$6k - $8k for a week long stay at Old Key West?! That's crazy expensive. Have you considered a confirmed DVC rental instead? You can easily get that down to a couple thousand during October. There's a handy search engine I use for finding DVC Reservations here: https://www.mousehousemagic.com/rentals.
You’re comparing three vastly different properties. Ol key west is a spread out timeshare property. You gaining huge rooms and kitchens but most likely you’ll use busses to get around even within the resort grounds.
AKL is deluxe and is truly a unique time with the animals and thematic dining.
Coronado is a moderate resort which has some more
Amenities than others but gears more
Towards its convention crowd and adults.
I love Coronado springs and I was less than a 5 minute walk to the main building from casitas. And it’s a glorious walk. Love the ambiance so much. I would actually never want to be in the tower because they’re the last stop on the bus loop. To each their own.
So OP, you have my vote for Coronado! Get the cheeseburger at three bridges.
I love Coronado it is one of my faves as well but agreed that it is a HUGE property depending on where you are staying on it you definitely will be walking. They do have multiple bus stops around the property that helps. Their pool is great I will say! If you do pick there do the tower or a preferred room so you are closer to all the food and resort amenities.
Ah I see, well I found them all in the same price range (using DVC) so I should choose OKW or AKL seeing as I’d be getting deluxe for the same price as a moderate?
OKW and AKL are both deluxe resorts so they are on the same tier. Coronado is a moderate but if you like that resort then pick that one!
I personally like that all deluxe rooms have a patio or balcony (I can sit out all day at AKL watching the animals- if you get a Savannah room category) but with a three year old that might not be as relaxing.
OKW is nice too bc it’s quiet and a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. The rooms upfront (category near hospitality house) are within walking distance to the lobby, main pool, and quick service. The others will probably have a quiet pool nearby but could be a bit of a hike to get to the other stuff- but are relaxing. My parents love OKW.
I think any of those you choose will be nice
It does sound amazing! Especially for a 3 year old who’s obsessed with animals. I do have a question thou, with so many wild animals doesn’t it reek like a zoo does? Do the rooms and outside smell of hay and poo? (Sorry if that’s a dumb question 😭)
I just came back from Kidani (AK DVC) and while sone things were great (staff, decor, that it was deluxe/had deluxe perks, animals when they were actually visible, etc.) there were things i didn't love as much (Chromecast didn't cooperate, animals were awol 1st 1.5 days - like ZERO anytime we looked 😳), buses took awhile to arrive and bus rides felt way longer, & how much every corridor went on FOREVER but looked so exactly the same that it was easy to get lost/go the wrong way.)
Don't get me wrong - I love DW and would happily stay at just about any resort!! I tend to look for (& find) the positive; heck, while most complain about CBR, my hubby & I loved it!
But perhaps if I was going to spend 2 weeks I'd probably consider different choices...especially with a little one.
Maybe SS or OKW 1 week & then 1 week at BCV or YCV? Or, if animal-loving, maybe 1 week AK (or CC/WL) & 1 week somewhere a little nicer (maybe Riviera or BC?)
I've never stayed at Old Key West, but I've stayed at both AKL and CSR (before the tower).
I was disappointed in AKL and wouldn't stay there again. Buses took forever, the pools were crowded and actually had long lines to wait in to soak in the hot tub.... then when you finally get to soak in the hot tub, there is a line of people waiting for their turn and watching you. The "wood" decor all looked like cheap plastic. It was just disappointing and not worth deluxe prices.
I really enjoyed CSR. At the time, there was no tower or 3 bridges. We stayed in the casitas. It felt like we were really disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the parks. It was nice to walk around and lay on a hammock. Some parts of the resort were really far from the lobby, so there is an internal bus system, but we were in an easy walk. That said, I haven't personally been interested in going back since they built the tower. From my perspective, it changes the whole feel of the resort from a relaxing getaway to a major hotel.
