Can't make up my mind, please help me choose...

[melk]

..between AKL and BLT!

Here is the situation: Our family has been to WDW several times (of course ), our favorite resort being our home resort, VWL. We would like to try someplace different and the two in the running are AKL and BLT. But add to the mix my bil and his family (wife, 2 kids ages 8 and 6), and they have never been to WDW before so they have no opinion. They have left all the planning to me. My kids claim they will be fine with either resort and I just can't decide!!

We will be going next February, so my 7-month window is creeping up. If we book AKL it would be savannah view, I would book lake view at BLT. I love the idea of the animals out our balcony and the decor of AKL. But BLT has the proximity of the Magic Kingdom and being right in the middle of all the action going for it (plus the fireworks each night).

So please give me your best arguments for or against either of these. My DH is of no help, he doesn't care where we stay and I thought my kids would have more input but they just want to be in WDW, they really haven't stated a preference.

And of course all of this depends on availability...we may be staying put at VWL which would make things a lot simpler!!

UPDATE:

Well our 7 month mark is this week and I finally decided on AKV!! I was excited about it, then...our family cancelled on us! I was just happy they did it before I had booked the 2-bedroom. So anyway I thought about it again, and today booked BLT for ourselves. Although I had decided on AKV I thought it would be more fun with others with us. We have wanted to try BLT so that is what I decided to go with. AKV for sure next time! But thanks for the input everyone, you sure did make it hard to choose!

 

[Sandisw]

I think BLT would be the perfect fit for your trip, given your guests have never been to WDW.

How magical to look out every day and see the castle. Even in a LV room, you can view it from the skybridge or TOWL daily.

With little ones, the ease to walk to/from rooms for naps, etc. is wonderful. And, since you love VWL, it is just a boat ride away from BLT so you would have easy access to visit or dine there as well.

Good luck!!!

 

[Nikisha421]

I love the views @AKV...im not even an animal person in general...I dont even like the zoo...animals make me itchy...but I get such a great feel each and everytime I make it home to AK...although I am extremely biased since I have never stayed at BLT!!

 

[spiceycat]

what do you like about VWL - the decor then AKV = how close it is to the MK - then BLT.

 

[edk35]

Sure it is nice to be close to MK, but when can you look out your balcony and see all those animals??? We stayed 2 nights at AKV Kidani last summer after 2 nights at Poly and 5 nights at BCV. Our kids love BCV but they really enjoyed Kidani. I was amazed at the beautiful resort. I took a zillion pictures of those giraffes. Now could you SPLIT between the 2???? Have the best of both worlds?? We usually split during the summer so we can try two different DVC resorts. This summer we are going to SSR and Vero Beach. Not sure how long you are staying but could you do 3 nights at BLT and 4 at AKV????

 

[kerickson]

I chose BLT due to the proximity to MK and monorail convenience. What do you like about your home resort? Is it the location, decor, etc? AKV might have a similar themed feel, but BLT will be more convenient... There really isn't a bad option when it comes to DVC IMHO...

 

[melk]

Thanks for the replies so far, everyone makes some good points. I really prefer the decor and atmosphere of AKL, however the proximity of BLT is what is tugging at me that way. I had thought of a split stay but this isn't a long trip, only 4 or 5 days so I don't really want the hassle of moving (I maybe would if it were just my family, but with four extra people I think it's just too much).

And the poll at this point is pretty much tied so it looks like I really have a tough decision to make!

 

[Geezer]

Since you will have guests, I'm going to say AKV savanna view. The kids will be so enthralled with watching them, and there is no real issue for getting to the parks. True that you can't walk to a park from there, but once you are on a bus, it's all the same. We love AKV as a destination, and I always feel it's nice to get away a bit for some peace and quiet at night. Besides, in Februrary the parks close pretty early.

 

[miprender]

Having stayed at both on our trip in April, though BLT was only for 1night.I say AKL. If you love the WL like we do, you will feel right at home at AKL. For me the decor of BLT was not my style.

The pool area is alot smaller too compared to AKL .

 

[starbox]

I am also going to say AKV. It is a much more immersive experience. With 8and6year old newbie kids, they are not going to want to be at the MK all the time, they will want all the parks, and honestly, you'll probably want them to see the fireworks and parade from the park (and they will want to see Illuminaions and Fantasmic).

If you are a VWL fan, you'll be happier with AKV. The Kidani rooms are much bigger too!

 

[Muhlenberg]

If you're looking for different...AKV is about as different as it gets! What memories it would create to have animals outside your balcony! (Of course, that same sort of argument could be used for BLT...having a castle and MK nearby. ) BLT itself (apart from LOCATION) may not present itself as being all that different from an upscale apartment building somewhere else, whereas even the style of AKV puts you in a different atmosphere.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think AKV will have the biggest impact and be extremely special for your guests. Sure, it might be nice to be near the MK, but for over all effect, I'd do AKV savanna view.

