AKL or Boardwalk?....

[LauraG1]

Trying to plan a trip in May (2008) and new to Disney. We want something fun for our son(just5), with something to do that will be relaxing (he needs his downtime), and AKL sounds great for this.
OTOH, Boardwalk sounds fun b/c dh or I could get out easier alone to wander and do whatever if we want to.
Any ideas? Pros and cons to either?
Laura (thanks!)

 

[stellablue]

Well, I think you have to go with what your priority is for this trip.

If it's the relaxation & something special for your DS, I'd say go with a Savannah view room at AKL. This resort is not only magnificent looking, it is very relaxing for both kids and adults, has a great pool, terrific restaurants, and the animal viewing is a very unique opportunity. It is a bit further away from some of the parks, but has a very good bus system that is not shared with the other resorts. Longest ride is to MK which averages about 15 minutes. We didn't mind it at all.

If you are looking for convenience and you plan to spend time at DHS & Epcot, I'd say go with the BW. You can walk to both those parks and the BW is a fun place to hang out in as well. I do think that the BW seems to appeal more to adults than to a little kid, but I"m sure your DS would enjoy it.

 

[Cool-Beans]

I'd take AKL over BWI any day. IMO, it is ten times the hotel BWI is. AKL isn't for everyone, but if you think you might like it, you'll probably adore it.

BWI is nice enough, but it is just kind of "blah" to me. Nothing too unique, nothing special. And it's "short" walk to Epcot's World Showcase is about 15 minutes, probably longer with a kid in tow. You could take the boat, but that takes time, too.

I think a kid would get more of a kick out of the animals at AKL than the courtyards or boardwalk at BWI, too.

 

[Knavey]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1712874

AKL has my vote...even though I have never stayed at Boardwalk.

My recent review is above.

Hope it helps with your decision.

 

[twinklebug]

AKV has dedicated buses - a HUGE plus at the end of a long day in the parks. It also has a wonderful pool and fantastic lobby. Any 5yo will LOVE seeing griaffes and zebras all over the resort grounds. I really can't think of anything bad to say about the resort other than the construction woke me up at 8am every morning... but then, in Disney who wants to sleep in?

BWV is near & dear to my heart, but there are two downsides to it... The infamous clown slide (OK, now you all know I have an irrational fear of men who hide their faces behind white makeup) ... although it is a really great pool with *cough* fantastic drinks The second issue I have with BWV is the bussing system and having to share the buses with the Swan/Dolphin. In fact when we stayed there 2 years ago one bus had to hit the Swan, the Dolphin, the YC & BC before finally making it's way over to our stop. That was the longest bus ride of my life since highschool.

 

[AnninIowa]

On our last trip, I was trying to choose between the Boardwalk and AKL....price "forced" me to AKL, but I am so glad it did! We LOVED AKL, more than we loved the Beach Club, and will be going back this coming May. It is beautiful and seeing the animals never gets tiring.

 

[LSchrow]

we prefer the BW area over AKL ~ no contest

AKL is a beautiful resort (& one that we enjoy visiting occassionally), but after 2 nights of a stay there, we were ready to leave (we like to spend time at our resort, & quickly ran out of different, fun things to do).

on the other hand, BW has the best of both worlds: quiet areas, as well as lots of activities within/near the resort, with EPCOT (literally) a 10 minute walk, DHS a short ferry ride away, & BC (with beach) just across the lake.

good luck with your decision

 

[DOOM1001]

Can't beat the location of the Boardwalk and the Y&B club.AKL is a nicer hotel but I'll take the Boardwalk myself!!!

 

[ElizabethB]

If you want the ability to walk to two parks (Epcot and Disney Studios), plus lots and lots of restaurants within walking distance, pick BWI. We've stayed at both AKL and BWI. At AKL, a car is a necessity, IMO. Although you have non-stop buses to the parks, that is not the case to other resorts. I'd rather be where I can walk to lots of places.