Need help deciding on AKL, AoA, or WL

[Jwcc4]

Hi all, I'm new to this board but know how helpful everyone here can be so here goes... my husband and I are planning a trip from Jan 7-14, 2018. It will be us and our 2 kids, 5 year old son and 9 month old baby. We are actually celebrating my son's 5th bday there. Right now I am super undecided between Art of Animation, Animal Kingdom-Kidani, or Boulder Creek Villas. I picked those because I was thinking a kitchenette would be useful (so I can warm food for the baby and maybe make a few light meals using the microwave). I like AoA because I think my son would love the Cars theme, but I'm afraid it's too far and not convenient to get around to parks and other resorts. Same concern I have with Animal Kingdom. I like Boulder Ridge Villas because of the boat to MK, so at least I can wheel the stroller on - but it is the most expensive of the 3, and the smallest room size I believe. So any recommendations or advice on deciding between those 3? Is there a different resort you might recommend we consider? It is not our first time to the parks, but will be our first time staying at a WDW property. TIA!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

In order of preference, I would do:

Boulder Creek Villas - the resort is gorgeous, has wonderful TS and QS restaurant options, has a lovely pool, splash pad and other recreation areas and the boat to MK. It's the proximity to MK that makes this the overall winner for me. You also have boat access to Ft. W (for Trail's End, HDDR, a cute playground and pony rides) and CR (Chef Mickey's, PLUS, if you take the boat to CR, you can walk to MK OR monorail to Poly and GF - big perk IMHO). The other nice thing about WL, BCV and CCV in general is everything is either under one roof or there is a covered walkway, so if it is raining, you can stay dry and still walk to all the restaurants, the arcade and the bus stop.

(Close 2nd) AKL-Kidani - again, a gorgeous resort, great TS and QS, the animals, fantastic pools and a splash pad. Very close proximity to AK, but long bus rides to all other parks. You can utilize the Minnie Van service as an AK guest to try to minimize your travel time, but it's $20 a ride.

(3rd choice by far) AoA - you'll have more space, but you will be in a value resort. Long bus lines, chaotic food court, uncomfortable beds, loud resort. We stayed here the first year it opened and I couldn't wait to leave. If you can afford Kidani or BCV, I would definitely pick one of those.

 

[Yarbogash]

Our kids are now 7 and 19 months. We go every year and have stayed at AoA and AKL-Kidani. Visited WL this past trip in March for dinner and had a look around.

I think DisneyWishes14 covered most of the relevant points but for us I'd put AKL at #1. We spent a lot of time on our balcony watching the animals. Kids and adults loved it. I'm generally not a fan of Disney transportation and usually rent a car as it's quicker. YMMV.

If your son loves animals I'd go with AK. If he loves Cars go with AoA. Otherwise if your focus will be on MK go with Boulder Creek.

 

[allsaintsatx]

Hi all, I'm new to this board but know how helpful everyone here can be so here goes... my husband and I are planning a trip from Jan 7-14, 2018. It will be us and our 2 kids, 5 year old son and 9 month old baby. We are actually celebrating my son's 5th bday there. Right now I am super undecided between Art of Animation, Animal Kingdom-Kidani, or Boulder Creek Villas. I picked those because I was thinking a kitchenette would be useful (so I can warm food for the baby and maybe make a few light meals using the microwave). I like AoA because I think my son would love the Cars theme, but I'm afraid it's too far and not convenient to get around to parks and other resorts. Same concern I have with Animal Kingdom. I like Boulder Ridge Villas because of the boat to MK, so at least I can wheel the stroller on - but it is the most expensive of the 3, and the smallest room size I believe. So any recommendations or advice on deciding between those 3? Is there a different resort you might recommend we consider? It is not our first time to the parks, but will be our first time staying at a WDW property. TIA!!

Welcome to the DIS!!

AKL and WL are both incredible resorts. I think it would come down to which parks you'll visit more - AK or MK. AKL is super close to AK, and WL is super close to MK (and the boat is pretty awesome!!) Both have great food, great lobbies, although if you have a savanna view room that's just probably one of the best rooms we've ever stayed in. Round the clock "entertainment" right from your balcony is kinda hard to beat!

Enjoy your trip!!

 

[DJFan88]

Except if you're at Kidani, you'll need to travel over to Jambo House for the food court, Mara. There is poolside food, but not the same. No big deal, you could shuttle over, or get off there, and then shuttle back. But, since your looking for a kitchen area, you probably have food ideas for your room, just though I'd mention it. There is a great TS, but QS is nice too.

 

[danikoski]

I've stayed at both WL and AKL. I love both, but WL wins out because it just feels closer to everything, especially with little kids. And watch the discounts...often a 25% discount for January at WL will come out end of this month or so. Sometimes it's been 30%. Then it isn't that much more expensive then AoA.