AKL vs BLT vs WL

[DisneyFanatic1215]

Has anyone stayed at these three resorts? I am trying to narrow it down for our trip next May. We are renting DVC points and staying in a 2-bedroom, so I need to get this decided quickly! LOL.

We are a family of 6 - 2 girls ages 19 and 11, and 10 year old boy/girl twins. The younger kids love over the top theming and pools. We stayed at AoA last trip, and they loved the theming and over the top atmosphere.

What are the pros and cons of these resorts? What do you recommend for us?

 

[wide receiver]

To me BLT pool is not "over the top" which is one reason I have trouble staying there. My family loves both WL and AKV. I really love the new pool at AKV. Its pretty and fun. For my family those are usually our two fav's but partly because they are priced better than some of the Epcot resorts. Although you can't beat the lobby at WL or AKL for beauty in my book!

 

[WRWDisney]

We have stayed at all three and they each have pro's and cons.

Bathrooms
Biggest single issue may be bathrooms. AKL-Kidani and BLT 2 bedrooms each have 3 bathrooms. Huge plus. WL only has two.

Transportation
WL has boats to the MK and busses to everything else. BLT has the walkability factor to the MK, as well as direct Monorail access which allows you to also get to EPCOT. Busses to HS and AK. AKL is busses to everything, but the busses are dedicated to AKL only. Not true at BLT or WL.
Now, some folks complain about how far AKL is from everything--personally, it has never bothered me (seriously, we are talk an extra 5 minutes in the bus each way, at most).

Decor/Atmosphere
BLT is very unique, but it is very modern. If that does not appeal to you, then it will probably be a big turn-off. WL itself has really captured the grand western lodge feel. It is a beautiful resort that feels isolated while only being a few minutes from the MK Personally, you can't beat AKL. Some folks complain that the rooms are to dark, I have never found that to be the case (frankly, all of the green features at the resorts make them all a little on the dark side). We like the solid/substantial feel of the villa furniture, the subtle infusion of Lion King into the decor and the ANIMALS! You simply cannot go wrong with a savanna view. Again, some complain about the long hallways; given how much we walk every day, that has never phased me.

Restaurants
All have great choices, but again, I think I'd have to give the nod to AKL. Not only do you have one of the most popular buffets (Boma's), you have one of the most under appreciated (though it's following is growing) restaurants in Sanaa's and one of the premier restaurants on Property (Jiko's). Jiko's may have supplanted WL's Artist Point as our go-to date night restaurant. That said, Artists Point is also outstanding. WL's other restaurant, Whispering Canyon, is fine, but nothing that excites me that much. With BLT, you have an outstanding restaurant in the California Grill (assuming it will be open when you get there--currently closed and undergoing major renovations). Chef Micke's is standard buffet fair, very loud and very popular. It does have character meals if that is important to you. You also have the Wave--can't comment, never eaten there.

Pools
All three are pretty darn good and all three have zero entry (I am pretty sure). At AKL, you have two excellent pools to choose from, so you can mix things up. You can also do that at BLT, but I find the Contemporary pool to be plain boring.

Misc.
CM's at AKL are beyond top notch. It is often hard for me to reconcile the fact that it's CM's work for the same company as some of the other CM's I have interacted with over the years. Can't sing high enough praise. Add to that, AKL is the only place outside of EPCOT, where you have international CM's specifically placed in their home country/continent. Makes a big difference.

So, you really can't go wrong with any of them. We have stayed at all three and would again. That said, when we go back this Christmas, we are doing AKL.

Good luck with your choice. Keep us posted

 

[Missyrose]

And don't forget, you can easily get from BLT to any other resort for dining/activities simply by walking to the MK bus depot.

 

[chimo2u]

We have stayed at all three and they each have pro's and cons.

Bathrooms
Biggest single issue may be bathrooms. AKL-Kidani and BLT 2 bedrooms each have 3 bathrooms. Huge plus. WL only has two.

Transportation
WL has boats to the MK and busses to everything else. BLT has the walkability factor to the MK, as well as direct Monorail access which allows you to also get to EPCOT. Busses to HS and AK. AKL is busses to everything, but the busses are dedicated to AKL only. Not true at BLT or WL.
Now, some folks complain about how far AKL is from everything--personally, it has never bothered me (seriously, we are talk an extra 5 minutes in the bus each way, at most).

Decor/Atmosphere
BLT is very unique, but it is very modern. If that does not appeal to you, then it will probably be a big turn-off. WL itself has really captured the grand western lodge feel. It is a beautiful resort that feels isolated while only being a few minutes from the MK Personally, you can't beat AKL. Some folks complain that the rooms are to dark, I have never found that to be the case (frankly, all of the green features at the resorts make them all a little on the dark side). We like the solid/substantial feel of the villa furniture, the subtle infusion of Lion King into the decor and the ANIMALS! You simply cannot go wrong with a savanna view. Again, some complain about the long hallways; given how much we walk every day, that has never phased me.

