Is AKL The Best Deluxe For Value.?

[Ariel484]

AKL by a mile. The atmosphere there is like nowhere else, and like you said, great restaurants (Jiko and Sanaa...). As far as your counter service option The Mara has some unique dishes and you can buy ZEBRA DOMES there.

Yes, you're entirely dependent on the buses, but a big difference between PORS and AKL is that AKL doesn't share its buses. There's a Jambo stop and a Kidani stop and then you're on your way.

I agree with a PP, if you're on the fence maybe try out a split stay. If it were me I'd go with AKL.

 

[DVC4bestvacations]

....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!......

The lack of a food court at AKL (& WL for that matter) is a big downside. If you love your food court Hatter it's something to consider.

 

[Gabe1]

As you know I have a love affair with POR. Even with all the deluxe resorts I've tried my heart is still at POR for that being home feeling. One summer POR was overbooked and we received a free upgrade to AKL for our first stay there shortly after the resort opened. We could not pass the free upgrade. We enjoyed AKL and my best comment is there isn't a better QS venue and I love the pool, the whirlpool is just OK.

What we didn't like is the distance from everything and even the bus service to AK park was long. I didn't like the amount of non resort guests all over the resort from breakfast till late evening, something you don't see happening at POR for the most part. Other than the balcony the room was almost the same as a room at POR, for a deluxe that was disappointing. The bathroom area did not function as well as POR as the sink area is small and there isn't a curtain area for us to separate while dressing. That little area at POR helped us through the years and there was plenty of elbow room for two people to use two sinks at same time. AKL was also difficult to sit down and have a meal at in the morning. So unless you have ADR's the chances of enjoying a meal there isn't good.

I found the pool view to be better than than animal rooms. But that is just me. I can only look at critters so long and I don't find looking out at the dirt all that pretty so I favor the pool view. As creative as AKL is I find the Mansions, their lawns and theming around the grounds to be far prettier than AKL. But I have to say we did enjoy AKL when we have stayed there. If I were in your shoes I'd grab the chance. Me, the best value for a Deluxe is Wilderness Lodge.

I obviously missed something. If I am being too personal just disregard this...why is this your last trip to the World?

 

[DisneyJunkie]

OR.....stay at the WL and maybe make arrangements to eat over at the AKL once or twice during your stay. I can say they have a very good breakfast buffet. Of course, it may take a little while to get there. The one time we ate, we didn't realize there were two different bus stops to go through to get to the main building.

 

[real mad hatter]

OR.....stay at the WL and maybe make arrangements to eat over at the AKL once or twice during your stay. I can say they have a very good breakfast buffet. Of course, it may take a little while to get there. The one time we ate, we didn't realize there were two different bus stops to go through to get to the main building.

Ok..Unfortunately WL is a lot dearer than AKL..And I mean lots more..$$$$$$$....

 

[real mad hatter]

The lack of a food court at AKL (& WL for that matter) is a big downside. If you love your food court Hatter it's something to consider.

To be honest.With Mara..Sanaa..Boma..and Jiko on site....A food court absence wouldn't bother me...

 

[real mad hatter]

As you know I have a love affair with POR. Even with all the deluxe resorts I've tried my heart is still at POR for that being home feeling. One summer POR was overbooked and we received a free upgrade to AKL for our first stay there shortly after the resort opened. We could not pass the free upgrade. We enjoyed AKL and my best comment is there isn't a better QS venue and I love the pool, the whirlpool is just OK.

What we didn't like is the distance from everything and even the bus service to AK park was long. I didn't like the amount of non resort guests all over the resort from breakfast till late evening, something you don't see happening at POR for the most part. Other than the balcony the room was almost the same as a room at POR, for a deluxe that was disappointing. The bathroom area did not function as well as POR as the sink area is small and there isn't a curtain area for us to separate while dressing. That little area at POR helped us through the years and there was plenty of elbow room for two people to use two sinks at same time. AKL was also difficult to sit down and have a meal at in the morning. So unless you have ADR's the chances of enjoying a meal there isn't good.

I found the pool view to be better than than animal rooms. But that is just me. I can only look at critters so long and I don't find looking out at the dirt all that pretty so I favor the pool view. As creative as AKL is I find the Mansions, their lawns and theming around the grounds to be far prettier than AKL. But I have to say we did enjoy AKL when we have stayed there. If I were in your shoes I'd grab the chance. Me, the best value for a Deluxe is Wilderness Lodge.

I obviously missed something. If I am being too personal just disregard this...why is this your last trip to the World?

Wow....I've read your response twice...How did you distinguish non resort guests from resort guests.?...I'am sure the room size is 344 sq metre at AKL compared to 314 at PORS...I'am a curious Hatter..LOL..OH..Why is it my last visit???.....

 

[epcotisbest]

To be honest.With Mara..Sanaa..Boma..and Jiko on site....A food court absence wouldn't bother me...

