Animal Kingdom or Old Key West for Kids

[randyg777]

Hello,

Haven't decided yet, but have opp to go to either AK studio or OKW studio. Any thoughts on which one would be better for kids (9 and 6 yrs old)? Better overall considering everything else?

Thanks, Randy

 

[Mouse511]

If you are staying in a studio - AKV is better. We prefer OKW when we come down, but we always stay in a one bedroom. The newer Villas have better studios then OKW.

 

[MainStreetMouse]

The studios ar OKW are a little bigger if room size is important. If staying at OKW go a the room closer to the Hospitality House. It's near the main pool are a short walk to pick up the boat transportation to Downtown Disney.

 

[dianeschlicht]

What time of year and what size villa? With those ages, both have strong good points.

AKV--Savannah view with animals....BIG plus.
AKV--Great child's water park area Plus but not necessarily better than OKW
AKV--Destination resort...no need to even bother with parks.
AKV--Animal based programs

OKW--huge rooms if you are doing 1 or 2 bedroom, and 2 real queen sized beds if you are doing a studio
OKW--One of the best DVC slides outside of BCV, and a great sand play area too.
OKW--More adult space for getting away from the little ones at night.
OKW--Pool based fun times.

 

[randyg777]

What time of year and what size villa? With those ages, both have strong good points.

AKV--Savannah view with animals....BIG plus.
AKV--Great child's water park area Plus but not necessarily better than OKW
AKV--Destination resort...no need to even bother with parks.
AKV--Animal based programs

OKW--huge rooms if you are doing 1 or 2 bedroom, and 2 real queen sized beds if you are doing a studio
OKW--One of the best DVC slides outside of BCV, and a great sand play area too.
OKW--More adult space for getting away from the little ones at night.
OKW--Pool based fun times.

Will be going Aug 16th-23rd...Studio rooms. 9 year old and a 6 year old boys. Info on each water park/pool in each would be helpful. Thanks, Randy

 

[randyg777]

If you are staying in a studio - AKV is better. We prefer OKW when we come down, but we always stay in a one bedroom. The newer Villas have better studios then OKW.

It is a studio we would stay in. How about transportation? Better at either? Time to get to other parks?

 

[dianeschlicht]

Will be going Aug 16th-23rd...Studio rooms. 9 year old and a 6 year old boys. Info on each water park/pool in each would be helpful. Thanks, Randy

AKV has a water play area with a zero entry pool. The play area is great fun for both kids and adults, and has things like suspended buckets that dump onto guests and a slide area, but the slide seems relatively small to me. The OKW slide is much larger and looks like a giant sandcastle. I haven't been on it, but the kids I know who have experienced loved it! OKW also has 4 pools in total, and each has a swing/play area, but only the main pool has the slide. AKV has the larger pool at the main lodge as well as the one at Kidani, but having more guests.

 

[dsneygirl]

If pool is a big factor then absolutely no question AKV over OKW. The pool at Kidani is just awesome.

 

[dvc deernut]

We have stayed at both, very nice pool at both, we prefer okw try and stay at hh area. The pool has just been refurbed we were just there. The pool at akl can be very crowded it has only 1 pool at each lodge. Okw has 1 main pool with interesting sandcastle theme and 3 other pools. As far as transportation goes okw hands down. Its closer to everything and better bus service to parks. You can take boat ride to dtd. Less points for rooms at okw.

 

[speakupjc]

AKV Studio. Kids love seeing the animals. My 6 year old hasn't been there for a year and has started asking when she can go back.

 

[Nanajo1]

Neither resort has direct access to a park. You must take a bus or drive. OKW does have a boat to Downtown. The bus rides are not too long.
Happy deciding.

 

[randyg777]

Neither resort has direct access to a park. You must take a bus or drive. OKW does have a boat to Downtown. The bus rides are not too long.
Happy deciding.

Are you referring to the bus rides from AK are not that long? I appreciate the response. This is our biggest worry. We are going to stay at AK in a standard. Can't beat the price (except a value room). I don't think we will be in our rooms much, so we will use the savings towards more of the parks and other fun! Thanks to all. Any further comments would be appreciated.

 

[DVClurkerRob]

My kids are about the same age as yours. I would tell you AKV is the better choice, hands down.

POOL - The pool at Kidani Village is awesome. It's almost worth spending a whole day there just relaxing.

THE COMMUNITY HALL - AKV has an awesome room set up with lots of activities for kids. OKW has the same sort of set up, but it simply pales in comparison. AKV has a huge tv with a Wii, a bank of tvs with PS2s, pool, and many other activities. We couldn't hardly pry my kids away from there to go to the parks they enjoyed it so much.

ON-SITE DINING - While neither one has very good on-site, quick service dining options, I would rather eat shoe leather than eat at OKW. At least you can walk from Kidani Village over to the Marra at AKL and get zebra domes.

THE ANIMALS vs. THE RELAXATION - OKW is great for a relaxing time, but AKV provides the same environment, just with bongos and zebras.

I think you will find either to be an excellent choice, but you phrased the question around your children. IMHO I think AKV is a much better choice.