Biggest Surprises at AKL and BWVs??

[KyMattDisney]

I am beyond excited as I am within the 7 day window for our AKL and BWV vacation!!!

I have read everything about both resorts from guide books and these boards (which I think are the best info. find about Disney).....but was curious....

What were your biggest surprises (GOOD, please) about both resorts?

Did they exceed your expectations? In what way? Thanks so much!!!!!!

 

[DebbieB]

I own DVC at BWV and love it! I love the whole Boardwalk atmosphere, especially at night. Lots of restaurants to choose from, the bakery, the stores. What size room are you getting? A 1 or 2 bedroom has lots of room and amenities.

 

[KyMattDisney]

We have reservations for a 1 bedroom with standard view. I have requested non-smoking and near the pools if possible since I have 2 children, ages 3 1/2 & 8.

I just asked this question on the DVC board, but how scary is the clown slide? My 3 1/2 yr. old just developed a clown fear!!!

Also...any other suggestions on room requests? Thanks!!!

 

[DebbieB]

Most of the standard views are out of service right down due to outside renovations, so you may get upgraded to a preferred. Pool views are nice.

 

[HM]

I too don't like clowns much, but the slide didn't bother me. I think it's because it is so big that you don't really notice that you are looking at his face. And if you go down the slide, you don't see the face at all. There are two other pools at the boardwalk, so if you find it a problem to be around the clown, just use the other quiet pools. -HM

 

[Lewisc]

You may be surprised on how short a walk it is to MGM.

 

[mep319]

Our biggest surprise at AKL was how wonderful the transportation was. I had heard horror stories...but it ws wonderful. No shared buses, never too crowded, always one there when we needed. We were also afraid it would be too laid back, but it was just right and there was always something to do! It was great!

 

[Shells9]

Upon check in, we were told we had been upgraded from savannah view to deluxe savannah view, which was nice.

When our luggage arrvied (with only a 5 minute wait!) the CM took us out onto the balcony and told us the names of all the animals and about their habits -- what time of day was feeding, where the feeders were, ect. That was very nice.

The storytelling was a nice suprise -- have DD and I something to do on our first night while DH was napping.

Also, I agree with the AKL transportation, it was just fine.

You will love it -- we cannot wait to go back!

 

[JESW]

We just returned (6/15 - 23) from 4 nights at the AKL and 4 nights at the BWI. The AKL is the most beautiful resort I have ever seen! Wait until you see the lobby! Pictures just don't do it justice. Take the time to appreciate all the detail that went into creating that resort.

We had no trouble at all with bus transportation. So nice to not have to share with other resorts.

I had no disappointments or complaints with that resort.

The BWI was also very nice. Loved how close it was to the boardwalk and EPCOT & MGM. The clown slide is not scarey because of the clown. It is a rather fast water slide but lots of fun. MY DD4 (and DS8) loved it!! DD4 wore a floaty bathing suit so had no trouble sliding into the pool. Kids are allowed to wear flotation devices - but they have to go alone (no sitting on Mom or Dad's lap)

The only thing I didn't like about the BWI were those dang mirrors everywhere! They probably have them to make the place look light and airy, but it's rather scarey getting into the elevator after a day of sweating at the parks and have to look at yourself!

Have a great time!!!!

Jill

 

[KyMattDisney]

For JESW>.....do they provide any floatation devices for the children? My youngest 3 1/2 has the swim wings would this work or do they have some vests? Thanks

 

[JESW]

I did see young ones with flotation vests from the AKL - and others brought their own. (water wings and such) I believe the same for the BWI.

Have a great time!!!!!!!

Jill

 

[pallamb]

mep319: That's good to hear. I had read that if you were staying at the AKL you should rent a car. I've never had a problem with using the buses when staying at other Disney resorts so I was hoping that what I read about the AKL bus transportation was incorrect.
It's looks as if we'll be at the AKL at about the same time you will be there. We'll be arriving 10-22. I can't wait. I've been dreaming about staying there for a long time. Patty

 

[jordanyosh]

We've stayed at BWV 2x. Last time we were in a 1-bedroom. I don't think this will be a surprise, but we loved the fact that they had a washer and dryer in the room. You can pack lighter. We all loved the jacquzzi tub as well. Very relaxing and much more convenient than walking all the way to the pool area.