What a shocker!! Second guessing my resort choice...

[Mousemommy1]

Ok, I have been going back & forth in my mind about this...help me talk it out...

We have a trip coming up in April in which I had originally booked the following:
2 nights AoA (Nemo Suite)
4 nights on Disney Dream
2 nights AKL CL

However, I changed AKL CL to GF when we got the letter regarding the construction, that includes the CL Lounge that may or may not be going on while we are there. I changed to GF because we've been through that before. We stayed at BC during a lounge refurb and didn't love it.

My only hesitation is that we booked AKL as our last chance to stay there before our youngest turns 3 and our family will be "too big" to stay in a standard room there. I really want to knock it off the list...and it's only 2 nights...

Would you just switch back or keep GF? (Travel party is DH and I, and our 3 kids - ages 11, 9 and 1) We visit every year for background.

WWYD?

 

[Octoberbaby]

Our family really enjoys the AKL. What kind of construction is it? I haven't heard about the construction, so depending on what it is, that could change my thoughts for your situation.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

How critical is staying Club Level to your potential enjoyment?

The construction is going to be on the Club Lounge if I recall rightly, so if you were in a normal room, it wouldn't impact you.

 

[minnie mum]

CL services will still be available; they will just move the lounge to a different location while the refurb is going on. I love AK enough to switch back.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

They will be temporarily moving the CL lounge, so you will still get the amenity, just in a different space. I agree with the PP, if you don't care about CL or can live with it in another space, switch back to AKL. If it's your last chance, I would do it. It is my understanding that this is a soft-goods refurb in DVC (5th and 6th floor) and CL only, so chances are, if you are on the 3rd floor or lower, you won't even know it's going on.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I should clarify that when we stayed BC CL, the lounge was moved to another location. Yes, we got the services, but IMO, it was not up to par with our previous CL stays. I can elaborate on that if needed. So, I am not quick to jump on a temporary CL lounge.

If I am staying AKL, I am getting savannah view, and with the price differential to upgrade to CL, there is no way that I wouldn't do it in that situation.

 

[2Pirates2Princesses]

I can't offer my perspective based on experience because we haven't stayed at a deluxe resort or club level, but I can definitely relate to wanting to try something before family size rules it out completely. We have gone back and forth about giving AOA a try because the resort looks so whimsical and this is our last year to be able to fit in a family suite as a family of 7 since our youngest is 2. I've talked myself out of it almost as much as I've talked myself into it. I know my concerns are valid but I dislike the thought of having to deal with regret. Since this is only for two nights and this may be your last chance, do you think you would regret staying there with lower par CL services more than regretting not staying there at all while you had the chance? We never stayed at AKL but we did have a chance to visit there on our last trip and it is a gorgeous place. If we didn't need two rooms we'd be there.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I should clarify that when we stayed BC CL, the lounge was moved to another location. Yes, we got the services, but IMO, it was not up to par with our previous CL stays. I can elaborate on that if needed. So, I am not quick to jump on a temporary CL lounge.

If I am staying AKL, I am getting savannah view, and with the price differential to upgrade to CL, there is no way that I wouldn't do it in that situation.

Absolutely! Given the cost differential between regular savannah and CL, CL, IMHO, is the way to go. Could you just book it and try to convince yourself that the CL is bonus, since it's not in an ideal location for your trip? I guess I'm just totally for you trying it out! We've stayed there twice and, particularly for pre-, post-cruise trips (if you aren't doing a lot of park touring) it's such a great resort.

 

[The Sasquatch]

I would change aoa to ak and keep gflo so you can do both

 

[Mousemommy1]

I would change aoa to ak and keep gflo so you can do both

Nope, the kids hands down want to try AoA.

 

[Wood Nymph]

However, I changed AKL CL to GF when we got the letter regarding the construction, that includes the CL Lounge that may or may not be going on while we are there. I changed to GF because we've been through that before. We stayed at BC during a lounge refurb and didn't love it.

