AKV or BWV...help me choose

[rance]

We will have a 5 year old and 2 year old with us. If AKV.... Jambo or kidani?

Thanks

 

[jmb910]

My two year old LOVES the pool area at Kidani. It's the perfect "water park" for a toddler. I have never stayed at BWV, but I can't praise Kidani enough.

Another plus to Kidani is that there is always room on the buses. The pick up at Jambo House second, and those poor people usually have to stand if they can even get on the bus in the mornings...

 

[CandyMandy]

A tough choice.

AKV: on the plus side, the ambiance is truly unique. There really is no other property of this quality anywhere that combines this level of comfort with Savana theming. While the pools at both resorts are a draw (each has strengths), Kidani is better for a small child.

The downside of AKV is location and less dining options. Staying here one quickly realizes that AKV is not near anything but....AK (then again, side benefit of that is the "respite from the madness" feel of the resort - in a way, very similar to what you get at WLV).

BWV: primary upside is location, location, location (which why demand for it, BVC and BLT keep growing as DVC expands, a huge percentage of the the new members all seem to want to immediately stay at these three places). Boardwalk view villas arguably have the best view in the time share world, I still smile everytime I think about our first night at WDW as DVC members, sitting on a balcony with our toddlers watching Illuminations. The actual Boardwalk along the lake also has massive entertainment value at night for a child, with all the performers and activity it's a themed attraction in itself. And plenty of dining options.

Downside of Boardwalk? It's a busy, active place, so those looking for a quiet, pastoral retreat from the parks will find the resort doesn't provide that.

 

[rance]

Thanks for the great insight.We decided to go with AKV. Really tough choice, but I think having a break from all the parks will be nice at AKV.Definately some trade offs, but I think for wanting a few resort days around the pool AKV will be a better fit for the little one's.

 

[hakepb]

Good choice!
I absolutely think AKV is the best choice for that age. (Not that BWV is a bad choice, still ver, veryy nice, and I do like the boat transportation) With animals, room time becomes it's own attraction, and I think that really helps with vacation sanity!

 

[LSchrow]

Downside of Boardwalk? It's a busy, active place, so those looking for a quiet, pastoral retreat from the parks will find the resort doesn't provide that.

i beg to differ
we stay at the BWVs frequently, and find it extremelly relaxing.
some of our favorites:
-laying by the quiet pool, margarita in hand
-playing pingpong in CH
-rocking in the chairs on the lobby balcony
-reading a book curled up on a coach in the gorgeous lobby or under the lobby balcony or in any of the little hide-aways throughout the resort
- having a drink and great conversation with new found friends in the belle vue lounge
-watching the sun come up over the BW, as the world goes from silent tones of grey to bright, beautiful color and the sounds of thumping joggers, chirping birds, dads shushing their kids on their way to the bakery - where you can smell those sweet treats and salivate
-enjoying the beautiful stroll to/fro DHS, taking pictures of the wildlife and plants
-tennis on the empty courts
-meandering around the BWI gardens (often, it's literally dead silent during the day)
-eating an ice cream cone from seaside sweets while walking around the lake, stopping in the gazebo for a hug
- and of course, you and your honey relaxing on your balcony with wine glasses in hand, sharing the dazzling fireworks and breathtaking view

we spend most of our time fully relaxing at the BWVs. yes, there is a lot of excitement there also, but we've found the resort has much more to offer than just arcade games and buskers

 

[ClemTig]

We will have a 5 year old and 2 year old with us. If AKV.... Jambo or kidani?

Thanks

I am a BWV owner. At that age go AKV. Six plus is a better age for BWV. One of the best things about BWV is the impromptu shows along the Boardwalk, magicians, jugglers, etc.... but it is probably better for a little older kid. Also proximity to Epcot isn't a bigger deal until they get a little older.

 

[drusba]

Thanks for the great insight.We decided to go with AKV. Really tough choice, but I think having a break from all the parks will be nice at AKV.Definately some trade offs, but I think for wanting a few resort days around the pool AKV will be a better fit for the little one's.

