Rollercoaster panic AKL to BC = $$$

[mickeynut1]

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!

It's definitely a personal opinion. That's what's so great about Disney, there's something for everyone depending on their budget, what they like, etc .

 

[brertoad]

The Kidani Village pool is also nice, not as big or as impressive, but it is relaxing, has zero entry, a pool slide, a pool side bar, decent amount of chairs available.
Not as tropical and lush as the main pool. Hard call. There is an internal shuttle van that goes between Jambo and KV. Or you could try to get a room at Kidani?

I like Beach club too, impressive pool complex, sand bottom pool, impressive pirate ship pool slide, convenient to Epcot. Adjacent to Beaches and Cream, Yachtsman, Ale and Compass, Martha's Vineyard, Crew's Cup, Cape May, a short walk to Swan and Dolphin or Boardwalk. Close to Jelly Rolls, etc.

If he isn't into the Beach Club theme, then I would have recommended WL, but someone already has and you have checked into that already. WL is really nice.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

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.

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

OO I heard mixed things about Yachtsman but I think I'm getting it confused with the former Crews Cup. Which I think now is called Ale and Compass right?? That is good to know, hopefully I can switch ressies without massive difficulty. WOW you actually went during labor day? was it insane in the parks? My job requires me to work holidays so im lucky enough (Or unlucky..) to never experience a holiday in the parks.

It's definitely a personal opinion. That's what's so great about Disney, there's something for everyone depending on their budget, what they like, etc .

I agree, like for me AKL's Theme is so much better than BC. However both are extremely beautiful resorts and I'm willing to try something outside my norm.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

The Kidani Village pool is also nice, not as big or as impressive, but it is relaxing, has zero entry, a pool slide, a pool side bar, decent amount of chairs available.
Not as tropical and lush as the main pool. Hard call. There is an internal shuttle van that goes between Jambo and KV. Or you could try to get a room at Kidani?

I like Beach club too, impressive pool complex, sand bottom pool, impressive pirate ship pool slide, convenient to Epcot. Adjacent to Beaches and Cream, Yachtsman, Ale and Compass, Martha's Vineyard, Crew's Cup, Cape May, a short walk to Swan and Dolphin or Boardwalk. Close to Jelly Rolls, etc.

If he isn't into the Beach Club theme, then I would have recommended WL, but someone already has and you have checked into that already. WL is really nice.

I think he isn't sold on it because from the videos we watched he didn't find anything special. We are from the New England area so hotels in cape cod and around us have that theme already so for him hes like "Why are we paying $$$ for a room I can book around here for half the cost. ) But I keep reminding him that 1. its Disney, and 2. CLOSE TO EPCOT. Thats the one thing he loves about the resort. we are both baby foodies and love to nosh and drink around the world.

I can try and get a room at Kidani so at least we would be away from construction, but if its more than BC I will just switch to BC. ALSO what about the poor flamingos that are next to the pool? they were one of my favorites!

 

[Shellyb84]

OO I heard mixed things about Yachtsman but I think I'm getting it confused with the former Crews Cup. Which I think now is called Ale and Compass right?? That is good to know, hopefully I can switch ressies without massive difficulty. WOW you actually went during labor day? was it insane in the parks? My job requires me to work holidays so im lucky enough (Or unlucky..) to never experience a holiday in the parks.



I agree, like for me AKL's Theme is so much better than BC. However both are extremely beautiful resorts and I'm willing to try something outside my norm.

You shouldn't have trouble getting a reservation this far ahead of time. We ate at Crew's Cup several times and loved it, but they've changed the menu and our favorite items are no longer offered. I think it's still there and separate from Ale and Compass. I could be wrong though. Ale and Compass was still being worked on last time we were there.

We actually left on Labor Day, we were there Saturday and Sunday before though. It was pretty crowded at Epcot since it was opening weekend of F&W. But we always go over school breaks and holidays since DD is in school. The only time the crowd has really gotten to us was Thanksgiving week.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

You shouldn't have trouble getting a reservation this far ahead of time. We ate at Crew's Cup several times and loved it, but they've changed the menu and our favorite items are no longer offered. I think it's still there and separate from Ale and Compass. I could be wrong though. Ale and Compass was still being worked on last time we were there.

