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View Full Version : Blah, I can't do Animal Kingdom Lodge


Kathmandu
03-12-2009, 07:13 PM
I have tried to crunch numbers but I just can't swing my dream resort of Animal Kingdom :( :(

If you had to choose between Swan/Dolphin and CSR which would you pick and why?

We have stayed at Port Orleans before and want to try something different.

Thanks
foreverducky
03-12-2009, 07:30 PM
I would definitely go with the Swan. Purely for the beds and location. :D

I have stayed at both the Dolphin and Coronado Springs Resort. With the Dolphin you have to deal with convention people. I know there are convention folks at CSR, they did not seem to be everywhere.
uscwest
03-12-2009, 07:40 PM
Keep in mind that you do not get all of the Disney benefits staying at the Swan/Dolphin. They are NOT Disney hotels. Plus if you have a car with you they charge you to park.
foreverducky
03-12-2009, 08:03 PM
The only thing I remember not being able to do is charging to the room, but they deliver packages, use the buses, and allow for extra magic hours. :)
Mari
03-12-2009, 08:31 PM
I agree on the HEAVENLY BEDS :)

but Im not sure what benefits you dont get...
Tink
03-12-2009, 09:58 PM
I thought they didn't do delivery to the resort?

Swan or Dolphin are really nice resorts! Their location is great too. You can walk to EPCOT or DHS (or take a ferry) and bus to the other two parks, DTD and water parks.

If all things were equal (the rate was good :D ) I'd definitely go with the Swan or Dolphin over the other.
foreverducky
03-12-2009, 10:30 PM
Yep they deliver. I picked up my packages in their gift shop when I stayed in the Dolphin. :yes:
uscwest
04-12-2009, 12:48 PM
Hmmm, wonder if that package delivery thing is new. I don't think they used to do that.
Tink
04-12-2009, 01:03 PM
Well that's great news, Foreverducky! One more reason to be pleased with staying there!
BigThunder
04-12-2009, 04:42 PM
I thought the Swan & Dolphin would be as high as AKL? I haven't checked the rate there in years but as I recall it was as pricey as the deluxe. But if the rates are the same I'd be tempted to try S&D just because I never had and due to the location. I love the Epcot resorts. I've only visited S&D & eaten there & tho it's beautiful it doesn't seem to have the Disney touch all the others do.
Tink
04-12-2009, 07:35 PM
They usually are a pricey, BigThunder, but they also run some wicked specials from time to time. :yes:

They used to have discounts for certain professions, too. I don't know if they still do that (nurses, teachers...).
foreverducky
05-12-2009, 12:31 AM
They were delivering packages when I went in 2006.

And they do have those awesome deals. I was able to have a room for $125 a night.
Kathmandu
05-12-2009, 12:40 AM
I think I can trade off some of the Disney perks for the heavenly beds and I like the closeness to MGM and EPCOT, so maybe we will go for the Swan Dolphin. I guess my next question is which one is better?
foreverducky
05-12-2009, 12:59 AM
The Swan is smaller and closer to MGM, while the Dolphin is bigger, a convention hotel, and closer to Epcot. However, the are just across from one another and are in the same general area.

I stayed at the Dolphin, but would go for the Swan if I was given the chance.
BigThunder
05-12-2009, 01:41 AM
$125 a night, wow, that was an awesome deal!
foreverducky
05-12-2009, 02:02 PM
I know :yes: It was an awesome deal!
gwennie81
06-12-2009, 05:50 AM
Right now there is a winter special in January for Florida residents. It's $140/nite some nights for AKL. I booked a room at PO-Riverside for $94.
BigThunder
08-12-2009, 06:22 PM
Great deal Gwennie. A few years back we got a room at AKL during the summer for almost 1/2 off with AP discount! It was the best discount we'd ever gotten & sadly, never saw another one that good since, lol.
Kathmandu
11-12-2009, 12:16 AM
I ended up booking Swan, even though I had a big lump in my throat for missing out on AKL again :(
Kathmandu
20-02-2010, 11:01 PM
UPDATE!!!!!!!!!I switched to AKL, my tax refund was bigger than expected ;)I booked a poolview but we're hoping for an upgrade to Savanna view, wish us luck!!
Keith
20-02-2010, 11:02 PM
UPDATE!!!!!!!!!I switched to AKL, my tax refund was bigger than expected ;)I booked a poolview but we're hoping for an upgrade to Savanna view, wish us luck!!

oh WOW thats brilliant news :yes: I LOVE AKL!!!!!
Tink
21-02-2010, 12:24 AM
That's great! You'll be able to see some animals from the pool view (if you are on a high enough floor) too. :yes:

Happy it worked out for you!
Kathmandu
21-02-2010, 06:19 AM
I'm so excited I could scream!!!
Isafari
21-02-2010, 09:06 AM
I'm so excited I could scream!!!

I would be exactly the same......I'd LOVE to stay at AKL!!
AKLnut
21-02-2010, 11:38 AM
animal kingdom lodge is the best resort there i prommise you

even if you dont get a savanah room you will still see loads of animals from the observation stations and outside. try and talk to all the cms because theyll point out and show you lots of special things

the whole of akl is a park in itself and youll have the best time
Tink
21-02-2010, 02:33 PM
We are taking our Seth there toward the end of April. We three have APs but I'll bet we spend the majority of the time at AKL! It's an incredible place. :yes:
Kathmandu
21-02-2010, 09:52 PM
We have walked through a couple of times and eaten there, but it has been a dream to actually stay there :) I have not told the kids, it's going to be a surprise for them.