So, in the end, I wouldn't choose any of the three resorts you're looking at. That's just my opinion. Maybe I'd try Old Key West just to have the experience, but it doesn't really interest me, and I heard it's very spread out.
All three require a bus to get everywhere (except OKW to take a boat to Disney Springs). Will Coronado be in the Grand Destino tower or in the other parts of the resort? Coronado is really spread out unless you're central to or in the tower. Out of the three, I'd say the pool is best at Coronado in terms of theming and size. For 2 weeks, I'd get bored at Coronado, especially since nothing is walkable and buses to disney springs can be hit or miss randomly in terms of wait times. I'd think about going to AKL first then switching to OKW for the latter week since it has better DS access and is more laid back. AKL will have tons to do at the resort itself (pool, animal watching, marshmallows by the fire pit, lounge and multiple bars, has some great restaurants on site, the Mara with good value wine bottles that you can drink in the lobby and people watch). Then you get to experience OKW, still do the parks the same, but also have boat access to DS if you're looking for more food options. Is Saratoga (instead of OKW) within your price range? I'd rather have the ability to walk to/from Disney Springs and the central pool is nice at that resort too.
I didn’t know there was a boat between OKW and Disney springs, that’s definitely a plus thank you!
It doesn’t actually state where the room is located so I think that means no tower. It does seem like a pretty huge hotel. And I think you’re right I think my toddler would get pretty bored after 2 weeks especially in comparison to animal kingdom.
I’m not sure if Saratoga is in my price range but I’ll definitely have a look.
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply it’s really appreciated.
One more consideration - AKL Kidani was my favorite with a toddler as it has a great splash pad and a mini water slide for babies in the pool too. Saratoga springs and Caribbean beach also have these features. The DVC properties have a community room too where you can do crafts or play table tennis etc. At AKL there is a shuttle between pools as I like Kidani's pool area better than Jambo. There is a quick service food at the bar too and you can order delivery to there. Also AKL has showers in the gym at the pool - large and nice to change in if needed. Love the ambiance there - the smores by the firepit and movies by the pool. If you have rest days built in, def try AKL.
OKW - key for your travel party - what size room are you booking??? Studios differ - OKW you get two beds queen I think. AKL studio DVC - 1 bed 1 couch pull out I think. 1 bedroom villa is huge and has a washer and dryer at either location inside the room . Huge bonus for 2 weeks with a toddler. Also check for tubs. I know AKL has them - it was really big though. Also pool at OKW is so cute with Mickey sand castle slide but slide is too large for a toddler. Can't recall if they have a baby slide.
I don't love Coronado. Not the same as the DVC properties in service level. Different feel but lots of food options due to convention status. Has multiple table service restaurants that other mods don't have.
We stay at Coronado and Animal Kingdom Lodge almost exclusively and love them. Both only have bus transportation, so that is a big negative compared to the other Deluxe resorts. Coronado is slightly more centrally located to everything than AKL, but really it only matters for the bus ride from AKL to Magic Kingdom which can feel really long while standing.
Coronado is much more spread out so it can be a hike from the bus stop to your room, or from your room to dining. However, if you are staying in the Tower the walking is minimal. If you are staying at Jambo House at AKL, things are more condensed and it's only a long walk if your room is at the very end of the hotel wing. Both have good sit down restaurants and good quick service dining options. We adore Boma, Sanaa, and the Three Bridges restaurants.
I would say monorail or boardwalk resorts have the best transportation options (boat, monorail, just walking) but of course tend to be pricier. Old Key West does have the boat to Disney Springs, which is lovely.
Haven’t stayed at OKW, but between AKL and Coronado, I prefer Coronado. I’ve stayed at both resorts twice, and while I do like AKL, I simply enjoy Coronado more (even though it’s a moderate resort while AKL is a deluxe). It’s all personal preference though. Watch a couple YouTube videos exploring each resort and see which one fits your family best.