Restaurants
All have great choices, but again, I think I'd have to give the nod to AKL. Not only do you have one of the most popular buffets (Boma's), you have one of the most under appreciated (though it's following is growing) restaurants in Sanaa's and one of the premier restaurants on Property (Jiko's). Jiko's may have supplanted WL's Artist Point as our go-to date night restaurant. That said, Artists Point is also outstanding. WL's other restaurant, Whispering Canyon, is fine, but nothing that excites me that much. With BLT, you have an outstanding restaurant in the California Grill (assuming it will be open when you get there--currently closed and undergoing major renovations). Chef Micke's is standard buffet fair, very loud and very popular. It does have character meals if that is important to you. You also have the Wave--can't comment, never eaten there.

Pools
All three are pretty darn good and all three have zero entry (I am pretty sure). At AKL, you have two excellent pools to choose from, so you can mix things up. You can also do that at BLT, but I find the Contemporary pool to be plain boring.

Misc.
CM's at AKL are beyond top notch. It is often hard for me to reconcile the fact that it's CM's work for the same company as some of the other CM's I have interacted with over the years. Can't sing high enough praise. Add to that, AKL is the only place outside of EPCOT, where you have international CM's specifically placed in their home country/continent. Makes a big difference.

So, you really can't go wrong with any of them. We have stayed at all three and would again. That said, when we go back this Christmas, we are doing AKL.

Good luck with your choice. Keep us posted

WONDERFUL points!!! Thank you I am used to staying at AKL, Club Level Jambo house, and LOVE it there....however this trip (Jan 2015) I am thinking we either need a Deluxe Room at BWI or a 1 BDRM at Kidani for the space/ and the extra bathroom, sleeping area , etc... (we will have 2 teens with us and could use the extra room for sure). Do you enjoy Kidani as much as AKL/ Jambo house?
It is such a hard choice, and I am having a hard time giving up my beloved club level....but if I add on Deluxe ddp, we can try some of those fancier restuarants for dinner, and it'll make up for the loss of club level!
Hoping I'd love Kidani as much as Jambo HOuse We all adore AKL...so that's a good thing!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We've stayed at all 3 and I would probably pick Kidani because personally I just liked it better. But the location of BLT is also great, walking to MK is hard to beat!

 

[DisneyFanatic1215]

We have stayed at all three and they each have pro's and cons.

Bathrooms
Biggest single issue may be bathrooms. AKL-Kidani and BLT 2 bedrooms each have 3 bathrooms. Huge plus. WL only has two.

Transportation
WL has boats to the MK and busses to everything else. BLT has the walkability factor to the MK, as well as direct Monorail access which allows you to also get to EPCOT. Busses to HS and AK. AKL is busses to everything, but the busses are dedicated to AKL only. Not true at BLT or WL.
Now, some folks complain about how far AKL is from everything--personally, it has never bothered me (seriously, we are talk an extra 5 minutes in the bus each way, at most).

Decor/Atmosphere
BLT is very unique, but it is very modern. If that does not appeal to you, then it will probably be a big turn-off. WL itself has really captured the grand western lodge feel. It is a beautiful resort that feels isolated while only being a few minutes from the MK Personally, you can't beat AKL. Some folks complain that the rooms are to dark, I have never found that to be the case (frankly, all of the green features at the resorts make them all a little on the dark side). We like the solid/substantial feel of the villa furniture, the subtle infusion of Lion King into the decor and the ANIMALS! You simply cannot go wrong with a savanna view. Again, some complain about the long hallways; given how much we walk every day, that has never phased me.

Restaurants
All have great choices, but again, I think I'd have to give the nod to AKL. Not only do you have one of the most popular buffets (Boma's), you have one of the most under appreciated (though it's following is growing) restaurants in Sanaa's and one of the premier restaurants on Property (Jiko's). Jiko's may have supplanted WL's Artist Point as our go-to date night restaurant. That said, Artists Point is also outstanding. WL's other restaurant, Whispering Canyon, is fine, but nothing that excites me that much. With BLT, you have an outstanding restaurant in the California Grill (assuming it will be open when you get there--currently closed and undergoing major renovations). Chef Micke's is standard buffet fair, very loud and very popular. It does have character meals if that is important to you. You also have the Wave--can't comment, never eaten there.

Pools
All three are pretty darn good and all three have zero entry (I am pretty sure). At AKL, you have two excellent pools to choose from, so you can mix things up. You can also do that at BLT, but I find the Contemporary pool to be plain boring.

Misc.
CM's at AKL are beyond top notch. It is often hard for me to reconcile the fact that it's CM's work for the same company as some of the other CM's I have interacted with over the years. Can't sing high enough praise. Add to that, AKL is the only place outside of EPCOT, where you have international CM's specifically placed in their home country/continent. Makes a big difference.

