Beach Club or Poly or AKL with 3 kids? Plz offer opinion!

[2xcited4wrds]

I am already planning trip for next May. We just went this past May & stayed at CBR. We loved it but would like to try different resort. We will be staying 6 nights but want to relax more this trip & enjoy the hotel instead of doing the parks everyday. We are celebrating our 15th anniversary then but are bringing the kids again as well: dd10 dd9 ds5. My question is which of these would be best if I am looking for the following:
1- good pool
2- lots of food choices: not just sit down restaurants--we loved the food court at CBR for the convenience
3- interesting & fun things to do at resort especially free or very cheap things
It's all about the kids & keeping them having fun. I guess I am wondering which has more BANG for the BUCK! I just can't decide because they all sound great. Any input from those that have stayed at any of these would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

 

[jel0511]

Based on the ages of your children, I'd say the Polynesian hands down. The rooms are the largest, and you'll have plenty of space to spread out. The BC and AKL deluxe rooms (only ones there that will sleep 5) are very cramped, especially with 5 people. The pool at the Poly is GREAT, as is the pool at the BC, your kids probably would like the pool at the BC a little better. The AKL pool is large, but seems geared to the smaller set, the slide is very short and tame. As for eating convience, the Poly wins there. There is Captain Cooks for a quick bite, and Kona CAfe and Ohana as well as all the monorail resorts restaurants. At AKL, they do have the best "food court" but with the exception of the other two restaurants, you'll very isolated. The BC doesn't have a food court, actually the only Epcot resort to have one is the Dolphin. The availablity of food at the BC and the YC are one of the reasons, I'm trying the BW next summer.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

Well we have 3 kids too, DS 15,13 and 11 and we have stayed at all 3 resorts. I agree with the previous poster and here is our opinions

AKL - terrible view for the deluxe price we paid, Never saw any animalsjust their rear ends. Little DS kept wining, take me back to the Poly, Kids wouldnt use the pool because they kept getting eaten up by mosquitos. Hated mostly everything at the food courts. Hated the bunk beds because "We have these at home mom". disliked the story teller. This is boring, (Our old minister was in africa and always told lots of stories like these) etc.

Beach Club - this is a great place with stormalong bay and easy access to epcot, boardwalk and mgm. Biggest drawback was lack of any other activities for the kids with the exception of the free checkers/chess set you could play with on the table in your room and also the big thing was the food. No easy place to refill mugs, no 24 hours snacks and cheaper priced food.

O.K. - Here is it, Stay at the Poly, Stay at the Poly
Why? You get quick monorail access, great view of the castle, great zero depth entry for the pool, instant beach access to watch the fireworks and light paegent, marina access to water sprites, boats, fishing trips etc. You name it.Covered bus stop with benches, great lobby, captain cooks open 24 hours, the grill does close at 11 p.m. Tv for kids in the lobby, Character breakfast on site, Now for the free stuff. They have a schedule but in a typical week its usually like 12-4 arts and crafts in the neverland club and disney movies, a parent must accompy the kids, torch lighting, pool games around 3 a few times a week and a few times they have (my kids favorite) arcade challege - a free hour of all the video games you want. Oh video heaven. Also I think on sats. they have free hula dancing lessons for the kids. Free tv in the lobby with disney movies too. Also on site childcare club - the neverland club. Once you get your kids in their they wont come out. Its peter pan themed and when they go in they get sprinkled with pixie dust. so cute. They give you a beeper etc. Had a tepee set up, buffet and movie, video games, My one ds was the spinner for mickey mouse bingo. DH and I went to the luau. Good luck with your decision. Only drawback. No hot tub.

 

[Mike_in_FL]

We also have three kids (7, 4 and almost 2), and have stayed at all three resorts several times. We love them all! To answer your specific questions:

1) Best pool - hands down SAB at BC (best pool of any Disney hotel IMHO). The Poly's volcano pool is also very good, while AKL's pool is OK, but not as good as the others.

2) Lots of food choices - fairly close call. Mara (AKL) has a pretty good selection and is open late. Captain Cooks (Poly) is open all night. BC has Beaches and Cream (more limited hours, but yummy sundaes!), and the advantage of proximity to the Boardwalk, Swan and Dolphin and Epcot (masses of choices there), if you don't mind travelling a little. All three hotels have more formal restaurants.

3) Interesting and fun things to do - I would agree that the Poly wins here. The torch lighting ceremony, pool games, afternoon access to Neverland club, etc can keep you busy for a good portion of the day! Plus of course, you can see the Electrical Water Pageant and the fireworks across the lagoon! BC also has pool games, special kids TV area etc (and did I mention the pool? ). I can't remember the list for AKL, but one thing they have is a hidden Mickey hunt. You get a list of clues from the front desk and off you go to find them. This is quite challenging and can keep you occupied for quite some time. My 7 and 4 year olds enjoyed it, although we did it in reasonably small doses.

On balance, I would agree that the Poly is the most "kid-friendly" resort, especially for a stay of 6 days. The proximity to the monorail, and the view across the lagoon are huge pluses. I think your kids might well really enjoy AKL (as mine do), but have had enough after a couple of days. If the Poly is full, BC would be a great choice, especially if your kids enjoy being in the pool.

Hope this helps,
Mike

 

[Carrieberry]

We also have stayed at all 3, and although we didn't particularly care for the Poly, I have to agree with the above posters. For the ages of your children that would be the best place. We hated the AKL-for all of the same reason the poster above did. We loved the BC, but the refillable mug thing was a hassle and there is really not much to do there at the hotel. In short, the Poly has a great arcade, is easily accessible to MK, and a nice pool. I think it is the one for you.

 

[BCV23]

Another family of five here and I agree with everyone else...the Polynesian all the way. I've stayed at all three too.

The size of the rooms is a huge factor for me. I agree with all of the other points too. We also enjoy the dining options at the GF and CR that are a monorail or boat ride away.

 

[2xcited4wrds]

Thanks for all your input! I knew I could count on all the veteran worlders out there. I was especially leaning toward the poly & now I think so for sure. We always travel with little expectations because you always seem to get good reviews and bad reviews. I am sure we will love it! We loved the CBR & had a great time there. Gonna make my ressie today.