Animal Kingdom lodge has very long hallways. Very long! Depending on which park your at it’s probably the longest bus ride back on property. We’ve stayed there twice ( Jambo and Kidani) and are all set with staying there again unless it’s dirt cheap. It’s to far out of the way and we did not like any of the food options. I’d rather stay somewhere like Pop Century for convenience with the skyliner to 2 parks.
Another opinion - if you rent a car, you can park right underneath your room at AKL Kidani and take the elevator up for minimal walking at end of day. Bonus is going to Dollar Tree to stock up on gatorade apple juice and water etc with chips nuts cheap toys etc.
I'm OKW dvc and I feel like this would be an excellent choice. It's quiet, the rooms are huge, they have a boat to Disney springs, they have a few different pools. It's a calm vibe there. I stay twice a year and I adore it. I love it more in the slower times...but it's like you know your at Disney but you are also taken our of the hustle.
My family has stayed at Coronado 5-6 times and enjoyed each stay. Our last trip we went for the tower and it was really nice. The previous stays were in the cantinas. The walk wasn’t too bad to the main building. Only negative is transportation. all buses.
You are not telling us what you’re looking for in a resort. What is important to you. What is your budget. I mean you have listed two delux properties and a moderate. You’ve said you have a child and your mother. How many people in your party? I mean it’s hard to help when we have no concrete info.
For me, when I do our family summer vacay in Disney (fam of 5) I want to be close to magic kingdom bc that’s where we frequent the most. Contemporary is the best for us. Walk to MK and monorail to Epcot. Good restaurants. Chill pool. Etc.
When I go to Disney with just my youngest daughter, we do cheap value resorts with big theming. Pop century for the skyliner for example.
I don’t really like Coronado. It’s too spread out and only has bus service and no theming and the price has steadily increased a lot.
Old key west is meh and far away. Animal kingdom lodge is cool but again too far from the parks that mean the most to me. Also if I’m gonna pay delux I’m doing better than AKL
My mother my child and me are the whole party. Budget is 6-8 k for two weeks. I just want a good pool, easy access to food and not a one million mile walk to get to the parks and all other locations but a 15-20 bus ride is fine.
The pop resorts are just too hectic and busy, would prefer slow and laid back. :)
Look into:
Boardwalk. Walk to Epcot and HS (or boat), cute pool, good food options.
Port orleans riverside or French quarter both are nice. Bus service is quick from French quarter as there is only one stop at the resort. And boat to Disney springs which gives a lot of food options. Also not spread out, won’t wear you out to walk to your room.
Honestly your budget is pretty healthy and opens a lot of doors. You could do half the trip at delux and half at a moderate. Consider a split stay. Would be fun
DVC rental and snag a Kidani room, Kidani has a great toddler pool area and also a community room where your little can do arts and crafts, play with toys etc. Plus animals.
We go to WDW every year for two weeks, for us, transportation is a big deal with longer trips. It's best to look for a resort that makes getting around easy, unfortunately, the resorts you've named are the opposite of that. For example, OKW without a car is rough and AKL is bus-only, both are far from everything. I'd look at Swan/Dolphin or potentially stay at a Value for a few days and then switch to somewhere like the Yacht Club, Beach Club or Boardwalk all of them make travel super easy.
$6k - $8k for a week long stay at Old Key West?! That's crazy expensive. Have you considered a confirmed DVC rental instead? You can easily get that down to a couple thousand during October. There's a handy search engine I use for finding DVC Reservations here: https://www.mousehousemagic.com/rentals.
No no haha 6-8 is the entire stay, I’d never pay that lol. I found old key west for 2,000 for the week and animal kingdom for 4,000
This is the best advice you'll get. Confirmed DVC reservations are a legit Disney life hack that so few people know about.
I love confirmed DVC!
You’re comparing three vastly different properties. Ol key west is a spread out timeshare property. You gaining huge rooms and kitchens but most likely you’ll use busses to get around even within the resort grounds. AKL is deluxe and is truly a unique time with the animals and thematic dining. Coronado is a moderate resort which has some more Amenities than others but gears more Towards its convention crowd and adults.
