AKL vs. Contemp.

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mom2redheadgirl

New Member
Okay guys,
I really need some help. My husband and I are not in agreement on where to stay at WDW. I say AKL and he says Contemporary. First off we will have a 5yo, 3yo and a 10month old when we plan on going in early December (when it is cooler and not busy). We have stayed at the WL and we loved the theming and location. I think AKL would have the same awe factor and since it is not a busy time of year that the transportation will be fine. Also AKL is cheaper than Contemporary. We can't afford the tower view room at the Cont. so he wants to do the wing room instead. I wouldn't consider the AKL with little kids if it wasn't the slowest time of the year. I know we had heard that the WL had bad transportation and when we went we ended up loving it. I don't want to stay there again because i want a new experience. So what do you think? How many stops does the AKL bus make to MK? How long will it take in an off season to make it there? We will be staying 4 night/3days in all. I just want to do the AKL so bad. Can you help me convince my DH to give the transportation a try? Or should I do the extra walking and no theming? Is the Wing view nice?Thanks!
Steph
 
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Pioneer Hall

Pioneer Hall

Well-Known Member
All AKL bus transportation is direct. It makes one stop at the bus stop to pick you up and goes direct to the destination.

I would definately go with AKL over the contemporary. The only real advantage I see with the Contemporary is the location and transportation. Besides those things AKL wins out in everything else. It has a better theme (and excellent surroundings), better pool, and better restaurants. Between those two the obvious choice to me is AKL.
 
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crazydaveh

crazydaveh

Active Member
I too would stay at the AKL.

In my opinion, AKL is better for families. The animals surrounding the resort make it what it is! The building is awesome, but being able to open your blinds and see a giraffe or zebra right out of your room is great!

The pool area is also better, as the pool goes grom 0 feet to 4 (I think) gradually...

There are also more hot tubs at AKL as well!

Don't get me wrong, the Contemp is a great place to stay as well. Nothing like having the monorail right there, but it's the AKL for me for many trips in the future!
 
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crazygirley

crazygirley

New Member
I would choose AKL. It is just such an amazing and wonderfully themed resort. Although I don't know how many animals you will see in December or whether or not you will be able to utilize the pool, but I will talk about them...

...There is nothing quite like waking up to the animals outside of your room every morning. There are always little children looking down from their balcony in awe over the animals. It is really a learning experience for them, especially considering the ages of your children.

... The pool is also great for children that age, too. There is a non-intimidating and fun slide, and a zero-depth entry that kids just love wading and splashing around in. There is also a great playground just off of the pool with views of flamingo and the occasional giraffe.

The food court at AKL is also nice for both kids and adults alike, as is Boma.

But the best part of AKL in my opinion is the wonderful theming. From the colors to the sounds to the smells... it is all wonderful. There really is no resort quite like AKL.
 
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W

wolf29

New Member
I'll chime in here with another vote for AKL, for the reasons already stated. We recently returned from a stay, savannah view, with our two boys 2 & 4. They both loved it, as did we. Much more of an experience than a hotel. Be certain to go to Boma even if you decide to stay at the Contemporary. It will be worth the trip over.
 
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Nicole

Nicole

Well-Known Member
We stayed at the Contemporary last November, and while its not the prettiest of the resorts, it was FANTASTIC to be able to walk to/from the Magic Kindgom! We were in the North Garden Wing with a view overlooking the water. Our room was very big and quiet - except for every night at 10:05 when the Electrical Water Pageant came by.

Any chance you could split your stay? Spend a few days at each of the hotels? That way you can experience the best of both options.
 
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ClemsonTigger

ClemsonTigger

Naturally Grumpy
Another vote for AKL

Yes, I would choose AKL hands down. I've never been particularly fond of Contemporary...its nice, but just a hotel to me. The rooms are somewhat larger...but how much time do you spend in them. Also, my wife is afraid of heights, so the floors with view (and greater appeal) are off limits.

All of the AKL selling points have been well described so I don't need to repeat them. It is wonderful!

The one reason I would suggest Contemporary is the ages of your kids, but you understand that and have it figured with the time of year, and I agree it shouldn't be much of a problem. Those mid-day breaks are lifesavers for little ones and sanity.
 
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vilegirl

vilegirl

New Member
Definitely AKL! It's amazing. I often sit back and think about my stay there and smile. It really is amazing to look outside and see this big giraffe just strolling around. I'm also a big fan of WL - which is why I was keen to give AKL a try and it didn't disappoint. The Contemporary is fun, but like others have said...it is more of just a hotel. Whereas, AKL is an experience! I mean, how often can you stay somewhere like AKL? And I'm sure all the animals will keep your children well entertained.:lol:

As for the bus service - I was very impressed! I have not a single complaint.

The restaurants are great. I will say that the Contemporary has Chef Mickeys which is great, but you can always eat there regardless of where you stay. And the restaurants at AKL, Boma and Jiko, are not to be missed!

Good luck talking your husband into AKL!:)

-Linda
 
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AkiraRaptor

AkiraRaptor

Meega, nala kwishta!
I've stayed in the Garden Wings at Contemporary, and this year will be our 4th visit to AKL. AKL is the better of the two.

For all the reasons in the above posts...food, animals, theaming, pool, and the list goes on...

As for you time on the bus question, here are the approx times that was given to us by one of our CM members...

AKL -> DAK - 5 mins
AKL -> Epcot - 9 mins
AKL -> Studios - 8 mins
AKL -> MK - 13 mins


Have fun!
 
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M

M:SpilotISTC12

Well-Known Member
contemporary

i would pick the contemporary because you can see mk and watch the fireworks from your room and at the akl your in the middle of no mans land. at the comtemporary there is more do than just look at animals. dont get me wrong the akl is nice but i would go with the contemporary. if your a big pin fan the contemporary is your resort. remeber pin nite is every friday nite.
 
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BRER STITCH

BRER STITCH

Well-Known Member
Another vote for AKL!!!

Just be sure to take the time to do all the "kids" stuff while there, including going out to see the animal exhibits, catching story hour around the fire at night, using the pool, the kids club, etc.

It would be a shame to stay there and not get out to walk around the grounds and see the animals up close!

HAVE FUN!

:sohappy:
 
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barnum42

barnum42

New Member
Originally posted by BRER STITCH
Just be sure to take the time to do all the "kids" stuff while there, including going out to see the animal exhibits, catching story hour around the fire at night, using the pool, the kids club, etc.
Click to expand...
I'm no kid, but I caught story time when walking off a superb meal at Boma. The chap who did this was exellent and had the adults as tied up in the tale as the kids. He worked so well involving the children - I'm not a fan of kids, but this was fun to watch.
 
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all41

all41

New Member
Contemporary is the way to go.
With kids that age, you want to be close to the Magic Kingdom. You have monorail access to great hotels and Epcot. Staying on the monorail is worth it for a family of your type.

AKL is too far away. They'll get bored on the bus and waiting for the bus.

I found the Contemporary rooms (wings) larger than the AKL rooms. AKL has a better theme but it isn't enough to trump the proximity to the Magic Kingdom.
 
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all41

all41

New Member
Good decision. You can decide for yourself.

Ask whichever resort is your first stop about transferring your bags for you. I haven't done it but I am told that they will transfer your bags for you between Disney resorts.

Hope you have fun and you'll see that Contemporary is best for your family!
 
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