Which Resort Would You Choose?

[Lexxiefern]

My husband just told me this morning that we are going to Disney World in less than 3 weeks!! (he decided at the last minute to go to a work conference) So I got right on the computer and I booked our airfare and I called CRO and booked the AKL. Now my husband will be at the conference during most of the trip - I don't think I want to go to the parks with my 2 year old DD without him. (maybe a couple times, but not all day everyday) So which hotel do you think DD and I will have the most fun at?
-Animal Kingdom Lodge
-Wilderness Lodge
-Swan / Dolphin
I got rates of $172 for each of these resorts (please let me know if you know of a better rate)

So which would you choose?? Thanks a lot!

 

[daannzzz]

I think the AKL is a great place to be. You can watch the animals from your room or numerous other viewing areas.
The pool also has the zero depth entery which is nice for the little one.
At the Swan and Dolphin you would have all the other Epcot resorts to visit, not that that would excite the kid but it would give you a place to go walking or ride the boats around.

 

[JulesMom]

I think you'll have a good time at AKL.

You're DD will love looking at the animals

 

[milmore104]

AKL all the way is my vote. You wil have a great time there! We were there for 16 days in Nov. with our 2yo DD! I was unfortunately sick throughout the whole trip so my Dh had to do a lot with our DD around the hotel while I napped. There is a lot to do there! Her 2 favorites were the pool of course. They have wonderful life jackets for the little ones to wear. she was swimming by herself the whole time! And her other favorite was the nightly story telling around the fire pit! Not to mention seeing all the animals everyday. That actually kept her occupied for a long time. They is a nice playground there as well and they have daily activities for the children. But don't forget to do the cookie decorating at Boma!!!!

 

[jaysue]

That might help tip the balance

Thanks
Jason

 

[Bob NC]

AKL!!!!!

I've stayed at many WDW resorts, and hands down, AKL is the only one where I would be satisfied with just hanging around the resort for lots of 'non-park' time.

 

[jenanderson]

What dates are you traveling? We are going on April 12th and I did not get anywhere near those rates - what was your secret?

Seriously, I would love to know about the rate because we would love to change from PO FQ to a deluxe resort.

I know with all of the research that I have been doing both places are suppose to be wonderful. Good luck with deciding and have a super trip!

 

[Lexxiefern]

The rate we got was for a standard room in all resorts.

I got that rate with an annual pass discount. You had to checkin by April 9th to get that though. The Swan / Dolphin rate I got with my DC discount - but I think it is the same with an AP.

 

[Lexxiefern]

Thanks for all your help so far. Anyone else?

 

[Mackey Mouse]

I usually stay at the Swan or Dolphin...or any of the hotels on the Epcot side.. I love being able to walk around the Boardwalk.. window shop at each hotel...I just prefer to be closer to where the action is and the ability to walk to either MGM or Epcot if I feel like it..... I hate being so far out that I have to rely on the bus system which sometimes can be slow...that is especially been my experience at Wilderness Lodge.. I have not stayed at AKL or WL.. I have visited and eaten at both and have had excellent meals... I just hate being so far away..

 

[jaysue]

This would make a large difference in my advice

Thanks
Jason

 

[A1A1]

I would pick AKL no matter what the view. There are plenty, lots, tons of places and views and vantage points throughout that resort to view animals. The views are both inside and out. Each hallway has glass lookouts at several spots as you walk to or from your room. It's neat, because you get to see the view on both sides of the wing. Stayed here with DD when she was three. It was a magical trip. This is a perfect resort for you two to spend your time together. At the time, it was just DD and me, so we probably experienced some of the same things you will.

This resort is excellent. If you only plan a couple of days without your husband, this is a good choice. The transportation is excellent if you don't have a rental.

Don't miss the kids activities. There is something going on every day at lunch time in Boma. The kids program CM's try to round up the kids from the pool, but just be aware that there are activities, because I don't think they are well publicized. DD made a giant cookie last time we were there. Also colored and made some craft. The pool is perfect for both of you. Your child will enjoy sading in the zero entry.

You will have to eat lunches at Mara. It is the only place that is open for lunch at this resort. It is located off the pool deck. There are many foods to choose from. It's a fast food-type food court. You can buy fresh whole and cut fruit. My dd always liked that. You may want to rent a fridge for $10 per night to keep your child's favorite snacks or milk just in case.

There are tours of the lobby daily. Also, there is story time around the fire pit. There are CM's outside daily that talk about the animals and their care and feeding. The gift shop is my favorite on property. Your child will enjoy all the African instruments that are available for purchase.

This is absolutely one of the best resorts anywhere. You will love it. You certainly get the feeling of being in Africa. The lobby will leave you breathless. The furnishings are very authentic, and set the mood as soon as you walk in.

Have a super trip!

 

[Donald23]

I have never been to th AKL but it looks cool.I have heard that people love it.The Swan/Dolphin pool is excellent for all ages.I really like that hotel!!!!! The rooms at the Swan/Dolphin are very very good.Service and the people are great!!!!!

 

[mm4me]

.

 

[susy]

If you have tickets (and DD is free), I woudl definitely taekher to the parks in the morning. The bus service at AKL is wonderful! One stop , no sharing. The longest ride was 15 minutes to MK. We took break every day there and the transportatin could not be beat! AK is five minutes flat! That would be a great park to take her to.

The pool is great for little ones! There is zero entry, so perfect for moms and kids! The food court is right there, so you can get lunch by the pool and eat at a table outside if you like.

 

[kdibattista]

KEEP AKL!!!! You will definitely have the most fun there!!!!