Getting close to booking- BLT vs AKL question...

[Heather1979]

We are getting close to booking our 2013 trip and we're renting points so we need a list of go-to options in case our first pick isn't available...

I'm nervous nellie about it We went this year and stayed in a 1BR villa at Jambo and we loved it. It was by far and away the nicest hotel I've ever stayed at. (Also the most $, but I digress...) We loved everything about the place and although it was tiresome sometimes taking a bus everywhere, it wasn't a deal breaker to me. We always had a seat and there was only one time where I was painfully aware that the bus was delayed.

Anyway, DH is thinking of trying to rent points for BLT.

I'm a little worried because while the ability to walk to MK with a 2yo and a 3yo seems fan-freaking-tastic I am wondering if the hotel itself is going to be a little letdown after the theming and all of AKL.

Is it worth a try? Anything you love/hate about BLT? What are the buses like to go to DHS/AK from BLT? Do they share with any other resorts?

Any info,tips, experience would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[DOREEN1779]

I had the same fear you have. We stayed at Kidani AKL in 2011 and loved it but the remote location was an issue. We stayed at BLT this last August and I have to say we spent a lot more time in the parks. The ability to just jump on the monorail or walk back to the resort from MK with three little ones was priceless. I am neutral about the theme. I loved the animals at AKL but my kids really loved the monorail. AKL was very relaxing and we lounged around a lot more then getting out. Once we got back from a park, we did not go back out. When we stayed at BLT, we hit multiple parks throughout the day. Going to the resorts, buses pulled up empty and always a seat. It seems coming home it was a bit more crowded and hectic but no more then the buses were at any other of the deluxe resorts. The worst return bus was coming from DHS but I think it was because we left around dinner.I think you need to sit down and look at your ADR's. We did the perfectly princess tea party last year. After waiting 20 minutes for the bus to MK to transfer to Grand Floridian, we sucked it up and took a taxi. This year, we did the tea party again and it took 15 minutes from walking out the room to the Grand Floridian. We did CRT and that took about 20 minutes in total. If given the choice, based on our family dynamic and what we want to see and experience, then I choose BLT.

 

[bnk1120]

I have not stayed at AKL, but I stayed at BLT for the first time this summer. The proximity to MK and the monorail were amazing. The absolute best part was the short walk back after Wishes while thousands of people were waiting for buses or boats!

I also really liked the room - the bed was really comfortable and I loved the bedding too. I did not feel like hanging out at the resort at all though. It was not my style and I did not feel the relaxed vibe I enjoy at other resorts. I had done a split stay that trip and I was glad when we moved to SSR.

If you plan on spending a lot of time at the parks, BLT would be a great choice. If you like hanging out at the resort and would miss the laid-back, away from it all feeling then go back to AKL.

 

[Heather1979]

Thanks! I think with that in mind, we will try for BLT, but if the gods of point rentals don't allow it, I will happily resort to AKL!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks! I think with that in mind, we will try for BLT, but if the gods of point rentals don't allow it, I will happily resort to AKL!

Just make sure you book at least a one bedroom villa and not a studio. The BLT studio is the smallest of all the WDW studios, except for the AKV Value studio.