AKL or BCR

[sanj]

Hello everyone. My husband and I are planning our first WDW vacation with our daughter who will be 12 when we go and our toddler who will be 2 1/2. We looked over and over at the resorts online and have narrowed it down to AKL and BCR. They both seem to be very nice but we cannot make up our minds. Which one would you suggest?

Toni

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

hello Toni and welcome to the Dis Boards!

AKL or the Beach Club?? wow .. a really tough choice. I have stayed at each several times and love each one for different reasons.

What time of year are you going? Are your kids pool lovers? While the pool at AKL is great, Storm a Long Bay at the BC is the best pool at WDW. There is a sandy beach and very shallow play area for the little ones and your older one would love the slide.

One factor that sways me to say BC for you is that it is your first trip. The parks are much closer. You can take the boat or walk to Epcot and MGM. There are so many restaurants very close. The Boardwalk is right across the lake and a fun place to visit.

I love the AKL, don't get me wrong, but it is a different experince, IMHO. It is not so much in the center of things and the eating choices, while very very good, are not as wide. We choose the AKL when we are not planning many park days as it is a wonderful place to relax.

Which ever you choose, have a wonderful, magical time! Visit the other one (and other resorts) for a meal and just see if you like it .. maybe you will find the perfect place for your next visit!

 

[LukenDC]

I agree with Cool Disney Cat that the Beach Club is best for a first visit. It is centrally located. I have not stayed there, but I did visit when I was staying at AKL and wished that I had selected that hotel instead. AKL is magnificently themed, but its remote location detracts from the Disney experience. If you really cannot decide which one you want to stay at, consider staying at both with a split stay.

 

[sanj]

Thank you both so much for your replies. My husband and I have thought about it and have decided to stay at BC. Believe me, it was a hard decision. They both seem really nice, but we do want to be closer to the parks. I think that I'm the most excited. I can't wait to go. Thanks again.


Toni

 

[Got Quattro?]

having stayed at both....beach club wins everytime.

 

[Ladyhawke10]

As much as I love AKL, I would agree with your decision on BC, especially because you will be in the parks so much and proximity is going to be key. AKL is better when you want to relax and have a more remote, pampered experience. The BC is beautiful also (though about as thematically different as possible from AKL!) but has a great location for lots of park time. Have fun !