Should I get a bunk bed room at AKL?

[tazmad]

I've made my reservation for two nights at WL and three nights at AKL. It's for my husband and myself and our 10-year-old son. I'm trying to make this trip extra special for my son because his dad (my ex-husband) just died five weeks ago. It was supposed to be a biz trip, but I changed it to a family trip when his father passed away since he is too upset to have me in another state without him right now.

So how can I maximize my son's enjoyment of this trip? I booked a courtyard view with a queen and bunk beds for our first two nights at the Wilderness Lodge, and I've booked three more nights (after the four-night biz segment of my trip) at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I booked a standard view room, but now I'm going to upgrade to a savanna view. Should I do the queen beds, or get a room with a queen bed and bunk beds?

The price isn't much different (only $15 a night), but I'm worried if I opt for the cooler looking bunk bed rooms then we'll be more limited in rooms, with fewer available. I've been on touringplans and looking at specific rooms and how to request them. there aren't nearly many with bunk beds. Has this been a problem for anyone else?

I just think a bunk bed room is more fun for a kid. If it won't impact how good of a view we get, I'll go for it at AKL.

 

[Fankle]

My condolences. Members of my family went through something similar and it’s tough on everyone.

We’re booked for AKL and had a preference for a Savannah view with bunk beds. However we were able to get a sizeable discount off rack rate with Magical Vacation Travel for our 3 nights but this was only for the non bunk bed room. Had it been just a small difference per night, we’d have stayed with our original booking but we’d rather have the extra spending money.

I’m sure you’ll have a great stay at AKL regardless since the animals will provide plenty novelty there. If you do select a bunk bed room and don’t like the location offered, i’m sure when you check in they’ll accommodate a downgrade to a non bunk Savannah if they can.

 

[tazmad]

My condolences. Members of my family went through something similar and it’s tough on everyone.

We’re booked for AKL and had a preference for a Savannah view with bunk beds. However we were able to get a sizeable discount off rack rate with Magical Vacation Travel for our 3 nights but this was only for the non bunk bed room. Had it been just a small difference per night, we’d have stayed with our original booking but we’d rather have the extra spending money.

I’m sure you’ll have a great stay at AKL regardless since the animals will provide plenty novelty there. If you do select a bunk bed room and don’t like the location offered, i’m sure when you check in they’ll accommodate a downgrade to a non bunk Savannah if they can.

thanks. I'm still reeling myself, and he was my ex. I talk about it too much, but I'm just blown away by how fast life changes.

I appreciate your feedback on the rooms. I saw Magical Vacation Travel listed in the unofficial guide to WDW. I'll look into it.

 

[tazmad]

Okay. I booked the bunk bed. I'm easily swayed.

 

[hooch]

I am so sorry for you and for your son. I hope the trip will be a ton of fun. I'm sure it will be.
I bet your son will love the bunk beds, and honestly I'd try not to put too much emphasis/pressure yourself on your room view, although I understand this tendency!
If you're unhappy w/ your view/location once you get there then ask to be moved but i bet you will love it and you can explore the reosrt and see many animals all over. Good luck with everything.

 

[Jonathan Wang]

I've made my reservation for two nights at WL and three nights at AKL. It's for my husband and myself and our 10-year-old son. I'm trying to make this trip extra special for my son because his dad (my ex-husband) just died five weeks ago. It was supposed to be a biz trip, but I changed it to a family trip when his father passed away since he is too upset to have me in another state without him right now.

So how can I maximize my son's enjoyment of this trip? I booked a courtyard view with a queen and bunk beds for our first two nights at the Wilderness Lodge, and I've booked three more nights (after the four-night biz segment of my trip) at the Animal Kingdom Lodge. I booked a standard view room, but now I'm going to upgrade to a savanna view. Should I do the queen beds, or get a room with a queen bed and bunk beds?

The price isn't much different (only $15 a night), but I'm worried if I opt for the cooler looking bunk bed rooms then we'll be more limited in rooms, with fewer available. I've been on touringplans and looking at specific rooms and how to request them. there aren't nearly many with bunk beds. Has this been a problem for anyone else?

I just think a bunk bed room is more fun for a kid. If it won't impact how good of a view we get, I'll go for it at AKL.

I stayed in the AK room with a single queen and the bunk, it wasnt too bad. I will say the best part is the patio and seeing the giraffe' s

 

[tazmad]

I'm so wishy-washy. My neighbor is going to BC, and I decided it sounded much easier, and less stressful, to be in walking distance of two parks. So I cancelled my AKL room and went with a BC room.

 

[Rlandrigan]

I'm so wishy-washy. My neighbor is going to BC, and I decided it sounded much easier, and less stressful, to be in walking distance of two parks. So I cancelled my AKL room and went with a BC room.

This is a solid plan I love AKL - love love love - but after 3-4 days of business and vacation overlap, being able to to just jump out of the room, walk to a park and play, with no bus to fight, is a huge bonus. Just walking along the boardwalk and to the parks is also relaxing, as is the boat ride...giving your family time to just be together without the constant stress of having to get somewhere. And wilderness lodge is pretty awesome, too - if you can manage the timing, take the boat over to MK right before the fireworks start - you'll get to see the show framed by the Contemporary and Bay Lake tower, it's kinda magic. Boats give a chance to sit and hug your kids without them feeling squirmy

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I'm so wishy-washy. My neighbor is going to BC, and I decided it sounded much easier, and less stressful, to be in walking distance of two parks. So I cancelled my AKL room and went with a BC room.

"Walking distance" to Hollywood Studios is a bit of a stretch depending on the weather. It's not a walk I'd choose in the middle of the summer.

For a kid, I think BC (and YC and Boardwalk and the Contemporary and the Grand Floridan) are booooooring. A kid doesn't want to go to a hotel-themed hotel. They want to go to a hotel themed like an African game preserve. Animal Kingdom Lodge, the Polynesian, and Wilderness Lodge are far superior options for families with children in my opinion.

 

[21stamps]

I'm so wishy-washy. My neighbor is going to BC, and I decided it sounded much easier, and less stressful, to be in walking distance of two parks. So I cancelled my AKL room and went with a BC room.

I think this is a good decision. There’s so much going on in that area! I am not a fan of Stormalong Bay for younger kids, but I think a 10 year old will be fine.. meaning you won’t have to stress about wondering where he is.

 

[tazmad]

I think this is a good decision. There’s so much going on in that area! I am not a fan of Stormalong Bay for younger kids, but I think a 10 year old will be fine.. meaning you won’t have to stress about wondering where he is.

yup, my kid loves to swim. we have a pool at home and he's a strong swimmer.