Ugh - such a hard decision. We love AKL and have decided that we prefer the pool view to even the savannah view. Our last trip there in January was on the first floor, close to an external door that exited right in front of an entrance to the pool. It was also so convenient to cross the courtyard to get to Jiko/Boma and the stairs to the lobby. That will be my go-to location in future.
But for 12 days, the dining options around YC are hard to beat. No pool (or at least not the main pool) is a bit of a downside. Very convenient location. Larger rooms than AKL with really good storage.
If you're okay with only the quiet pool, YC might be better for a longer stay because of the location and dining options, but I can see why you're having a hard time. How do you choose between two great options.
I had it booked, but then changed it again to the AKL. The pool construction along with room renovations is just too much of a disturbance for me. Also, the budget doesn't stretch to the water view so resort view is what we have available. Looking at the potential for a terrible room location, along with the renovations, I decided to stay with the AKL. I REALLY WANT a split stay or an Epcot location, but there are too many downsides to the available locations for me to be happy with the risks.
Well
@Babsy would have 3 pools to chose from while SAB is down. The Tidal, Admiral and Dunes Cove leisure pools will all be open.
Dave
The pools are not really an issue. It is jan, so we wouldn't use the pool very often and a quiet pool would be fine for those times. The issue is the noise and the aesthetics. A lot of construction is jarring to me and ruins the peaceful atmosphere that I want during a WDW resort stay.
I would split (we always split stay) and try to upgrade to garden view at YC. IME, standard views at YC and BC can be terrible. I vowed never to book standard at either again.
yes, it can be terrible and it can be great. The stress of not knowing would be difficult for me. It really does make or break the vacation for us. So, AKL pool view is a known entity that can be better or worse, but not terrible. Hence the ultimate choice to just stay there. I have never stayed this long at a single resort. I was always the queen of split stays. It feels very odd to stay this long in one place.
For us, the resorts are for 1. sleeping 2. being close to the parks and 3. theming/amenities. We've done the YC/BC several times and love being so close to Epcot and DHS. We also like The Contemporary so we can walk to MK. There were many nights where we would squeeze a few extra hours in the parks just because it was so convenient. We wouldn't do that if it took over an hour travel time round trip. We would gladly sacrifice theming to be close to the parks. But, luckily, the theming at YC/BC is amazing. And I know that The Contemporary doesn't get much love for theming, but it's a classic staple of WDW.
Then again, I know families who spend a lot more time at the resorts than us. So, if the parks aren't a priority, then my point isn't as valid for them.
Yes, for us it is quite different. The theming of the resort is important. The peace and quiet are important and the dining is important. Only deluxe resorts are an option as a balcony is essential for us to enjoy the visit. Most of our days are spent largely at the resort, with short forays into the parks for dining or a few rides.
There are no standard or garden views anymore. WDW combined those into the Resort View category last year. At Y & B, there are only Water or Resort views. So when you book that, you could get either a pretty garden view or the crappy dumpster view. Very much a gamble.
Yes, and I have ended up with both over the years. Now that we are older, the gamble is not at all desirable. When the theme parks were more the focus of our visits, it didn't matter as much. I wish that Disney offered more room categories, in order to reduce the discrepancies in value for money spent.
THANK YOU, everyone for your help!
