Is the Animal Kingdom Lodge a 'Too' hotel?

[yensid354]

We recently stayed at the AKL and were disappointed in the accomodations and the price/value.

The hotel is a beautiful place, the workman ship and decoration is superb, but I could not help but wonder about the value for the money.

Understand that we've stayed at almost every Disney hotel in our 20+ trips to WDW, Contemporary, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Yacht, Beach, Boardwalk, Caribean Beach, Dixie Landings (Port Orleans Riverside), Port Orleans (Port Orleans French Quarter), Old Key West and All-Star music.

Comparing the AKL, a premium hotel, to the others makes me thing that AKL is a 'too' hotel.

Rooms too small

Rooms too poorly illuminated (you had to go to a stairwell to get enough light to read a book after dark)

Location too remote from most attractions (MK, MGM, EPCOT)

Busses run too infrequently (waited 45 minutes for a bus to AK on our first day)

Price too high for what you receive.

Has anyone else felt this way?

I understand that many people just love the AKL, and I say more power to you, but to me, the value for the price is just not there!

 

[Invero]

Originally posted by disneyprep50321
I was pleased with the busses as well...after staying at Port Orleans: Riverside, we were extremely happy!

Just a side note on Port Orleans...

Some Magic On Demand statistics...

For the past month, busses have been running at 95-97% efficiency. This means that out of the more than 800 busses dispatched in a one week period between 8am-11am, 784 of them came in on time (0-20 min intervals)

 

[Yellow Shoes]

WOW!!

That is very impressive.

My impression from reading forums is that the bus routes are tinkered with continually, is that true?

When we were at Wilderness Lodge last January, the Epcot and MGM buses stopped at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian before the parks. I remember a stop at Contemporary, but it was only once, and I don't remember the details.

Other people have been at WL and reported that the buses stopped at Ft. Wilderness first.

Personally, I don't mind stops at other hotels, because I like to see a little more of them. (Like--who forgot to put a roof over the Polynesian bus stop??) Plus, I'm not driving, so I'm happy.

Disney buses are the best! Nothing is better than being dropped off right at the gate.

 

[Invero]

Originally posted by Yellow Shoes
My impression from reading forums is that the bus routes are tinkered with continually, is that true?

Always lookin to provide better service.

 

[DanStat]

Originally posted by Fantasia Boi
Just a side note on Port Orleans...

Some Magic On Demand statistics...

For the past month, busses have been running at 95-97% efficiency. This means that out of the more than 800 busses dispatched in a one week period between 8am-11am, 784 of them came in on time (0-20 min intervals)

This was back in 2001 when the two resorts had just merged...in fact, I think it was like the first week they merged, because when we booked our trip two weeks prior, they told us we would be staying at "Dixie Landings". Maybe they were just working out kinks...

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Originally posted by Yellow Shoes
WOW!!

That is very impressive.

My impression from reading forums is that the bus routes are tinkered with continually, is that true?

When we were at Wilderness Lodge last January, the Epcot and MGM buses stopped at the Polynesian and Grand Floridian before the parks. I remember a stop at Contemporary, but it was only once, and I don't remember the details.

Other people have been at WL and reported that the buses stopped at Ft. Wilderness first.

Personally, I don't mind stops at other hotels, because I like to see a little more of them. (Like--who forgot to put a roof over the Polynesian bus stop??) Plus, I'm not driving, so I'm happy.

Disney buses are the best! Nothing is better than being dropped off right at the gate.

The Wilderness Lodge bus used to be on a route with the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. That was recently changed. The Wilderness Lodge is now sharing busses with Fort Wilderness. The Polynesian, Contemporary, and Grand Floridian all share a bus.

 

[Invero]

Originally posted by DisneyInsider
The Wilderness Lodge bus used to be on a route with the Polynesian and Grand Floridian. That was recently changed. The Wilderness Lodge is now sharing busses with Fort Wilderness. The Polynesian, Contemporary, and Grand Floridian all share a bus.

Not always the case. For DAK, the routes are
Contemporary & Polynesian
Wilderness Lodge & Grand Floridian
Fort Wilderness Outpost

MOD in the morning is taking simmilar routing. And, I have a feeling DTD may be going similar routes.

 

[Pioneer Hall]

Originally posted by Fantasia Boi
Not always the case. For DAK, the routes are
Contemporary & Polynesian
Wilderness Lodge & Grand Floridian
Fort Wilderness Outpost

MOD in the morning is taking simmilar routing. And, I have a feeling DTD may be going similar routes.

I know you are the expert...but this August I was on a bus to DAK that stopped at the Contemporary, Polynesian, and Grand Floridian. It may have been a one time thing, but that was the case.

 

[Elaine]

AKL

We have stayed at the AKL and a lot of moderates and value resorts...23 trips worth. I LOVED Dixie Landings but the AKL was really special. I didn't notice the size of the room. I was mainly interested in sitting on my balcony and animal watching. I got a wake up call each am with room service so I could view feeding time. That's why they make chocolate and vanilla. Each person is looking for something different and Disney has it all...something for everyone. In January we are staying at POFQ for the first time for 5 days and the AKL for 2 for equal $$$. Can't afford a whole trip of AKL but can afford a taste.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Being as the local company cant get ny daughter to school on time perhaps Disney could do a better job. Or at least not drive offf and leave her behind.