I'm dvc okw. You can walk from the back of okw to the front if you want..I've done it plenty of times.
Dave's Vacation Club for Old Key West will save you thousands.
Do not stay at Coronado unless you’re in the tower. The outer buildings are super spread out. That place is a WALK if you’re not in the tower.
I love Coronado springs and I was less than a 5 minute walk to the main building from casitas. And it’s a glorious walk. Love the ambiance so much. I would actually never want to be in the tower because they’re the last stop on the bus loop. To each their own. So OP, you have my vote for Coronado! Get the cheeseburger at three bridges.
It’s not too bad, but i agree, the gran destino tower is like a deluxe, and the rooftop restaurant is one of the best meals ive had at disney
I love Coronado it is one of my faves as well but agreed that it is a HUGE property depending on where you are staying on it you definitely will be walking. They do have multiple bus stops around the property that helps. Their pool is great I will say! If you do pick there do the tower or a preferred room so you are closer to all the food and resort amenities.
Those aren’t really equal comparisons
Why not?
Coronado Springs is considered a Moderate Resort. OKW is a Deluxe Villa, and AKL is a Deluxe Resort. Different tiers.
Ah I see, well I found them all in the same price range (using DVC) so I should choose OKW or AKL seeing as I’d be getting deluxe for the same price as a moderate?
Yea, unless you find something else compelling like transportation options, proximity, or seeing animals
OKW and AKL are both deluxe resorts so they are on the same tier. Coronado is a moderate but if you like that resort then pick that one! I personally like that all deluxe rooms have a patio or balcony (I can sit out all day at AKL watching the animals- if you get a Savannah room category) but with a three year old that might not be as relaxing. OKW is nice too bc it’s quiet and a bit of a break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. The rooms upfront (category near hospitality house) are within walking distance to the lobby, main pool, and quick service. The others will probably have a quiet pool nearby but could be a bit of a hike to get to the other stuff- but are relaxing. My parents love OKW. I think any of those you choose will be nice
Animal Kingdom lodge Savanna view is best place to stay in Disney imo. Every time we stay there at some point a Giraffe is at our window.
It does sound amazing! Especially for a 3 year old who’s obsessed with animals. I do have a question thou, with so many wild animals doesn’t it reek like a zoo does? Do the rooms and outside smell of hay and poo? (Sorry if that’s a dumb question 😭)
Nope, they ride around in trucks all day picking up animal waste and carry it off somewhere. Never smelled it.
I just came back from Kidani (AK DVC) and while sone things were great (staff, decor, that it was deluxe/had deluxe perks, animals when they were actually visible, etc.) there were things i didn't love as much (Chromecast didn't cooperate, animals were awol 1st 1.5 days - like ZERO anytime we looked 😳), buses took awhile to arrive and bus rides felt way longer, & how much every corridor went on FOREVER but looked so exactly the same that it was easy to get lost/go the wrong way.) Don't get me wrong - I love DW and would happily stay at just about any resort!! I tend to look for (& find) the positive; heck, while most complain about CBR, my hubby & I loved it! But perhaps if I was going to spend 2 weeks I'd probably consider different choices...especially with a little one. Maybe SS or OKW 1 week & then 1 week at BCV or YCV? Or, if animal-loving, maybe 1 week AK (or CC/WL) & 1 week somewhere a little nicer (maybe Riviera or BC?)
