BLT or AKV?

[triciari]

MK is definitely the park we spend the most time at. We have always stayed at the values but are in the process of buying into DVC. We were thinking about how nice it would be to walk to MK or ride the monorail. Why not go with a MK view though? We thought it would be awesome to view the fireworks from the balcony.

I haven't stayed at AKV yet, so take this with a grain of salt...

BLT definitely!!

With the ages of your kids, I'm guessing you'll have a stroller. Being able to put them in it in your room and stroll to MK is priceless. And, you'll be able to do the same by monorail to Epcot. The thought of folding a stroller every time you get in a bus is such a drag.

We've always done lake view: even numbered room, north side, high floor. We've had a partial MK view both times. We were in a 2 bedroom ending in 02, which is the last room down the long hallway, but totally worth it for the view.

 

[Jaaron2]

We absolutely love AKV. The theming is very unique, the best at WDW IMHO. It's a great experience if you have never been there before.

 

[CarpeDisney]

We just returned from a stay at BLT last week. ...loved it.

Although our home resort is AKL (and we've stayed there a few times), we much prefer BLT at this point. As our children are 3 and 5, we LOVE being so close to the Magic Kingdom. Walking to the park in the morning is great, and if your children still take mid day naps (or, if you want them to take mid-day naps to avoid complete sensory over-load), it is one monorail stop back to the Contemporary or a quick walk.

While we much prefer the theming of the AKL as compared to what many call the "lack of theme" of BLT, the location of BLT suits our family well right now. It provides many easy-to-get-to dining options along the monorail resorts line. In addition, the pool (and slide) is a favorite for our children.

The room we had was 7610. Although it was a "lake view" room on the 6th floor, it was one of the rooms on the "outside of the C", on the north side of the building. Our view to the left of the balcony was the MK, and we were able to watch Wishes every night.

 

[disneynutz]

We just returned from a stay at BLT last week. ...loved it.

Although our home resort is AKL (and we've stayed there a few times), we much prefer BLT at this point. As our children are 3 and 5, we LOVE being so close to the Magic Kingdom. Walking to the park in the morning is great, and if your children still take mid day naps (or, if you want them to take mid-day naps to avoid complete sensory over-load), it is one monorail stop back to the Contemporary or a quick walk.

While we much prefer the theming of the AKL as compared to what many call the "lack of theme" of BLT, the location of BLT suits our family well right now. It provides many easy-to-get-to dining options along the monorail resorts line. In addition, the pool (and slide) is a favorite for our children.

The room we had was 7610. Although it was a "lake view" room on the 6th floor, it was one of the rooms on the "outside of the C", on the north side of the building. Our view to the left of the balcony was the MK, and we were able to watch Wishes every night.

Just wondering if you have stayed at VWL which is a boat ride away from the MK?

Bill

 

[CarpeDisney]

Bill - No, we haven't stayed there ourselves, but this past trip had friends who stayed there and we spent time with them at VWL. Beautiful resort, and because it's only a boat ride away from MK (and the contemporary and campgrounds), we'd definitely consider staying there as well.

 

[disneynutz]

Bill - No, we haven't stayed there ourselves, but this past trip had friends who stayed there and we spent time with them at VWL. Beautiful resort, and because it's only a boat ride away from MK (and the contemporary and campgrounds), we'd definitely consider staying there as well.

We own at both resorts. BLT is closer to the MK but we love the warm feeling that we get at WL/VWL compared to a cooler feeling at BLT.

BLT and the Contemporary makes us feel like we are there for a business meeting or a convention but we do love the Monorail.

Bill

 

[triciari]

Just wondering if you have stayed at VWL which is a boat ride away from the MK?

Bill

I've stayed at WL. I thought the theming was great, but the rooms were very small! It was my first trip to WDW, in April 2009, so I wasn't prepared for how small the rooms were in comparison to other hotels. We had 2 adults and 3 kids (one was 1 1/2, and in a pack n play. The first room we tried was a bunk bed room. The older 2 were 4 and 5 and neither wanted the top bunk! (Although we'd prepped them and thought they'd both be fighting about who got it!). I thought the bunk bed room would open up more floor space, but it didn't. It was bolted to the wall with about a 1 1/2 foot aisle on one side of it - not large enough for the pack n play. We were able to switch to a deluxe room for 4 nights, which has 2 queen beds in a separated area, and a "living area" with a pull out couch, wetbar and 2 chairs. The space was much better! We had to switch back to a regular room for the last 2 nights, and opted for 2 queens, we found it roomier than the bunk bed room, with a more open and brighter feeling.

Transportation to MK was fun, but we still had to collapse our double stroller to get on the boat, which was a drag. The walk to MK from BLT was much easier!

 

[PrincessMom4]

I believe as DVC members there is a place that if you are using cash or your points you just need to show your card to have access and can get into the Top of the world tower.

 

[Bell30012]

I believe as DVC members there is a place that if you are using cash or your points you just need to show your card to have access and can get into the Top of the world tower.

Actually, there is a special elevator to get to the Top of the World Lounge. You must show your room key and when we were there last (Feb 2012) they checked that against a list at the desk before you proceeded to the elevator. The CM has to turn his/her key for you to go up.

The rules say that you have to be a DVC member staying on points at BLT.

 

[disneynutz]

Actually, there is a special elevator to get to the Top of the World Lounge. You must show your room key and when we were there last (Feb 2012) they checked that against a list at the desk before you proceeded to the elevator. The CM has to turn his/her key for you to go up.

The rules say that you have to be a DVC member staying on points at BLT.

Currently any DVC Member on points at any resort is allowed access the TOWL.

Bill