Where to stay

[TARDIS]

Hello need some help for my indecisive self. Opinions needed!
We are gong to Disney for our fifth anniversary, we normally stay at value (AOA or POP) since we are at the parks so much. However,I'm considering Animal Kimgdom lodge since it's a special trip but is it worth the almost 1k more? What would you do? I'm considering a split stay or shortening our stay from 7-5day to recoup the costs. I could do a moderate but the themeing of them don't excite me. And if I'm not amused with the grounds I might as well stay value.

 

[OneofThree]

Hello need some help for my indecisive self. Opinions needed!
We are gong to Disney for our fifth anniversary, we normally stay at value (AOA or POP) since we are at the parks so much. However,I'm considering Animal Kimgdom lodge since it's a special trip but is it worth the almost 1000k more? What would you do? I'm considering a split stay or shortening our stay from 7-5day to recoup the costs. I could do a moderate but the themeing of them don't excite me. And if I'm not amused with the grounds I might as well stay value.

Maybe what you need to do is to try to get a basic feel for what sort of vacation you see yourself having. If you're the type to spend morning till evening in the parks, you may not feel you're taking advantage of deluxe amenities, for example. Another consideration is proximity. If you see yourself in the MK often, there's nothing like being a water taxi away from GF, Poly, or WL (or a walk from CR). Same holds for the Epcot resorts. If you're into the dining experiences, that might sway you. I've never stayed there, but I understand it's the consensus that AK features THE best dining on property these days. TBH, the only reason I haven't booked there yet is because it just seems so far out of the way -personal preference really. As far as the special occasion, I believe you will notice the difference with the deluxe accommodations. We'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, and plan on a bigger budget for that trip, with a shorter stay. Life's too short -carpe diem and all that, lol.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

If you want to splurge and do AKL, go for it. I would however consider shortening it to perhaps 5 or 6 nights. Personally I love AKL. It's one of my top 5 hotels on property. I love their concierge lounge. I have stayed at this hotel 8 times and I just love the whole theming of the hotel, the smoky smell of the wood burning in the lobby, watching the animals, breakfast at Boma... I could go on lol
Go with AKL! It will make that 5th Anniversary all the more special!

Have a wonderful time and if you have any questions about the hotel, etc please feel free to ask!! You can pm me or send me an email with your questions pam@kingdomkonsultant.com

Pam

 

[TARDIS]

Maybe what you need to do is to try to get a basic feel for what sort of vacation you see yourself having. If you're the type to spend morning till evening in the parks, you may not feel you're taking advantage of deluxe amenities, for example. Another consideration is proximity. If you see yourself in the MK often, there's nothing like being a water taxi away from GF, Poly, or WL (or a walk from CR). Same holds for the Epcot resorts. If you're into the dining experiences, that might sway you. I've never stayed there, but I understand it's the consensus that AK features THE best dining on property these days. TBH, the only reason I haven't booked there yet is because it just seems so far out of the way -personal preference really. As far as the special occasion, I believe you will notice the difference with the deluxe accommodations. We'll be celebrating our 20th anniversary this year, and plan on a bigger budget for that trip, with a shorter stay. Life's too short -carpe diem and all that, lol.

Good point, main reason I was looking at it was for the dining aspect. Yes we normally do the parks all day but thought maybe do more of a resort stay since we are annual visitors past 10, I'm pretty sure we've seen it all. Just wasn't sure if it was worth shortening the trip for a resort. You helped a lot.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Honestly that is what I do when I go. I have been so many times and have done everything, that unless it's something new, I stay at a deluxe (usually concierge) and go more for the dining experiences. (yes I am a foodie) LOL
I need to chill and relax a bit since I work long hours 7 days a week between the agency and my own clients

Pam

 

[TARDIS]

If you want to splurge and do AKL, go for it. I would however consider shortening it to perhaps 5 or 6 nights. Personally I love AKL. It's one of my top 5 hotels on property. I love their concierge lounge. I have stayed at this hotel 8 times and I just love the whole theming of the hotel, the smoky smell of the wood burning in the lobby, watching the animals, breakfast at Boma... I could go on lol
Go with AKL! It will make that 5th Anniversary all the more special!

Have a wonderful time and if you have any questions about the hotel, etc please feel free to ask!! You can pm me or send me an email with your questions pam@kingdomkonsultant.com

Pam

Ok I'm sold. I think I'll splurge and just drop to 5 nights instead of my standard week and a half. I'll know for the next trip if I prefer longer time or better accommodations. Thanks a bunch you have been a great help.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Ok I'm sold. I think I'll splurge and just drop to 5 nights instead of my standard week and a half. I'll know for the next trip if I prefer longer time or better accommodations. Thanks a bunch you have been a great help.

Excellent!! I want to hear you opinion when you get back!!

Pam

 

[TARDIS]

Honestly that is what I do when I go. I have been so many times and have done everything, that unless it's something new, I stay at a deluxe (usually concierge) and go more for the dining experiences. (yes I am a foodie) LOL
I need to chill and relax a bit since I work long hours 7 days a week between the agency and my own clients

Pam

Good point. Maybe not being a park commando will be a welcome change. We are big foodies too so maybe a eat and relax trip,come back 10lbs heavier and well rested lol.