 

[twinboysmom]

I would vote for BLT. I think the close proximity to MK for the children would be great. We stayed at kidani last year and while I loved the pool and kids area, it is kind of isolated and lacked a CS, other than a few options by the pool. Either resort you choose will be wonderful no matter what.

 

[DenLo]

Our family has been to WDW several times (of course ), our favorite resort being our home resort, VWL. We would like to try someplace different

I think you should stick to your original premise that you want to try someplace different. AKV really will be different, not only in decor but in location. Otherwise, if you pick BLT it's a different room but you'll be tempted to do everything the same way you have always done WDW. MK will be the focus, a few quick trips over to your home resort to show it off, including dining at your favorite restaurants etc. By selecting AKV you'll be planning all new. Besides waking up to the animals is pretty cool.

By the way, Kidani doesn't really lack a CS as it just like BLT you have to walk to the nearby main resort, AKL for Kidani and CR for BLT. Now that I think of it VWL, BWV and BCV are the same way, the CS is located at the Main resort not in the DVC building.

 

[Granny]

I'll toss in my vote for AKV savanna view. If you want to show the guests something truly unique that maybe they didn't expect out of WDW, that should do the trick.

So many people think of Disney World as only the Magic Kingdom. You have a chance to show them that there is so much more there.

You can't go wrong either way, but I'd go with AKV.

 

[DisnutDave]

This really is a win/win scenario, both options offer their own strengths. I voted for BLT, mostly because I think for newbies to WDW that will allow the most flexibility, especially if you don't have a car. Two of the parks are a fun monorail ride away (or pretty easy walk to MK).

On the other hand, reading the messages of those who voted for AKV could easily convince me that it's the better choice! I'd say, do one of these resorts this trip, and the other the next. Problem solved!

 

[dzorn]

We love AKV. If you will not really be spending time at the resort I would say BLT, but if you have at least one down day to enjoy the resort I would say AKV. I have not stayed at BLT just so you know I am a little bias.

I assume the point cost is roughly the same. If there is a point difference I being a point miser would probably choose the cheaper of the two options, especially when I don't have a strong resort preference either way.

Denise in MI

 

[Greysword]

I think it is important to primaily think about your new Disney guests, as you are able to visit any and all resorts at any time. Of course, you likely know (or can find out) the interests of the family that is joining you. You could send them (or have Disney send them) the planning DVD, so they can look at the resorts and possibly help them provide input.

That said, here are my resons for choosing Bay Lake Tower:

1) the Contemporary is THE most iconic resort at WDW, and offers a "classic" Disney atmosphere and stay (way back to the 1970s).

2) it has a friggin monorail running through the building!!! If the two kids are boys, this is the BEST!!

3) No buses required for two parks! IMHO, arrival at the MK for the first time is critical, and the best way to do it is from the TTC via monorail or boat (just like the old days). From the CR, they will get the same epic arrival experience everyone has received for almost 40 years by riding the monorail to the MK (you can walk back and walk to the park again at a later time). AKV dumps you off to the side on a bus... Same goes for EPCOT via monorail (that spin around the park before stopping is epic!)

4) BLT is close to everything! There is a wide variety of restaurants available within close proximity of BLT (all the places in the CR, Poly, and GF are at your disposal). Lots of shopping, and this may be key if it decides to rain for a bit during your stay.

5) After a day at AK, it is fantastic to hop into the MK for the parade, fireworks, or just a stroll along main street. Can do; because, it is right there.

6) Did I mention you need to drive under the Disney World sign to get to BLT? How are the kids going to react to that? Again, Disney Epic!

7) If you want an adults night out, the Poly has a kids camp to watch the little ones, while you dine in the California Grill (just a short monorail ride away). Not sure if AKL has a sitting service.

8) Pirates and Princess tours are on the 7 seas lagoon.

9) The Electrical Water Pagent each night is cool!

10) Water sports! Pool hopping to the Poly or GF is easy on the monorail if the BLT and CRpools are not enough. In the lagoon and lake, everyone can parasail, drive boats, ski (maybe - have not seen it), and other things.

10) In my opinion, anaimals are cool, but I can see them at the local zoo. We have giraffes, bears, hippopotomus, big cats, and others, so seeing them on the balcony would be fun but maybe not the best first Disney experience (unless the little ones are big into animals, safaris, or Diego)


In my opinion, it all comes down to giving your first-time Disney guests the classic Disney World experience, and BLT is the best DVC resort to bring that classic vacation home. Most of the things about BLT are epic Disney; because, it is part of the Contemporary Resort. It is exactly what people imagine a Disney vacation should be.

Just my two cents...

- Chris

 

[deebits]

Given the ages of the children, I would say BLT. You will be able to go to the parks early in the morning and walk back in the afternoon to swim or tap naps. We own at both resorts and do not think you can go wrong with either, but I would pick BLT hands down for the guests you will have

 

[melk]

Ugh, what a decision! I have checked back several times today on this thread and every time I change my mind...AKV...no, BLT...no, AKV....

The poll results are really close so I am convinced that either is a good decision. If I make a decision (ha!) I will let you know....