AKL vs BLT

[psimon]

We are a family of 5, and are debating as to lodging choices. We are torn between AKL-K and BLT. We are limited to those choices because only those locations have sleeping facilities for 5 in a 1 bedroom suite AND have 2 bathrooms (which certainly quicken things up in the morning).

I realize BLT is 45 points more than AKL-K. Is the location of BLT worth the extra points? In either case, I would not be looking for a room with a room with a view... just a room, so Standard is sufficient.

All thoughts greatly appreciated.

Please vote as well as leave comments. The more thoughts the better!

Many thanks...


---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[bobbiwoz]

Is there any reason why being close to MK is important to you? If so, go with the BLT, otherwise I would choose AKV, especially if you are getting a savannah view I bedroom for the 45 points less.

I'll vote when I see your answer!

Bobbi

 

[JWG]

Depends on what you need. BLT 1 BR is essentially the same size as Kidani with the same amenities.

Here's why I'd like BLT better:
- Walking distance to MK (or, only need to bus/rail to 3 parks instead of 4)
- More dining options close (one theme park and 4 resorts including the boat to WL)
- More options for resort activities (if important)
- Ability to watch Wishes from your resort (even if in SV room, TotWL option)

AKV-K does have:
- Better parking (covered)
- Better pool
- Possibly better room view

It kind of comes down to what's important to you. I think BLT has the edge in dining options alone.

 

[psimon]

Is there any reason why being close to MK is important to you? If so, go with the BLT, otherwise I would choose AKV, especially if you are getting a savannah view I bedroom for the 45 points less.

I'll vote when I see your answer!

Bobbi

Like I posted I would be getting a Standard View room in either location, which, for AKL is not Savannah, but a front of building view... nothing in particular.

 

[ToddyLu]

I believe a standard view at Kidani is 40% savanna, 40% pool and 20% parking lot...so those are pretty good odds. At Jambo all standard views are pool view. Obviously I would go with AKV. With BLT you still have to go to leave the monorail, walk thru the lobby to sky bridge, then possibly get on an elevator to take the monorail...can't argue about walking to the MK, I mean it is a prime location for that. BLT just does not appeal to me at all because of the decor--that of course is what makes DVC great--so many to choose from.

Kidani is a more sedate resort with a warm cozy feel that I love and not busy and bustling like Jambo.

The buses to the parks will pick you up first and drop you off first. DTD Jambo goes first. I find the buses just fine. DH and I have only driven to dinner once in the 10 trips we have gone. Many people complain that AKV is away from every thing but that is what we like about it. The bus ride to MK and DTD take longer but then they take the same amount of time in a car--granted to have to wait for the bus to get you but we don't have problems with that, usually. The Community Hall at Kidani is amazing. It was very busy in there when we were at Kidani 12/01-12/10. The CMs are very friendly and you can sit around the campfire at night and hear stories. The other African CMs are around the library. Each night about 7 p.m. they had a drum cafe and the kids loved beating their drums. Night vision goggles for animal viewing.

I mean in all honesty you cannot go wrong either way....it's Disney.

 

[nolanboys]

I think that getting a standard view room at BLT is much harder - especially at the 7 mo mark - don't know if you own there or not. It's easier to get a LV room. We didn't have a problem getting a standard rom view at AKV at 7 mo. Don't know if that changes things, but the points to stay in a LV are quite a bit more than SV at BLT. We haven't stayed at BLT, but stayed at AKV this past October and loved it. And although they don't have as many restaurants at AKV, they are all really good.

 

[mdsd8700]

We own at BLT because that is where we would want to stay so for us it wouldn't be a question. However it appears that you are completely fine staying in either location. If you can stay at AKL and be just as happy as you would be at BLT, then I say save the points. As another poster said the beauty of DVC is that there is something for everyone. Have a wonderful trip!

 

[downontheBW]

You didn't indicate that there was anything about either resort that you either like or dislike. Or what amenities you're looking for: pool, activities. Will you spend most of your time in the parks? ...spending more time in MK or AK? ...have small children that you may want to take back to the room for an afternoon nap? Have a car?

But there is so much more to each of these resorts that maybe should come into consideration. The "feel" of these 2 resorts are about as different as you can get in the range of DVC properties. Kidani being laid back and rustic, with the Jambo amenties right next door - and the animals! BLT is bright and modern in a fabulous location.