So, you really can't go wrong with any of them. We have stayed at all three and would again. That said, when we go back this Christmas, we are doing AKL.

Good luck with your choice. Keep us posted

THANK YOU!!! This is SO helpful to me!!! I appreciate this immensely!

I think I am going to have my family vote! I really hope we pick a good resort - I don't want to spend my vacation wishing we picked a different resort.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

THANK YOU!!! This is SO helpful to me!!! I appreciate this immensely!

I think I am going to have my family vote! I really hope we pick a good resort - I don't want to spend my vacation wishing we picked a different resort.

I really think your kids would love Kidani The atmosphere and theme are amazing, they will love the pool and the water playground, they will freak out when they see all the animals!! My boys don't even like going to the zoo but when we are there they are GLUED to the balcony marking off each one they can find. BLT would be my second choice, the villas are nice, the views are amazing, the pool my kids did not care for.

 

[WRWDisney]

Kidani is great. You don't have the grand lobby, but the pool is better (IMHO), and it just has a little more of an intimate feeling. Also, if you take the time to explore, the art collection at Kidani is pretty immense. We like the campfire area outback the same or more at Kidani.

Also remember, that you will have a full kitchen. I am not suggesting that you cook on vacation , but it does serve as a great place for drinks, and snacks.

Give Kidani a try; I think you'll love it.

 

[Perditamarie]

Here is my 2 cents:

BLT: great location, ok bus transport, great access to CR (shops, food, monorail), terribly small, overcrowded pool

VWL: fun theme, boat transport is great (like another ride!), tedious bus transport (always a wait for a bus, then you share w/other resorts), Roaring Forks is small and selection seems limited to me, pool is okay but seemed crowded and bathrooms/soda refill too far away.

AKL: excellent theme, excellent CM interaction and awesome animal viewing locations, excellent bus transport, great pool at Kidani. No QS dine, but we planned accordingly
(I thought Mara was better than Roaring Forks).

Overall, I would hands down stay at AKL....maybe BLT if it wasnt swimming weather and we were doing MK parties at Halloween or Christmas.

Happy planning!

 

[GrumpyBelle]

We actually prefer Kidani over Jambo. The extra bathroom is a huge perk. Also for park transportation, Kidani is the 1st stop. (DTD is 2nd stop for Kidani). Doesn't have the grand lobby or quick service food selection, but with the full kitchen, we normally do a grocery order of drinks and snacks and have never had an issue.

 

[chimo2u]

We actually prefer Kidani over Jambo. The extra bathroom is a huge perk. Also for park transportation, Kidani is the 1st stop. (DTD is 2nd stop for Kidani). Doesn't have the grand lobby or quick service food selection, but with the full kitchen, we normally do a grocery order of drinks and snacks and have never had an issue.

Great to know! Kidani is very much in the running for my next trip.....actually, it's beginning to tip the scales away from BWI.... there seems to be more pros to being at Kidani for the teens I am travelling with, and the extra space! A great pool is also a great thing! Where do you do a grocery order from? This might be a good thing to do as I won't have club level at Kidani.....
Thanks!

 

[DisneyFanatic1215]

Here is my 2 cents:

BLT: great location, ok bus transport, great access to CR (shops, food, monorail), terribly small, overcrowded pool

VWL: fun theme, boat transport is great (like another ride!), tedious bus transport (always a wait for a bus, then you share w/other resorts), Roaring Forks is small and selection seems limited to me, pool is okay but seemed crowded and bathrooms/soda refill too far away.

AKL: excellent theme, excellent CM interaction and awesome animal viewing locations, excellent bus transport, great pool at Kidani. No QS dine, but we planned accordingly
(I thought Mara was better than Roaring Forks).

Overall, I would hands down stay at AKL....maybe BLT if it wasnt swimming weather and we were doing MK parties at Halloween or Christmas.

Happy planning!

Thank you! This is also very helpful!!


I think we are leaning towards AKL. Does Jambo House have 2 bedroom suites, or just Kidani?

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Thank you! This is also very helpful!!


I think we are leaning towards AKL. Does Jambo House have 2 bedroom suites, or just Kidani?

Jambo does too, but they don't have that extra bathroom off the kitchen.

 

[kappyfamily]

We did a split stay of BLT and AkLjambo both 2 bdrms.....both were amazing!!!

 

[DisneyBliss7]

We went through this same issue when we were booking our trip, we decided on AKV! We are staying in a 2 bedroom at Kidani. It looks beautiful and the pools sound amazing! That is what really sold us on choosing AKV. My kids love the pools and waterslides. We aren't going to the water parks this trip so I wanted to find a resort with a great pool/slide. You'll have a great time at any of the places you choose