Rollercoaster panic AKL to BC = $$$

[Miss Frankie J]

EDIT: I have decided to switch and stay at BC. After consideration, the location and staying onsite is important and all the feedback given helped reassure my decision making. Thank you everyone for the help!!

A couple of days ago I booked a Standard room at AKL with the enchanted escape offer and was so excited that I would be returning back to AKL. Today I received an email Stating that the Pool at Jambo house would be closed and that the only pool available would be at Kidani Village. I was very upset as one of the main things I loved about AKL was the pool. I was worried about commuting to Kidani village, construction noise level, and overall that paying that amount of money wouldn't be worth it to have half of an experience. So with some helpful advice I switched to Beach club which ended up being about a $400 increase overall to the total cost.

My boyfriend was ok with the change and so I got excited about Beach club, when we started watching videos he didn't seem thrilled. especially since the theming of AKL is so vastly different then BC. so now he has me second guessing staying at BC for all that extra money. There are certain things about BC that I dont like either (Juliet balconies for example...) Its making me frustrated and stressed because I really want to stay on property but maybe staying offsite is the more cost effective and smart option at this point. it makes me want to give up.

Is Beach club worth staying at? or should I just stay offsite? I guess I just need to feel reassured that this resort is worth the cost and that it is wonderful in its own way.

Please help!

 

[DLgal]

IMO, BC is the best resort on property. AKL is so hugely overrated. You will be happy at BC if a pool is important to you. Being within spitting distance of SO MUCH dining, bars, and entertaiment is a huge plus. AKL is so remote and far away from everything (and the lobby smells gross).

 

[dansdad]

I didn't vote in the poll because my choice would be to stay at AKL. It is just an awesome resort and with there still being one pool open, I would not switch.

 

[sndral]

I like the YC but am less enamored w/ the BC mostly due to the Juliette balcony situation and the smallish hectic lobby.
Have you considered the WL? It has the same impressive lobby, a nice pool area, a nice boat ride to the MK and generally it is priced similar to AKL v. the pricier Epcot resorts.
Personally the pool doesn’t make or break my WDW vacation as I go late Nov. or Dec. and have run into really cold weather more than once, so the pool refurb at AKL wouldn’t bother me too much, especially as the Kidani pool is fairly close and nice as well.
If the fact that you are spending $400 extra to stay at the BC is going to cause you to have unrealistic expectations about the resort, including SAB, you might be better off staying somewhere more budget friendly.

 

[Disneylover99]

I'm not a fan of SAB at the BC. I'd also suggest pricing out Wilderness Lodge if you're looking at Deluxe.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

I like the YC but am less enamored w/ the BC mostly due to the Juliette balcony situation and the smallish hectic lobby.
Have you considered the WL? It has the same impressive lobby, a nice pool area, a nice boat ride to the MK and generally it is priced similar to AKL v. the pricier Epcot resorts.
Personally the pool doesn’t make or break my WDW vacation as I go late Nov. or Dec. and have run into really cold weather more than once, so the pool refurb at AKL wouldn’t bother me too much, especially as the Kidani pool is fairly close and nice as well.
If the fact that you are spending $400 extra to stay at the BC is going to cause you to have unrealistic expectations about the resort, including SAB, you might be better off staying somewhere more budget friendly.

I was looking at BC before AKL and chose AKL because I fell in love with it the last time I went and also because of price. Since we are going in early mid September a easy access pool to cool off is a must. I’ve been looking at wilderness lodge and it is in the same price range as BC. so I’m not sure about that either....

I'm not a fan of SAB at the BC. I'd also suggest pricing out Wilderness Lodge if you're looking at Deluxe.

Is there a particular reason why you aren’t a fan of SAB?

 

[Disneylover99]

Is there a particular reason why you aren’t a fan of SAB?

We just found it too crowded and hectic. People were lined up when it opened to put their towels on the chairs. There were zero places to sit when we were there. For us, it wasn't relaxing at all. I'd only book the BC again for the proximity to Epcot.

 

[cadawson]

I suggest you read through the BC/YC thread. We love BC! Love SAB and being so close to EP. Love to stroll along the beach and explore the boardwalk. We had the best time there and are returning later this month. To answer your original?, I’d stay BC rather than going offsite. Kids will be back in school, so hopefully your pool crowds will be lighter- we were there in early Dec and no problem getting chairs at the pool - we were fortunate with perfect weather.

 

[Amanda999]

You will not believe how nice it is to walk to 2 parks. (And if you are into going to bars, Jelly Rolls, restaurants - definitely BC. You'll regret it only b/c will never stay anywhere else. There's nothing like walking back to your room. Or, popping back out for just a drink or listen to music, or see fireworks.) Considering that the pool is important to you (as its the reason you want to switch from AKL), you can't beat Stormalong Bay (and I almost never swim at hotels - I always swim, go down the slide, etc. at BC). While at CBR I had the problem of all loungers taken before the pool even opened, I never have a problem at Stormalong. I'm also pretty flexible where I sit, and only take 1 or 2 loungers so YMMV.

