Where to stay 1 nt before checking in at AKL?

[pandapants]

We'll be arriving at the airport around 6pm on 3/28/05 and need a place to stay 1 night before checking in at AKL. We'll be renting a car. Don't want to spend a lot since we won't be there very long. We have two children ages 9 and 6. Should I be looking at a Value resort or a place off Disney property? Either would work, but preferably one close to Disney. I would appreciate some specific recommendations and approximate prices. I have AAA and an AP (not sure if those will help this late in the game....). Thanks.

 

[madalex]

Stay at a Value resort. That way you can start enjoying the Disney magic a little bit sooner than if you were to stay offsite. Either way, you will love AKL!

 

[beccasmom]

I'm a big proponent of staying on-site and would recommend one of the All-Star resorts or POP. Any of them would be more than adequate for you. Then, if you chose to, you could ask bell services to transfer your luggage to AKL for you (you'd still need to check in). I believe in starting the Disney Experience as soon as possible!

 

[PrincessCandaceMarie]

POP rocks!

 

[dennisnlisab96]

We are arriving @ 6:00 pm on 3/2...we are staying at POP for the first night before we check in to AKL. Our kids (8, 5, 3, 2) LOVED Pop the last time we were there.

 

[webray]

We just stayed at as sports before starting our AKL stay..works out great, as the all stars is also consered an animal kingdom resort. It is the closest to AKL and makes it very easy to pop over the next morning and check in.

 

[benedicttw]

Several times in the past we have stayed at a hotel right outside the airport. hotels there include: Hampton Inn, Fairfield, Hawthorn Suites. If you stay there do not use the Embassy Suites, it is old and needs work.

 

[sters]

Stay at a value and let Disney transfer your luggage.

 

[prince of thieves]

We just stayed at as sports before starting our AKL stay..works out great, as the all stars is also consered an animal kingdom resort. It is the closest to AKL and makes it very easy to pop over the next morning and check in.

What they said!

 

[pandapants]

Sounds like POP is the way to go. Now, to see if there is any availability. Thanks again for your responses! I had forgotten about letting Disney transfer our luggage.....really sounds like it works well!

 

[fljelad]

Our TA booked us at the Best Western near the airport for $59/breakfast incl. We land late on a Wednesday and begin our "package" first thing Thursday morning at AKL!!