[Mom of 5]

We stayed at AKL in savannah view rooms in January. It is an absolutely beautiful resort!

When we were first thinking about booking the trip, I wasn't interested in staying at AKL because the African theme didn't really appeal to me (or to my DH). But...after seeing a few pictures online, thinking about how much the kids would enjoy seeing the animals from the balconiew, and because it was so new (I love new places), we decided to give it a try.

We loved our stay there. I think it's a great place for couples, as well as families. Enjoy your honeymoon!

 

[CarolA]

Up until i stayed at AKL the YC/BC was my favorite. Now I love the AKL. I can see water anywhere, Zebras out my window are just too cool! Have a great trip!

 

[TrvlLin]

This is just *my personal* experience and may not be shared by others, but lately It seems as though the CM's at the Yacht Club are bored with their jobs and not very helpful or welcoming any more. I no longer feel the pixie dust there. By contrast, we recently stayed at the AKL and had WONDERFUL interaction and experiences with the CM's. Also, I get kind of turned off by the big convention groups that flow through the Yacht and Beach club constantly; they kind of take me out of the vacation feeling. Just my opinion...Lin

 

[Nuts4Disney]

Misty,

Please don't get sick over it. I think there's something to be said for all the resorts. IMO, It's all just boils down to personal preferences & planned activities.

I haven't yet stayed at AKL, but was so impressed with a quick visit to it on my last trip that we decided to do a split stay at AKL this trip & we are really looking forward to it. All the folks I know who have stayed at AKL LOVED IT! The lobby is absolutely fabulous & I heard good things about the restaurants.

I have only see photos of Portofino Bay, but it looks very nice, too. I have read that it is a deluxe resort & rivals any Disney deluxe resort. AAA gave it 4 diamonds along w/ Hard Rock & Disney's GF, YC & BC, BW, Swan & Dolphin. [I believe AKL was listed as too new for rating.]

Portfofino Bay was also ranked "65" in Travel & Leisure's Reader's Poll of the "Top 100 Resorts in the Continental U.S. & Canada." None of Disney's resorts made the list.

My friends stayed at Portofino. They were not on their Honeymoon, just a vacation, but they said they enjoyed it very much, including the resort's signature restaurant, Portofino Bay. They said they *loved* the FOL access at Universal. They were not, however, planning to visit WDW at all.

We personally prefer to stay at WDW, because we don't usually go to Universal.

I wish you the best with your decision. I don't think you made a *bad* choice, but it is your *honeymoon* & you have to do what will make you both happy & what fits with your wallet.

Congrats on your Nuptials! How wonderful to be starting your lives together at
Happiest Place On Earth!

 

[DisOrBust]

We have stayed at both PFB and AKL. Both were great. AKL is my families fav and I am having anarchy at home trying to get them to stay anywhere else on property.

PFB is also nice and FOTL is priceless. You can also get good rates using Enertainment,AAA or Fan Club. Remember to request a balcony room.

 

[Beanie]

I think you made a great decision! AKL is awesome!! Don't worry about it, you will be fine!!

Please take lots of pictures of Portofino Bay, I would love to see it!