Need help deciding between AKL, BC, Swan, and Poly

[busymomma123]

We are currently booked for 7 days/ 6 nights at the Poly in May. I wasn't crazy about the price but thought about shortening it a little to save some $$$. We sold our house unexpectedly this past week which accelerated our plans to build a house. Which is wonderful but not with this upcoming vacation expense. With our businesses, not wanting to go in June, July, or Aug, and school schedules, this is about the only week we can go. I have tried to look at some different options, but there isn't much out there this close. We have stayed at AKL about 13 years ago. We have never stayed at the BC or Swan. Our last trip in 19 was at the Poly, which is our favorite place at WDW. I am wondering about bussing primarily. There are six of us going; four adults 2 teens. Now, we don't feel the need to stay at the parks all day, and we come back and rest in the afternoons. Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[robinb]

I've stayed at all 4. My daughter really liked being near Epcot when she was a teen and young adult. The Beach Club would allow you to walk to Epcot and walk/boat to DHS. The Beach Club also has an awesome pool which appeals to all ages. The Swan is an affordable Epcot resort, but they no longer share a Disney buses. Some people walk over and use the Boardwalk's bus instead of taking the Swolphin buses and getting dropped in the middle of the parking lot with the other "off site" buses. It's a bit of a PITB for everyone concerned, including people at Boardwalk who have to share their bus. I adore AKL (I own DVC at AKV) but I think it's probably too far away from everything for a shortish trip and there is not a lot for teens/young adults to do.

 

[Marthasor]

My preference would be in this order:

1). Beach Club - great resort, fun, upbeat atmosphere, fantastic pool (particularly for teens), incredible proximity to EP and the Skyliner to DHS (both right next to the resort). Tons of dining options around the Boardwalk plus games and entertainment on the Boardwalk at night.

2). Swan - nice resort, comfortable rooms, basically same location as BC (just a bit of a further walk to EP and Skyliner), close to DHS walking path and boat to EP/DHS very convenient. Swan/Dolphin has fantastic restaurants. Downsides - definitely does not feel like you are in the Disney bubbles and bus situation is not great. We did bus to TTC for MK and took the monorail, but took BWI or BC/YC buses back. For AKL and DS, we used lyft and BC/YC/BWI buses. For us, using lyft or walking to BC/YC/BWI was worth the tremendous savings we got by staying here.

3). Gorgeous resort, but smaller rooms, fewer dining options and a bit isolated.

 

[FSU Girl]

Have you thought of doing a split stay? Do a new resort in the beginning and end at Poly. I love AKL for it’s uniqueness, but feel it’s far from a lot. Beach Club is a great hotel and close to two parks. The pool is fun too. If you’re planning to spend time at the resort I wouldn’t do Swan as it’s like a normal hotel nothing special, but probably the cheapest option.

 

[iheartglaciers]

If you don't mind a split stay, I'd do 3 nights at Beach Club (or Swan to potentially save more money) and coordinate those days for when I was going to do Epcot and HS and 3 nights at Poly and coordinate those days for when I was going to do MK (AK can be nice on the day you're changing resorts).

Otherwise I think it depends which parks you plan on spending more time at. BC and Swan are amazing for walking to Epcot (and if you're ok with a long walk, you can also walk to HS). Poly is nice because you can take the monorail to MK (or a 30 min walk), but you can also walk to the TTC/monorail transfer station and catch the direct monorail to Epcot, which is pretty convenient. BC is also nice because you can walk over the Boardwalk where they have the street performers at night.