AKL vs. BWI?

[Mollydolly334]

Hi all! My family and I been tossing around taking a trip in early November 2016. The dates I gave my travel agent were for November 3-11, and I'm thinking of either staying at AKL or BWI. I've never stayed at either of these resorts, but I have visited both. My mom and I were blown away by AKL on our last visit when we ate at Sanaa. However, the isolation of the resort makes me pause on it. I'm also wondering if doing a standard view would be disappointing, and if it's worth the extra money to upgrade to savannah view. As for BWI, my family and I have stayed at both BC and YC and loved the theming of the Boardwalk area. We were looking at BWI just to try something new and different. You can't beat the proximity to Epcot and DHS! We would probably only do a standard view for BWI, since we had a lagoon/Boardwalk view already at YC. However, the theming for BWI is just "so-so" for me. I just put in a quote, so I don't have exact prices yet. But I'd love all of your opinions (especially from those who have stayed at both) about which resort you prefer! Thanks so much!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We've stayed at both and while AKL is gorgeous and we really enjoyed it, I LOVE LOVE LOVE BWI!!!! It is probably now my absolute favorite WDW resort. Again, AKL is wonderful, but the rooms are much smaller than BWI's. We also only stayed at AKL for short stays and, I think, really took advantage of everything there - both pool, all of the restaurants, even the morning CL safari when it was available. I would have gotten bored if we had stayed longer and, with heavy park touring, would have gotten sick of the buses. With a long stay (like yours), I would much rather be in a location that offers a TON more - (as you already know!), walking to EP and DHS, ALL the restaurants at the 5 EP resorts, plus WS in EP. I happen to love the theming at the Boardwalk and love evenings there with the magicians, jugglers, carnival games, plus I think they have great QS food on the Boardwalk. We stayed there twice in 2015, during a Star Wars Weekend and during Christmas week - it was awesome!!! We love BWV, too. You might want to think about pricing that out too!

 

[gzmtlock]

AKL and BWI are our two favorite resorts. We return to both for different reasons.

BWI: Love walking to two parks, particularly if the vacay is at a more crowded time of year. Love proximity to many, many good restaurants (we always have APs or hoppers, so include Epcot restaurants in our choices). Enjoy all room categories, especially if we can snag one where we can see the high fireworks from IllumiNations. Don't love parking. Don't love lack of quick QS. Prefer quiet pools to main one - feels "smaller" and more congested when crowded.

AKL: Love resort atmosphere, from the smell in the lobby, to the open fireplace in the lobby, to the young CMs from Africa, to the lounge - shall I go on? The animals are great - but there's so much more to AKL than that. Love Boma - our favorite buffet ANYWHERE. Love the shop - I have traveled from other resorts just to visit Zawadi Marketplace. Love that it feels "different" from the rest of WDW - we enjoy leaving the wonder and busy-ness of the parks to return to the peace of AKL, and yet still be at a premiere resort. Remote? We have never been bothered by the buses. Greatly enjoy the pool.

For us, it comes down to: do we want TOTAL WDW immersion? And do we have a little more cash in our pockets? BWI. do we want a wonderful Disney vacation, with a different feel to it once returning to our resort? AKL.

Don't even get me started on AKL Club level. . .

 

[jvalic33]

You won't be disappointed with either resort. We own at both and try to stick with BW when we are doing F&W but either way they are so special in each of their own ways. If we fly down, I like the convenience of the BW but if we drive, then I don't mink AK at all because we park the car right downstairs and drive to most of the parks. The pools are great at both resorts and there are more than enough food options at both. We adore Jiko and try to save that restaurant for when we go to AKL and Sanaa as you said is great. We also love the breakfast at Boma and typically we are not big fans of buffets.

I don't feel AKL is isolated at all, I mean you're in Disney, while it may take a bit for you to get back to your resort, you have so much to talk about and laugh about on the bus, who thinks about time, plus when you are traveling back to AKL I find we are actually pretty excited to get to our rooms and look out at the animals. I also think it is worth it for the savannah view. We loved it and makes it even more special. I would definitely look into renting points and doing a villa if you can. They are beautiful.

 

[ariane37]

We've stayed at BWV 4x and just returned from our first stay at AKV. Keeping in mind all our stays were on rented points, we absolutely fell in love with AKV after thinking no resort would push BW out of it's #1 spot lol. DH was sure he'd feel it was too far from everything else but nope, not at all. We did a split between AKV/Poly and he felt the amount of time we spent going between places on the monorail was no longer than any bus ride to/from anywhere while we were at AKV.......

As pp's have said, the proximity of BW to Epcot and HS can't be beat. Each have their own cool things for kids; mine love the BW performers. This last trip was just DH and I but I know the kids would love all that AKV has to offer as well.