My only hesitation is that we booked AKL as our last chance to stay there before our youngest turns 3 and our family will be "too big" to stay in a standard room there. I really want to knock it off the list...and it's only 2 nights...

I can understand your hesitation in staying at a resort that may be moving the lounge to a temporary location. We ended up in the temporary WL CL lounge and I was super disappointed. We hadn't been warned ahead of time.

But, as you said, it is only two nights.

 

[Sue M]

Since you've been thru it before at BC, I'd avoid disappointment and stick with GF. I love GF!!

 

[100acreHiker]

Nothing compares to GF (at least in my book)! I can see the draw to AKL, and understand your situation, but you will not be disappointed while you enjoy your time at GF.

 

[DisneyFansInLINY]

I personally would stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I prefer it over Grand Floridian. The GF is beautiful and elegant but AKL is unique and relaxing with wonderful resort activities. Plus you get to see animals!

But if construction bothers you that much you could always try these options to stay at Animal Kingdom:

1) Book another trip just to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge before your little one turns 3
2) This may or may not work, you would have to find out. Make your next trip during your little one's 3rd birthday. I believe there is a policy that if a child turns 3 during their trip, they are still counted as being 2 years old as long as they were 2 when their trip began. I know this is for tickets but might be the same for the hotel room.

 

[disny_luvr]

I'd probably stick with AKL
only because it may be the last time (at least for awhile) that you can stay there before your little one turns 3.

 

[Mousemommy1]

I personally would stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge. I prefer it over Grand Floridian. The GF is beautiful and elegant but AKL is unique and relaxing with wonderful resort activities. Plus you get to see animals!

But if construction bothers you that much you could always try these options to stay at Animal Kingdom:

1) Book another trip just to stay at Animal Kingdom Lodge before your little one turns 3
2) This may or may not work, you would have to find out. Make your next trip during your little one's 3rd birthday. I believe there is a policy that if a child turns 3 during their trip, they are still counted as being 2 years old as long as they were 2 when their trip began. I know this is for tickets but might be the same for the hotel room.

Yeah, the thing is that next years trip will be August 2017 at the Poly (no doubt) and DS will already be over 2.5 yrs old...by the time we go on a 2018 trip, he will be 3 (January birthday)...Like literally, last chance....Ugh! Don't know what to do!

 

[prgal0715]

Wow - that is a tough decision!! I know for me personally, the construction is a major turn-off. [Exhibit A: I left WL this summer after just one night thanks to "unscheduled construction" happening on my balcony. Literally, on my balcony!] Also, the lounge at AKL is huge and I'm not sure how I would feel about it in a smaller space. I would probably stick with GF rather than risk a disappointing experience.

 

[pas130]

Ok, first of all... second...
Here is my two cents, I've stayed in both AKL CL and GF (but never non-CL). Resort wise, AKL is amazing. So is GF, but seriously there are animals!! Room wise, we stayed in a suite so it's tough to say but I imagine the room size is like WL. Do you really want to a crib, stroller, etc. in there? For two days you can live without CL IMO. Stick with GF, you and I are so much alike. Construction is a big negative for us. My vote GF!

 

[pigletgirl]

AKL. What a peaceful place to stay after a cruise!

 

[Mousemommy1]

Ok, first of all... second...
Here is my two cents, I've stayed in both AKL CL and GF (but never non-CL). Resort wise, AKL is amazing. So is GF, but seriously there are animals!! Room wise, we stayed in a suite so it's tough to say but I imagine the room size is like WL. Do you really want to a crib, stroller, etc. in there? For two days you can live without CL IMO. Stick with GF, you and I are so much alike. Construction is a big negative for us. My vote GF!

Don't think I didn't notice your ticker change......

Yeah, I REALLY don't want construction....DH was saying maybe we will do AKL in a few years, just a me & him trip. And DD9 says she wants GF....because "it's fancy"....I think I will stick with GF!