AKL vs BC

[ruzer28]

If you had to choose, which would you go with, assuming that price was not a factor?

 

[*Fantasia*]

BC! I visited the AKL twice already and still didn't do anything for me. I mean the lobby WOWed me... but when I stepped outside, it was just okay. And the bus to MK took forever! I guess I got used to the Polynesian being so close to MK. I like BC because it is so close to Epcot WS. And I heard that the pool there is awesome! BC room is bigger. It has the day bed while the std room at AKL do not.

 

[ksc37]

Beach Club: Location, Location, Location! and Storm Along Bay.

AKL is a beautiful resort, but I found it way too far away from everything. We now just visit it for a meal at Boma, and to see the animals.

 

[DisneyaHolic23]

Although I really enjoyed AKL, we go back and back to Beach Club. You just can NOT beat that pool!! And, since we have no kids, we love walking to Epcot, MGM, AND Jellyrolls!

 

[Stitch's mom]

BC. Like the previous post said..."location, location, location."

 

[SnoweyWhite]

Beach Club. I've never stayed at AKL to comment, but I absolutely LOVE the BC. Not to repeat but the convenience of the LOCATION is wonderful.

 

[ruzer28]

Thanks so much for all of your advice. I love animals, so I've really been struggling with this. It just seems like the BC is so much more convenient. Is it true that you can walk to Epcot? Can you see the Illuminations fireworks from the BC?

 

[SnoweyWhite]

Absolutely true that you can walk to Epcot--through the International Gateway, which enters into the World Showcase. And you can see Illuminations from the BC--I think in certain areas only, though, because of blocked views from buildings and what not.

 

[airplane]

BC, BC, BC

You can visit the animals at animal kingdom and you can visit the AKL.

 

[J&L Love Disney]

Just got back from BC in July. Never stayed there before, but I would highly recommend. Location is the best. Stormalong Bay is fantastic, Boardwalk is so fun at night, easy walk to Epcot and buses were very good. You have a great choice of restaurants within walking distance and you can catch the boat to MGM.

AKL is also really nice, but I'd choose BC every time.

 

[marvin12]

BC stood at akl last year and it didn't do anything for me. The year before stood at the BC and loved it.

 

[VSL]

I haven't stayed in either yet (as you can see by my sig!), but I'm already planning (at just 20yrs old!) to buy into BC with DVC when I have a full-time job and such.

Seriously, I love animals too, but you can always visit AKL and see the animals and have a nice meals - and I personally wouldn't spend enough time just watching animals at AKL to justify spending my entire holiday there. I'd rather spend the (extra!) money and have SAB and BW right there, and walking to EPCOT and MGM would be just perfect (they are possibly mine and my BF's fave parks respectively). The jogging trail going past (the?) five EPCOT hotels just seals the deal for me, too!

Ahhh... if only I had the money this year I would upgrade in a heartbeat (we're both Uni students and will have spend nearly 2yrs by the time we go to WDW scrimping and saving for our (first, no adult/guardian) holiday!).

 

[Debi]

I have to echo the vote for the BC. I *love* the AKL, but the location of the BC can't be beat. Having Epcot, MGM and the Boardwalk within walking distance is well worth the extra cost.

Is it possible to split your stay between the two resorts? If parks are your main focus, then the BC is the best choice, but if relaxation is your focus, I'd reccomend the AKL. Can you do maybe 3 nights at each resort?

 

[Stitch 03]

AKL needs to be experienced as it is an amazing resort. Nothing like sitting on your balcony in the morning and watching the animals.

My recomendation would be to split your stay. Spend the first part of you vacation at the BCV and visit the theme parks (except AK) and spend time at SAB.

For you last 2 - 3 nights stay at the AKL. Spend this part of the vacation relaxing and visiting AK. This you will probably enjoy since you say you love animals. And since you are here at the end of the trip the perceived isolation will not be as much of an issue.

 

[Stitches]

I think if your top priority is the speed of getting to the parks, pick BC. This may be especially true if you are trying to cram in alot of rides and attractions. On the other hand, if your top priority is a unique and beautiful resort that transports you to another continent, pick AKL.

The AKL is unique and beautiful. The Travel Channel rates AKL the #1 Family Resort on their World's Best lists. The BC is nice, but looks alot like many other places. I prefer taking the parks at a relaxed pace and spending a good amount of time relaxing at the resort. For that, AKL is my favorite.

Stormalong Bay is SOOOO popular, but it is not for me. As a single parent, I don't like how spread out it is, especially the slide. I don't like going on the slides, so I usually wait at where they let out to watch for my daughter. At Stormalong Bay that meant she had to be out of my sight for a long walk to the slide entrace. This included walking past the Boardwalk area where lots of people walk by who aren't even using the pool or staying at the resort. It made me nervous! I also was disappointed with the hours at Stormalong Bay. When we were there I believe the Stormalong Bay hours were from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. The AKL pool is open 24 hours. We take advantage of this to enjoy a late night swim or an early morning swim before checkout. BC does have a quiet pool that is open 24 hours, but I thought it was pretty boring. I thought the AKL pool and surroundings were beautiful.

 

[ruzer28]

Thank you all for your advice. I did change to the BC. I tried to split the stay between the two, but when I called Disney to do so, the CM said that since I had booked a package, my trip would have to be split into two separate packages, since I was staying at two separate resorts. Buying two four-day passes rather than one eight day was going to be about $300 more per person! I decided to just go with the whole stay at the BC. Hey, I guess I'll just have to come back again soon and stay at the AKL!

 

[Densgirl]

You wont regret it. I've stayed at AKL and at YC and the pool at BC is so much better and I LOVE a close proximity to Epcot and MGM. You've made a great decision, this place is wonderful. Try Goofys Beach Club Bash for breakfast too. It is my favorite of all the character meals on property. :