Originally Posted By 626mom4nick Hi, we went to WDW in July of this year and had such a good time that we are thinking of going back either in the spring or summer of next year. We stayed at POFQ and loved it. I have also stayed at CBR the only other time I have been at Disneyworld and liked that also. I cant afford a high end Deluxe. But I probably could afford a wilderness Lodge or AKL. I am wondering what anyones opinion is, what is better? I love PO and would stay at riverside or fq again. Is it worth it to stay at wilderness or akl instead? I live in CA and wilderness sort of looks like in the pictures like GCH (or should I say GCH looks like wilderness?) I wasn't that impressed with GCH when I stayed there but have heard good things about wilderness. Help any opinions? I am torn between going with what I already love and trying something new. Thanks.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Very quickly...I love both the Grand Californian, as well as AKL, and Wilderness Lodge, but I like the Grand Californian the most out of those. Therefore you may be better off with a moderate.
Originally Posted By 626mom4nick Ok let me open this up further if somehow I could afford a higher deluxe does anyone have recommendations for that also? I have one 6 year old and one soon to be 8 year old, both boys. We will probably spend more time at epcot and AK then MK. PS the reason I wasn't thrilled with GCH, It was beautiful. I just felt for the extra price the service wasn't as good as PPH or DH for those of you familiar with the DL resorts. It really didn't have anything to do with the amenities. If I have the money I dont mind paying, I just expect the experience to be better rather than worse if I pay more.Especially since I could drive to dl for the day so if I pay to stay its a treat for me.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss <<I just felt for the extra price the service wasn't as good as PPH or DH>> Service is one of those things that generally can't be quantified; you'll find differing opinions on which have good or bad service. I personally have had great service at the GCH, so as always YMMV.
Originally Posted By 626mom4nick I agree trekkeruss, It can be a bad cm or a bad week. It wasn't really bad service at the gch, it was just exceptional service for less than half the price at the pph. I was wondering for people who do both deluxe and moderate do they think the deluxe is worth the differance and why?
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo I have had far better service at the GCH than any of the hotels at WDW or DLP, therefore either set your expectations a little lower or stay moderate. The deluxes offer more themes, room service, closer to the parks, and greater number of dining options. That is the main difference.
Originally Posted By smeeeko I have stayed at both Wilderness Lodge and AKL the similarity between these & the GCH is the architect, but the experiences are ALL DIFFERENT. =) Wilderness Lodge has much better theming and there is so MUCH to do when staying there. You have the advantage of being near the lake so you can either bus or ferry over to MK, plus there's the advantage of the path to Ft Wilderness where there's tennis courts, hayrides, campfire program (think hotdog roasting, marshmallows around a pit and Chip N dale singalong, as well a feature disney movie under the stars). AKL is my favorite resort. If you get a Savana view room (vs. parking lot view! don't do that) you can sit out on your balcony and view many of animals there. There's so much theming and the restaurnats are amazing (I love Boma for breakfast or dinner.. the Mara which is a the fast service has some items in its market that you can purchse like the Zebra Domes they serve in Boma for dinner) as well sit and relax and watch cartoons (with or without the kids) It's also near the pool, arcade & spa.. You can spend several days AKL just wandering the halls enjoying the museum quality pieces they have displayed in the "forks" of the hallways... If you stay concierge, they may still have the "sunrise safari" feature (I'd check on that before going!) if you are staying there before certain nights. AKL was very welcoming (as most the resorts at WDW are) but I really felt almost like I was on a 2nd honeymoon staying there the first few days of our trip a couple years back. Oth: I liked our room at Wilderness Lodge as it was very cozy and I liked sitting on the balcony just out of view of the DVC Villas having breakfast. =) Either way you go you'll be very happy. =) Having stayed at PP a few times before I would MUCH RATHER stay at a WDW resort as I felt much more welcomed at even Pop Century.. (which is now my fave value resort). I loved DxL (Port Orleans Riverside) as well, but you'll notice the difference between staying there and AKL or Wilderness Lodge almost immediately. =)
Originally Posted By sun-n-fun We just got back from CBR adn loved it there. We do eat at Boma at AKL and this time also walked around the resort. Althoughg we love the animals and the views, we were a little disappointed in the looks of the pool. Maybe we missed somethins, but it was just a big pool. CBR's pool was fun for the kids. Just something to think about, I've never actually stayed at AKL. Good luck with the choice. Let us know what you decide.
Originally Posted By smeeeko ^never swam at CBR when we stayed there but the AKL pool is nice.. It's got a zero entry which is nice for people with bad joints and the like. I prefer the quieter pool time though so don't do a lot of swimming at the parks anymore (the pools were down at ASMo when we stayed there in Dec). Port Orleans has quiet pools which is nice plus to being a Moderate.
Originally Posted By trekkeruss If there was ever an excuse to stay at a Deluxe because of the pool it's at the Yacht and Beach Club.
Originally Posted By beamerdog I absolutely agree with trekkeruss. Your kids will never want to leave the pool: sand on the bottom, winding waterways, incredible ship/slide, whirlpools, etc. You can also walk to Epcot and the Studios. There is also a quiet pool. But AKL is great, too.
Originally Posted By markymouse I was all set to recommend AKL because your boys would no doubt love looking out over the African animals ... for about three minutes ... then they'll want to know what you're doing next. If they're anything like our boys. So I'd recommend the Wilderness Lodge or Fort Wilderness for the number of activities. Or any place with a good pool - others have more informed opinions on that than I do. If you have a hotel you've liked, there's a lot to be said for returning to an old favorite/known quantity.
Originally Posted By markymouse Oh, and AKL might not be reopened depending on when in the spring you're going.
Originally Posted By 626mom4nick Thanks guys. It looks like we might have to wait until 2009 But That will just give me more time to plan I really love the idea of the Beach Club. We love Epcot and the studios so walking there is a plus. I also like the info I have heard about wildnerness lodge and akl. So we will see what the budget allows. Thanks for everyone's great ideas
