AKL vs BC. Help me decide please

[disneylaura55]

Hi everyone my hubby and I have narrowed it down between BC and AKL. We can't decide. So I thought i would ask for opinions. We are a family of 5. We have 3 boys aged 9, 5, and 1. What resort do you suggest and why? Thanks so much for any help.

 

[graceesmom]

I love the Beach Club for it's proximity to Epcot, just a easy stroll to the International Gateway, easy access to entertainment at the Boardwalk, and a boat ride to DHS. We also love their pool. My daughter is a little fish and likes to spend some quality pool time on all vacations.

The 1 downside to the pool at Beach Club is that it is so spread out that if your children are wanderers, it is easy for them to get out of your sight pretty quickly.

I haven't stayed at AKL so I can't compare them for you, but we prefer not to be limited to bus transportation for the entire week.

 

[padawans]

Hi everyone my hubby and I have narrowed it down between BC and AKL. We can't decide. So I thought i would ask for opinions. We are a family of 5. We have 3 boys aged 9, 5, and 1. What resort do you suggest and why? Thanks so much for any help.

The rooms at Akl are small about the same size as a moderate. You will have more room at the BC. If your thinking of getting a 1 bdr at Akl then I would go with the Akl. If your just getting a standard room I would go with BC. BC also has a better location. I think your kids would love both resorts. BC has a very large pool and you cannot see the whole pool from one area. I think that is something to consider if your kids are not good swimmers or if you have kids that wander off. The slide is also across a public walkway. I don't know how difficult it would be to watch a one year old and a 5 year old. I have never been in that situation. I have a 7 year old that was a wanderer. Until about 6 months ago I would never have considered the BC. I am sure the pool would be great for your 9 year old.

 

[mickeynut1]

We've stayed at both and they are both great resorts. I do agree, though, about the pool at the BC. SAB is pretty large and with little ones, it can be hard to keep track of them (especially if they wander or if they aren't the best swimmers). It is nice to be able to walk to Epcot, but if you spend most of your time doing things at the front of the park, it can be a long hike from the International Gateway. Unless you drive, walking or boat is the only way to get there from the BC/YC/BWI. But with all of that said, the BC is a beautiful resort and the rooms will be a little bigger than at AKL. We didn't find them to be a huge difference in size, but there is a little extra room at BC.

AKL also offers a great pool and beautiful surroundings. We didn't think the buses were bad at all as they only service AKL and Kidani, so there's no sharing with any other resort. AKL is kind of out there, but we didn't think it took any longer getting around from there than it did from any other resorts we've stayed at. I would look at pictures from both resorts and choose the one that appeals to you the most. The kids might enjoy AKL as they can watch the animals roaming around in the savannahs. Good luck deciding, but I'm sure you'll have a great trip no matter which resort you choose .

 

[shannonstar]

We couldn't ever decide between the two, so we are doing a split stay and trying out both.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Oh, boy, that's a tuff one! And shannonstar, good luck with that split stay idea-I did a split stay between the two once, and decided in the future to do....2 more split stays! It's a great combination-do AK and MK while you're at AKL, then Epcot and DHS from BC.
However, if I really had to do just one, and had the family make-up as the OP, I'd recommend BC. I love Cape May's Character Breakfast, Stormalong bay (including the sandy beach area for the little one and Mom, and if you like ice cream, Beaches and Cream can't be beat. AKL's Mara has some more unique offerings, hummus and pita chips, and there's Sanaa-both might appeal to a more "adult" palate, but I'd lean towards BC for the kids.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Oh, boy, that's a tuff one! And shannonstar, good luck with that split stay idea-I did a split stay between the two once, and decided in the future to do....2 more split stays! It's a great combination-do AK and MK while you're at AKL, then Epcot and DHS from BC.
However, if I really had to do just one, and had the family make-up as the OP, I'd recommend BC. I love Cape May's Character Breakfast, Stormalong bay (including the sandy beach area for the little one and Mom, and if you like ice cream, Beaches and Cream can't be beat. AKL's Mara has some more unique offerings, hummus and pita chips, and there's Sanaa-both might appeal to a more "adult" palate, but I'd lean towards BC for the kids.

 

[LeslieLou]

We did a split stay between AKL and BC last time (4 and 3 nights respectively) and it was amazing! Each resort is great for different reasons, but if I had to choose 1, I would choose BC. We have 2 boys, 5 and 3, and they love SAB. Then, add on the walk to Epcot and the quick boat to HS plus the serenity of the water/boardwalk view and the beach--ugh, I wish I was there now!

We do love AKL as well and have stayed there multiple times. The buses are fine, the hotel lobby is gorgeous, and it's soo fun to see animals all the time.

(I do think I'll be planning a split stay on every trip now...we loved having the easy access points change half way through our trip and the change in surroundings/etc.)

I don't think you can make a wrong decision - enjoy your trip!