Boardwalk vs. AKL

[Diane D]

We are trying to decide whether to stay at the AKL or Boardwalk Inn this coming June. There would be 4 of us....me, DH, 16-year-old DS & 19 year-old DD. Boardwalk seems ideal since it's close to Epcot & the Studios but I'm thinking the AP discounts for the AKL will probably be better. Can anyone who has maybe stayed at both give any preferences of one over the other??

 

[DeeP]

AP discounts will most likely be better for AKL but the location of the Boardwalk is much more convenient, especially with teenagers. There is a reason why AP discounts are much easier to get at AKL than Boardwalk: the location, the ability to walk to 2 parks, the very large choice of restaurants within walking distance, etc. We greatly prefer Boardwalk over AKL for these reasons, AKL is a beautiful resort but it lacks the wonderful locations and the choices of transportation other than bus that the other deluxe resorts have.

 

[ez]

I agree, AKL is a gorgeous resort, and a great one to go to if your gonna just hang around at the resort. But in your situation, I would highly recommend the BW area. You might even look into renting points from a dvc member. In a 1 bedroom suite, you would have much more space, and you could probably save $$$. Good luck in your decision.

 

[SuzieQMomof3]

The Boardwalk is a fun, bustling place. Animal Kingdom (I hear) is more subdued. Your kids are the perfect age for Boardwalk. \

Why not let them choose?

Have fun!

 

[drusba]

Ditto to the above. Also note that AKL rooms average about 340 sg ft and Boardwalk Inn rooms are 380 (and have a separate daybed)

 

[bjakmom]

Diane - DS (13) and I just split our August stay between the two. We rented pts from a DVC member here on the boards for a 1 bedroom villa at BWV (our original plans included my two adult kids, who had to cancel at the last minute). We stayed for 4 'week' nights when the pts required are the lowest - the villa was beautiful and would give you lots of room and a full kitchen (saves on meals and snacks) - we are now spoiled forever!! Over the years, we have also found the Boardwalk area to be the most fun for our teens - they love going to ESPN arcade and the B'walk by themselves and can also easily get back and forth from the parks there. We also walked over to BC and our new favorite spot, B&C - always lots to do in the evenings for teens who never tire out! Then we switched over to AKL for 3 nights when we were ready to relax a little - our first stay there and we loved it! I think the room would have been a little cramped with 4 for the whole trip - but the resort is amazing - even though it is farther out, we found the transportation easier than BWV because they don't share with other resorts. The split worked great for us and saved us quite a bit of $ - if you don't split, I would also recommend B'walk with teens, but be sure and go to AKL for a look and a meal - Enjoy!

 

[JohnTBap]

I haven't stayed at the Boardwalk, but I have stayed at the Swan, which is in its backyard. The Boardwalk area is SO FUN!!! There is so much to do and both EPCOT and MGM are easy to get to. AKL, from what I understand, is more isolated. With kids that age, I would choose Boardwalk. HAVE FUN!

 

[Krissalee]

DH and I are both early 30s without kids. We spent 2 nights at AKL and 5 nights at YC the first week of December. We loved the experience and the rates at AKL, but really enjoyed the convenience of the YC. Epcot and MGM are our favorite parks, so we spend the most time there. Next trip we are staying at BWV, because we love the convenience.

I would recomend the Boardwalk area with teens, or perhaps splitting your stay, as we did.