OK, I am just gonna give you my opinion, do with it what you will. AKL and VAKL are both beautiful places....like has been said before, there are lots of good food choices there. Kidani and Jambo both have excellent pools. The atmosphere is nice at both.
For Deluxe we have done VWL, BW, BC, OKW, SSR, BLT, GF, BLT and have done several moderates and values as well. We have never been dissappointed with any of the choices. Some were better than others but we don't have one we go to that really makes us feel "home." It is more the feel and adventure of trying something different. I say if POR makes you happy, you deserve to be happy. Trying new places makes us happier than doing repeats, though we did repeat VWL because we liked it a whole lot and did not regret the repeat. If today I had a choice between AKL and WL, I would take AKL, because of the excitement of having not stayed there.
Others feel the excitement of something new does not outweigh the comfort and tried and true of a favorite place they have already known and loved. Different strokes.
Another consideration of course is the money difference. If there is a big money difference, it might be a factor. If the money is close, then for me money would not weigh so heavily in making the choice.
So, would I take AKL over WL...yes because I have been to WL and not AKL and like to try different places. If for me it came down to WL or BLT I would take WL again because I have been to both and liked WL better. If it came down to money, I would take whatever I could afford at the time, say a prayer for being able to afford what I could get....and be happy where ever I was able to wind up at.
If you really want to do it up right, rent a car, stay over at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes and drive over to WDW. I have done that as well. JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton service and cleanliness make anything at WDW seem like a Motel 6...but hey, they will leave the light on for you.
I got long winded about options....bottom line, please do what makes you happy. If you have to be in the bubble and you know you like POR and will miss POR if you stay at AKL, then stay at POR, count your blessings you are there and enjoy it as you already know you will. Have a fantastic trip at place you love and don't give a second thought to "Well what if we had stayed at AKL?" Might you have enjoyed it more...sure...but you might be over at AKL saying..."Wish we had went with POR instead."

 

[SagamoreBeach]

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?

Look at it this way...you're still at WDW! Whats a few minutes spent waiting for a WDW bus ride that will be taking you to more emjoyment? I have never found the time spent waiting or riding the busses to be a problem.

 

[DisneyJunkie]

Ok..Unfortunately WL is a lot dearer than AKL..And I mean lots more..$$$$$$$....

Not sure what you mean by that. WL is pretty much always LESS $$$ than AKL.

 

[Gabe1]

Wow....I've read your response twice...How did you distinguish non resort guests from resort guests.?...I'am sure the room size is 344 sq metre at AKL compared to 314 at PORS...I'am a curious Hatter..LOL..OH..Why is it my last visit???.....

It isn't hard to tell the non AKL Resort Guest from visitors. You're at the pool, people waiting for Boma ressies wandering around the pool stopping between you and the pool. Stopping and sitting in the chairs around the pool and hanging out, you can tell by what they carrying around for the day. Most resort guests around the pool or in the animal areas that are from the resort don't carry all this stuff if they are a hop from their room. I also found this too at the Contemporary when we've stayed there. It is that sharing your resort with day guests. I didn't find that that much at Wilderness Lodge or POR. I didn't find it so much at the Poly other than at the GCH, not that many day guests wander off into the room building areas of the Poly. At AKL and Contemporary I just find the resort more congested with a good volume of Day guests.

And there is wasted dead space that makes up the usable space. You have the entrance/closet area up against the bathroom area. POR & FC have a more open area where you actually use more of the square footage.

These are photo's from All Ears

If you look at the hallway space where the closet is also that is your extra square footage.
The balcony is the real bonus over POR

 

[real mad hatter]

Not sure what you mean by that. WL is pretty much always LESS $$$ than AKL.

Not over here...WL lodge is way more expensive than AKL..That's with every package company...And Disney..also Complete Orlando..In fact I've yet to find it cheaper with any UK company..

 

[real mad hatter]

OK, I am just gonna give you my opinion, do with it what you will. AKL and VAKL are both beautiful places....like has been said before, there are lots of good food choices there. Kidani and Jambo both have excellent pools. The atmosphere is nice at both.
For Deluxe we have done VWL, BW, BC, OKW, SSR, BLT, GF, BLT and have done several moderates and values as well. We have never been dissappointed with any of the choices. Some were better than others but we don't have one we go to that really makes us feel "home." It is more the feel and adventure of trying something different. I say if POR makes you happy, you deserve to be happy. Trying new places makes us happier than doing repeats, though we did repeat VWL because we liked it a whole lot and did not regret the repeat. If today I had a choice between AKL and WL, I would take AKL, because of the excitement of having not stayed there.
Others feel the excitement of something new does not outweigh the comfort and tried and true of a favorite place they have already known and loved. Different strokes.
Another consideration of course is the money difference. If there is a big money difference, it might be a factor. If the money is close, then for me money would not weigh so heavily in making the choice.
So, would I take AKL over WL...yes because I have been to WL and not AKL and like to try different places. If for me it came down to WL or BLT I would take WL again because I have been to both and liked WL better. If it came down to money, I would take whatever I could afford at the time, say a prayer for being able to afford what I could get....and be happy where ever I was able to wind up at.
If you really want to do it up right, rent a car, stay over at the Ritz Carlton Grande Lakes and drive over to WDW. I have done that as well. JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton service and cleanliness make anything at WDW seem like a Motel 6...but hey, they will leave the light on for you.
I got long winded about options....bottom line, please do what makes you happy. If you have to be in the bubble and you know you like POR and will miss POR if you stay at AKL, then stay at POR, count your blessings you are there and enjoy it as you already know you will. Have a fantastic trip at place you love and don't give a second thought to "Well what if we had stayed at AKL?" Might you have enjoyed it more...sure...but you might be over at AKL saying..."Wish we had went with POR instead."

