Which Resort to just hang out in?

[Rpsemont]

I'm starting to think about our next trip which hopefully will be later this fall. We gone 5 times before and stayed at Dxl, ASMo, ASMu, CSR and lots of places offsite. This trip I'm thinking of foregoing the theme parks for a couple days and just hanging out. My first thought was WL. Spend a afternoon at FW, maybe ride bikes around, do the campfire thing, hang out at the pool and on the lake, etc. THEN we get a postcard for AKL for $129 for three nights get 4th night free (if we do the preview) That would bring AKL to $96.75! Interestingly, the AKL promo is only available during Peak Season (10/3 - 11/2) and not value season. Regardless of what we do, $150 is my max for a night.
Any thoughts? Or does anyone know, can you do the campfire thing and fort wilderness stuff if you stay offsite?

 

[zachsmom8899]

Out of curiosity, are these rates available to the public, or just by post card?

 

[Josiah Harper]

...hangouts is the Grand Floridian. Just find one of those comfy chairs, do a little people-watching, and enjoy the pianist and jazz band. Then, when approached by a cast member serving drinks, order your favorite cocktail. As far as relaxation is concerned, it doesn't get better than this!

Joe
***"A WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT OUTING" NEW TRAVEL GUIDE***

 

[daannzzz]

As far as I know as long as you are a WDW resort guest you can do the campfire. The best resorts to hang at are the AKL and any Epcot resort IMHO. The rate at the AKL you got is probably a standard room with a parkinglot view but at that price you can't loose. There are lots of places to view the animals and lots of places to sit and a real nice pool.

 

[Eeyore1954]

For just hanging out, I recommend the WL. The rocking chairs are wonderful; I could sit in the lobby and people-watch all day. My 2nd choice would be the GF. The lobby is great to just relax in.

Actually, I think almost any resort has great hang-out-ability!

 

[sharoncity]

AKL, AKL, AKL!!!!!

We were just there 2 weeks ago. The heatwave forced us to slow it down and take more breaks. I can't imagine a better resort for doing that than AKL. There are so many areas to explore, tours given, CMs from Africa willing to just sit and chat with you. Storytelling by the fire pit. (You don't even have to go to FW for a campfire!) There is also a fire burning in the lobby firepit all the time. There are different overlooks to sit in rocking chairs and watch the animals. The pool is wonderful, with a nice easy slide (my mom went down, artificial hip and all!) The music in the public areas just transports you to the African savannah. The only thing I didn't care for at AKL was that it was a somewhat long ride on the bus to certain parks. But if you're just hanging out, that is not a factor. I say go for it. Maybe you'll get some pixie dust at check in and even get upgraded to savannah view at that wonderful rate!

 

[SuiteDisney]

AKL is a great place to hang out. African art work is scattered all around the resort, the animals are gorgeous, the pool is gigantic and there are two hot tubs. There is a tour of the resort at 3:30. There are outside viewing areas with rocking chairs. And there's the firepit, where you can sit in the evening and listen to stories told by CMs from Africa.

You can still do the Fort Wilderness stuff.

Or you could stay at the WL. They have 2 separate tours of the lodge every day, the second tour includes tasting some of the yummy food that they serve at the WL.

My favorite is the AKL and you sure can't beat the price you found.