AKL Villas vs Boardwalk Villas

[Doug S]

I'm regularly a moderate person, but for my trip in September I'm thinking of doing Pop Century for my first 3-4 nights then ending with 3 nights renting points for a studio at a DVC. This is a fairly budget oriented trip, as I would like to stay longer and take advantage of the low crowds. I'd love to do my whole stay at a DVC, but it just isn't in my budget currently. I'm hoping to use Disney discounts on top of CheapTicket's 16% off for the PC portion.

From the cost calculator, I've narrowed it down to two choices:

• AKL Value Studio
• Boardwalk Standard Studio

I'm not sure how easy it is to get a value room at AKL and I know the view wouldn't be spectacular. I usually don't spend much time in my room and could care less about what my window looks out on.

I will be at Epcot most likely once a day for F&W, so Boardwalk has the major advantage of just walking over and going right into WS. However, AKL has always been a huge interest to me because of the theme. I'm just worried that AKL is too remote and the travel (even with a rental car) will be a burden. My plans are in flux, but there's a good chance I will have a free day if I can go to a MNSSHP. Obviously I'll be spending most of my free day at the resort.

Looking to hear your thoughts on anything and everything about them. I've done some research (looking at room photos & layouts) but would like to hear the thoughts of those who have stayed at them.

Thank you!

 

[Dakota731]

We've stayed at both and loved AKV for the animals and setting, but the convenience of BWV can't be beat. We had park hoppers and would go to Epcot every night after visiting the other parks. I enjoyed the quick walk over and we could do HS as well in one day. So it depends what your plan of operation is and either way, you can't go wrong!

 

[Hopefully]

You

I'm regularly a moderate person, but for my trip in September I'm thinking of doing Pop Century for my first 3-4 nights then ending with 3 nights renting points for a studio at a DVC. This is a fairly budget oriented trip, as I would like to stay longer and take advantage of the low crowds. I'd love to do my whole stay at a DVC, but it just isn't in my budget currently. I'm hoping to use Disney discounts on top of CheapTicket's 16% off for the PC portion.

From the cost calculator, I've narrowed it down to two choices:

• AKL Value Studio
• Boardwalk Standard Studio

I'm not sure how easy it is to get a value room at AKL and I know the view wouldn't be spectacular. I usually don't spend much time in my room and could care less about what my window looks out on.

I will be at Epcot most likely once a day for F&W, so Boardwalk has the major advantage of just walking over and going right into WS. However, AKL has always been a huge interest to me because of the theme. I'm just worried that AKL is too remote and the travel (even with a rental car) will be a burden. My plans are in flux, but there's a good chance I will have a free day if I can go to a MNSSHP. Obviously I'll be spending most of my free day at the resort.

Looking to hear your thoughts on anything and everything about them. I've done some research (looking at room photos & layouts) but would like to hear the thoughts of those who have stayed at them.

Thank you!

If you are talking this September you are likely too late for both. AKL value studios book at 11 months by owners. Boardwalk Standard is a bit more likely if you hurry and are lucky

 

[BuzzyBelle]

If location is your top priority then go with BWV. If the resort amenities (pool, restaurants, atmosphere) are most important then AKL. We own at BCV so love staying at the Epcot area, but AKL is a close second for us. The only thing that makes it tough for us is bussing everywhere with young kids. AKL isn't as remote as some people make it seem though. If you're solely interested in using your room as a base for F&W then BWV is clearly easier, but as an overall resort we'd choose AKL.
That said, have you checked availability for the rooms? A value at AKL is extremely difficult to book pretty much all year round I think because there are so few rooms. A BWV studio during F&W is also going to be hard to find.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Neither option is available this September. Sorry.

Pop is nice!

 

[Doug S]

I forgot to specify I'm looking at staying only on weeknights during either the 1st or 2nd week of September. Not sure if that increases my chances.

 

[CarolynFH]

At this moment (and availability changes quickly) there are no more than two consecutive nights available anytime in September 2017 for AKL Value studios, and only three single nights all month for BWV Standard studios. You might be able to book via Disney's normal resort reservation system (that inventory is separate from DVC inventory) but as far as renting points, it's highly unlikely you'll get what you say you want.

That said, as a DVC owner who has stayed at BWV and AKL several times and loves both, if you plan to visit Epcot daily for F&W, I'd stay at BWV (or BW Inn).

Sorry - DVC books up early, especially for the time period from mid-September through Marathon weekend in early January. If you want to rent points for that time period, you have to start a year in advance. So if you want September 2018, start now!

 

[Doug S]

Alright, it was worth the shot. I prefer not to plan vacations that far out in advance so I guess renting points just isn't for my style of travel.

 

[CarolynFH]

Alright, it was worth the shot. I prefer not to plan vacations that far out in advance so I guess renting points just isn't for my style of travel.

Sorry to ruin your plans. But for what it's worth, DVC members have to plan a year in advance for that time period too, not just renters!

 

[Doug S]

No worries. I'm already in a pickle booking this trip because I have friends that want to come but won't commit yet. I'll find a trip sometime that I can plan in advance so I can finally stay in a DVC. Regular rates, even with discounts, are just too much for my current financial status in life.

 

[cvjw]

Just an FYI, but if you want to have any shot at an AKV value studio or a BWV standard studio, you need to have a DVC owner lined up before the 11 month mark. These 2 studio types are booked by DVC owners very early because of the low point costs for each. We own points at BWV just to book the standard villas. These studios will not be available if you wait to long to book the rental.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If they were still available, you would have a better chance at SSR standard view or OKW non-Hospitality House Area this late for Sept.