AKL, BC, or Poly for resort only

[matynurse]

We are thinking about adding 2 nights in the end of our trip in early Dec for room only. We are staying a week at CBR. Could never see spending the money on a deluxe as we aren't at resort much but kids want to have a few days to relax, swim, maybe go to DTD, things we never seem to have time for. Im finally living my dream and started a travel business, after talking about it for 7 yrs lol!! So I can use my agent rate to stay a few nights. Kids are 14, 9, and almost 3, opinions on which one? We always eat at Ohana and love Poly's vibe. Never visited other 2 resorts but heard great things Thanks!!

 

[goofyredraider]

I've stayed at two on your list - AKl and BC, while I love them both for different reasons- I would vote AKL- so much to do, and truly an escape.

 

[ElizabethB]

For swimming, the best choice by far is BC. For an exotic escape, AKL -- especially a savannah room.

 

[scdisneyguy]

If it was for days you plan to possibly hit the parks AKL would be the last choice for us.....that being said all three are great and since you aren't being transportation options for parks on these days I would throw AKL back in the mix and day you can't go wrong with any of them. We love all of them but AKL lacks options for transportation that other two do so we rarely stay there for that reason. Nice to hop on monorail at poly or walk to EPCOT from BC that won't be factor for you do you will enjoy all maybe even AKL the best it is a nice retreat.

 

[CoolPool]

AKL Club Level.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I tacked on 2 nights at the BC for the same reasons one year and we had a ball in Storm-Along-Bay. If you are there during swimming weather and you are looking to hang at the resort, my vote is BC or YC. If it isn't too expensive to add 2 days to your tickets I would do that and leave open the option of going over to eat at Epcot or ride ToT at DHS.

 

[Funky Chicken]

After a week at CBR I would head to AKL or Poly. You might be a little "parked out" by then, so AKL would be the best choice to recharge. I love Poly, too, but AKL is a soothing, chilled out environment.

 

[darkwing818]

For swimming, the best choice by far is BC. For an exotic escape, AKL -- especially a savannah room.

Beach Club.... Hands down

 

[mickeynut1]

We are thinking about adding 2 nights in the end of our trip in early Dec for room only. We are staying a week at CBR. Could never see spending the money on a deluxe as we aren't at resort much but kids want to have a few days to relax, swim, maybe go to DTD, things we never seem to have time for. Im finally living my dream and started a travel business, after talking about it for 7 yrs lol!! So I can use my agent rate to stay a few nights. Kids are 14, 9, and almost 3, opinions on which one? We always eat at Ohana and love Poly's vibe. Never visited other 2 resorts but heard great things Thanks!!

We've stayed at all 3 and although we do love AKL and BC, our favorite is the Poly. Your really can't go wrong with any of them as they are all great resorts, but we love the Poly for the relaxing tropical atmosphere, the large rooms, the beach for watching the fireworks, and being just a monorail ride away from the GF and CR for a variety of dining and shopping options. They are all great places to stay, but my first choice would be the Poly, followed by AKL, and then BC. Good luck, although I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which one you choose .

 

[Wood Nymph]

They are all great choices. If it was me I would ask the family to vote on which one they want to stay at. The weather might not be good enough in December to take full advantage of the pool at the BC, though.

 

[Mousemommy1]

AKL!

At the Poly and BC, you are right in the middle of everything, so it would be hard doing a resort only stay at one of those.

AKL is more isolated, so easier to just hang around there without temptation.

 

[llqool]

Have stayed at AKL and BC. I would say that for the younger kids, there may be more to do at AKL than at BC (not sure about Poly's activities, but the look of AKL is MUCH nicer and more unique than POLY, IMHO). Lots of animals to look at, and animal/cultural programs.

Here is a sample of activities at AKL: http://www.themouseforless.com/tripplanning/resorts/wdw/pdf/AKLCalendar.pdf

My kids loved the "Primal Parade" that they do every night at AKL.

BC does have some evening activities, too -- when we were there in January of last year, they had a campfire/smores/movie going on down on the beach with a couple of youth counselors. But not many kids were in attendance. My girls did the smore thing for a bit and then wanted to leave.

The pool is great at BC, but the AKL pool is nice, too, and you can also go to the Kidani pool area.

Counter service/table service food MUCH better at the Mara at AKL than BC. (although we love the food at Poly!! )

 

[wiigirl]

AKL would be my preference.

 

[jperrot1]

That's a tough one. All three are great resorts in and of themselves. They would all be awesome for relaxation. BC has an amazing pool and the kids (and you) would love it. Plus, Beaches and Cream has, IMO, the best ice cream in the world. And, for relaxation/sit down meals/drinks purposes only, you can walk over to Epcot (world area only). Not to go on rides and attractions, just for meals and pretty walks at night.

I guess I vote for BC but just by a hair. All three are outstanding. Now for a resort only stay may I suggest (if funds allow) a club level stay?

 

[katiee37]

Depends what you're looking for in a resort. For an awesome pool, no resort in the entire world (WDW and outside of it) beats BC. In terms of viewing pleasures and relaxing on a patio/balcony, nothing beats AKL. In terms of convenience to parks, nothing beats staying on the monorail at Poly.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'd vote AKL. I did a resort only trip there last year, and will again this year. There are so many activities offered right there at the resort. Or you can just sit on your balcony (or the Sunset savannah lounge) and watch the animals.

 

[Marthasor]

AKL, IMHO, is the best resort to visit when you don't plan on going to the parks! Perfect to relax, tons of activities, fantastic theming, great food! I, too, would try for AKL CL, you could then even do the morning safari that is only available to AKL CL guests!

 

[matynurse]

Ahhh you all have great points!! Family has always wanted to stay at Poly but that's just because we've never stayed there and they love the look when we go to eat. I'm leaning AKL but I'll show FAM pics and let them decide. Thanks y'all!!!!