Where should I stay at WDW?

[Stan4dSteph]

I have two nights after the marathon that I will be without a group room (our group is staying at Port Orleans Riverside). I'm considering staying at a deluxe resort since I will only be there two nights. However, I will be by myself, so cost is a bit of a factor. Right now I have a reservation for Port Orleans French Quarter at $124 +tax.

I'm leaning toward Animal Kingdom Lodge because it just seems so cool. The Polynesian looks really fun too. I got a rate quote for AKL of $195 for pool view or $242 for savannah view. Do those rates sound good for AKL?

Where would you stay?

[Moonliner]

I'm not "normal" so factor that in when evaluating my response...

I'd vote for the Polynesian, the Rapa Nui house in particular.

If you exit out the NE end of Rapa Nui you are a < 2min walk from the transportation center with access to both monorail loops, all the buses, as well as the boats. A great time saver.

[mousepod]

After two stays at the AKL, it has pretty much fallen off my must list for deluxe lodgings. Don't get me wrong - the place is beautiful, but beyond the savannah view (if you're going to stay there, there's really no reason to not get a savannah view) and the limited public areas of the lobby, the Victoria Falls bar and Boma/Jiko, it doesn't have as much corny magic. Very sophisticated, to be sure... but also very remote and well, big. Since our trip in August, I find myself pining for the Poly, the Wilderness Lodge, or even (ready for this one?)... the Boardwalk.

(note to self: Epcot October 1 2007 - Boardwalk reservations...)

[Stan4dSteph]

Which resort has the best lounging opportunities? I am assuming the parks will be closing fairly early in the day at the time I'm going (Jan. 5-10), and I may need some time to rest and recover on Monday.

[Prudence]

If you're just doing the solo room for a few nights, I'd probably recommend AKL. I really enjoyed waking up in the morning and watching the animals get their breakfast delivered. I happen to like the remoteness of it. I wish I had spent more time lounging in the lobby area. I love the smell of spices and the music that plays in the public areas.

I don't think it stands up as well on repeat visits, likely because a large part of its charm is the novelty. We'll probably stay at another property the next time we go, but I'll miss being at AKL.

Bottom line - if you haven't stayed at AKL before, you definitely should do it.

[Alex]

You're going to be sore after the marathon. THe lesson Lani and I learned after our first was that most of the on property resorts are not meant for people who have to walk down stairs backwards and regret every foot from the bus stop to the room.

The second year we stayed at the Poly because it is on the monorail (and regardless of where your room is, it will be close to either the hotel stop or the TTC stop) line and isn't as spread out as some of the others. I'd never pay for a deluxe room just for the room (really, the standard rooms at the deluxes are nothing great) but for that weekend it was worth it.

Definitely don't stay at Coronado Springs.

[Matterhorn Fan]

Which resort has the best lounging opportunities?Wilderness Lodge is not quiet, but there are lots of comfy chairs--and rocking chairs.

AKL has those balconies at the back of the lobby.

[Stan4dSteph]

I have changed my booking to AKL with savanna view! Party in my room! :cheers:

[€uroMeinke]

I have changed my booking to AKL with savanna view! Party in my room! :cheers:
Hmmmm - maybe it's time to cash in some frequent flyer miles...

[Stan4dSteph]

Hmmmm - maybe it's time to cash in some frequent flyer miles...Come on down! :D

[Prudence]

I have changed my booking to AKL with savanna view! Party in my room! :cheers:

Specifically request the Arusha Rock savannah, floor 4. Check in early, and if they try to stick you in the icky bird savannah, smile sweetly and tell them that you were really hoping to see giraffes, or gnu, or whatever in a polite but firm manner.

And take lots of pictures from your balcony!

[mousepod]

Specifically request the Arusha Rock savannah, floor 4. Check in early, and if they try to stick you in the icky bird savannah, smile sweetly and tell them that you were really hoping to see giraffes, or gnu, or whatever in a polite but firm manner.

And take lots of pictures from your balcony!

Beware, they will tell you that you can see all animals from all savannah view rooms. "Polite but firm" works even better with leads.

[Stan4dSteph]

I requested a Zebra Trail room, not too far from the lobby (due to me being hobbled by the marathon). I think that's the same as Arusha Rock savanna. I forgot to ask for an upper floor though. I may call back after I get my confirmation in the mail to verify my request. :) They will be transfering my luggage from Riverside to AKL for me. Woohoo!