Value or deluxe? I'm too indecisive :(

[Delphinidae]

I use a TA and my Disney Visa and still get free financing. I would ask about it. And, yes, I still can get trip insurance through my TA.

Since your family hasn't been much, I would definitely try AKL.

Just FYI, you can order kids' meals at CS restaurants for any age. We also ordered kids' meals at TS for my then 10 year old, and we didn't have a problem, too. It is buffet and family style meals that get expensive with kids over 9. If you stick with TS where you order off the menu, you can control things better (share meals, kids' meals, etc.) Sanaa is a TS restaurant at AKL that is great and relatively reasonable. AKL has a CS restaurant, too.

Thank you for the restaurant info. Sharing meals may be a way to go for us. Looking at the MM Fantasmic pkg, that meal would cost us $150 before tip, and we definitely cannot spend that kind of money at every meal, so if we end up doing that one we will have to calm it down for most of the other meals LOL. They want to do Crystal Palace, so those may have to be our big 2, except now I'm remembering that I have been wanting to try Be Our Guest because it wasn't open for my last trip, so we have a lot of saving to do! Are we allowed to bring sandwiches into the parks? I know we've brought snacks before but not sure about all out food. Hubby keep bringing up eating sandwiches but I can't see stopping what we're doing in the middle of the day to go all the way back to the resort to eat and then head back to the parks again. I know a lot of people do that, and if really necessary then we will, but it seems like a time sink to me.

As far as the TA, I know that in the email I got with my quote it said that you could use your Disney Visa to book but that the 6 month interest-free would not apply. I'll ask about insurance.

 

[imthemamahere]

You can bring food into the parks. (I want to say the rule is soft-sided coolers, if you need to keep things chilled. Or bring things that can handle the heat of sitting out in Florida summer weather.)

Easy to bring food for quick breakfasts in the room. I think all hotels have a mini-fridge in each room, so you can keep things fresh there. (I know Animal Kingdom Lodge does!) Also saves time over sit-down meals if you're trying to get to the parks early to maximize your time.

Definitely ask your TA about insurance. It strikes me as odd that a TA wouldn't have that as an option. But you can always get it separate from the TA if you must...

 

[ReluctantDisaholic]

AKL for sure Even with the one free QS a day, you're still looking at paying for most meals no matter which place you stay, and I would prefer the atmosphere and amenities of the deluxe over the All-Stars.

 

[Sue M]

I'd go with AKL! Hands down. It's a beautiful resort, and great pool. You may find yourselves wanting to spend some time there. Pool area is beautiful. In August we always take a mid day pool break.

I never buy the Disney insurance. I find better and cheaper insurance. We also need travel medical since we don't live in the US.

It's def not a longer walk then you'd have in the values. Plus the walk is all inside in air conditioning. And the bus stops are covered so you're not standing outside in the broiling sun or pouring rain.

I always use a TA. I find it easier then when I used yo have to phone Disney myself to book. No longer ng waits on hold, and to make payments it's easy to just send TA a quick email telling her how much.

 

[Juliet25]

I love the deluxe resorts, especially AKL. But if you're the commando type, I would stick with the AS-Sp. OTOH, if you're staying on a "Magical" rate, those are darn good prices (DH and I stayed at WL in August) and might tip the scales in favor of AKL. But the resort is a huge part of my vacation; it's really the most important consideration for our family, tbh. It sounds like it could go either way with yours. You won't be disappointed with AKL, that I can say for sure.

 

[Delphinidae]

Well I pulled the trigger today and booked AKL! Aaaaah! We are "commando" type visitors though in that we like spending the whole day in the parks, so I'm hoping that won't make this a bad decision. The magical deal we got is just too good to pass up, I think. Excited but nervous! Thanks everyone for all your advice!

 

[alliecat523]

You may lose the commando aspect when you see AKL and decide to spend a little more time there.

I think you made a great choice! You're driving too so load up on snacks and carry a reusable water bottle. Fill up with the free ice water at QS locations and/or use the water fountain.

 

[Delphinidae]

The kids may decide that for us once they see the pool! Ha! There is just never enough time to do everything in each park AND at the resorts. I just need to move in there xD We definitely plan on bringing snacks, breakfast food, LOTS of water, and some other food just in case we decide to go back to the room for lunch. Top of the list right now is MISTER FANS since it will be August!

 

[DVCMinnie2532]

The kids may decide that for us once they see the pool! Ha! There is just never enough time to do everything in each park AND at the resorts. I just need to move in there xD We definitely plan on bringing snacks, breakfast food, LOTS of water, and some other food just in case we decide to go back to the room for lunch. Top of the list right now is MISTER FANS since it will be August!

You made a great decision. Have fun planning

 

[loves to dive]

Enjoy, I don't think you will regret it.

 

[cheryllarsen]

Deluxe is worth it if you can afford it!

 

[Sunshine11]

Well I pulled the trigger today and booked AKL! Aaaaah! We are "commando" type visitors though in that we like spending the whole day in the parks, so I'm hoping that won't make this a bad decision. The magical deal we got is just too good to pass up, I think. Excited but nervous! Thanks everyone for all your advice!

Yah! Especially in August at a magical rate, you'll love a deluxe resort!!!