 

[Kingdom Konsultant]

Good point. Maybe not being a park commando will be a welcome change. We are big foodies too so maybe a eat and relax trip,come back 10lbs heavier and well rested lol.

Why not?! I plan to do this whenever we have our hosted DCL cruises lol

Pam

 

[yensid67]

Raveny, here is my 2 cents from someone who is always on a budget and is practical when it comes to planning a hotel. IF it were me, 5 yrs is a big deala now a days and celebrating it is important, BUT I would plan 1-2 nights at AKL and the rest at an offsite 2-3 star hotel to recoup some costs! Clarion LBV(clarionlbv.com) is a GREAT place to stay, VERY close to Disney Springs(5min)...so close you could WALK if you wanted to, very affordable, deli, bar/grille. restaurant, game room, 2 pools, a splash zone for the kids and 24 hr security! Pillow-top mattresses, micro, frig, coffee maker and safe in each room. This is my only hotel I use, because I will be spending 8am-11pm in the parks....why spend thousands of dollars on a room you will not be in for 75% of the time!? That is why if you want to spend time at a special hotel, then spend 1-2 nights at AKL and the others at cheaper off-site 2-3 star hotel. Actually, for our 8 night trip, we got a room WITH BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista for $528 taxes included!!!! If ya wanna know the site message me! Hope you have a great time!

 

[eliza61nyc]

Also you didn't mention what time of year do you go? we generally go in the late summer when it's nuclear hot so the resort is really important to us because we'll be escaping to the pool and the pool bar, lol.
We only did the values once mainly because my Hubby and I are "fluffy". need a king size bed and personally I think there is nothing more romantic than waking up, having coffee with your honey bunny on the balcony watching the animals in the early morning.

 

[graphite1326]

My opinion: I love French Quarter. I think it would be perfect for a couple celebrating an anniversary. It's small, quiet, I love the theme, and not many children. I know there is no sit down dining. However, a short and somewhat romantic walk to Riverside (I love looking across the river and seeing what looks like old southern plantations) and you can have the dining you want at Boatwright's. A boat trip takes you to Disney Springs for more fine dining.

My opinion for what it is worth.

 

[TARDIS]

Raveny, here is my 2 cents from someone who is always on a budget and is practical when it comes to planning a hotel. IF it were me, 5 yrs is a big deala now a days and celebrating it is important, BUT I would plan 1-2 nights at AKL and the rest at an offsite 2-3 star hotel to recoup some costs! Clarion LBV(clarionlbv.com) is a GREAT place to stay, VERY close to Disney Springs(5min)...so close you could WALK if you wanted to, very affordable, deli, bar/grille. restaurant, game room, 2 pools, a splash zone for the kids and 24 hr security! Pillow-top mattresses, micro, frig, coffee maker and safe in each room. This is my only hotel I use, because I will be spending 8am-11pm in the parks....why spend thousands of dollars on a room you will not be in for 75% of the time!? That is why if you want to spend time at a special hotel, then spend 1-2 nights at AKL and the others at cheaper off-site 2-3 star hotel. Actually, for our 8 night trip, we got a room WITH BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista for $528 taxes included!!!! If ya wanna know the site message me! Hope you have a great time!

I've stayed there and loved it! We tend to stay there when we do "less Disney" trips and explore more of Orlando or visit my family. I didn't think about splitting a stay there with AKL. Good idea! I gave myself a generous budget but when it came to booking I hated the idea of spending so much on used beds so this might be a win win.

 

[yensid67]

Good for you....I will send you the websites that I use for the cheaper hotel off site...if ya use them great if not you can make a note of them and use them next time!?

 

[Bullseye1967]

Raveny, here is my 2 cents from someone who is always on a budget and is practical when it comes to planning a hotel. IF it were me, 5 yrs is a big deala now a days and celebrating it is important, BUT I would plan 1-2 nights at AKL and the rest at an offsite 2-3 star hotel to recoup some costs! Clarion LBV(clarionlbv.com) is a GREAT place to stay, VERY close to Disney Springs(5min)...so close you could WALK if you wanted to, very affordable, deli, bar/grille. restaurant, game room, 2 pools, a splash zone for the kids and 24 hr security! Pillow-top mattresses, micro, frig, coffee maker and safe in each room. This is my only hotel I use, because I will be spending 8am-11pm in the parks....why spend thousands of dollars on a room you will not be in for 75% of the time!? That is why if you want to spend time at a special hotel, then spend 1-2 nights at AKL and the others at cheaper off-site 2-3 star hotel. Actually, for our 8 night trip, we got a room WITH BREAKFAST BUFFET at the Clarion Inn Lake Buena Vista for $528 taxes included!!!! If ya wanna know the site message me! Hope you have a great time!

I am surprisingly in agreement here. We sometimes do the days we hit the parks stying offsite, and the days we want to take in the resorts and relax. onsite. We do a variation with 3 days offsite, 3 days onsite, and 2 days offsite. Also realize we drive down and have our own car. We also hold APs because we still own a house in FL. Would still be a nice way to do it with a 5 to 7 day pass.