I did feel AKV was more "homey", maybe had more of a "comfortable" feel?? More relaxing..........since you've stayed at Epcot resorts before I'd stay give AKL a try

 

[ariane37]

Oh, and we had a standard view studio in Jambo and ended up with a beautiful pool view. If we'd had the kids with us I'd probably have gone for the savannah view at least for our first stay, but there are tons of places you can get to easily to see animals

 

[ontheuptick]

My family (kids are 8, 5, 2) just returned from a split stay trip in December, and we stayed at BWV and AKV.

We would choose Boardwalk I believe, fairly handily. And, we have some things that would traditionally make us lean toward AKL (one of my daughters was adopted from Ethiopia and my wife and I have traveled there a few times - so we love Africa and it has a special place in our hearts). With that said, my kids liked the pool and slide much better at Boardwalk. And my wife and I loved the location. Not only is it the best location for walking in all of WDW, but now they have dedicated (not shared) buses from Boardwalk to MK.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi all! My family and I been tossing around taking a trip in early November 2016. The dates I gave my travel agent were for November 3-11, and I'm thinking of either staying at AKL or BWI. I've never stayed at either of these resorts, but I have visited both. My mom and I were blown away by AKL on our last visit when we ate at Sanaa. However, the isolation of the resort makes me pause on it. I'm also wondering if doing a standard view would be disappointing, and if it's worth the extra money to upgrade to savannah view. As for BWI, my family and I have stayed at both BC and YC and loved the theming of the Boardwalk area. We were looking at BWI just to try something new and different. You can't beat the proximity to Epcot and DHS! We would probably only do a standard view for BWI, since we had a lagoon/Boardwalk view already at YC. However, the theming for BWI is just "so-so" for me. I just put in a quote, so I don't have exact prices yet. But I'd love all of your opinions (especially from those who have stayed at both) about which resort you prefer! Thanks so much!!

We've never stayed at BWI, but we love AKL. The theme/decor is beautiful and even though the resort is sort of isolated, that's one of things I love about it as it's very quiet and peaceful. We have had pool view and savanna view and while it is nice seeing animals from your room, a savanna view isn't a necessity for us. I loved our pool view just as much and wouldn't hesitate to book it again. I can't comment on standard view as we've never had that view, but pool view isn't that much more than standard, so it might be worth pricing out if you decide to go with AKL (if you're worried about what standard view rooms overlook). As far as transportation, we have had 2 great stays and visit every trip to eat at Boma and we have never had any problem with the buses. In our experience, it takes maybe 5 extra minutes to get around. Since the buses only service AKL and Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). With all of that said, I don't think you can go wrong either resort as they both have their advantages, so I would choose the one that appeals to you the most. I also wouldn't count out AKL due to transportation as it's really not that bad (IMO). Good luck!

 

[ChrissyBeth29]

Both are GREAT, but if you are going to be there in the beginning of November, your best bet is BWI. Not only is that my FAVE, but you will have the ability to walk into the International Gateway during the Food and Wine Festival. Also since there will be many parties going on(MNSSHP and MVMCP), the MK will be closing early many nights. You will have two parks available in walking or boat distance. It's a win/win!

 

[Juliet25]

Both are GREAT, but if you are going to be there in the beginning of November, your best bet is BWI. Not only is that my FAVE, but you will have the ability to walk into the International Gateway during the Food and Wine Festival. Also since there will be many parties going on(MNSSHP and MVMCP), the MK will be closing early many nights. You will have two parks available in walking or boat distance. It's a win/win!

ITA. Given the time of year you're going, you can't beat BWI.

 

[Mollydolly334]

Wow, thank you all so much for your thorough replies!! I guess I have a lot to think about Seriously though, you all rock!

 

[JoeyEmmaMomma]

We are huge BWI fans.
I would always pick a MK or Epcot deluxe over AKL because we really enjoy the ability to walk to parks or monorail.

 

[loves to dive]

If I had to choose between those two I'd go with BWI because of it's proximity to Epcot/HS. Having said that, I've stayed in BWV twice in the studios and wasn't impressed. YC/BC is my favorite resort and try to stay there every time. I stayed in a 1 bedroom at AKV and it was technically I think a standard view but it actually was a savanah view, it was a view of the people pens. We loved getting up every morning and sitting on the balcony and watching the animals wander around.

I'd do a split stay. Do AKL first for a few days, you are going to have to bus to AK and MK anyway even if you stay at BWI (unless you want to make that long trek through Epcot, wait and catch two monorails) so use those days for those two parks. Chances are you will get a less expensive room at AKL then you will at BWI so, bonus, you save a few bucks.

 

[disneygolfer1985]

The Boardwalk is our home resort for the DVC and I love the ability to walk to Epcot thru the IG and to HS. As previously stated, the MK will be closing early for some of the days that you are there, so it would be nice to be able to walk to Epcot and then easily get back to the room. Also, the F&W festival will be going on, so you can take advantage of that.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I would go for BWI just for the awesome location. AKL is very pretty too. Maybe book a meal there and then that would give you a chance to visit the resort and see the animals.

