AKL vs BC vs GF

[Traceylee]

I'm currently booked for December at AKL (pool view). However, we spend most of our time at Epcot/MK. We are thinking of switching to BC ($250 more) or GF ($1000 more). What are your thoughts? I have never stayed at BC and would love to stay here; but DH is worried about the busses to the parks and what resorts they share with. I love GF because of the monorail; but not sure it's worth $900. Thanks.

 

[TeamSy]

The Epcot resorts are our favorite!!! I would definitely give it a shot. I like that you can walk from BC/YC/Boardwalk for so many different food options, Boardwalk shopping and games, walk to Epcot, boat to HS.

We liked GF, but LOVED BC/YC/Boardwalk. We're giving Poly a try next trip, but still splitting our stay at BC since it was just redone. However, I tend to favor YC.

If you're worried about buses maybe consider staying at YC, since it's the first stop. I had a mixed experience with the buses at BC , but it didn't take away from anything. And then this past stay at YC I found the buses wonderful. During JAN one year when we stayed at BC the buses were HORRIBLE - they stopped everywhere. BC/YC/Swan/Dolphin and even BW. This was in 2010 and during a dead time, so they shared like crazy and they were crowded. I don't think we ever sat. This trip (earlier this month) we stayed at YC and the buses weren't nearly as bad AT ALL. Now I think it's BC/YC that share and then Boardwalk/Swan/Dolphin. We always got a seat and they were fast.

We split our stay this time with AKL, just because we wanted to give it a try. The theme was AMAZING, however, the buses killed us. They were slow, took forever, and we always stood because there was always a line and everyone wanted to cram on (I don't blame them - we waited forever).

We decided from here on out will be splitting our stay between Epcot resorts and MK resorts. We would stay at AKL again, but ONLY in a savannah room - that's the pull there and yes, it is worth it to see, but the length of time on a bus when we're used to walking or taking the monorail just can't be beat.

 

[SarahInMN]

We love the EPCOT area resorts - you can easily walk to two parks. Sometimes we'll take the monorail back from MK and then stroll through EPCOT on the way back to Beach.

MK area is also a great choice - monorail it to MK or to EPCOT.

We just like the freedom of being able to walk to parks or get to them without busses: this honestly has always discouraged us from staying at AK.

My vote is Beach but I'm totally biased towards the EPCOT resorts.

 

[Traceylee]

I'm leaning towards the BC over the YC because of the renovations.
Does anyone have a good room # to request for a garden view?

 

[kwdw]

AKL is my favorite resort! So while yes you will ride the bus to all resorts - the resort itself is a destination. Watching the animals and the room/resort theming - plus three awesome restaurants - so - do realize while you might gain easy access to EPCOT - you lose the perk of staying at AKL. We found bus transportation to the AK resorts very reliable. The buses do stop at both Kidani and the Lodge, but that's it.

That said, one can't really agree against your other choices, either.

 

[Babsy]

I'm currently booked for December at AKL (pool view). However, we spend most of our time at Epcot/MK. We are thinking of switching to BC ($250 more) or GF ($900 more). What are your thoughts? I have never stayed at BC and would love to stay here; but DH is worried about the busses to the parks and what resorts they share with. I love GF because of the monorail; but not sure it's worth $900. Thanks.

If you spend most of your time at Epcot/MK, then I would move to either the BC or the GF. For only $250 more the BC seems like an excellent choice. However, if it is in the budget, I would opt for the GF in Dec. The Christmas decorations at the GF are wonderful! Also, the GF will give you monorail access to both the Mk and Epcot. The GF has larger rooms, great dining options, every room has a balcony and the resort is just plain gorgeous!

The MK area is so magical with views across the lagoon to Cinderella's Castle. Watching the fireworks from there or walking over to the Poly beach next door is fun as well.

Either way, both the BC and the GF are great choices for you. Good luck choosing!