AoA Suite vs. Beach Club

[kerepka625]

Long time reader - first time poster.

My husband and I are planning to bring our 3.5 year old son in September for the first time. Struggling to decide between an AoA Suite for the theming/space or Beach Club for the top notch pool and proximity to EPCOT and the Boardwalk, both of which we have frequented in prior visits.

Going for 7 nights, planning to park hop most days - morning at one park, back to resort to rest, then head to another park for the evening.

Pros/cons for each? Thoughts?

Thanks!

 

[Cinderella94]

We use the exact touring plan that you mention - morning at one park, back to the resort to swim, and dinner in another park/resort - at the Beach Club every summer. You can't beat their pool and that's a huge part of our trip. Easy access to Epcot and HS also can't be beat.

 

[heidijanesmith]

I have not stayed at AoA, so I can't give you pros or cons.

BC location is fantastic! Walking to EPCOT and DS is a huge plus. BC's pool is amazing, lots of places for a little one to enjoy the sand and water.

Welcome to the DIS!

 

[westie55]

I have stayed at both.

Pros of AoA: vastly more extensive counter service dining, the theming is top notch and makes you feel like you're in a movie, I actually prefer bus service at AoA since bus picks up at YC before BC and it can get pretty full. Pool is easier to manage at AoA with smaller children.

Pros of BC: more comfortable bedding, walk to two parks, close to BW for evening entertainment, on site table service dining

I've really enjoyed my stay at both of these resorts. I'm not sure the pool at BC will be any more enjoyable to your DS than the pools at AoA although you may like the hot tub better, which AoA doesn't have. Tough call. I think both are worth trying and I will go back to both on future trips.

 

[nursejackie]

We've stayed at both, and our vote definitely goes to BC. We wouldn't stay at AoA again. I agree the theming is amazing but there are just so many people, the bus queues were long and we had to wait for the third DME to the airport the line was so long. It's just not for us.

Now BC on the other hand, we will definitely be back (maybe this December, fingers crossed). The pool, the rooms, the ambience, the location, we could not find fault anywhere IMHO. Being able to walk to two parks, especially entering EPCOT at the international gateway in the evenings give you loads of options for dining alongside BC, YC and Boardwalk area.

 

[Babsy]

I would definitely stay at the BC! We always prefer to stay in a resort with some non bus options when travelling with a small child and stroller. At the BC you can walk/boat to Epcot and DHS.

Epcot is a perfect park to finish your day when hopping from one park to another. Epcot is open every evening and has lots of good dining for dinner! It is so nice to walk less than 5 minutes and be back in your room at the end of the day!

Also, Stormalong Bay has an awesome sandy area for small children playing in the pool, plus the quiet pool is very nice for a less crowded/hectic pool break. An added bonus is the laundry is right next to the quiet pool at the BC. Convenient if you need to wash up a few items.

You could always go visit AoA to show the theming to your kiddo and get a few photo ops! Perhaps after a morning in the AK, for example, take the bus to AoA for lunch and get a few pics. Then catch an Uber back to the BC for the afternoon nap/rest and pool break.

Request a full balcony or a ground floor patio so that you and DH can sit outside during any nap or early bedtimes.

Enjoy!

 

[happymommy]

I'm a total convert from the deluxe resorts to value ones now. But, I would even say I'd go with the Beach Club here!

There are only 3 of you, so there is enough bedding. You both will enjoy the upscale feel, and the pool area.

You can't beat being able to walk to Epcot and take the boat or walk to DHS.

One reason I love the value resorts now is that it's most often just my daughter and me. My husband prefers the deluxe resorts, but to me a comfortable clean bed and decent food court is just great. I think you'd enjoy the BC!

 

[loves to dive]

If the budget allows it, I'd say BC. While AoA is a cute resort it is, under it all, a value resort which means uncovered bus stops, busy and noisy food courts and public areas, not as nice rooms or bedding as the moderate or deluxe resorts. I'm a huge fan of the Epcot area resorts, stay in them every trip, YC is my favorite but will and have stayed in BW, BC and Swan/Dolphin.

 

[Marthasor]

BC hands down! Especially for going back and forth to the parks. Being able to walk to DHS and EP is priceless. If you are looking for more space, you may want to price out a BCV 1-bedroom if available. We are also a family of 3 and we love the extra space plus the full kitchen and washer/dryer!