Would you pay 500.00 to upgrade to AKL

[Luv2trav]

We are currently staying at POR next week. We have 2 rooms for 3 adults and 2 children. We are thinking about upgrading to AKL for additional 500.00. Would you do it? We have the money but I can't help think it would be nice to have the extra cushion for spending money. Our children are 1 and 3 years old.

 

[ballroombelle]

$500 over how many days?

It's so individual, sometimes it's nice to have a more compact resort with younger children. 3 Ad, 2 Ch (small children) spread out over two rooms at POR, you're going to be pretty comfy. I'd do it if that resort was also going to enhance your visit that much more over the span of days you're staying.

And what about a split stay?

 

[Melrosgirl]

Yes, I would!

 

[Crazy Kanga]

I would not. We have been to all levels of resorts, and we personally feel the money is better spent on food, souvenirs, ets. instead of a more expensive resort because we spend way more time in the parks. I think you would like AKL, don't get me wrong, but for that much money it just wasn't worth it to us. I would visit there for a meal at Boma and check out the resort, and if you really like it stay there next time. Just my 2 cents worth, everyone has different taste.

Have a Magical Day!

 

[jl3614]

I'll assume you are staying 6, 7, or 8 nights, and you would be trading 2 rooms at POR for 2 standard view rooms at AKL. In my opinion, it is probably a good option. By my math - $500 split over two rooms for 7 nights is only $35/room/night. And you would have the possibility of being upgraded to a pool or savanah view.

If you plan on spening every day - all day at the parks, I'd say don't waste your money, stay at POR. Or if you are trading 2 POR rooms for 1 deluxe AKL room - I wouldn't do that - with 3 adults you will want 2 bathrooms, the extra sq ft, and the privacy of the second room.

Otherwise, I'd strongly consider it.

Have fun.

 

[Luv2trav]

5 nights... 2 rooms = about 45.00 more per night per room.

 

[amyup]

I would. With little ones they will like to go back to the hotel and rest/swim. It is also very relaxing for the parents too. When we stayed there it just felt more calming and I was less stressed. I say go for it. Just be warned as they say once you go deluxe its very hard to not do deluxe again.

 

[minkydog]

We have stayed at POR and AKL--in fact we just got back last night for AKL. With young kids who will undoubtably need naps I would recommend AKL. It is quiet and calm, the animals are interesting, the pool is very nice. With older kids I might not do AKL, as they would want to be in the thick of things all the time.

BTW--we had a standard reservation and were upgraded to a pool view--very nice. +

 

[Samsma]

Yes, Yes, Yes, AKL is awesome! Something really special and nowhere else like it.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Plus you'd have queen sized beds at AKL instead of the doubles at POR.

 

[racheltyler]

Of all places to spend the extra $, AKL is truly an attraction in itself. I agree with what the other person said, if you're going to stay at the resort on off days from the parks, it is definitely worth the extra $. This is such a deluxe property and you will find this out right away - the rooms are beautiful, interior hallways with viewing areas, and the best part is of course, the animals. My kids couldn't get enough of watching them. The pool is so great also with the zero entry. We got so addicted to Boma while there and Mara was very good also. Having a balcony is very relaxing, no matter what the view. When our kids went to bed at night, my DH went and got us drinks to sit on balcony. Balconies are very large and they had piped in music we heard from the pool area. Very enjoyable! Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[lazarru]

We did AKL when kids were 1 &3, the 1yr old was a bit too young to get much out of it, but the 3 yr old he totally loved being able to see the animals anytime we wanted to. There's nothing like the joy of them running around pointing to animal after animal. I think it's well worth it if you can afford it.

 

[Carrieberry]

I would rather have the $$ for other stuff the kids will really enjoy like character meals, souviners etc. AKL is nice (it was not our type of place-we like the lighter beachy type places like BC,BW, OKW, and the moderates like POFQ and POR-we also did not care for The Poly) but I think with kids the ages you are talking about it would be better to be more centrally located on property like POR is for afternoon breaks. The food court is a great thing to have as well and offers many more choices than The Mara. I would save the money and POR is lovely!

 

[Little MerGirl]

We upgraded from Coronado Springs to AKL in Feb '03 for only $210 ($30 more a night). I regreted the decision. AKL was nice, but not worth the money.

Personally, I love POR. The resort is peaceful, has a great pool, boat service to DTD, and best of all -Boatwright's!

I would save my money for other things.

Whatever you decide, have a great trip.

 

[webray]

We definately would. We have stayed at all the disney resorts, with and without children. We dislike the moderates resorts the most. We will stay in a value before we stay in a moderate. Our favorite deluxe is AKL and we would stay there in a heartbeat..especially with children.

The pool area, the childrens playground area, the animals..all wonderful.
Also, the restaurants..excellent. You really never have to leave the resort..so relaxing.

 

[Luv2trav]

Well we switched. I hope I don't regret it!! As for money for food and souvies... we go once a year and really don't buy souvies that much. The only thing we really buy is a magnet with the year on it... We stayed at the Poly last year and was truly spoiled. I wish we could afford the Poly but we are getting 2 rooms at AKL cheaper than the price for 1 room at the Poly.

 

[FLORIDAFUNFAMILY]

I think you'll enjoy the AKL , with small kids you'll enjoy the deluxe.

 

[racheltyler]

I don't know how you won't fall in love with the AKL. Before we went, some people compared the AKL feeling to a mix between the WL and Poly. I agree after staying there - it's rustic feeling b/c of animals but exotic in the decor feeling like the Poly. If you have any questions at all, I'd be happy to answer them. I think you mentioned you'll have pool views. We had a pool view which we loved - it was beautiful looking at the pool in the am and pm and then it gave us something to do to go exploring for the animals. Our room was on 3rd fl lobby level which was awesome - it was down the steps or close to elevator right to pool, close to food court, lots of animal lookout areas nearby! I would however stay at AKL no matter where my room was and what the view!! ENJOY!!!

 

[shirleyb]

It's interesting that you posted this, because I currently have POR booked for about $140 a night (hoping for a code!). I just asked DH over the weekend if when codes come out, he would like to upgrade to AKL if we can get it for a good price. He said absolutely, but cheapy that I am, I'm thinking split stay, because I'd really like to check out POR too!

 

[SAWYERMAW1]

I much prefer POR to AKL. AKL is too big and too much walking. We hated the food in the food court also. I would stay put.