I just noticed that our boardwalk inn water view reservation is actually about $50 more than animal kingdom lodge club level for the 5 nights we will be staying in April. Which do you think is the better deal?
Well, it probably depends on what is most important to you. If you want the convenience of being in walking distance to two theme parks, the BWI is the better bet. If you are looking to save a little money on food expense, then the club level at AKL would be best. Resort amenities will be similar at both, though the BWI will have larger rooms. Good luck in deciding! I don't think either one would be a bad choice as both resorts are gorgeous.
The PP put it well. BWI will give the convenient location where you can walk to DHS and Epcot, and a larger room. AKL will give you the CL amenities (IPO planning office, drinks and snacks during the day, use of the lounge, ability to book the Sunrise Safari), plus a room facing the animals on the main savanna. It really depends on which theme you prefer, and how much you would use the amenities at each one (vs. the other). -- would you spend time at the resort and take advantage of the food offerings at AKL? -- would you appreciate the CL perks at AKL? -- which parks do spend most of your time at? (neither is convenient for the MK, but BWI is great if you prefer Epcot or DHS). I've stayed at AKL CL and it was wonderful. I also like the location of the BW (stayed at YC/BC but very similar location).
Like the pp said, it would depend on what kind of vacation you're wanting. If you'll be spending most of your time at the parks I would go for BWI, if it's a laid back hang at the resort with just a little park time, I would go for AKL CL. I've stayed at both and love both.
personally, after staying at both AKL and BWI my family has no desire to go back to AKL. In fact, our younger teen daughter said that yesterday when we mentioned that we have the Polynesian booked for June. I asked if it was okay and she said as llong as it's not Animal Kingdom Lodge! We felt extremely isolated there, whereas the Boardwalk area is always jumping. Bus service to AKL was mediocre at best, I know the teens waited through three buses back to the resort one evening from a park and not even at park closing. Nice place to visit though!
No offense OP, you keep spinning yourself in circles over this trip. Have you made any plans for the trip beyond the resort(s)? What parks are you visiting? Which restaurants do you have ADRs at? Are you planning to do any tours? Visit DTD? Jellyrolls? Knowing what you plan to do will help make your decision for you. If you have a bunch of ADRs at Epcot or in the Epcot resort area, then Boardwalk will work better for you. Is there room to do the Sunrise Safari at AKL CL? I probably wouldn't stay CL at AKL if I couldn't book that tour. What's the pace of your trip? Are you planning to be at the parks all day? Or will you come back to the resort mid-day? Picking a resort is usually about more than just the resort itself, it's about how the resort fits into your vacation plans.
