AKV or BCV which would you pick?

[rance]

Kids will be 3 and 6. So not really planning on Epcot. MK for sure, DHS and AK.

Any input would be appreciated.

Price would be $100 more for BCV for the week.

 

[Tinkerbellie16]

Don't skip out on Epcot! That is a common misconception about the park - that it isn't for kids but it's been my kids favorite park since they were 2 & 4. They love 'Epercot'! There is so much to do there. Ok, just had to try to persuade you to go to Epcot!

Out of the two you list, I would choose Beach Club Villas. While I loved AKL, it feels so far from...everything except Animal Kingdom and Blizzard Beach! With the younger kids, I like to be closer to the parks. So out of the two, I would choose BCV. But if you really are going to MK and never to Epcot, I would steer you toward a monorail resort or Bay Lake Towers if you are looking for a DVC property.

 

[juliemcalister]

Even at 8 my DS was enchanted with AKL. Just the possibility of seeing the animals kept him excited and the pool is great for kids. Will you be driving or taking the bus? And when will you be going? Stay at AKL while they're still young enough to be truly enchanted!

 

[rance]

Thanks for the replies.we will be taking the bus and will be arriving end of october.

 

[tinkbyday]

I agree with a PP - don't discount Epcot - that has been my DD favorite park since her first visit at 4 yrs old (she's 11 now)!

I would pick BCV over AKL - my main reason is because of location and the close proximity to two parks, but also because I don't care for the decor at AKL (no offense to anyone who loves it).

 

[Evasmommy]

We are arriving at the end of October as well and are staying at BCV. During or last trip we stayed at BWI and the two girls (ages 4 and 5 at the time) loved Epcot. In World Showcase they have child activities in almost every country. The Aquarium area is awesome. Turtle Talk with Crush was great for them. On paper it doesn't seems like there is a lot but they loved it. HS also has Playhouse Disney show (Awesome) and they can have a Character Meal at Play n Dine at Hollywood and Vine at HS. Little Einstein folks are there and the kids loved it! All the Cars and Toy Story characters where at HS too. The bonus at the Boardwalk area is having 2 resorts so close that you don't need to bus. Have fun deciding what is best for your family!

 

[goofyfordisney]

For your kids ages, I would pick AKV! They will love seeing the animals and there are a lot of activities at the resort too. The pools are great for their ages. AKV has relaxed atmosphere...when you are done with all of the parks, you can go 'home' and relax! Its a good balance while at WDW to have some relaxation on your vacation.

While Beach Club has great access to Epcot, its also a busier location...not as relaxing. The pool area is pretty spread out too...it seemed like it was geared towards older kids. We always found it to be too crowded. My kids preferred to swim in the quiet pool!

We stayed at AKL and Beach Club back in 2001...AKL was by far, the favorite for our family!

Have fun!

 

[JenSop]

Having stayed at both resorts, I definitely prefer AKV. We love the proximity to Epcot while at BCV, but nothing beats the actual resort itself at AKV. It's so awesome to see the animals from your room. The resort also has tons of activities, a great pool. (Two pools, actually, since you can go between Jambo and Kidani.) We also like the restaurants at AKV better than anywhere else!

 

[spiceycat]

your kids are a little to young to really enjoy the big pool - SALB - now it does have a kiddie area - but even if can't compare to the big one.

so would go with AKV until they were a little older.

that say would go with BLT or VWL - they are both close to the MK. BLT you can walk to it. VWL you need to take the boat or bus.

 

[ML_LovesDisney]

We just stayed at BCV and my mom stayed at AKV so I got to check out both. BCV was nice because there are so many activities, like SAB and the campfire at night, as well as movie on the beach at night. My kids LOVED the sandy bottom pool, I'm not sure if you're planning on swimming but we LOVED IT! AKV-Kidani Village pool was nice too but if kids wanted to play in water play area or go to zero entry we had to follow them around. At BCV they just stayed in one spot and it was much more relaxing for DH and I. I would stay at AKV for the animal views, but in the summer BCV was great.

 

[RMulieri]

BCV you can walk to Epcot( and don't discount it with small kids, my daughter who was 4 on her first trip loved Epcot 2nd best )and DHS, has an awesome pool area too.

 

[hkfiler]

I really don't think you can go wrong either way. We loved AKL but did not like the travel to/from the parks...it's a bit more out of the way. And we also spend the least amount of time at AK park. It is a very cool place, though, and seeing the animals from your room is pretty awesome! Never stayed at BC but we did stay at BWV recently and LOVED the location! I agree not to discount Epcot, we all love it (my kids are 5 1/2 and 16 months) and have loved it from their first trip in '07. There are quite a few family and kid friendly rides and attractions in Epcot including some of my daughter's all-time faves. From BC, you can also walk over to the Boardwalk area and there is fun entertainment and performers every night. The BC pool is also really neat, but I imagine that the splash park at AK is great for the kids, too.