We have stayed at the AKL, didn't like the atmosphere or isolation from the rest of the world. We began our Disney vacation at the Contemporary back in 1977, had many stays there, always north garden wing. Been once to the GF, not to our liking either. Y&B Club are great resorts, great pool especially if you play in EPCOT and the Studios alot. We're MK people and like the lakes in that area. We have stayed at the Poly a few times too but it just about out priced itself for our liking, same with the CR. We get the biggest bang for our bucks by staying at WL, great atmosphere, themeing and pool area. Its right on the lakes, boat ride to MK, FW and CR. We can get to the monorail via a boat to CR, we do spend time in FW, buffets and pizza, we enjoy the EWP just about every night and all for the good price, can't beat it.
Everyone has their reasons and favorites, but the last 5 trips to WDW, we've stayed at WL for 200 bucks more or less and have never regretted our stays, buses are no problem, they come at the same intervals as all the other resorts, the boat to the MK is a nice, refreshing ride and so is the one over to FW. Trail's End and Crockett's Tavern have some of the best buffet, american cuisine, and the pizza and pitchers of beer at night are refreshing, plus this area is about vacant of people other than guests going to the HDDR, its our excape from WDW reality place.