We actually left on Labor Day, we were there Saturday and Sunday before though. It was pretty crowded at Epcot since it was opening weekend of F&W. But we always go over school breaks and holidays since DD is in school. The only time the crowd has really gotten to us was Thanksgiving week.

OK good to know! we have ressies for Sanaa and Boma but if we switch I'm going to cancel those since I don't see myself going to AKL just for a reservation. (besides it gives me the chance to try new stuff!)

I have been to Disney during high and low times and I would say the only time we were overwhelmed was in October with MK crowds on non party nights and F&W at night fri-sat

 

[brertoad]

I think he isn't sold on it because from the videos we watched he didn't find anything special. We are from the New England area so hotels in cape cod and around us have that theme already so for him hes like "Why are we paying $$$ for a room I can book around here for half the cost. ) But I keep reminding him that 1. its Disney, and 2. CLOSE TO EPCOT. Thats the one thing he loves about the resort. we are both baby foodies and love to nosh and drink around the world.

I can try and get a room at Kidani so at least we would be away from construction, but if its more than BC I will just switch to BC. ALSO what about the poor flamingos that are next to the pool? they were one of my favorites!

I think it's because it is a premium location, really it is. Beach Club is a premier spot, it is the closest to Epcot and arguably it shares the most impressive pool complex with Yacht Club.
There are many great food options around the Boardwalk. You are also getting close access to Hollywood Studios. You are essentially sandwiched between 2 Disney theme parks. I'd say you are also getting premium level bus service as in it isn't as crowded as some of the value resorts, at BC you are probably going to experience some nice bus rides with little stress.

At AKL Jambo and KV share bus service, so two stops always. I'm sure the flamingos will be ok, they take good care of their animals. The zookeepers are very dedicated. We've done the Wanyama Safari and got to spend some time with a zookeeper guide/expert. That was a great experience, I'd recommend that to anyone.

 

[mickeynut1]

I agree, like for me AKL's Theme is so much better than BC. However both are extremely beautiful resorts and I'm willing to try something outside my norm.

AKL is just so unique/different, but BC is also a nice resort. Good luck deciding, although I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter which one you choose .

 

[Miss Frankie J]

I think it's because it is a premium location, really it is. Beach Club is a premier spot, it is the closest to Epcot and arguably it shares the most impressive pool complex with Yacht Club.
There are many great food options around the Boardwalk. You are also getting close access to Hollywood Studios. You are essentially sandwiched between 2 Disney theme parks. I'd say you are also getting premium level bus service as in it isn't as crowded as some of the value resorts, at BC you are probably going to experience some nice bus rides with little stress.

At AKL Jambo and KV share bus service, so two stops always. I'm sure the flamingos will be ok, they take good care of their animals. The zookeepers are very dedicated. We've done the Wanyama Safari and got to spend some time with a zookeeper guide/expert. That was a great experience, I'd recommend that to anyone.

Its definitely location! My friend always trys to book at either Poly or WL because of the proximity to MK. The only Resorts I've stayed at are CSR and AKL and both are pretty far from the parks. When we stayed at CSR the buses were frequent but also a mess at times. Eliminating the need to take a bus to two parks is amazing to me. right now its too far for him to get the full picture but I think once we are there it will impress him. I hope the Flamingos arent next to any construction but can still be seen, my favorite one was this Flamingo that was missing part of one of his legs, he was so cute!

 

[Miss Frankie J]

Thanks everyone, I think between bouncing from the AKL Thread and this one I think I made my choice to switch to BC. AKL will always be my true love but I dont think I want to settle for a different experience at AKL or worry about my time there. Beach club was on my list and I think I will give it a try. I will go with hopeful and careful optimism! thank you all for your sound advice!

 

[SharonZ]

I would also suggest to look into staying at WL. The pricing structure is similar to what is offered at AKL.

