BW or AKL???

[milmore104]

I can't decide which resort to pick. I'm surprising my family with a trip to WDW in Feb. We have stayed at AKL before. And just stayed at BC in April. Have never stayed at BW but LOVED the location of the EPCOT resort area and the ease of walking to the 2 parks. My DH absolutely LOVES AKL and would pick that resort over anything anytime! But my DD would like BW as would I.
Which would you choose and why? Thanks

Some info about us... We will be traveling 2/22-3/2. My brother and his family will be traveling w/ us but they are staying at POFQ.
We are a family of 5... My DH and I, our 3 DD's 12,3,2. Yes we will have a double stroller (which is why I'm leaning toward BW).
We are mostly park people. We do enjoy a rest day and a rest morning but for the most park we are up in the morning and off to the parks. We don't return mid day for naps. However we do sometimes return early evening for swimming.

 

[mickeynut1]

We have never stayed at BWI but have visited many times and that is one resort we want to try. Since you've already stayed at AKL, I would give BWI a try. The rooms at BWI are larger than at AKL and I think all BWI rooms come with a daybed. We didn't have any trouble with the bus transportation at AKL, but you can't beat the location of BWI and being within walking distance to both Epcot and DHS. Good luck deciding .

 

[pixarmom]

We've stayed at both and we like both, but definitely prefer BWI. Our boys are ages 13, 12 and 5, so we don't bring a stroller, but the words "double stroller" in your post made me vote for BWI right away!

Here are my thoughts regarding both:

AKL

1) Pool. As you know, both AKL and Kidani have great pools and they are wonderful with little ones. But pool time for your dates is hit or miss - could be toasty warm weather, but maybe not.

2) Theme. I'm not a fan of animals, but I love the lobby at AKL. The theme is so well done.

3) Dining. Sanaa and Jiko are two of my favorite restaurants - wish I could get to them more, but we're not likely to stay at AKL again soon and it's a bit of a hike to get there just for dinner. I'm not a fan of Mara, but it would be more convenient with tiny kids to have that available.

4) Quiet. If you're looking for a true retreat from the parks, as you know, this can be it!

BWI

1) Location and Transportation! This is a huge factor for us. For us, the ability to walk to two parks just can't be beat. There's nothing like strolling out the international gateway and back to your room after dinner, and it's so much better than waiting for a bus. We don't drive at Disney, but really like to reduce our reliance on the buses, so BWI/BC/YC are perfect for us.

2) Dining. Even though AKL has great dining options, we feel BWI has more great dining options! All the Epcot resort restaurants and all the World Showcase restaurants are there within walking distance. Makes it easy to spend the morning in MK, DHS or AK, come back in the afternoon for a break and then go to dinner in Epcot. Love it!

3) Rooms. I love the light, bright, airy decor and the white comforters. I really miss those when staying at Poly or AKL.

4) Views! I absolutely love the Boardwalk View at BWI. As I mentioned, I'm not a big animal fan. But I do love a nice water view, and BWI has it.

5) Fun! My husband and our kids love the energy of the Boardwalk Area and the ability to walk around Crescent Lake and visit other resorts. Other than separate pools, it's like having multiple resorts in one because we can shop, eat and walk around at all the Epcot area resorts. Helps us to take more breaks from the parks, but still have things to do, and that makes my husband happy!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[Dani C]

I too have stayed at both. Honestly, aside from the location of BWI being fabulous, I would choose AKL on all other counts.