Which would you choose?

[momtocnc]

We are going the first week of March for our second trip to Disney. We are staying for 5 nights and then moving to Universal for 3. I am debating between 2 resorts at Disney - a 1 bedroom lake view at BLT or a 1 bedroom savannah view at Kidani. With the AAA discount I can get 20% off at Kidani so kidani is about $500 less. I have always wanted to stay at the contemporary but animal kingdom has a big appeal to me too. I have twin boys that are 9 and we will be visiting each of the parks. But, provided we get ressies, we plan to eat at California grill, ohana, possibly BOG and in Epcot. I really need to make up my mind, but am so torn. This is our second trip and I doubt that we will go again as my husband is not really a huge disney fan. He told me to book and plan whatever I wanted this time! Which one do you think would be best? I think it would be great to watch the fireworks from the resort and possibly the room if we are lucky with the assignment and be in easier access to most dining, but I know that my kids would love to watch the animals! Thanks for your input!

 

[MinnieSummer]

I love AKL -- there is nothing that I don't like about it. My DD14 feels the same way. BUT we also love BLT, I just found the rooms to be small. My daughter loved that she could walk over to MK in the morning when I was still getting ready. I just sat on the balcony and watched until she went in. I don't love the pool as I feel it is to small and not nearly as inviting as the Pool at AKL. The food choices aer obviously better at BLT because of the proximity to the other resorts and MK but we really love Boma and Jiko's at AKL. You really can't go wrong at either resort. I guess it depends on what is the most important to you. AKL is a very different experience than any of the other resorts so I would lean that way, especially if you know you won't be returning any time soon.

 

[ArwenMarie]

We are going the first week of March for our second trip to Disney. We are staying for 5 nights and then moving to Universal for 3. I am debating between 2 resorts at Disney - a 1 bedroom lake view at BLT or a 1 bedroom savannah view at Kidani. With the AAA discount I can get 20% off at Kidani so kidani is about $500 less. I have always wanted to stay at the contemporary but animal kingdom has a big appeal to me too. I have twin boys that are 9 and we will be visiting each of the parks. But, provided we get ressies, we plan to eat at California grill, ohana, possibly BOG and in Epcot. I really need to make up my mind, but am so torn. This is our second trip and I doubt that we will go again as my husband is not really a huge disney fan. He told me to book and plan whatever I wanted this time! Which one do you think would be best? I think it would be great to watch the fireworks from the resort and possibly the room if we are lucky with the assignment and be in easier access to most dining, but I know that my kids would love to watch the animals! Thanks for your input!

Putting the $ aside, I would go with BLT, especially if you think it's your last trip for a while and if you are planning on going to AK anyway. Good choice to have!

 

[Pakey]

Kidani is my favorite resort; the one bedroom savannah views are stunning. And the resort itself, grounds pools lobby are outstanding.

If I had a car, I would pick AKV and I would change the Ca Grill dinner to Jiko or Sanaa (both are better than both Ca Grill and OHana).

Without a car, I would pick BLT. The resort isn't nearly as nice but location is ideal.

 

[momtocnc]

Thanks for the replies! Many good points. Last time we went we stayed in the treehouses at Saratoga Springs and loved it , but the transportation was difficult. We had to take a treehouse bus to a Saratoga bus then another bus to wherever we were going, 2 if it was another resort! This is what is making me lean towards BLT so that it will be easier to get to dinner. Thanks for the suggestion of Jiko and Saana. We ate at Jiko last time and loved it, but want to try different places this time. Saana does look good though. All in all wherever we stay will be great as my kids will be in Disney and I doubt that our resort will really matter to them. I just need to decide so I can make my dinner reservations when my 180 days hit!

 

[clapton]

My choice would be BLT just for location and access to other resorts, MK and Epcot with the convenience of the monorail. I love AKL it's beautiful but just a little bit too out of the way for us. Have a great trip!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

Kidani, for sure. I happen to think BLT is ugly, and it really isn't all that much more convenient to anything except for MK.

 

[Singinglizzie]

Kidani is my favorite resort; the one bedroom savannah views are stunning. And the resort itself, grounds pools lobby are outstanding.

If I had a car, I would pick AKV and I would change the Ca Grill dinner to Jiko or Sanaa (both are better than both Ca Grill and OHana).

Without a car, I would pick BLT. The resort isn't nearly as nice but location is ideal.

Ditto this reply! I absolutely love AKL, it is so relaxing - and there is so much to do with the various activities, you can use both pools (jambo and kidani) plus love watching the animals. However if you are planning to do Disney transportation, then BLT may be a better choice since you will have access to the monorail. Have a lovely trip!