 

[Mollydolly334]

Thanks everyone!! Ironically, I have completely switched gears and am now between BC and Poly, leaning heavily toward Poly (only $150 more than BC) Funny how everything can change in a second! I can't thank everyone enough for being so timely and putting so much effort into your responses

 

[Babsy]

The theme/decor is beautiful and even though the resort is sort of isolated, that's one of things I love about it as it's very quiet and peaceful. We have had pool view and savanna view and while it is nice seeing animals from your room, a savanna view isn't a necessity for us. I loved our pool view just as much and wouldn't hesitate to book it again. I can't comment on standard view as we've never had that view, but pool view isn't that much more than standard, so it might be worth pricing out if you decide to go with AKL (if you're worried about what standard view rooms overlook). As far as transportation, we have had 2 great stays and visit every trip to eat at Boma and we have never had any problem with the buses. In our experience, it takes maybe 5 extra minutes to get around. Since the buses only service AKL and Kidani, there's no sharing with any other resort(s). With all of that said, I don't think you can go wrong either resort as they both have their advantages, so I would choose the one that appeals to you the most. I also wouldn't count out AKL due to transportation as it's really not that bad (IMO). Good luck!

Mickeynut1 is right, the pool view is very little more expensive than standard view and is lovely at the AKL. We also frequently book pool view at AKL rather than the savannah view. There are lots of places around the resort to see the animals. Savannah view is nice, but it is pricier and not necessary, IMO, to enjoy a stay at AKL. Standard view rooms may overlook the parking lot or may have a partial view of the savannah, but personally, I would book the pool view over standard.

The bus transpiration from AKL is very good. Again, as Mickeynut1 said, there is no sharing with other resorts and the additional time spent on the bus is not a problem in our experience. The longest ride is to the MK and may take about 5 - 10 minutes longer than some other resorts, but the ride to the AKL is only about 5 minutes in total! Regardless of where you stay you will be using buses to get to AKL at least (If you use Disney transportation).

You are concerned about the isolation at AKL. It does bother some people. We felt that it added to the charm of the resort, giving an authentic feeling of being in another 'world' from the MK and Epcot, one much more in tune with nature and in keeping with the Animal Kingdom theme of the resort.

You are absolutely right about the convenience of the BWI to DHS and Epcot, though. It is great! We have stayed in the BWI as well as the AKl and really enjoyed our stay at both. It is a very different experience staying at the BWI from staying at the AKL. BWI will also likely be quite a bit more expensive and it will be very similar to staying at the YC/BC. As you have already stayed in this area, you are already familiar with the advantages of a stay here. I did find our stays at the BWI to be a bit more 'lively' than the YC in particular. Nightlife abounds on the Boardwalk. It is a fun place to stay.

It is really a choice of what you are looking for in this vacation and what your budget is as well as the rates at the two resorts. Either stay would be amazing! Both resorts are wonderful with lots to offer. The good news is that you can't go wrong - whichever you choose will be awesome.

I would choose AKL for the economy and for the sake of trying something different and new.

Good luck choosing!

 

[clapton]

I would definitely pick BWI over AKL for the location and the rooms. AKL is beautiful, love the lobby and pool area but the rooms and decor are too dark for my taste and the resort is just too out of the way for us. We do love to visit and eat at Sanaa though! As for BC or Poly, that's a tough one, depends on where you like to spend most of your time, but they are both great choices. Enjoy planning !!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thanks everyone!! Ironically, I have completely switched gears and am now between BC and Poly, leaning heavily toward Poly (only $150 more than BC) Funny how everything can change in a second! I can't thank everyone enough for being so timely and putting so much effort into your responses

We've stayed at both and while I'm glad we tried the BC, the Poly is my favorite of the two and would be my choice without hesitation. The BC is nice being within walking distance to Epcot/DHS, but the Poly atmosphere is more appealing to us. We like the Poly pool better than SAB and (IMO) you can't beat seeing the castle off in the distance. We also find more of a variety of dining options around the monorail than we do in the Epcot area. Good luck!

You are concerned about the isolation at AKL. It does bother some people. We felt that it added to the charm of the resort, giving an authentic feeling of being in another 'world' from the MK and Epcot, one much more in tune with nature and in keeping with the Animal Kingdom theme of the resort.

I agree .

 

[Babsy]

Thanks everyone!! Ironically, I have completely switched gears and am now between BC and Poly, leaning heavily toward Poly (only $150 more than BC) Funny how everything can change in a second! I can't thank everyone enough for being so timely and putting so much effort into your responses

OK, the Poly is awesome! I would always lean heavily in that direction myself! The BC is nice, but the Poly is magical.

We just returned from a short stay at the Poly, and it is really just finishing up on the construction and is once again a top pick for staying in WDW! It is truly special!

Enjoy!