Wow...Well to be honest..Our last three trips have been to PORS..Love...Love..Love it..However since 2015 will be our farewell to WDW..If the price is right,I'am gonna pick AKL..I'll of course visit PORS..Just to toss my dime into the Sassagoula river and make my wish....

 

[Lucky]

AKL by a mile. The atmosphere there is like nowhere else, and like you said, great restaurants (Jiko and Sanaa...). As far as your counter service option The Mara has some unique dishes and you can buy ZEBRA DOMES there.

Yes, you're entirely dependent on the buses, but a big difference between PORS and AKL is that AKL doesn't share its buses. There's a Jambo stop and a Kidani stop and then you're on your way.

I agree. I'm not sure why someone else said there's no food court. The Mara may not have as much variety as the POR food court, but it's basically AKL's food court, and as you say has zebra domes.

If I could stay at AKL for the same price as POR, I wouldn't spend 5 seconds debating it.

 

[real mad hatter]

I agree. I'm not sure why someone else said there's no food court. The Mara may not have as much variety as the POR food court, but it's basically AKL's food court, and as you say has zebra domes.

If I could stay at AKL for the same price as POR, I wouldn't spend 5 seconds debating it.

Thank you for reassuring myself..

 

[epcotisbest]

Wow...Well to be honest..Our last three trips have been to PORS..Love...Love..Love it..However since 2015 will be our farewell to WDW..If the price is right,I'am gonna pick AKL..I'll of course visit PORS..Just to toss my dime into the Sassagoula river and make my wish....

Now I think that is a good choice. Yes, you can always visit PORS. As you know from my earlier TR we like visiting other resorts. I'm probably one of the people in @Gabe1 post that is an obvious day guest.
Having visited and dined at AKL and villas, I can assure you you will like it. Glad you have made a decision. I think it is a good one. I hope you like AKL as well as you like PORS...bet you do. Now you get the excitement of looking forward to a new place...fun.

 

[brokedad]

Wow...Well to be honest..Our last three trips have been to PORS..Love...Love..Love it..However since 2015 will be our farewell to WDW..If the price is right,I'am gonna pick AKL..I'll of course visit PORS..Just to toss my dime into the Sassagoula river and make my wish....

I too also lovePORS, just dont care for the boatworks to eat at, my next trip will be back there or cbr, those are my homes.Have you ever checked out the bonnet creek resorts, I stayed at the wyhdyam and hilton, both are super, just another option.

 

[Gabe1]

Now I think that is a good choice. Yes, you can always visit PORS. As you know from my earlier TR we like visiting other resorts. I'm probably one of the people in @Gabe1 post that is an obvious day guest.
Having visited and dined at AKL and villas, I can assure you you will like it. Glad you have made a decision. I think it is a good one. I hope you like AKL as well as you like PORS...bet you do. Now you get the excitement of looking forward to a new place...fun.

I wholeheartedly agree. That is why we upgraded from POR to AKL the first time, free upgrade how could we say no. Plus the Chakalaka in the African Breakfast plate is out of this world.

You best not have been that day guest group that parked themselves at the pool, group of 10-12 and ruined my chill time at the pool. Stupid kids running around deck to blow off steam. I'm understanding of day guests and restaurants, that is to be expected. The family coming over and sticking their feet in the whirlpool next to my face, sitting on towels while waiting for Boma ressie then leaving their mess, not so much. That is where I envy the resort guests only of the Beach Club.

 

[epcotisbest]

I wholeheartedly agree. That is why we upgraded from POR to AKL the first time, free upgrade how could we say no. Plus the Chakalaka in the African Breakfast plate is out of this world.

You best not have been that day guest group that parked themselves at the pool, group of 10-12 and ruined my chill time at the pool. Stupid kids running around deck to blow off steam. I'm understanding of day guests and restaurants, that is to be expected. The family coming over and sticking their feet in the whirlpool next to my face, sitting on towels while waiting for Boma ressie then leaving their mess, not so much. That is where I envy the resort guests only of the Beach Club.

No, it is just the two of us, no kids running around with us. We go resort hopping a lot and like to try different restaurants and shops at different resorts.

 

[jlsHouston]

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

I am crying with you and yes we are very fortunate to have experienced the dream even once....