3 way split stay- what order should we do?

[flinkerfrosch]

Here I go again, second guessing myself!!??

I could use all your help again

We are coming to WDW in Oct. DH and 2 boys ages 2 and 6.

This will be my DH and boys 1st visit. I haven't been to WDW since 2005, and have never stayed on property.

We are coming for 16 days (Oct 12th-27th), and I am now confused on what order to put the resorts.

Right now I have it as..5 nights AKL, 5 nights BC and 5 nights Polynesian.

I am stuck because the first 5 nights I have us at MK twice, and AK x1. EMH is also the Sunday night (Oct 13th) which we may or may not attend..depends what the boys want to do. We also have an ADR at Chef Mickey's our 1st night.
We are renting a car when we stay at AKL regardless what order we do the resorts, but not while we are at the BC or Poly.

Would it make more sense to do Poly first because of my plans then BC and do AKL last? I would move AK to a day we stayed on the last 5 days cause it makes more sense to visit AK when we are staying at AKL.

Because I don't now what to expect with each resort, I'm lost as to what would work out better?? If we did AKL the 1st 5 nights, and had a car, would it really matter?

You guys are all pros and I figured you would have the insight I'm looking for!!

Thanks in advance

 

[PrincessesX3]

Here I go again, second guessing myself!!??

I could use all your help again

We are coming to WDW in Oct. DH and 2 boys ages 2 and 6.

This will be my DH and boys 1st visit. I haven't been to WDW since 2005, and have never stayed on property.

We are coming for 16 days (Oct 12th-27th), and I am now confused on what order to put the resorts.

Right now I have it as..5 nights AKL, 5 nights BC and 5 nights Polynesian.

I am stuck because the first 5 nights I have us at MK twice, and AK x1. EMH is also the Sunday night (Oct 13th) which we may or may not attend..depends what the boys want to do. We also have an ADR at Chef Mickey's our 1st night.
We are renting a car when we stay at AKL regardless what order we do the resorts, but not while we are at the BC or Poly.

Would it make more sense to do Poly first because of my plans then BC and do AKL last? I would move AK to a day we stayed on the last 5 days cause it makes more sense to visit AK when we are staying at AKL.

Because I don't now what to expect with each resort, I'm lost as to what would work out better?? If we did AKL the 1st 5 nights, and had a car, would it really matter?

You guys are all pros and I figured you would have the insight I'm looking for!!

Thanks in advance

wow the trip sounds great. We love long stays at Disney. But you are moving around a lot with the little ones. My kiddies are about the same age and I could not fathom packing up a third time to move, unless had too.

IMO I would do Poly first since you have a CM ressie, and MK twice. As for AK and getting there, you can't walk from AKL, so no matter what you are driving (renting a car). Then do BC last, I do know where you are renting the car from but there are returns at the Dolphin/Swan and walk back over to BC.

 

[disd55]

Here I go again, second guessing myself!!??

I could use all your help again

We are coming to WDW in Oct. DH and 2 boys ages 2 and 6.

This will be my DH and boys 1st visit. I haven't been to WDW since 2005, and have never stayed on property.

We are coming for 16 days (Oct 12th-27th), and I am now confused on what order to put the resorts.

Right now I have it as..5 nights AKL, 5 nights BC and 5 nights Polynesian.

I am stuck because the first 5 nights I have us at MK twice, and AK x1. EMH is also the Sunday night (Oct 13th) which we may or may not attend..depends what the boys want to do. We also have an ADR at Chef Mickey's our 1st night.
We are renting a car when we stay at AKL regardless what order we do the resorts, but not while we are at the BC or Poly.

Would it make more sense to do Poly first because of my plans then BC and do AKL last? I would move AK to a day we stayed on the last 5 days cause it makes more sense to visit AK when we are staying at AKL.

Because I don't now what to expect with each resort, I'm lost as to what would work out better?? If we did AKL the 1st 5 nights, and had a car, would it really matter?

You guys are all pros and I figured you would have the insight I'm looking for!!

