Where to stay???

[Momofmack]

This is my first post here, we are just starting to plan our trip! We have 3 children, ages 9, 5 and 2 and are planning a trip in the fall. We are very flexible and can go anytime after Labor day and before Christmas. SO-

When is the best time to go then?

Where is the best place to stay? ( We are conseidering AKL, dd loves everything Lion King.)

What all is included with the concierge service adn is it worth the $$$ ?

Any tips? Like I said, we are just starting and now I'm headed to the budget board!

TIA!

 

[TWOOD]

Welcome to the DIS!
During those months, my favorite time is the first part of Dec. - the holiday decorations are up & the theme parks are full of festivities!
With 3 kids, I'd opt for a large room & great pool, so I recommend YC/BC, or the POLY. AKL & WL are awesome, but the rooms are smaller. However, if you won't be in the room that much... - it's all up to your personal preference & which parks you'll be spending the most time in, etc... www.allearsnet.com has lots of great room pics & menus for each resort. I've never done concierge, so I can't help you there. Hope this helps a little.

 

[laurens mom]

Ditto on the first part of December as the most magical. Usually great weather, very little or no rain, but could be a bit cool if a cold front blows in.

I love the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Just be prepared to use bus service everywhere or rent a car if you like to visit the other resorts (it's too time consuming to use Disney transportation between resorts). The kids will love the animals and the fun pool. You'll love the lodge's wonderful atmosphere. And Jiko and Boma are great places to dine.

The concierge service at the ALK is not quite as extensive as say the Grand Floridian, Poly, Yacht and Beach Club, and Boardwalk Inn (by the way these are other great choices, particulary the GF and the Poly so convienent to the Magic Kingdom as well as Epcot via monorail). The sodas and water don't flow as freely (a lot of times you will need to ask to have them fetch it from the back) and the evening appetizers are not as extensive. But it is a nice place to relax and have the feel of staying in a smaller hotel within a larger complex. You do have the chance when booking a concierge room at the AKL of receiving a pool view which would be a bit of a bummer. Savanna view is always the way to go. To assure a savanna room book either a non-concierge standard or deluxe (a larger room) savanna view room and you can't go wrong.

Hope this helps!

 

[Hollymom1229]

If I'm correct and there are five of you total I would say go for the deluxe room at AKL and skip the concierge. Make sure you get a guaranteed savannah view room since nothing beats this view. As for when to go it depends what aspect of the magic your most interested in. September is great for low crowds, but the weather is still summer like. October is great because of the Halloween party. First week of December is great with low crowds and Christmas decorations along with cooler weather.