Which Resort for 1st Anniversary? AKL or GF?

[chipper10]

Where would you stay for your 1st anniversary? We'll be going Feb. 4-10th. We stayed at the WL for our honeymoon and it was amazing. We know we what to stay at a deluxe and have it narrowed down to these two. But I am open to other hotels though. I want to stay at the GF because it is the GF and it looks so posh. On the other hand I love the look of the AKL. I would also book a Savannah view with the AKL. I think if we go with the GF we would only be able to afford a standard view, nothing special. One thing I am worried about at the AKL is the food choices. I'm a very picky eater -- I don't eat fruits or veggies or most meats, so I know I won't like any kinda different foods.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I think both are excellent choices for an anniversary celebration. They are definitely romantic. I'd probably consider location and theme to be my deciding factors. AKL has a more remote feel and you'd need to rely on Disney transportation or your own car to travel outside that area. They seem to have a nice variety of restaurants available right there though, with fast food counter service, Boma and the more upscale Jiko's. The low lighting, dark wood and overall feel of the resort is nice, not to mention looking out your balcony and seeing all those animals. The GF is also on the remote side, although you are within a monorail ride to 2 other resorts for food and the MK. The lighting and theme is much brighter here, but still soft and romantic. The garden views are just as lovely here as the lagoon views. Don't worry about overlooking a parking lot, or roof top here, it won't happen. You also have the beach here which gives you some more recreation options. You might also want to consider the Boardwalk area if you want a more lively locale. The BC is a casual theme, while the YC has a bit more of an upscale feel to it. The BWI will put you right in the middle of numerous restaurants, shops and entertainment. The proximity to both Epcot and MGM are great. We stayed at the YC this past December and with our park hoppers, we would hop into Epcot just to grab some lunch or a pastry from France. I think it was all of a 5 or 6 minute walk to the back entrance.

Picking a resort is never easy. I'd just make a list of the things you like about each one and go from there.

Tammi

 

[3lilprincesses]

i would definitely pick GF. it is a very romantic resort, regardless of your view. you can watch wishes from the marina, there is a pretty beach, and you are right on the monorail, so if you can't find something to eat at the resort (which shouldn't be a problem!), you can just hop on the monorail and eat at MK, Poly, CR. i think you would love it!!

 

[lillygator]

go with GF (but you can't go wrong either way!)

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

I agree with what Tammi said. I, personally, prefer the theming of the AKL...but at the GF you have the monorail right there to hop on and get to other resorts or MK or Epcot. I am going to stay at AKL again when I just want to soak up the ambiance of the resort and do not care to go too many other places. then again, I am IN LOVE with Boma, Jiko and The Mara. I love exotic food.

The suggestion about the Boardwalk area is also a good one. there are so many activities right outside your doorstep!

good luck and happy anniversary!

 

[tlev]

Why not do a split stay? I am a total Poly addict but my DW wanted to try someplace different. So, we compromised and are doing 4 days at the YC and 4 days at the Poly for our 1st ann.

 

[BunnieGene]

I stayed at the GF for my first anniversary...wish I could stay there for every anniversary. It is sooo romantic, and you could schedule a couples massage at the spa

 

[johnsonet]

I love both and have stayed at both multiple times.
Since you are going in February, I would picl AKL. It is very warm and rich and I think VERY romantic. You could stay at the resort the whole time and have a wonderful time. Plus - it has two hot tubs!! You could have a wonderful dinner at Jiko (you don't eat fruits OR vegetables??) and also enjoy a massage at the Fitness Center.
There is an indoor firepit and an outdoor firepit to enjoy plus lots of wonderful viewing areas from which to enjoy the animals. I love the Sunset Lounge off the Lobby~
ENJOY. You cannot go wrong with either resort.