AKL v. BCR

[DisneyFan79]

My party and I are having a hard time deciding on which resort we would like to stay at. We have never stayed at the Beach Club or the AKL, but after watching the specials on the Travel Channel multiple times, we really like both of them. I know they are like daylight and dark, but both have lots of things we like. I think our deciding factor will be transportation. I like the fact that you can just hop on a boat or walk to EPCOT and even hop on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. We also like the atmosphere and the out in the African reserve feel of Animal Kingdom Lodge. What types of transportation issues have any of you had with the Animal Kingdom Lodge? I would also like opinions on both of these resorts and reasons why you liked them. Thanks so much for the help. Its so hard deciding on a room when they are all so good!!

 

[Mrs. Snowgod]

We stayed at the new BCV in October during the Food & Wine Festival, specifically for the proximity to Epcot. Walking over to the International gateway was a breeze, and we did it frequently. If Epcot is the focal point of your WDW visit, BC would certainly be your best choice (or any other Epcot resort).

The one downside we experienced with Transportation, and it really wasn't too big a deal, was that the buses are shared by all 5 Epcot resorts (Swan, Dolphin, YC, BC and BW). So, as we were at BC, on the way back from DD late at night we stopped at the 1st 3 resorts listed above before reaching ours. It was more of a perceptual furstration than a real problem - we could see our resort and feel "so close but yet so far away", and also had to listen to others whining about the same thing. I think if that is a problem for us or anyone else in future, a taxi could be the answer!

Have fun researching your decision - IMHO you can't go wrong either way.

 

[Gillian]

What ages does your party consist of? What time of year are you planning to go? And what parks do you plan to visit during your stay? A lot of questions, but I think they will help us help you choose the best resort!

The BC transportation to the MK was also a little annoying to us, for the same reasons as the previous poster. But we went in the offseason, so really it was fine. The AKL busses don't share with other resorts, which is nice. We thought the AKL transportation was really good, even with a stroller & a toddler.

You can take a monorail from Epcot to MK, but you have to hike through the entire park to get there. It's not the best way to get to MK.

We liked the pools at both resorts. There was more to do in the evenings near the BC. The newly renovated rooms at the YC (completed) look beautiful, as do the ones at the BC (still in progress).

The slides at the YC/BC pool will be closed through March, so if that's important to you, I'd look elsewhere.

 

[susy]

Never stayed at BC (yet!)

Do not let the transportation issue scare you away from AKL.
Out of the AS, CBR, and AKL, AKL had the best bus service! No other stops. Right on, right off. The farthest was to MK (15 mniutes). We loved this place!We were there during Labor Day weekend. The resort was full, but never felt crowded. Have your PS in place if you want to dine at Boma.

 

[DisneyFan79]

My party will consist of 4 adults. There will be no children. We will be going in the value season of December of next year. We will be going to all parks, but our main focus will be MGM and Animal Kingdom. Thanks for the advice everyone!!

 

[erikthewise]

You should be aware there is no bus service from Epcot resorts to MGM. You are expected to take the boat or walk. Many people prefer not to walk, esp if they have younger children along, and the boat can be glacially slow. On the other hand if you have a car MGM is a 5-minute drive at most.

 

[Gillian]

With all adults I would probably go for an Epcot resort. There is so much more to do there within walking distance! We loved AKL, and it is a nice place to hang out, but I think an all adult group could really take advantage of the Epcot area. The BC is such a short walk to Epcot so you can go there in the evenings for dinner or a drink, or to watch illuminations.

We liked taking the boat to MGM but also used our car. We didn't find the boat to be slow, but I could see how others might think that. We were taking everything slowly anyway!

When were were at the AKL (which we loved!) an adult friend visited us for an evening. We enjoyed eating at Boma and hanging out at the pool/hot tubs & bar. But I think that I wouldn't choose it for a longer stay during the winter with adults

Both are great resorts & I'm sure you really can't go wrong with either!

 

[Terry S]

We have been to both and much prefer Beach Club. I just love the themeing and atmosphere at the BC. This resort just has it all as far as I am concerned. It has the romance of the beach, just sitting there on the beach at night and looking out at the boardwalk lights is so beautiful. The walk to Epcot is literally 5 minutes and the boat ride to MGM is about 20 minutes.

AKL was just not my cup of tea. I really enjoyed seeing the animals from the balcony, but that was the only part of the resort that I liked. My parents went with us to AKL (as they had done previously at BC) and my Mom was absolutely miserable, she went twice over to Cape May Cafe (the resturant at BC) just so she could visit the BC. We were all glad it was only a 5 day trip to AKL and not a 14 day trip like we normally do.

These are all just my opinions, both resorts are deluxe resorts and are up to Disney Standards. I am sure you will have a good time either way.

 

[JulesMom]

A tough decision.

I stayed at YC and LOVED it.

I liked AKL, but I would definitely stay there at least once. The animals are amazing.

How long are you staying? If it's a week, then split your stay and do both.

We have split stays several times. But, if your only staying a few days, moving is not worth it.

I don't think you can go wrong with either choice

I would flip a coin

 

[Demosthenes]

BC hands down for 4 adults, especially in the off season. Looking at Animals all night gets kind of dull after the second day, and you'll probably want the action of the Boardwalk or Epcot (the only park open late in off season). AKL does have some serious tran. issues, and BC has THE BEST tran. on property.

I love the AKL, but BC beats it hands down.

 

[Gillian]

Originally posted by Demosthenes
AKL does have some serious tran. issues, and BC has THE BEST tran. on property.

I have to respectfully disagree with both parts of this statement, having recently (sept) split a trip between the two resorts. On both of my visits to the AKL (march & september) I had NO problems with transportation. The busses at BC took longer, because they made several stops. It was really annoying! The boats are nice, but I'm not sure they're the BEST transportation on property.

That said, I do think 4 adults will be happier there than at the AKL.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I've never stayed at AKL but I can tell you that transportation from YC/BC to MK, AK, and DTD is NOT that great. Actually it almost ruined our trip. I did not like sharing a bus with all those other resorts. But going to Epcot and MGM was very easy. It just depends on where you spend most of your time.

 

[DisneyFan79]

My crew and I have decided on the Beach Club. I think we will enjoy being in the center of the EPCOT aread. Animal Kingdom Lodge is truely amazing, but I really think I would prefer staying there in a warmer month. I don't really want to stand on the balcony in 40 degree weather watching a watusi cow eating grass!! haha A friend of mine definitely wants to spend some time at the Boardwalk and I would like to be close to MGM and EPCOT. We would also like to check out some of the other resorts in the area. I really appreciate all the help. We will have our own car, so if the buses become an issue we can just drive to the parks and park for free. Thanks so much!!!!

 

[Jasmine1237]

Good choice! I'm sure you'll like the BC's convenient location to the BW and Epcot. And, to get the best of both world's, why not go visit the AKL one night for dinner and have a look around. Then you could at least get a feel for the place and decide whether or not you'd like staying there in the future. Have a great trip!

 

[currycook]

Both places are great places. However, please note they are in very different locations. If location is important to you then make sure you pick the one that fits where you will want to be. But both places are excellent choices.