Is AKL The Best Deluxe For Value.?

[real mad hatter]

Good Morning All...Well I've been busy weighing up the pro's and con's between staying at PORS or paying that wee bit extra and staying at AKL...The more I look at AKL and the upscale free DDP it gets better...I then checked out other deluxe resorts,but the prices really jumped up quite a bit...Here's the thing. I'am trying to convince Mrs Hatter that since this will be our final farewell,we should push the boat out at stay at AKL...She mentioned our visit to check out WL and that awesome lobby and so close to MK..But here's my question to those of you..Would you consider AKL to provide the best value for your buck staying at a deluxe...The pro's I found are number one...It's the cheapest by a long way..number two..It has three amazing places to eat..Jiko...Sanaa..and Boma..It also has a breathtaking lobby entrance which took our breath away...The only con I can think of is that it's way out in its own..So do you think this resort is the best deluxe for value...By the way,I will give you the prices I've been quoted for 14 nights in October 2014. ( not going till oct 2015 but too far away to get prices ) .. PORS comes in at $4905 for three of us including free DDP.( counter service ) ...AKL comes in at $5052 for the three of us including free DDP ( table service )... Your thoughts and views are much appreciated ....

 

[stevehousse]

Honestly, for only being about $150 dollars more, I would go for AKL...do u get the regular dining plan or the deluxe dinin plan staying at AKL? But it's such a beautiful resort with all the animals and sites...including safari stuff that only is available to those who stay there.

 

[coachwnh]

We have stayed at AKL several times and we love it! The resort just has that relaxing feeling. Its great to sit back and watch the animals while having a drink. The lobby is beautiful and it always smells great! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.

 

[LuLaSue]

We are staying in AKL for the first time in January. I was thrilled to package it all up $70 less than staying at a moderate (not including our bump up to Club). The lobby is stunning and we know they they have some of the best restaurants on property. It may be a bit further out, but, really how much time are we talking about? Enjoy, relax...go for it!

 

[real mad hatter]

Honestly, for only being about $150 dollars more, I would go for AKL...do u get the regular dining plan or the deluxe dinin plan staying at AKL? But it's such a beautiful resort with all the animals and sites...including safari stuff that only is available to those who stay there.

Regular DDP..Thank heavens...If it was the deluxe,I would need seats A..B..&..C on the return plane home..LOL.

 

[zurgandfriend]

Any chance of getting WL? The price used to be the same as AKL and IMHO a great resort.

 

[real mad hatter]

Any chance of getting WL? The price used to be the same as AKL and IMHO a great resort.

Way dearer unfortunately.....Talking lots of $$$$$$$$$$$...

 

[HollyAD]

I have found AKL and WL to have pretty decent pricing. I have checked on hotels.com and seen it for $228/night when the Mods are almost that much! Now this is last year I am talking about but I still think it's a deal for a WDW deluxe resort. I would much rather spend a little extra and stay at WL or AKL both are beautiful places. You can also book the Dolphin for a decent deal compared to the other deluxe resorts. The only problem is a resort fee, no DME, and parking fee!

 

[luv]

I think it's the best Deluxe, period. Even with the smaller rooms. It's my favorite of all the WDW hotels.

 

[brokedad]

I think it's the best Deluxe, period. Even with the smaller rooms. It's my favorite of all the WDW hotels.

Spend the extra money for AKL, ate dinner there before and is great.Pors is also great for a mod, but the dining kind of stinks, we ended up eating everywhere else for that stay, but make sure you check out Yea Haw Bob, he is great, he is on fb as bob jackson

 

[rufio]

I think it's the best Deluxe, period. Even with the smaller rooms. It's my favorite of all the WDW hotels.

I agree with this, at least amongst those I've had the chance of visiting. I love AKL!

 

[luv]

If you check the Unofficial Guide for actual drive times, you may find that, overall, the AKL is not so much further away from everything than whatever the other hotel you might be considering is.

 

[real mad hatter]

Spend the extra money for AKL, ate dinner there before and is great.Pors is also great for a mod, but the dining kind of stinks, we ended up eating everywhere else for that stay, but make sure you check out Yea Haw Bob, he is great, he is on fb as bob jackson

....OMG....You don't know me...LOL..For starters I think the food court at PORS is the number 1... As for Yee Haw Bob........Let me out of here!......

 

[rufio]

If you check the Unofficial Guide for actual drive times, you may find that, overall, the AKL is not so much further away from everything than whatever the other hotel you might be considering is.

I did notice this! I was looking at my Passporter to compare Boardwalk and AKL. Obviously BW is closer to Epcot, but other than that the bus times were basically the same. DHS actually isn't any closer to BW either - the boat apparently takes 20 minutes, same with walking.

 

[SagamoreBeach]

AKL all the way! There is a nice room off the lobby with a great view - it reminds of a library - lots of neat exhibits. Love spending some quiet time in there at the end of the night. There are just so many relaxing things to do while staying in this resort. Don't pass up a chance to stay in this amazing place! Did I mention the hot tub?

 

[Much-Pixie-Dust]

Like you, POR was always our "go to" resort, but then we went to AKL and fell in love with it! The atmosphere is simply the best, IMO. This resort is one you could easily spend a couple of days at and not even go to the parks, there's just so much to do and see! Excellent pool side bar too. It is so worth the few extra dollars. I agree with luv, it is the best resort.

 

[jlsHouston]

I did not feel like AKL was so far away from any of the parks when we stayed there...Sure if you stay near a DTD resort it is fairly centrally located, but I have stayed at POP and at CSR those resorts are a distance from the parks too and it's a bus ride away...20 minutes tops usually. AKL buses were always there at the parks, never had a wait and loved the restaurants and the lobby and the pool. For the price difference you were quoted, go deluxe. There is a difference.
SO are you saying AKL will be your LAST trip to WDW ???

 

[DisneyJunkie]

As far as the Deluxe resorts go, we've almost always consistently found the cheaper one (in price, certainly not in quality) to be Wilderness Lodge. AK is a gorgeous resort, but it's too far out for us, as we spend most of our time at MK.

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

We are staying at AKL in February. I am nervous regarding the bus times, but we're willing to give it a shot since it's such a beautiful resort. Between WL and AKL, I don't think anything can take the #1 spot for WL. Since MK is our favorite park, it's definitely a bonus that it's so close. Give AKL a go! Or could you do a split stay?

 

[real mad hatter]

I did not feel like AKL was so far away from any of the parks when we stayed there...Sure if you stay near a DTD resort it is fairly centrally located, but I have stayed at POP and at CSR those resorts are a distance from the parks too and it's a bus ride away...20 minutes tops usually. AKL buses were always there at the parks, never had a wait and loved the restaurants and the lobby and the pool. For the price difference you were quoted, go deluxe. There is a difference.
SO are you saying AKL will be your LAST trip to WDW ???

Looks like it......But hey!.. This will be our 6th trip...I have friends who only dream of going to WDW..