Booked at AKL, but should I switch?

[tazzy]

We are doing our Disney trip in two segments - two days at Wilderness Lodge, then I have four days at a work hotel (the Hyatt Regency Orlando on Convention Drive), and then three nights at another Disney hotel. I am firm on the Wilderness Lodge and will keep those reservations because we are visiting MK those two days. But for the three days after the business segment, we will go to Epcot, Hollywood Studios and then Animal Kingdom. I have booked the AKL for those three nights because we have friends who love it and we will be spending one full day at AK. But would I be better off switching to another hotel that is in walking distance of Epcot and HS? I'm specifically thinking of the Beach Club, the Yacht Club or the BoardWalk. (I believe those are the ones in walking distance?)

It's myself, my husband and our 10-year-old son going to Disney. I booked AKL because it seemed more appealing to a kid than the other three I mentioned above. But perhaps they're all amazing and a kid would love any one of them. I'm not sure, since I haven't been to Disney since 1989 and then I only visited Epcot for a day and stayed two nights at the then brand-new Caribbean resort.

edited to say I posted, and then realized that this is my first post ever. I joined this board in 2009 but never came back and never posted. geez. that's an odd one to see on my signature!

 

[piratepride]

Boradwalk is nice and a short walk to both HS and EP. Lots of activities going on at night too! We enjoyed our stay there.

 

[greentea]

AKL is my favorite resort, but we also really liked Beach Club, and walking to Epcot and HS was great.

How big of a draw is the animal viewing at AKL? Are you interested in any of the restaurants at the resort? (AKL has some of my favorite food! But it's not for everyone.) If neither of those things are very important to you, you'll probably be better off switching.

If your family likes swimming, maybe go with Beach Club or Yacht Club for the huge pool area. They share Stormalong Bay. Otherwise, any of the three would be just fine. Epcot is a very quick walk. Hollywood Studios takes longer -- maybe 15-20 minutes -- but there's also a (slow) boat if you don't feel like walking.

 

[JAMIESMITH]

We have stayed at The Boardwalk and AKL. We very much preferred AKL. The pool at BC/YC looks fun!

 

[Belleofthehouse]

AKL is our favorite deluxe resort!! Personally I would stay there over BC any day! BC is sooo busy all of the time while AKL is peaceful despite people everywhere. Great food options too

 

[MonorailNate]

We have stayed at AKL several times. It is a beautiful resort and we love the restaurants. However, it seems to take FOREVER to get anywhere except the AK. We have also stayed at the BC and BWI and probably preferred our room at the BWI. Bc balcony room overlooking a gravel roof was not good. The convenience of the Epcot resorts to that area is fantastic and very time saving. the WL is our family favorite and we will be staying there in June.

 

[Babsy]

Nice to see you here and posting!

Being able to walk to two theme parks is a large part of the draw to the Epcot area resorts. It is a very nice perk. However, it is not a long or difficult bus ride (maybe 10 minutes?) from the AKL. Which resort a 10 year old would prefer, depends upon the child and his particular interests. I would choose some online pictures and ask him which looks better to him. Perhaps show him Storm Along Bay pictures as well as some of the animal pictures at AKL. Also, consider the dining menus in the two different areas to decide which will be a better fit for your family. WE love the dining venues at the AKL. Finally, the cost can be substantially different, so it is worth looking at before showing your son the options - just in case one or the other is not 'worth' the additionally expense.

Good luck choosing and have a fabulous trip!

 

[Shellyb84]

BC is our favorite resort. We've also stayed at AKL, and we really enjoyed it. Very beautiful and peaceful resort. Beach Club wins for us for a lot of reasons, but two main pros for us are the location and the pool! My DD8 would probably stay at the pool and never go to the parks if I would let her! Either one is a great choice, but considering 2 out of your 3 days will be Ep and HS I would lean towards BC.

 

[Sue M]

We love AKL, and also BC/YC. At an Epcot Resort you have the benefit of so many dining choices in the area with many resorts incl Swan/Dolphin plus World Showcase. Our pref is YC because all rooms have full balconies. Stormalong Bay is a fun pool complex your son would love.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We are doing our Disney trip in two segments - two days at Wilderness Lodge, then I have four days at a work hotel (the Hyatt Regency Orlando on Convention Drive), and then three nights at another Disney hotel. I am firm on the Wilderness Lodge and will keep those reservations because we are visiting MK those two days. But for the three days after the business segment, we will go to Epcot, Hollywood Studios and then Animal Kingdom. I have booked the AKL for those three nights because we have friends who love it and we will be spending one full day at AK. But would I be better off switching to another hotel that is in walking distance of Epcot and HS? I'm specifically thinking of the Beach Club, the Yacht Club or the BoardWalk. (I believe those are the ones in walking distance?)

It's myself, my husband and our 10-year-old son going to Disney. I booked AKL because it seemed more appealing to a kid than the other three I mentioned above. But perhaps they're all amazing and a kid would love any one of them. I'm not sure, since I haven't been to Disney since 1989 and then I only visited Epcot for a day and stayed two nights at the then brand-new Caribbean resort.

edited to say I posted, and then realized that this is my first post ever. I joined this board in 2009 but never came back and never posted. geez. that's an odd one to see on my signature!