But, if it's just as you said, just a matter of sleeping 5 with 2 bathrooms, then save the points.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Yes, now I see the "standard" view. Well, it's been mentioned that standard view at BLT is hard to come by at 7 months. Also, I stayed in AKV (Jambo, standard view) earlier this month and the two nights that we were in parks DHS and Epcot we were very lucky with the buses at closing. I voted for AKV.

Bobbi

 

[dizfan]

We've stayed at both and thought they were both great resorts.
They are different vacation styles and it's a case of what fits your vacation plans best.

AKV has the laid back African design, animals, and short distance to AK.
BLT has the modern design, monorail, lake, and short distance to MK.

 

[psimon]

My points are at OKW and BWV, consequently it's 7 months either way.

We have stayed the last 2 years at AKL-K and are familiar with it.

If a Standard 1Br at BLT is tough to get, that may resolve the issue for me!

Thanks. for everyone's input. I do appreciate it!


---Paul in Southern NJ

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Good luck with your choice.

 

[shellspb]

We stay at AKL every time we go, it is by far our favorite. We always rent a car and don't use the Disney transportation because we go off season and it's easier to get around. BLT looks nice but we like the Africa feel and of course Jiko, one of the BEST restaurants ever.

 

[quirty30]

I voted for AKV and evened up the vote at 15 & 15. If booking at 7 months, you may not even be able to get a standard view at BLT.

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I believe a standard view at Kidani is 40% savanna, 40% pool and 20% parking lot...so those are pretty good odds. At Jambo all standard views are pool view.

Part of this statement is inaccurate. A standard at Kidani is NEVER a savanna view. That's a different booking category and extra points. All the standards at Kidani are parking lot view. I think there are some that face the pool but the parking lot is still in between. (I think the PP is confusing standard at Kidani with value at Jambo. The value rooms at Jambo are 40% savanna, 40% pool, and 20% parking lot.)

Now the statement that all standard views at Jambo are pool view is correct.

As for the OP's original question, if you have never stayed at BLT and want something different and don't mind spending the extra points, why not try to get it at 7 months out? If you can't, just book AKV. I love AKV (my home resort), but I want to try them all. I will be trying for BLT at 7 months out for Christmas. I'm sure I won't get it, but it doesn't hurt to try. If I can't get it, I'll still have my room at AKV.

 

[dizfan]

...if you have never stayed at BLT and want something different and don't mind spending the extra points, why not try to get it at 7 months out? If you can't, just book AKV. I love AKV (my home resort), but I want to try them all. I will be trying for BLT at 7 months out for Christmas. I'm sure I won't get it, but it doesn't hurt to try. If I can't get it, I'll still have my room at AKV.

Great advice.

In addition, it doesn't hurt to go on the waitlist if you don't get it at 7 months.

We thought we would never get BCV for F&W, Columbus Day weekend. Had BWV booked, put in a BCV waitlist. We never expected it to come through and never had our hopes up. Much to our surprise, the waitlist came through.

 

[vaughan100]

I have a family of 5. Last year we split our stay between BLT and AKV. I loved both places. But, if I had to choose I would go with BLT because of the monorail & the short walk to MK and access to all the MK buses to anywhere on Disney property.

BLT had a modern, fun, energetic atmosphere. The decor was light and airy. It felt like you were right in the middle of Disney. AKV had a laid back atmosphere with a slower pace. The decor was dark and felt comfy/cave like. If you could do both that would be fun.

We did MK/EPCOT on the BLT part of the stay and did HS/AK for the AKV part of the stay. I'll be back to both, I'm sure.

 

[My5Mouseketeers]

I think part of it depends on when you are going and who is in your party.

We always go in November (Jersey Week!). The parks close early and we are always looking for things to do at night. AKL's Community Hall, "library" and fire pit gave us lots of entertainment. My kids loved looking at the animals at night

I'm not sure what there is to do at BLT at night.

 

[Geezer]

AKV....Hands down.

 

[McCrae]

I own at BLT.

I like both resorts, but prefer BLT due to it's location. A couple of additional things I would suggest worth considering are the differences in annual dues and the potential resale value. IMO the resale value at BLT will remain higher because of it's location. Annual dues will at least in the short term be lower at BLT and if you buy resale BLT it is the cheaper option over the life of the contract.

I do though prefer the room furniture at AKV. We plan to do split stay between BLT and AKV.

The cheaper dues at BLT means we can stay at AKV for a lower cost than owners of AKV, additionally we can spread our points further by staying at AKV than BLT.