Thanks in advance

If you hadn't already made all these plans, I would go ahead and do least grand to most grand deluxe (AKL_BC_POLY). But, it seems it won't work out this way

I think that you definitely need to stay at Poly first, due to all the things going on in the MK area. You have to remember though, do not set expectations high for the other two resorts. BC is still a beautiful and very amazing deluxe, so it isn't that far off from Poly. AKL is a beautiful and magnificent deluxe, but totally on the opposite side of the Deluxe spectrum, as it is the least expensive deluxe resort. Expect long car rides to many of the parks from AKL, which is not what you will experience with Poly. My opinion: Poly->BC->AKL. By the end of the vacation you may be tired and want to relax anyways.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

Well I totally disagree with the PP!

We are just back from AKL and I must say it is faaaaar from the opposite side of the Deluxe Spectrum! We have also stayed at Poly so I think I have a bit of credibility.
We always have a car when we stay at AKL and they are definately NOT long car rides to any of the Parks. Goodness - it took us much longer on a bus to get to the Parks when we stayed at CSR or POFQ then it does at AKL with a car.
All that aside - I would schedule Poly for your Chef Mickey and majority of MK visits. BC obviously lends itself to Epcot and DHS. AKL is a 3 minute ride to AK, but if you are renting a car for that portion of your stay, it really doesn't matter. It is a 5-10 minute ride tops to AK, DHS and Epcot. Definately longer to MK because you have to take the monorail or ferry over when driving there.
I will say this - I would consider scheduling AKL at the end of your stay..not because it is *so far away* - but because it is a fabulous place to relax and soak in the resort atmosphere. There are so many great activities for the kids , the pool is wonderful and the animal viewing areas are amazing!
In any event I am sure you will have a fabulous time! You get to enjoy 2 of my favorite resorts as well as 1 on my "must do" list! I am jealous!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

If you hadn't already made all these plans, I would go ahead and do least grand to most grand deluxe (AKL_BC_POLY). But, it seems it won't work out this way

I think that you definitely need to stay at Poly first, due to all the things going on in the MK area. You have to remember though, do not set expectations high for the other two resorts. BC is still a beautiful and very amazing deluxe, so it isn't that far off from Poly. AKL is a beautiful and magnificent deluxe, but totally on the opposite side of the Deluxe spectrum, as it is the least expensive deluxe resort. Expect long car rides to many of the parks from AKL, which is not what you will experience with Poly. My opinion: Poly->BC->AKL. By the end of the vacation you may be tired and want to relax anyways.

MK is a must in the beginning of the trip because its my boys 1st trip, and I want MK to be the first park we see. I had planned on doing CM on arrival day for dinner, MK on the Mon and Wed (most recommended park days) and then while at BC we would do DHS and Epcot and while at AKL we would do AK and probably another MK day. I want to do 3 MK days, 1 maybe 2 AK days (depending on the boys-if they like the park enough to see it twice) and DHS x1 and Epoct x1. We also plan on hitting both water parks and a DDD one day as well.
Do you think AKL would be a disappointment at the end? I thought it would be fun to be at the Poly at the end beacause of the castle, beach etc..but I'm thinking the beginning may make more sense??
I am fine with driving to all outings in the 1st 5 days, but I'm so torn!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Well I totally disagree with the PP!

We are just back from AKL and I must say it is faaaaar from the opposite side of the Deluxe Spectrum! We have also stayed at Poly so I think I have a bit of credibility.
We always have a car when we stay at AKL and they are definately NOT long car rides to any of the Parks. Goodness - it took us much longer on a bus to get to the Parks when we stayed at CSR or POFQ then it does at AKL with a car.
All that aside - I would schedule Poly for your Chef Mickey and majority of MK visits. BC obviously lends itself to Epcot and DHS. AKL is a 3 minute ride to AK, but if you are renting a car for that portion of your stay, it really doesn't matter. It is a 5-10 minute ride tops to AK, DHS and Epcot. Definately longer to MK because you have to take the monorail or ferry over when driving there.
I will say this - I would consider scheduling AKL at the end of your stay..not because it is *so far away* - but because it is a fabulous place to relax and soak in the resort atmosphere. There are so many great activities for the kids , the pool is wonderful and the animal viewing areas are amazing!
In any event I am sure you will have a fabulous time! You get to enjoy 2 of my favorite resorts as well as 1 on my "must do" list! I am jealous!

