Cannot decide between BRV or AKL-Jambo for last week of Nov

[bigbadbuff]

I have a 1BR suite booked at both currently... this will be our first time at either resort, traveling for a week with my spouse and 7/9 yo's.

I am quite familiar with both 'on paper' but just cannot decide and would appreciate opinions.

I don't care about the proximity to parks FYI, we will be using Uber as needed to avoid long waits.


BRV Pros (all IMO of course):

- Just renovated & looks well done, same layout as BWV which we've stayed in before
- new Murphy bed just has to be better than a years old sleeper sofa
- WL is (arguably) the quintessential WDW Xmas resort
- Small-ish resort so little walking required
- On site dining looks above average/easy options for kids, though not necessarily top tier
- Boat to MK
- Cheaper per night than AKL, adds up for a week

BRV Cons:

- NO MORE BOAT TO CONTEMPORARY. I find this maddening, and another in the infinitely long list of Disney could do's but drags their feet/makes excuses why they won't. The idea of access to Contemporary for not only additional (pretty) easy dining but monorail/Poly & GF dining options is terrific... but no, allegedly b/c a hotel manager doesn't want to
- Cool for younger kids, I'm sure, but for most not to the level of AKL... so this would be the 'adult choice'
- Doesn't seem to have a lot of on-site activities that are focused on young kids

AKL Jambo Pros:

- Savanna view room... I'm well aware this could me amazing, could be meh depending on factors beyond our control... but the simple fact my kids would see animals from the balcony on occasion is pretty unique. The tough part here is we are big AK folks, will absolutely be devoting a full day, more likely 1.5 days, to AK itself, so it makes the view from the room feel less 'necessary'?
- Looks just as amazing for Xmas, if not more so, than WL
- Arguably the best resort dining, IMO it's AKL and GF neck and neck
- Good on-site kid activities
- staying at Jambo means small-ish footprint so for resort related things, short walks. I realize that changes for buses, Kidani/Sanaa visit, etc.

AKL Jambo Cons:

- more expensive than BRV
- Rooms seem ok... I think they were renovated a few years ago... seem a little dark and drab in YouTube videos. BRV definitely wins here
- no choice but to be on high floor in Jambo... maybe ok in the end

Thanks in advance

 

[Rochester Disney Fan]

A few more pro AK Jambo
The Bus from Jambo to AK is literally just 5 minutes.
The Kidani pool play area for young kids is amazing, I don't know what the weather is like in late November though.

 

[jo-jo]

If you are all day in the park people, less time for viewing animals since it gets dark so early. They do roam free but no lights on the savanna.

 

[shpooey]

I'd say AKL. If you love animals, seeing them from your balcony won't get old, even if you spend a lot of time at AK. It's great for kids and adults alike - having a coffee in the morning on the balcony with giraffes and zebras just a few yards away? Can't be beat. Even getting back to the room after long park days, I still looked forward to looking out into the night to see what animals were around. They were surprisingly visible at night since they're often close enough to the buildings to be caught in the ambient light, especially the giraffe (photos below were taken around midnight).

And as you mentioned, dining at AKL is the best. And getting over to Kidani/Sanaa is super easy. The shuttle is every 5 min or so if you don't feel like walking, so you're never waiting long.

 

[Micca]

Probably no wrong answers here, but AKL seems like the better choice to me.

 

[Grace&Carolinesmom]

I'll be the oddball here....but I would pick BRV. Although it's not a direct boat to CR currently, you can switch boats at MK or jump on monorail at MK for access to CR, Poly and GF which opens up a LOT more dining options without wasting money on an Uber. On the same wavelength, the boat ride to MK also saves money on an Uber. You can watch the evening EWP and fireworks from the boat dock/waterfront at WL or at one of the monorail resorts.

I also think the newly refurbed rooms with lighter/brighter paint colors(which you will appreciate given the shorter daylight hours in Nov/Dec) and the easy to pull-down, more comfortable murphy bed make BRV a much more appealing choice. Given you seem to be going during Christmastime, you also have quick access to Ft Wilderness campgrounds to tour all the decorations for a fun time.

 

[Wayland10]

AKL. I’ve stayed in both, and there’s nothing like sitting on your balcony drinking the beverage of your choice at sunset while African music plays in the distance and giraffes stroll by.

 

[IndyToThere]

I like both. Just bought into DVC for AKL (so right away you know I like AKL), but I also stayed at BRV for a couple of nights last year. Personally, I like AKL just a bit more for the African culture theme, and of course the animals on the savannah.
However, the Northwest Americas culture theme at WL is really cool as well. Both resorts are well-themed and scenic.

If you don't care on proximity to parks, I'd let the theming help decide.

 

[maxbuffmelvin]

I've stayed at both and points at AKL. BRV is my pick. I prefer the theming at BRV, especially during the Christmas season, and the convenient proximity to MK.

 

[gisele2]

Just return from one night at BRV, was upgraded to a one bedroom and just loved it. The murphy bed is confortable, the space is huge, Wilderness lodge has great food options, you can take the boat to Magic , then walk 10 minutes to BLT. We did a boat ride to Fortwilderness , it was really fun. Will go back for sure.

 

[holden]

I'd go with BRV. Nice food options and close to other resorts (monorail resorts and FW). WL at Christmas is phenomenal.

Sunrise end of Nov. is around 7am and sunset will be around 5:30 or so. Not sure how much animal viewing time that would leave you. We stayed at AKL once and it was dark when we left the room in the morning and dark when we returned at night. The savanna view was wasted on us.

You could always do a breakfast or lunch at AKL to see some animals.

 

[0FF TO NEVERLAND]

The AKL is an amazing resort that everyone should experience at least once with those views. It truly is great and different, feels like a different country

Sadly, after staying at the Epcot area and MK area resorts, I just usually stay at those cause it feels more in the Disney bubble. That said, AKL is still amazing and I would recommend at least trying one time for something unique

 

[Tokelau]

I would normally agree with most here and say AKL - a 1 BR savannah view (or "obstructed" view) is my family of 4's go to room when using points lately. It's the most underrated resort at WDW in my opinion. Agree with all of your pro's

However, my mom recently stayed at BRV and has not stopped talking about how great the room was as well as the resort for 3 weeks now. I mean - she has stayed in about all of the DVC resorts and she has a new #1. Might be worth a try!

 

[Jgc014]

Is it Animal Kingdom Villas (DVC rooms) or Animal Kingdom Lodge (hotel rooms)? Only the hotel rooms were recently renovated, and the villa rooms, I think are definitely showing their age.

I personally would pick BRV as I like having the newer refurbishment plus the murphy bed is way superior to the pull out couch. And even though Animal Kingdom does have good dining, I think Wilderness Lodge has some solid options and closer proximity to other resorts with more options.

I would pick BRV even without the cost savings, and the cost savings would definitely tip it over the edge for me.

 

[Brob2132]

I think the tidbit about not caring about proximity to the parks makes me say AKL. If it were more conveniently located (or had alternative transportation), would be our favorite we’ve stayed in to this point.