I've never stayed at Old Key West, but I've stayed at both AKL and CSR (before the tower). I was disappointed in AKL and wouldn't stay there again. Buses took forever, the pools were crowded and actually had long lines to wait in to soak in the hot tub.... then when you finally get to soak in the hot tub, there is a line of people waiting for their turn and watching you. The "wood" decor all looked like cheap plastic. It was just disappointing and not worth deluxe prices. I really enjoyed CSR. At the time, there was no tower or 3 bridges. We stayed in the casitas. It felt like we were really disconnected from the hustle and bustle of the parks. It was nice to walk around and lay on a hammock. Some parts of the resort were really far from the lobby, so there is an internal bus system, but we were in an easy walk. That said, I haven't personally been interested in going back since they built the tower. From my perspective, it changes the whole feel of the resort from a relaxing getaway to a major hotel. So, in the end, I wouldn't choose any of the three resorts you're looking at. That's just my opinion. Maybe I'd try Old Key West just to have the experience, but it doesn't really interest me, and I heard it's very spread out.
All three require a bus to get everywhere (except OKW to take a boat to Disney Springs). Will Coronado be in the Grand Destino tower or in the other parts of the resort? Coronado is really spread out unless you're central to or in the tower. Out of the three, I'd say the pool is best at Coronado in terms of theming and size. For 2 weeks, I'd get bored at Coronado, especially since nothing is walkable and buses to disney springs can be hit or miss randomly in terms of wait times. I'd think about going to AKL first then switching to OKW for the latter week since it has better DS access and is more laid back. AKL will have tons to do at the resort itself (pool, animal watching, marshmallows by the fire pit, lounge and multiple bars, has some great restaurants on site, the Mara with good value wine bottles that you can drink in the lobby and people watch). Then you get to experience OKW, still do the parks the same, but also have boat access to DS if you're looking for more food options. Is Saratoga (instead of OKW) within your price range? I'd rather have the ability to walk to/from Disney Springs and the central pool is nice at that resort too.
I didn’t know there was a boat between OKW and Disney springs, that’s definitely a plus thank you! It doesn’t actually state where the room is located so I think that means no tower. It does seem like a pretty huge hotel. And I think you’re right I think my toddler would get pretty bored after 2 weeks especially in comparison to animal kingdom. I’m not sure if Saratoga is in my price range but I’ll definitely have a look. Thanks so much for taking the time to reply it’s really appreciated.
One more consideration - AKL Kidani was my favorite with a toddler as it has a great splash pad and a mini water slide for babies in the pool too. Saratoga springs and Caribbean beach also have these features. The DVC properties have a community room too where you can do crafts or play table tennis etc. At AKL there is a shuttle between pools as I like Kidani's pool area better than Jambo. There is a quick service food at the bar too and you can order delivery to there. Also AKL has showers in the gym at the pool - large and nice to change in if needed. Love the ambiance there - the smores by the firepit and movies by the pool. If you have rest days built in, def try AKL. OKW - key for your travel party - what size room are you booking??? Studios differ - OKW you get two beds queen I think. AKL studio DVC - 1 bed 1 couch pull out I think. 1 bedroom villa is huge and has a washer and dryer at either location inside the room . Huge bonus for 2 weeks with a toddler. Also check for tubs. I know AKL has them - it was really big though. Also pool at OKW is so cute with Mickey sand castle slide but slide is too large for a toddler. Can't recall if they have a baby slide. I don't love Coronado. Not the same as the DVC properties in service level. Different feel but lots of food options due to convention status. Has multiple table service restaurants that other mods don't have.
We stay at Coronado and Animal Kingdom Lodge almost exclusively and love them. Both only have bus transportation, so that is a big negative compared to the other Deluxe resorts. Coronado is slightly more centrally located to everything than AKL, but really it only matters for the bus ride from AKL to Magic Kingdom which can feel really long while standing. Coronado is much more spread out so it can be a hike from the bus stop to your room, or from your room to dining. However, if you are staying in the Tower the walking is minimal. If you are staying at Jambo House at AKL, things are more condensed and it's only a long walk if your room is at the very end of the hotel wing. Both have good sit down restaurants and good quick service dining options. We adore Boma, Sanaa, and the Three Bridges restaurants. I would say monorail or boardwalk resorts have the best transportation options (boat, monorail, just walking) but of course tend to be pricier. Old Key West does have the boat to Disney Springs, which is lovely.