Trust me on this one. For Kidani, put in a request for close to the lobby. It puts you near pool, restaurant, store, busses. Otherwise you risk having a room that is somewhere in the mileage range of the next county away as far as walking from the lobby to your room goes.

 

[spiceycat]

We will have a 5 year old and 2 year old with us. If AKV.... Jambo or kidani?

Thanks

why isn't BLT on your list?

considering the ages of your kids - MK will be the park of choice would think.

both BWV and AKV are bus transportation to the MK.

if you want to walk to the MK (and great if anyone has a melt down) then it is BLT.

just don't get a MK view - either LV or SV - and make sure they understand that no MK view is the idea.

 

[katieandemismom]

AKV is a great choice! We've stayed there twice now, and my girls love it! This summer we're starting at BWV for 5 nights followed by 5 nights at Kidani. My sister and her family are joining us at Kidani. It's there first trip, and I felt that the atmosphere there simply couldn't be beaten.

 

[rance]

"why isn't BLT on your list?"

It was booked and so was BCV....Disney has way too many choices.

 

[cg1200]

I've never stayed at AKV but own at BWV. I just think AKV is too far from all the things we like to do. I'm sure it's a lovely property and the whole savanna thing is such a great idea. But honestly, I prefer the convenience of the Boardwalk and/or BLT. Bus is my least favorite form of transportation and that's all I'd ever take if i stayed at AKV. With the the Boardwalk you have boats or a walkway to two parks! Can't beat that.

Still, I don't think you can go wrong. Hey there's always next year to hit the resort you miss this year!

 

[CandyMandy]

i beg to differ
we stay at the BWVs frequently, and find it extremelly relaxing.
some of our favorites:
-laying by the quiet pool, margarita in hand
-playing pingpong in CH
-rocking in the chairs on the lobby balcony
-reading a book curled up on a coach in the gorgeous lobby or under the lobby balcony or in any of the little hide-aways throughout the resort
- having a drink and great conversation with new found friends in the belle vue lounge
-watching the sun come up over the BW, as the world goes from silent tones of grey to bright, beautiful color and the sounds of thumping joggers, chirping birds, dads shushing their kids on their way to the bakery - where you can smell those sweet treats and salivate
-enjoying the beautiful stroll to/fro DHS, taking pictures of the wildlife and plants
-tennis on the empty courts
-meandering around the BWI gardens (often, it's literally dead silent during the day)
-eating an ice cream cone from seaside sweets while walking around the lake, stopping in the gazebo for a hug
- and of course, you and your honey relaxing on your balcony with wine glasses in hand, sharing the dazzling fireworks and breathtaking view

we spend most of our time fully relaxing at the BWVs. yes, there is a lot of excitement there also, but we've found the resort has much more to offer than just arcade games and buskers

LS, you make excellent points and yes, one can have a restful time at BWV if they focus on smelling the particular roses you mentioned. I guess where I was coming from was the perspective of a parent with very young children and what our experiences at BWV were like when we were in that phase of life (our kids are both adolescents now).

Granted, every family is unique, but I know our children when in the young phase didn't want to hang out for long periods on the main porch (especially when jugglers were performing in the distance!) or sit for extended periods restfully reading in the lobby. E.g. they were drawn to the "flashing lights and activity" elements of BWV, even after hours in the parks (and no, we're not talking ADD types here!)

Again I don't disagree with you about the ability of BWV to be restful, but just wanted to better explain the basis for my "it's not as much of a respite from the madness as AKV" generalization.

 

[cg1200]

Again I don't disagree with you about the ability of BWV to be restful, but just wanted to better explain the basis for my "it's not as much of a respite from the madness as AKV" generalization.

I get what you're saying. There is a general "bustle" to the BWV area which some may find annoying if peace and quiet is all you are after. I found VWL to be completely tranquil once you got away from the lobby. The same can be said for BWV. Even having never stayed at AKV, I would agree it has to be less "busy" than the BWV area.