Suggestions for resort on our return visit

[mike981]

We got back from our first trip to WDW a couple of weeks ago and believe it or not, we are planning on going back, LOL!
We stayed at AKL and loved it. Now, in order for us to go back in a quick fashion, we will need to trim some of our costs. I can think of several things to do different and many come from this great site!

Now for your help, what would you suggest for a resort that would not be a big drop from AKL, but save us some money? As I said, we loved AKL. It was quiet. Well kept and very friendly.
FYI, it is my wife and two kids 8-10 and myself. We would like to be able to take in the early morning hours, so we would prefer a WDW resort. But, are open to ALL suggestions. We also spend quite a bit of time at the resort. We push it hard in the morning and rest up durring the day.

As of right now, our plan is to spend a day or two at Universal and maybe a day at Sea World. The whole trip would be seven days. And we will rent a car.

Hmmm, that is all I can think of right now. What do you think?

 

[Starz723]

Try the Wilderness Lodge..Its magical. Its self contained like the AKL, not spread out like most of the other resorts at Disney.
It has the boat that goes to the MK. Whispering Canyon Cafe is alot of fun and good food. For fine dining you have Artists Pointe. The lobby is spectacular. The theming is superb. From certain rooms you can view the MK fireworks and see the monorail..From the beach you can watch the electric water parade every night.

Have a magical time!

 

[mike981]

Is WL less money than AKL?

 

[mep319]

No WL is not less money than AKL...they are in the exact same pricing category...and trust me if your going to pay that price AKL is a much nicer resort. We too fell in love w/ AKL (stayed 2xs) and are returning to WDW in 8/04 w/ a limited budget. We are going to try the Dolphin on a government employee rate...they have other great rates if you do not qualify for that discount...check the DU website. The location looks great and it is much less money than the other deluxes...you might want to check it out. POR is a great moderate and another option but from the Dolphin/Swan you can walk to and from Epcot, MGM and Boardwalk.....a much better location.

 

[luvsTink]

I am a novice, but I have read many a review and some folks seem to really like Port Orleans.

Anne

 

[Lexxiefern]

We just got back on monday from a quick trip to WDW. We got around to alot of the resorts and we were quite impressed with Coronado Springs and Carribbean Beach. They are both moderates. My DH (who is a resort snob) said he would not mind staying at these - he was very surprised how nice they were.

We have stayed at POR and POFQ and we both prefer the French Quarter. So I guess what I am saying is that all the moderates are very nice. Have fun deciding!!

 

[mep319]

POR is our fav moderate...either side is nice...different feels but very nice. We have stayed in all three of the resorts areas...French Quarter, Alligator Bayou and the Mansions and like them all..FQ and AB are our favorite two. I have always said it is the best value out there!

 

[Jordan's MOM]

Would you consider two different resorts? We are big WL fan and after staying there, it would be hard to go back to a value resort.( That's where we started). What about AK or WL for the days you will be at WDW parks, and then staying off site in a lower priced room while you tour Universal and Sea World. Also visit the budget board for ideas as to how to cut other cost so you can spend more on the resort. Check codes and AAA discounts for the resort you want. Hope it come through for you and don't rule out WL, we LOVE it.


Jordan's mom

 

[swilphil]

Since you are used to the deluxe accomodations at AKL, I would suggest the Dolphin. The Dolphin is a deluxe hotel on Disney property, but it's not owned by Disney so it has much better rates. They run discounts and specials all the time. The Dolphin is also in the best location in all of WDW by Epcot and MGM(IMHO), but it is soooo much cheaper than Beach Club and Boardwalk. Another possibility is the Dolphin's sister hotel, the Swan, in the same location, but a smaller and more quiet hotel. Also about $10-$15/night more expensive.

 

[Pig Pen]

I would recommend Coronado. It is a moderate, but is very very nice. The theming is spectacular and the pool area is one of the best. It's fairly easy to get to if you are driving a car and the bus service is great.

 

[PamNC]

I think to get a "big drop" in price from the Animal Kingdom Lodge you'll have to stay at a moderate resort. Try Coronado Springs - it's a beautiful resort with a great pool and a nice full-service restaurant. The location is great.

Did you pay rack rate at AKL? If so...you could get that "big drop" by waiting for a resort only code (there is one starting 1/1 and I think AKL is $109 standard) or buy AP's and reap the benefits of those discounts. Of course, they aren't always available. But, it sounds like you're smart and will be a repeat visitor. If you go twice in a year, an AP is the route to go.

You could really drop the price by staying at a value resort - but I don't think you'll like it after staying at AKL.

PamNC

 

[sdamico71]

When would you like to go. It may be to your advantage to rent points from someone who is a member of DVC. Points are typically rented at $10 per point. You can check how many points you need on the DVC Rent/Trade board. Some members rent for even less, depending on when their points expire.

 

[mike981]

Thank you all for the great information!

FYI, we are talking about next year, right after Thanksgiving like we did this year. We are also open to off prperty resorts.

 

[CheapMom]

If you are willing to stay off-site you will definately save big. I like staying on Dis. property for the convenience factor. Also, I know that the service that I recieve at Disney (even at the All-Stars) will be top notch.
However I have stayed at the Holiday Inn Nikki-Bird. It is soooo cheap and the rooms are comfy. (Separte sleeping area for the kids with bunk beds and fun jungle theme decorations) It is very close to the main gate and shuttles are available. Fridge in room,(buy some groceries to save), free breakfast I think.
All that said, you may want to add the cost of a rental car and if you opt to drive to the parks you will have to pay for parking...
Note, this is not a fancy hotel but it is just fine, with a heated outdoor pool... You definately will miss the "magic" factor that Disney resorts offer in abundance.
Good luck and have a ball!