January..where to stay

[kekee]

We are looking into making reservations for the last week in January and can't decide between Animal Kingdom or Boardwalk. I am thinking that for our down time we would get more out of Animal Kindgom Lodge since it will probably be too cold to swim. My kids are 6 and 9. Any suggestions? This is all assuming that there is availability at either of these resorts.

 

[jdufur]

Either choice would be a great one. It just depends on what you want to do. When we want to visit the parks a lot, we always stay at Boardwalk. It is close to the parks and doesn't require a 20 minute bus ride. When we want to just relax and hang out a the resort we like Animal Kingdom Jambo House. As for swimming, the pools are heated so that is a possibility. We go every Christmas, and swim every year. If we have the option, Boardwalk is the favorite. You are close to everything. You have more dining options, and more activities to do. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Disney Princess]

We really enjoy staying at the BWV for the proximity to two parks, but this January was SO COLD that I was looking for a fireplace experience. There was something warm and cozy about AKL - it seemed perfect for a January trip. My top choice would be VWL because of the ambience, but that wasn't one of your choices!

 

[Pig Pen]

We really enjoy staying at the BWV for the proximity to two parks, but this January was SO COLD that I was looking for a fireplace experience. There was something warm and cozy about AKL - it seemed perfect for a January trip. My top choice would be VWL because of the ambience, but that wasn't one of your choices!

What she said! We have been to WDW twice in Jan/Feb and it was freezing both times. We stayed at AKL the first time and WL the second time. LOVED the fireplaces and warm ambiance of both resorts. With Boardwalk, if it's cold you have to walk or ride the boat and there's lots of outside walking. With AKL it's all inside and you can sit and watch the animals from the enclosed viewing areas.

 

[TwinsFan]

If you pick AKV we might see each other, we will be at Jambo January 24-31. As far as swimming in January I think it's a crap shoot, could be warm could be chilly, but it sure to be warmer than home

 

[n2mm]

We'll be there. OKW from Jan. 16-Feb 1. I called at the 7 month window and wanted standard view at BWV and could not get it -- though preferred was available. I wanted value view at AKV and again not available, but standard was. This was at the 7 month window. So OP you may not want to wait too long. While I'm sure there is still lots of availability, there is none in some of the harder to get locations. I wanted OKW hospitality house and did have to waitlist for Jan. 16th, and booked it for the rest. My waitlist did come through about 3 weeks later. As for swimming in January....I've never been there when it was warm enough for us to do it, but I"m sure the kids will find a way. I was there once when it got into the 80s during the day, but those days are rare, but do happen. Generally if it gets in the 70s that is a great day. But when the sun goes down.....brrrrr, it can get mighty cold at night!

 

[hansel1]

We will be staying at AKV standard view Jambo Jan 25th through Feb 2nd.

I booked on August 31st and tried to get Sunday January 23rd through January 31st and they did not have standard views prior to the 25th.

We used to have our annual disney vacations in January and for 2006 and 2007 the weather was very nice, but in 2008 it was freezing. We moved our trips to may for 2009 and 2010 and loved it. The wife and I are leaving the kids with our folks this january because we miss the cooler weather, but we have a huge family trip planned for October 2011, also at AKV

 

[zoebears]

WE've been to AKL twice, and it's one of our favorite places to stay. The location is not an issue if you have a car; however, if you do not, then transportation around the complex can be timely and costly (between taxi or waiting for the bus). However, if you have a car, I think there's no contest--the rooms are newer, beautifully designed, and you can't beat looking out your window and seeing the wildlife in the surroundings!

If you're dependent on park transportation, or want to spend a lot of time in Epcot, the the boardwalk may be a better bet....

 

[hansel1]

WE've been to AKL twice, and it's one of our favorite places to stay. The location is not an issue if you have a car; however, if you do not, then transportation around the complex can be timely and costly (between taxi or waiting for the bus). However, if you have a car, I think there's no contest--the rooms are newer, beautifully designed, and you can't beat looking out your window and seeing the wildlife in the surroundings!

If you're dependent on park transportation, or want to spend a lot of time in Epcot, the the boardwalk may be a better bet....

We own at both and I think if you are going to spend alot of time in epcot you should try boardwalk. Having said that, we found the disney transportation to be superior at the AKL than other resorts. AKL doesn't share with other resorts so its a quick trip to and from the parks even with the kidani stop.