Need help with decision please!!!

[DisneyFansInNYC]

I have to say out of all of those we would pick the BC. We love the EPCOT area. We would do AK for a night or two night move to the EPCOT area. I have to say out of the monorail hotels we like the Contemporary much better than the Poly. We love the theme of the Poly and we eat there all the time but we absolutely love the Contemporary. Our DS loved the Contemporary's game room too.

As for the BC - our kids love the pool but they also love that they can walk to the Boardwalk to shop and watch the nightly shows. We love that area. I would pick the BC over all.

 

[Karebear]

If you don't get a daybed at the BC, they will provide a rollaway bed to you at no cost--I know this because we got one. We love the Yacht and Beach Club.

 

[raddisneyfan]

Normally, my vote would go with the Polynesian. Just love the theming. However, with a lot of the better buildings converted to DVC, make sure you get a room with a full balcony or patio. A lot of the older buildings have whole floors with neither. It is a really convenient resort though with Monorail to many food venues at GF, CR and MK--you can also take boat from CR to WL. If you don't mind walking, you can walk over to the TTC and get the Monorail to EPCOT directly instead of boarding at the hotel and having to switch.

All that said, I also really like the AKL. The lobby alone is a WOW factor for anyone! I had a great savannah view room with the highlight being the many giraffes outside my balcony. Many other animal sightings from the viewing areas around the resorts as well--ostriches, zebras, impalas, etc. It's a lot quieter than the Poly. The bus service was great when I was there. You have to take buses everywhere--no walking or Monorail to parks. Beautiful pool area too.

I do not like the BC. IMHO it was one of the least themed. It just didn't feel Disney-special to me. I know lots, lots, lots, and lots of people will disagree, but I stand by votes that Poly and AKL are much better. Of course, I can't deny the benefits--the pool area (if you intend to spend a lot of time there--is spectacular compared to other resorts--though AKL's pool is pretty sweet too) and the proximity to EPCOT (I was very luck in that regard--my room was right near the end of the building closest to the International entrance.). If I would stay again in the EPCOT resorts, I think I would choose the Boardwalk. I really enjoyed it because it had a more intimate feel and I liked the decor a bit more than BC. I may try the YC, just because I haven't stayed there before, but I think I would be just as disappointed as I was with BC when it comes to room decor. And it is a very, very long building.

REMEMBER--These are just my humble opinions!!!!!!!

You'll have a great time no matter where you decide--have loads of fun!

 

[schwaa]

Normally, my vote would go with the Polynesian. Just love the theming. However, with a lot of the better buildings converted to DVC, make sure you get a room with a full balcony or patio. A lot of the older buildings have whole floors with neither. It is a really convenient resort though with Monorail to many food venues at GF, CR and MK--you can also take boat from CR to WL. If you don't mind walking, you can walk over to the TTC and get the Monorail to EPCOT directly instead of boarding at the hotel and having to switch.

All that said, I also really like the AKL. The lobby alone is a WOW factor for anyone! I had a great savannah view room with the highlight being the many giraffes outside my balcony. Many other animal sightings from the viewing areas around the resorts as well--ostriches, zebras, impalas, etc. It's a lot quieter than the Poly. The bus service was great when I was there. You have to take buses everywhere--no walking or Monorail to parks. Beautiful pool area too.

I do not like the BC. IMHO it was one of the least themed. It just didn't feel Disney-special to me. I know lots, lots, lots, and lots of people will disagree, but I stand by votes that Poly and AKL are much better. Of course, I can't deny the benefits--the pool area (if you intend to spend a lot of time there--is spectacular compared to other resorts--though AKL's pool is pretty sweet too) and the proximity to EPCOT (I was very luck in that regard--my room was right near the end of the building closest to the International entrance.). If I would stay again in the EPCOT resorts, I think I would choose the Boardwalk. I really enjoyed it because it had a more intimate feel and I liked the decor a bit more than BC. I may try the YC, just because I haven't stayed there before, but I think I would be just as disappointed as I was with BC when it comes to room decor. And it is a very, very long building.

REMEMBER--These are just my humble opinions!!!!!!!

You'll have a great time no matter where you decide--have loads of fun!

I love your humble opinions. Many of them are the same as mine. I was originally going back and forth between the Poly and the AKL, but on one of my many calls to Disney to switch resorts, the wonderful cast member swore that stormalong bay would trump the animals and the monorail for the kids. I just know the kids aren't going to enjoy the world showcase and my niece may not even swim at all. I guess I'm deciding between AKL, Poly or BWI (maybe BC). Club level is also in the mix of decisions.

 

[GrumpyBelle]

We visited AKL prior to our first stay there. Kids were tween and teen. Wanted to know why we didn't stay there. They could have stayed all day watching the animals. To this day, that is one of their favorite things to do.

 

[jperrot1]

I think all Poly rooms have a day bed. Given the information on your situation I lean toward an Epcot Resort as others have suggested but the monorail access to MK and Epcot, as well as access to the other monorail resorts, and the evening Poly experience (water pageant, fireworks, and view of the castle). That guaranteed day bed is something I'm thinking about given what you are looking for.

I love your humble opinions. Many of them are the same as mine. I was originally going back and forth between the Poly and the AKL, but on one of my many calls to Disney to switch resorts, the wonderful cast member swore that stormalong bay would trump the animals and the monorail for the kids. I just know the kids aren't going to enjoy the world showcase and my niece may not even swim at all. I guess I'm deciding between AKL, Poly or BWI (maybe BC). Club level is also in the mix of decisions.

Hold everything........ If you are thinking of doing Club Level... my vote is Poly. You'll get a guaranteed building (Hawaii) and that CLub Level experience is out of this world outstanding. My travel agent stayed BC Club Level while we were staying Garden View BC, and she ranted and raved about it, although she felt Poly CL was a tad better experience all be it both BC and Poly Club Level are out of this world. Now you'll also get a guaranteed location at BC Club Level also. All I can say is I am so very happy for you and your family. I wish you the greatest WDW trip.

 

[schwaa]

I think all Poly rooms have a day bed. Given the information on your situation I lean toward an Epcot Resort as others have suggested but the monorail access to MK and Epcot, as well as access to the other monorail resorts, and the evening Poly experience (water pageant, fireworks, and view of the castle). That guaranteed day bed is something I'm thinking about given what you are looking for.

Hold everything........ If you are thinking of doing Club Level... my vote is Poly. You'll get a guaranteed building (Hawaii) and that CLub Level experience is out of this world outstanding. My travel agent stayed BC Club Level while we were staying Garden View BC, and she ranted and raved about it, although she felt Poly CL was a tad better experience all be it both BC and Poly Club Level are out of this world. Now you'll also get a guaranteed location at BC Club Level also. All I can say is I am so very happy for you and your family. I wish you the greatest WDW trip.

Thank you so much. I think when I add club level to the situation, Poly does win out especially since the east pool should be done by August and garden view would be nice. For me personally, the beach club has absolutely no appeal, but this trip is entirely about the kids and I needed everyone's help to look at this objectively. I really appreciate everyone's opinions.

 

[Nancyg56]

Stayed at AKL and last time we were at tween/teen stage and they had ZERO interest in being there. I've since said if you want AKL do it while the kids are young and in animal mode. It doesn't sound like a match for the kids based on your descriptions. Since you say tween/teen I think Stormalong Bay would be great fun for them and depending on their independence level, lots to do around there including the shop options etc at Boardwalk and ESPN.

I agree. My DGD loved it when she was 4, but at 14? Not a chance she wants to stay there.