Need advice - thinking of trying something different

[DisneyMomx7]

Okay we are scheduled to go to HRH at Universal for three nights, 2 nights at the New "Nick" hotel (I know it's gaudy but the kids are dying to try it) and 11 nights at GF. DH and I are thinking of skipping Universal this year and doing the extra three days at a different Disney Resort. We've narrowed it down to AK and BC because we think they'd seem more like a different vacation in comparison to GF (Our favorite). Our kids will be 7, 6 and 5 when we go. Which would you recommend.

ALso - since we've never stayed at either one (only GF and Poly) what views would you recommend? AKL - I know savanna would be great (we need a deluxe room for 5) but how is the pool view? Since we would only be a BC for three days is it worth the extra money for the pool view - and what are the chances if we took the pool view of having a full balcony to view the Epcot fireworks?

THanks any helpful tips would be appreciated.

 

[dmen]

I have not stayed at the Beach Club, but I have stayed at the Yacht Club and the AKL (as well as many others). I much prefer the YC to the AKL because we really like the proximity to Epcot and MGM, and I like the look of the hotel and rooms much more. (The GF was my favorite until the YC). However, given your children's ages, I would think they might prefer the AKL. I think many on this board would also say AKL has much more theming. Unless your children love Epcot and MGM, the only draw for the BC would be the pool, which depending on when you go, might be under renovation. I certainly hope you enjoy your vacation no matter where you choose.

I do, however, have to ask...what is the "Nick" hotel?

 

[pm914]

Sounds like you've got a great vacation planned! I've never stayed at either the BC or the AKL but just as a casual observer, I would think the AKL would give you more of a change of pace from the GF.
Have fun!

 

[ReneeDisney]

I would suggest trying the Beach Club over the AKL , as I feel it has the same level of service as you are used to at the Grand Floridian. The Beach Club is in a great location, and is a wonderful treat to be able to walk into EPCOT and a quick boat ride to the MGM studios. Also, you are able to take advantage of the proximity to the BWI and all the dining options, as well as the Swan and Dolphin and Yacht Club
We have stayed both concierge and regular rooms at Beach Club and have always had a full balcony, as we make sure to request on the initial reservation.
It is such a wonderful experience staying in the YC/BC area, as there is always so much to entertain- they are like another entertainment park in themselves.. and the pool is great!
ENJOY YOUR TRIP!!!

 

[johnsonet]

Sounds awesome!
I would recommend ending your vacation with a few nights at AKL. Maybe just leave AK park for your stay there since it's about a 3-min. bus ride!
AKL is amazing! Your children will love it and the pool is awesome plus the kids' activities are the best on property. Consider splurging for concierge service and you will have a beautiful Lounge to relax in.
BC would be nice, especially for its proximity to Epcot but trust me - I was a GF-only person until I decided to try AKL Concierge after watching the Great Hotels featuring AKL...and I adore this place! You could easily stay home from the parks and enjoy yourself immensely!
Good luck!

 

[caribbeanme]

Tough one! I've stayed at the YC concierge, and the biggest plus for us was the great pool. If you're going at a warmer time of year and you have enough time for pool days/afternoons, I would really consider the BC. However, if you're not interested in pool time, I would really recommend the AKL. We went to the AKL for dinner and didn't want to leave-- the ambiance, theming, and activities we saw were so wonderful that we decided to stay there for our January trip.

 

[Goofy's Muse]

Our kids (13, 11, and 10) LOVED the BC pool but it does make the parents of some younger kids a bit nervous since it is large and meandering and can be very crowded during warm weather times. Having just been to the GF, it seemed very easy to keep an eye on young kids at all times, so just be prepared for that difference if it's important to you. As for Epcot fireworks views, I'm thinking the YC lagoon views are a bit better positioned than many BC rooms except perhaps those on the Epcot end of the resort (away from the themed pool)...

 

[DisneyMomx7]

Thank you for all your advice. I think we've decided to do either YC or BC for three or four days, followed by GF for 10 or 11 days. It was a hard decision but DH thinks AK may be too "dark". The kids do love to swim and we're going in July so I think they'll be excited to try Stormalong Bay. Luckily DH will watch the two girls and I can stay with ds (who is not quite as strong of a swimmer as his sisters). We love MGM so I think it will be fun to stay at a hotel so close, just as GF is so close to MK.

I will request a full balcony, water view and hope for the best. Now to decide between YC and BC! I guess I'll just hope for good AP rates and take whichever one has availability.

BTW - "Nick" hotel is the old HIFS converted to a Nickleodeon themed hotel. It looks gaudy and tacky but the kids are dying to try it so we'll stay there for two nights (and go to Seaworld).

Thanks again!

 

[minijeanie]

hate to put a kink in your plans, but I would go with BWV instead.
find pool fabulous along with quiet pools as well.
was at BC when kids were 8 and 9. was totally disappointed. extremely crowded in summer and I could never find a lounge chair.
contrary to BW,always chairs and think all in all just nicer.

I say come on over across the water and take a look

 

[Tigger&Belle]

When we drove by the Nick hotel my 5yo asked if we could stay there. I quickly sped up... lol

Personally, I like Universal a lot and would stay there those few nights, but I guess you've decided against that. You'll have lots of Disney time and a change might be nice.

T&B

 

[Cass]

I have stayed at both BC and AKL... my daughter says AKL! your chiildren will love looking at the animals, even if you don't have a savanna room there are plenty of areas to observe them, guides to speak with, firepit stories, cookie decorating, hidden mickey safari, you are super close to winterland summerland mini putt and Animal Kingdom park...

I like the beach club.. but AKL wins hands down.

PS ~ AKL is not dark, it is filled with natural light and glorious... I was just ther again 10 days ago... even the christmas decorations were beautiful. Ask your DH if this looks dark to him