Boardwalk is my DS10's absolute favorite hotel. I would definitely consider switching to one of the EP resorts. Yes, you can walk to DHS and EP, the pools are great at all of those resorts (yes, DS10 loves the clown slide!) and the entertainment on the Boardwalk at night is a lot of fun. Definitely more lively and closer to the parks than AKL. Plus, you'll have a bigger room at any of those resorts as they are all bigger than the AKL rooms.

 

[LiveToTravelNicely]

This really depends on your priorities. Obviously you have friends that you say love AKL. The Epcot resorts are extremely convenient to HS and EP, and the pool slides at the EP resorts are much longer than the pool slide at AKL. AKL has the animals. Usually AKL is cheaper than the Epcot resorts, unless you have the Savannah view room. We have always wanted to try AKL, but for us, the bus situation always causes us to change our minds. In the past, if the rate at AKL had been enough savings to justify a car rental, we might have opted for that. But now with the parking fees that is probably never going to happen. We simply do not like bussing all over property. Since your plan for that part of your trip is 66% park days at HS/EP and 33% AK, I'd pick the cheapest of the three Epcot resorts YC, BC, or BWI. (one day on the bus vs three days on the bus) No matter what you choose, you'll have an amazing time!

 

[tobikaye]

If you are not going to spend much time at AKL, then I would stay at one of the Epcot area resorts. I absolutely loved AKL, but we did that stay during a trip we knew we would have lots of downtime at the resort during the daylight hours so we could enjoy the savannah.

 

[OhThePain]

If you are not going to spend much time at AKL, then I would stay at one of the Epcot area resorts. I absolutely loved AKL, but we did that stay during a trip we knew we would have lots of downtime at the resort during the daylight hours so we could enjoy the savannah.

I agree with this. AKL has become our go to resort. However, you need downtime while staying there to really enjoy what makes it so great. Since it seems like you are going to be on the go those extra days and aren't planning much, if any, resort time I would go with one of the EC resort areas. I'd even take it a step farther and say save the money and just book a value if all you are really looking for in a resort is a place to sleep.

 

[VeronicaZS]

Are you going during F&W? That might tip the scales over to an Epcot hotel.

 

[tazzy]

what is F&W?

 

[ENJDisneyFan]

what is F&W?

Food & Wine festival at Epcot, end of Aug-mid Nov

 

[mcurran]

AKL is a unique experience that can’t be recreated anywhere. The Epcot hotels are all nice but the theming is skin deep when you compare to akl.

That being said, if you plan to stay at the parks open to close the theming at akl maybe somewhat lost especially compared to the convenience of walking to 2 parks vs longish drives to akl (but bus length is waaay overblown FYI).

 

[Shanti]

We are doing our Disney trip in two segments - two days at Wilderness Lodge, then I have four days at a work hotel (the Hyatt Regency Orlando on Convention Drive), and then three nights at another Disney hotel. I am firm on the Wilderness Lodge and will keep those reservations because we are visiting MK those two days. But for the three days after the business segment, we will go to Epcot, Hollywood Studios and then Animal Kingdom. I have booked the AKL for those three nights because we have friends who love it and we will be spending one full day at AK. But would I be better off switching to another hotel that is in walking distance of Epcot and HS? I'm specifically thinking of the Beach Club, the Yacht Club or the BoardWalk. (I believe those are the ones in walking distance?)

It's myself, my husband and our 10-year-old son going to Disney. I booked AKL because it seemed more appealing to a kid than the other three I mentioned above. But perhaps they're all amazing and a kid would love any one of them. I'm not sure, since I haven't been to Disney since 1989 and then I only visited Epcot for a day and stayed two nights at the then brand-new Caribbean resort.

edited to say I posted, and then realized that this is my first post ever. I joined this board in 2009 but never came back and never posted. geez. that's an odd one to see on my signature!

All four of those resorts are wonderful and kid-friendly, with great pool areas. Beach Club & Yacht Club share a truly above & beyond pool area called Stormalong Bay. That's my recommendation if you're visiting in summer. But if neither is available, no worries. Boardwalk has a nice pool with great waterslide, and all guests at AKL are allowed to use both the feature pool at Jambo & the feature pool at Kidani, and they're both very nice.

If you're not going in the summer, here is how I would rank those resorts for a family with kids:

1. AKL (top-notch theming, animals, best counter service, good bus service)
2. Beach Club (convenient to Epcot & the Boardwalk area, and HS & Fantasia mini-golf are both walkable)
3. Boardwalk Inn (ditto #2)
4. Yacht Club (ditto #2)

 

[cadawson]

It’s a tough decision! We love BC - my kids absolutely love Stormalong Bay and can’t wait to return. Love renting a bike to ride around the Boardwalk - love walk to EP and boat to HS. I’d choose BC, since you’re having to do a lot of moving during your trip. It’ll be nice not to have to bus it much.