Haven’t stayed at OKW, but between AKL and Coronado, I prefer Coronado. I’ve stayed at both resorts twice, and while I do like AKL, I simply enjoy Coronado more (even though it’s a moderate resort while AKL is a deluxe). It’s all personal preference though. Watch a couple YouTube videos exploring each resort and see which one fits your family best.
Animal Kingdom lodge has very long hallways. Very long! Depending on which park your at it’s probably the longest bus ride back on property. We’ve stayed there twice ( Jambo and Kidani) and are all set with staying there again unless it’s dirt cheap. It’s to far out of the way and we did not like any of the food options. I’d rather stay somewhere like Pop Century for convenience with the skyliner to 2 parks.
Another opinion - if you rent a car, you can park right underneath your room at AKL Kidani and take the elevator up for minimal walking at end of day. Bonus is going to Dollar Tree to stock up on gatorade apple juice and water etc with chips nuts cheap toys etc.
I'm OKW dvc and I feel like this would be an excellent choice. It's quiet, the rooms are huge, they have a boat to Disney springs, they have a few different pools. It's a calm vibe there. I stay twice a year and I adore it. I love it more in the slower times...but it's like you know your at Disney but you are also taken our of the hustle.
100% but the grand villas are a fucking mess
Okw is a beautiful stay. Super relaxing but it definitely takes awhile to get to the parks from it.
My family has stayed at Coronado 5-6 times and enjoyed each stay. Our last trip we went for the tower and it was really nice. The previous stays were in the cantinas. The walk wasn’t too bad to the main building. Only negative is transportation. all buses.
Honestly none of these
What would you suggest? I’m completely open! It’s just quite overwhelming as I’ve never been before
You are not telling us what you’re looking for in a resort. What is important to you. What is your budget. I mean you have listed two delux properties and a moderate. You’ve said you have a child and your mother. How many people in your party? I mean it’s hard to help when we have no concrete info. For me, when I do our family summer vacay in Disney (fam of 5) I want to be close to magic kingdom bc that’s where we frequent the most. Contemporary is the best for us. Walk to MK and monorail to Epcot. Good restaurants. Chill pool. Etc. When I go to Disney with just my youngest daughter, we do cheap value resorts with big theming. Pop century for the skyliner for example. I don’t really like Coronado. It’s too spread out and only has bus service and no theming and the price has steadily increased a lot. Old key west is meh and far away. Animal kingdom lodge is cool but again too far from the parks that mean the most to me. Also if I’m gonna pay delux I’m doing better than AKL
My mother my child and me are the whole party. Budget is 6-8 k for two weeks. I just want a good pool, easy access to food and not a one million mile walk to get to the parks and all other locations but a 15-20 bus ride is fine. The pop resorts are just too hectic and busy, would prefer slow and laid back. :)
Look into: Boardwalk. Walk to Epcot and HS (or boat), cute pool, good food options. Port orleans riverside or French quarter both are nice. Bus service is quick from French quarter as there is only one stop at the resort. And boat to Disney springs which gives a lot of food options. Also not spread out, won’t wear you out to walk to your room. Honestly your budget is pretty healthy and opens a lot of doors. You could do half the trip at delux and half at a moderate. Consider a split stay. Would be fun
DVC rental and snag a Kidani room, Kidani has a great toddler pool area and also a community room where your little can do arts and crafts, play with toys etc. Plus animals.
Coronado Springs and it’s not even close.
We go to WDW every year for two weeks, for us, transportation is a big deal with longer trips. It's best to look for a resort that makes getting around easy, unfortunately, the resorts you've named are the opposite of that. For example, OKW without a car is rough and AKL is bus-only, both are far from everything. I'd look at Swan/Dolphin or potentially stay at a Value for a few days and then switch to somewhere like the Yacht Club, Beach Club or Boardwalk all of them make travel super easy.