 

[Nancyg56]

I love the BC. It is one of my favorite resorts, so I have a hard time suggesting you go elsewhere. I know that it is not my family's favorite however so I tend to look for resorts that they might enjoy as well. I agree that if you are looking for something different, look into Wilderness Lodge. I have not stayed there yet, but it is among those still on my list. It is a gorgeous resort that takes you away from the theme parks and into another world.

I would move resorts if the pool was down. I love AKL but would not "travel" to use Kidani VIllage's pool. If the pool is you deciding factore, though reconsider BC. Holy cow! That pool is pretty darn sweet!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Is there a studio available at Kidani? That way you could stay at AKV and be close to the pool that's open.

If not, BC is gorgeous, IMHO. Walking to two parks is pretty awesome. We also really like BWI.

 

[GovieMom]

[QUOTE="Miss Frankie J, post: 59196092, member: 521124"I’ve been looking at wilderness lodge and it is in the same price range as BC.[/QUOTE]

Looking at standard-view room pricing, WL costs a bit less than AKL. It's not in the same price range as BC at all.

 

[Shellyb84]

We just found it too crowded and hectic. People were lined up when it opened to put their towels on the chairs. There were zero places to sit when we were there. For us, it wasn't relaxing at all. I'd only book the BC again for the proximity to Epcot.

When were you there? We go in June/July and there's hardly anyone there first thing in the morning.

We've never had an issue getting at least 2 loungers together.

 

[Shellyb84]

SO

A couple of days ago I booked a Standard room at AKL with the enchanted escape offer and was so excited that I would be returning back to AKL. Today I received an email Stating that the Pool at Jambo house would be closed and that the only pool available would be at Kidani Village. I was very upset as one of the main things I loved about AKL was the pool. I was worried about commuting to Kidani village, construction noise level, and overall that paying that amount of money wouldn't be worth it to have half of an experience. So with some helpful advice I switched to Beach club which ended up being about a $400 increase overall to the total cost.

My boyfriend was ok with the change and so I got excited about Beach club, when we started watching videos he didn't seem thrilled. especially since the theming of AKL is so vastly different then BC. so now he has me second guessing staying at BC for all that extra money. There are certain things about BC that I dont like either (Juliet balconies for example...) Its making me frustrated and stressed because I really want to stay on property but maybe staying offsite is the more cost effective and smart option at this point. it makes me want to give up.

Is Beach club worth staying at? or should I just stay offsite? I guess I just need to feel reassured that this resort is worth the cost and that it is wonderful in its own way.

Please help!

BC is amazing! It's our favorite resort. We love the theme, the bright lobby and rooms, the location and the pool. We stayed at BC on our first family trip based on recommendations from friends and family. I have to admit, I was hesitant about it and wasn't sure we made the right choice. But as soon as I walked in the lobby, I was in love. We enjoy other resorts as well, but BC will always be our "home".

If a balcony is important to you, make a full balcony your first room request. That's what we do and so far we've always gotten one.

We always stay onsite, even if it's at a value. I would rather not go than stay offsite, it's not for us.

 

[mickeynut1]

I didn't vote in the poll because my choice would be to stay at AKL. It is just an awesome resort and with there still being one pool open, I would not switch.

This is how I feel as well. We've stayed at both and while we had a nice stay at the BC, we love everything about AKL. It is nice being within walking distance to Epcot, but BC isn't one of our favorites and we weren't wow'd by SAB (we actually prefer other resort pools).

I'm not a fan of SAB at the BC. I'd also suggest pricing out Wilderness Lodge if you're looking at Deluxe.

We aren't fans of SAB either and I agree that WL would be a great choice.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

[QUOTE="Miss Frankie J, post: 59196092, member: 521124"I’ve been looking at wilderness lodge and it is in the same price range as BC.

Looking at standard-view room pricing, WL costs a bit less than AKL. It's not in the same price range as BC at all.[/QUOTE]


During my travel time there aren’t any standard rooms available and only have specific room views which for my dates would be the same price to stay at beach club.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

I suggest you read through the BC/YC thread. We love BC! Love SAB and being so close to EP. Love to stroll along the beach and explore the boardwalk. We had the best time there and are returning later this month. To answer your original?, I’d stay BC rather than going offsite. Kids will be back in school, so hopefully your pool crowds will be lighter- we were there in early Dec and no problem getting chairs at the pool - we were fortunate with perfect weather.

Thank you for the feedback! I’m going the week after labor day and it’s forcasted to be low crowds. Where I’m from the kids start school that week so I thought that might be a good time to go. When I stayed at AKL the pool had tons of people in it but plenty of chairs. Hopefully it won’t be an issue.