 

[Minnesota!]

I would stay with AKL. We stay at Jambo but prefer to swim at Kidani. The walk is easy, and there seems to be more to do there. I adore the kids area - even if my kids aren't playing in it. I like to stand under the waterfalls and ignore the world.

I would stick with AKL.

 

[Shellyb84]

Thanks everyone, I think between bouncing from the AKL Thread and this one I think I made my choice to switch to BC. AKL will always be my true love but I dont think I want to settle for a different experience at AKL or worry about my time there. Beach club was on my list and I think I will give it a try. I will go with hopeful and careful optimism! thank you all for your sound advice!

I'm sure you'll love it! We are also big fans of AKL but I think you're making a good choice. Even though BC is our favorite, if the main pool was going to be closed I would definitely stay somewhere else.

Every resort is special in it's own way! If you haven't yet, look up some youtube videos and look at photos on Trip Adviser (it's best to not actually read the reviews on ANY resort on trip adviser though!) That's what I do to get myself pumped up especially for a new resort!

 

[GovieMom]

Its definitely location!

I am wondering why staying offsite was listed as one of your two voting options. Seems from reading through this you already had your mind made up to stay at BC (and staying offsite wasn't even mentioned).

 

[Miss Frankie J]

I am wondering why staying offsite was listed as one of your two voting options. Seems from reading through this you already had your mind made up to stay at BC (and staying offsite wasn't even mentioned).

It was listed mostly because of my boyfriend. I want to stay onsite he doesnt really care as much as I do. we had a split stay in mind to appease both of us but I listed it as an option because I didn't know if I should just concede and stay offsite the whole time or not.

 

[Disneylover99]

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.

We go mid to late August.

I never found it crowded with people til early - mid afternoon, but I was surprised at the number of people who line up to put towels on their chairs and then disappear for hours. Afternoon thunderstorms that time of year often cleared out the place. Maybe that's why we found it so crowded between noon and 3pm. Anyways, we found ourselves enjoying the quiet pool instead.

 

[Shellyb84]

We go mid to late August.

I never found it crowded with people til early - mid afternoon, but I was surprised at the number of people who line up to put towels on their chairs and then disappear for hours. Afternoon thunderstorms that time of year often cleared out the place. Maybe that's why we found it so crowded between noon and 3pm. Anyways, we found ourselves enjoying the quiet pool instead.

Oh I have no problem moving unattended towels if there aren't any other personal items with them! That drives me crazy!

The great thing about the quiet pools is you can have drinks by the pool We go to the quiet pools a lot in the evening.

 

[Dave006]

Have you considered the Swan & Dolphin as an option?

They are both on-site between the Boardwalk and the Yacht club. Pricing is often less than any of the other Epcot resorts. Yes they charge a $32 Resort fee and for parking but Disney is also charging for parking now can a resort fee be far away. Just factor these items into your cost calculation. Oh they have great pools that are better than AKL but still not in the class of SAB at the YC / BC.

Try this link: https://swandolphin.com/offers/index.html

You get almost all the same benefits as a true Disney Resort including EMHs, 60 FP+, 180 Day + 10 ADR bookings. The only thing I miss when staying at the Swan / Dolphin is the lack of a supplied MB and the ability to charge back to my room from my MB. Not an issue if you already have MBs from a previous trip or don't mind spending $12.99 to purchase a new one for your SO. He might like a custom one vs a plain old Disney color. And really how hard is it to pay with a credit card or cash vs using a MB that I can never right the first time.

Dave

 

[SL6827]

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.

This makes me nervous.

 

[Miss Frankie J]

Oh I have no problem moving unattended towels if there aren't any other personal items with them! That drives me crazy!

The great thing about the quiet pools is you can have drinks by the pool We go to the quiet pools a lot in the evening.

Are you not allowed to have drinks by the main pool? or do you mean you can be in the pool or sitting on the edge of a pool with drinks? When we stayed at AKL I was relaxing on a Lounge chair and a Castmember took my drink order and brought it back to me.