BLT or AKV??

[natenalex]

Hi all! This is my first post here on Disboards, but I am a long time lurker.

We are going to disney the week after Thanksgiving this year and we just can't decide where to stay. We've been many times, but always the "most cost effective" route. This year DH had a great year at work, so we feel that we can splurge a little bit.

We are going to rent DVC points, and are torn between a savannah view 1 bedroom at AKV Kidani or a "no view" one bedroom at BLT. Cost looks about the same on both places. I would love to be able to walk to MK, and I know my kids would love the AKV savannah views. There are 5 of us...DH, myself, 7 yr old, 4 yr old, and 18 month old, if that matters.

Where would you pick and why??? Thanks!

 

[minnieandfamily]

Bay Lake Tower! We have stayed at both BLT and AKL. We did a split stay and before we arrived, I actually thought I would like AKL better than BLT but it was the reverse! With young kids, you can't beat the convenience of being able to walk to the Magic Kingdom. We also loved being on the monorail.

My kids weren't really "wowed" by the animal views at AKL (we actually didn't see too many while we were there - I'm sure this varies greatly depending on seasons, time of day, etc though). Also, I felt the earth tones of the resort and room decor seemed dark...I know that's the theming of the resort but I realized - for me - that being on vacation in Florida, I wanted to stay somewhere brighter and cheerier! I also felt that it was in a less convenient location....took awhile to get anywhere other than Animal Kingdom.

Just my personal opinion....I know there are a lot of fans of AKL but we are Team BLT

Good luck on your decision - I'm sure you will have a great time no matter where you choose!

 

[MEK]

That's a tough one. You really can't beat the convenience of BLT. It's wonderful for walking to the MK and since your kids are young that is a major plus.

However, location aside, I personally prefer AKL. I actually like the decor better than any of the other DVC resorts. I love both kidani and AKL. Both pools are wonderful and there is so much to do there, not to mention a lot of great restaurants. The bright bedding and all the details make up for the so-called darkness of the resort. The wonderful African themed music playing everywhere is soooooooo relaxing. The cast members on the savannah are wonderful. It's such an interactive resort.

Now keep in mind that my stay at BLT was in a studio (extremely small) and my stay at AKL was in a 2BR. But I just dont care for the Ikea-esque furnishings of BLT.

It's all personal preference in terms of what resorts appeals to you more. I did enjoy pool hopping at the Poly and the Grand Flo when I stayed at BLT and the views from the top of the world lounge are stunning.

If being close to MK is the most important thing to you then pick BLT.

 

[minnieandfamily]

Sorry...double post!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

I would go with Bay Lake Tower because of the walkway to the Magic Kingdom, Resort Monorail access from the Contemporary and I like the restaurant options more at the Contemporary.

 

[rlovew]

If you are looking at this year- try to get someone at AKV to get you what you want- you will find that standard view at BLT is already sold out for Thsnkdgiving. It is normally gone by 10.5 months and it is already past the 10 month mark for this coming Thanksgiving- many of the resort views that are most popular are already being reported as sold out on the DVC boards.

 

[Big Kid]

We have stayed at both, like both, but usually pick AKL because it feels so exotic. With the ages of your children, however, you will really appreciate being able to walk to the Magic Kingdom so I would go with BLT if you manage to snag a reservation there.

Have a great trip!

 

[natenalex]

It's all personal preference in terms of what resorts appeals to you more. I did enjoy pool hopping at the Poly and the Grand Flo when I stayed at BLT and the views from the top of the world lounge are stunning.

We are not DVC members, can we still access the Top of the World lounge??? Thanks!

 

[KatMark]

We stayed at AKL in September and fell in love, and can't wait to go back. The theme is amazing, lots of activities, beautiful rooms. We've not stayed at BLT as it holds no appeal to us (looks like lots of buildings where I work).

 

[Sammie]

We are not DVC members, can we still access the Top of the World lounge??? Thanks!

Sorry no.

 

[disneycruising]

I think it would depend on if your children would love the animals at AK? My DD is a HUGE animal lover and spent alot of time on the deck watching the animals! As soon as she woke up in the morning, she was on the deck. At night before bed she was looking for animals. As we walk to the buses, she was looking for animals.

We stayed at BLT over Christmas and did enjoy the location to MK. We did find it quicker to walk to MK, then to take the monorail. Because it makes stops at the other resorts on the way to MK. But it was nice at the end of our day, to jump on the monorail and ride back to BLT. It was also great to be able to watch the fireworks, without having to be in the 'crowd' at the park.

They are both really nice! you can't go wrong with either one.

 

[MEK]

Sorry no.

If they rent points can't they access it? Their card will say DVC. Honestly, no one checked my card when I went up there but that was in September when the crowds are low. Perhaps they are stricter in checking cards during peak seasons.

 

[Bell30012]

I don't know how old your children are but my DD8 and I took her 2-year-old baby sister with us to Walt Disney World. That little one loved the savannah view as much as the parks. Whenever we got to the studio she would run to the balcony to look out. She ate her snack at the table looking out at the animals.

AKL has its advantages on location. Sure, BLT is right across the street from MK but how long does it take to get to the other parks? AKL has great parking. One parking lot is under the building and the other is just across from the resort. Lots of spaces.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If they rent points can't they access it? Their card will say DVC. Honestly, no one checked my card when I went up there but that was in September when the crowds are low. Perhaps they are stricter in checking cards during peak seasons.

Many times they ask to see the Blue Member card to access the lounge. You were lucky if they didn't ask to see yours.