You will not believe how nice it is to walk to 2 parks. (And if you are into going to bars, Jelly Rolls, restaurants - definitely BC. You'll regret it only b/c will never stay anywhere else. There's nothing like walking back to your room. Or, popping back out for just a drink or listen to music, or see fireworks.) Considering that the pool is important to you (as its the reason you want to switch from AKL), you can't beat Stormalong Bay (and I almost never swim at hotels - I always swim, go down the slide, etc. at BC). While at CBR I had the problem of all loungers taken before the pool even opened, I never have a problem at Stormalong. I'm also pretty flexible where I sit, and only take 1 or 2 loungers so YMMV.

The overall theming is ok for me. AKL theming is top notch and honestly feels like home to me, however I don’t own a pool myself so when I go on vacation it’s a luxury for me to swim again. Besides SAB they also have quiet pools as well which AKL does not have (to my knowledge)

The ability to walk to Epcot is the biggest perk this resort has to offer. Epcot is our favorite park and we are going during food and wine. We love bar hopping and never checked out boardwalk before.

I love the BC. It is one of my favorite resorts, so I have a hard time suggesting you go elsewhere. I know that it is not my family's favorite however so I tend to look for resorts that they might enjoy as well. I agree that if you are looking for something different, look into Wilderness Lodge. I have not stayed there yet, but it is among those still on my list. It is a gorgeous resort that takes you away from the theme parks and into another world.

I would move resorts if the pool was down. I love AKL but would not "travel" to use Kidani VIllage's pool. If the pool is you deciding factore, though reconsider BC. Holy cow! That pool is pretty darn sweet!

If our trip wasn’t during food and wine I would greatly consider WL. For my dates the price is the same as BC (no standards available) and for the same price I think walking to Epcot is the biggest perk.

The shuttle is short to Kidani Village but because of my park touring style I don’t think the added step will work well. My boyfriend is also upset about the pool issue and I want his first trip to AKL to be untainted lol.

Is there a studio available at Kidani? That way you could stay at AKV and be close to the pool that's open.

If not, BC is gorgeous, IMHO. Walking to two parks is pretty awesome. We also really like BWI.

BWI? Boardwalk inn? Sorry I’m still learning some of the acronyms. They do have Studios avalible at kidani for a bit more then staying at BC. But the Jambo pool being so close to the Mara was perrrfect! I think that’s also what is bumming me out is the last time I was at AKL everything was so smooth and seamless, I had a pool view room short walk to the pool and food and it was perfect.

BC is amazing! It's our favorite resort. We love the theme, the bright lobby and rooms, the location and the pool. We stayed at BC on our first family trip based on recommendations from friends and family. I have to admit, I was hesitant about it and wasn't sure we made the right choice. But as soon as I walked in the lobby, I was in love. We enjoy other resorts as well, but BC will always be our "home".

If a balcony is important to you, make a full balcony your first room request. That's what we do and so far we've always gotten one.

We always stay onsite, even if it's at a value. I would rather not go than stay offsite, it's not for us.

Wow! Thats reassuring, I usually don’t make a ton of request all I would want is a balcony to sit on especially if my boyfriend is napping I can read outside without disturbing him. I’ve always stayed offsite with only a few trips staying onsite. This trip I wanted it to be a treat and stay half on property so that’s why even though I’m sure AKL wouldn’t be too bad I want to stay someplace without construction.

This is how I feel as well. We've stayed at both and while we had a nice stay at the BC, we love everything about AKL. It is nice being within walking distance to Epcot, but BC isn't one of our favorites and we weren't wow'd by SAB (we actually prefer other resort pools).



We aren't fans of SAB either and I agree that WL would be a great choice.

So far I’m thinking that SAB could be great or kinda ‘meh’ depending on the person. I don’t think I will have super high expectations if we go there. Maybe a careful optimism!

 

[Miss Frankie J]

Thanks everyone for the feedback this has been pretty helpful, I’m wondering for those who have stayed at beach club how the food is there? Are there any must eat at places?

 

[Shellyb84]

Thanks everyone for the feedback this has been pretty helpful, I’m wondering for those who have stayed at beach club how the food is there? Are there any must eat at places?

Yachtsman Steakhouse is fantastic! It's always a must do for us. Beaches and Cream just has OK food, but it's a cute atmosphere so we eat there sometimes. We always do the character breakfast at Cape May. DD and I also enjoy dinner there but DH isn't a fan (he was kind of sick when we had dinner there the first time so I think it's just a bad association for him instead of the food). Martha's Vineyard has great wings and loaded tots.

 

[Shellyb84]

Thank you for the feedback! I’m going the week after labor day and it’s forcasted to be low crowds. Where I’m from the kids start school that week so I thought that might be a good time to go. When I stayed at AKL the pool had tons of people in it but plenty of chairs. Hopefully it won’t be an issue.

Last year we stayed at YC over Labor Day weekend and the pool wasn't overly crowded and no problem getting chairs.