Thank-you for the response. I've heard soooo many wonderful things about AKL, and am glad you and your family had a wonderful stay.
Originally, I had us only doing 2 resorts, but really wanted to try Beach Club for SAB cause my kids are fish, and I know they would love it!
AKL I know they will love as well cause of the animals! I've got pool view right now at the beginning, but I would upgrade to Savanna View if we did it at the end because I would get 35% off.
I really appreciate all your info and tips and will for sure take them into consideration.
I too have heard if the monorail breaks down or you have to take a bus from Poly or BC, the wait/drive can actually take longer then driving or even bussing it from AKL.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

wow the trip sounds great. We love long stays at Disney. But you are moving around a lot with the little ones. My kiddies are about the same age and I could not fathom packing up a third time to move, unless had too.

IMO I would do Poly first since you have a CM ressie, and MK twice. As for AK and getting there, you can't walk from AKL, so no matter what you are driving (renting a car). Then do BC last, I do know where you are renting the car from but there are returns at the Dolphin/Swan and walk back over to BC.

Thank-you! We are very excited!

I agree, 3 times is a lot, but we never unpack. Only a few things to hang and the rest stays in the suitcase
I'm a neat/clean freak, so we could have everything packed up to move in 10 mins!
We are actually moving 4 times cause after Disney we are heading to the beach for 8 days- I know, crazy..4 times..lol
So far, everyone is saying Poly 1st which does make sense!

 

[momjeeps]

I'm definitely liking the Poly->BC->AKL option. Oh how I envy your trip! Sounds fantastic! You will most definitely be ready for more relaxing toward the end and AKL sounds like a perfect place to relax, enjoy the animals and lush landscaping etc.

 

[amym2]

I agree with the others who said Poly then BC then AKL. Start going strong with MK, do DHS and EP (You're really only going to do one EP day? I'd add at least one more day.), then finish with AK. No, AK will not be a disappointment, it's a beautiful park. AKL will be a great place to finish up. We ended our last trip with breakfast at Boma and it was fabulous.

 

[sjs314]

Would Definately save AKL for last as it is the perfect resort to relax at maybe do a day or two at AK with lots of pool time and activities for the kids, the best resort to wind down after the previous 10 days.

I would probably do Poly first since your kids are young and will enjoy MK the most. Then move over to BC taking in DHS, Epcot and BoardWalk area.

 

[Kingdome8]

Wow. Does sound like a great trip.
We loved animal kingdom. We stayed at kidani in April.
The pool was fantastic and had hosted kid activities throughout day.
I have 3 girls and they loved it. I did too.
We had a car there and driving was so easy and quick.
Heard people say so far away but I didn't think so.
I'm staying at BC next. Can't wait to see the pool.

 

[clapton]

Have been to WDW too many times to count, but have never stayed that long, it sounds fabulous have a great trip and enjoy!

 

[Sue M]

Stayed at all, and they are great resorts, each has something special to offer.
Are your touring plans firm?
At first I thought AKL, BC, then Poly last. But really, what ever works for you will be fine.
Room size order from smallest is
AKL
Bc
Poly

When staying at AKL, I wouldn't drive to MK. Taking the bus from resort will be faster. Only because the parking for MK is at TTC. So you have to take a tram from parking lot to monorail or boat and then take one of those to get to MK.
The busses from your resort let you off at MK.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Thank-you to everyone that responded!! It seems almost everyone agrees to put Poly 1st

Your info, tips and knowledge has helped me so much!!

I'm going to look at a few things today, and may call to change Poly to the 1st 5 nights then BC and AKL the last 5 nights!

You guys are awesome!!!