Which resort is best for a resort only short trip?

[Amy M]

My family has been to WDW for the last 5 summers for our yearly big vacation. Next summer we are heading to Clearwater (the girls want to see Hope and Winter at the aquarium). We plan to go to Disney for 2-3 nights for a resort only stay after the beach. We are trying to make a decision about which resort to choose. This past July we stayed at BC and LOVED it. However, we like to try different resorts, so we have it narrowed down to these 3 (I think): Poly, CR, or AKL. We are thinking Poly for the pool, AKL for the savanna and not having to worry about distance from parks this trip, and CR just because it is an icon. Any thoughts on which one would be best?

 

[FFMickey]

AKL is a great resort. I personally feel that with the close proximity to MK, it would tempt us to go. We just returned from a resort only trip and having the theme parks within sight made us wish we could just go into the park. There are so much to do at AKL and the main pool at Jambo is currently being refurbished, so it'll be done before your next trip. We love the secluded aspect and being able to see the animals from a savannah view.

 

[mel&me]

We just came back from AKL savanna view. Its one of our favorite resorts.

 

[suemom2kay]

Another vote for Animal Kingdom Lodge.

 

[Magical2017]

We loved AKL. Our boys loved making a giraffe feeder, and we all enjoyed the pool, viewing the animals, and the restaurants.

 

[clayfolks]

Another vote for AKL. It is a stand alone destination.

 

[Anniefrances]

I think the pool at the Poly is small - the pool at AKL feels so much larger and has more seating/lounging. Also, I love the vibe at AKL - one of my best experiences was wandering around in the mornings with my coffee before the kids woke up, just checking things out - even in the hallways there are small exhibits. And of course, the savannah viewing stations. Also, the dining options are great there - the Mara is my favorite resort QS and the TS includes places we go to anyway even if we aren't staying there. So yeah, here's another vote for AKL

 

[MamaBelle4]

This makes me the odd man out, I know, but I liked AKL. I did. But I much prefer our home resort, SSR.

Especially for a resort only trip. All those dining and entertainment options just a quick walk/boat ride away? Yes, please!

 

[Yarbogash]

This makes me the odd man out, I know, but I liked AKL. I did. But I much prefer our home resort, SSR.

Especially for a resort only trip. All those dining and entertainment options just a quick walk/boat ride away? Yes, please!

Pool hopping at ssr can make for a very fun day. But from the op’s list definitely akl. Only drawback is its distance from mk and for resort only, doesn’t matter. Food, pools, animals, theming and art, activities, it’s just awesome!

 

[Amy M]

Thanks everyone for all of the replies so far! Interesting that I was leaning more towards AKL for several of the reasons posted above! So, if we do book AKL, is it worth the up charge to book a savannah view room?

 

[Amy M]

This makes me the odd man out, I know, but I liked AKL. I did. But I much prefer our home resort, SSR.

Especially for a resort only trip. All those dining and entertainment options just a quick walk/boat ride away? Yes, please!

I will have to look into SSR. I always forget about the vacation club resorts!

 

[rwdavis2]

AKL or Hard Rock at Universal . Hard Rock is a great hotel and for sheer service and amenities it beats almost all WDW resorts.

 

[soccermom54]

My husband and I stayed at YC several nights when we were shopping for a house and did not go to the parks. It was great to relax at the pool when we returned to the resort. The EPCOT resort area provides a multitude of dinner options and dining at Disney Springs is just a short bus ride away.

 

[winnieofpooh]

Thanks everyone for all of the replies so far! Interesting that I was leaning more towards AKL for several of the reasons posted above! So, if we do book AKL, is it worth the up charge to book a savannah view room?

For a resort only stay, I'd say definitely yes! There are a ton of viewing spots around the lobby area and outside, but seeing as you'll only be staying at the resort, nothing beats having a cup of coffee on your balcony in the morning and looking at all the animals.

 

[mickeynut1]

My family has been to WDW for the last 5 summers for our yearly big vacation. Next summer we are heading to Clearwater (the girls want to see Hope and Winter at the aquarium). We plan to go to Disney for 2-3 nights for a resort only stay after the beach. We are trying to make a decision about which resort to choose. This past July we stayed at BC and LOVED it. However, we like to try different resorts, so we have it narrowed down to these 3 (I think): Poly, CR, or AKL. We are thinking Poly for the pool, AKL for the savanna and not having to worry about distance from parks this trip, and CR just because it is an icon. Any thoughts on which one would be best?

The Poly is my favorite resort, but I also love AKL. AKL is sort of isolated from everything, which makes it quiet and peaceful and would be great for a resort only trip .

Thanks everyone for all of the replies so far! Interesting that I was leaning more towards AKL for several of the reasons posted above! So, if we do book AKL, is it worth the up charge to book a savannah view room?

We've had pool view and savanna view and while it was nice watching animals from our balcony, we loved the pool view just as much. AKL is a beautiful resort to explore and there are several animal viewing areas around the resort that a savanna view isn't a necessity for us. Just my opinion, but I don't think you can go wrong with any room, just depends on what you prefer. Hope you have a great trip .

 

[TJA]

Thanks everyone for all of the replies so far! Interesting that I was leaning more towards AKL for several of the reasons posted above! So, if we do book AKL, is it worth the up charge to book a savannah view room?

I say yes, it's worth it. And I'd also vote for AKL for a resort-only trip. We loved it WAY more than we thought we would, and I think a main reason was our savannah view. Loved opening the curtains each morning, grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting on our balcony with that view. It's a nice, secluded resort to stay at if you're not going to parks.

You mentioned you love BC but want to try something different, so that's why my vote went to AKL. Otherwise, I would've chosen BC for the reasons you already know.

As far as your other options of Poly and CR, I love the Poly but I couldn't imagine staying there without going to MK. It's just so close and the Castle in sight. Maybe it's just me, but I know I'd have a rough time! To me, the biggest advantage of staying at CR is the walkway to MK, so I wouldn't stay there either for a non-park trip.

 

[NH-to-FL]

From your list of three I would pick the Poly. The theming and the landscaping are very nice, much nicer than the CR. No question that the AKL is nice and we visit it from time to time but it is isolated and you would be confined to the activities at that resort. From the Poly you can walk up to the GF and monorail over to the CR. You can connect with boats to go over the WL or FW.

Even though you said you didn't want to, I would go back to the BC. We are fans of the Epcot resorts, have stayed at the BWI many times. There are so many restaurants within walking distance and as you know the pool is great.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

If I couldn't go to the parks I would not want to be so close to the MK so I would choose AKL. My kids would probably melt if I had them stay at the Poly and told them we couldn't go into the MK.

 

[DisneyPandaBear]

I clicked into this thread just to say AKL without even knowing that was on your list.

Thanks everyone for all of the replies so far! Interesting that I was leaning more towards AKL for several of the reasons posted above! So, if we do book AKL, is it worth the up charge to book a savannah view room?

Personally, I don't care about room views. But I'm not a sit on the balcony type of person. There are so many nooks around the resort you can find to sit and enjoy the savannas and also people watch.

 

[goofynut41]

I would pick a resort you can see the fireworks from and at least you get to see them... Poly or Contemporary