Split between YC and AKL--How many days each?

[Dobie]

Hi. This is my first post!!!!

We are planning our first trip to the World for the first week of April, 2006. (Two weeks before Easter) We are teachers and our daughter is in honors classes, so we have to go during our spring break (we don't want to travel at Christmas because our airport often gets weathered in, and summer is too hot, but I digress. . .)

We are booking this week through DU, to split our stay at YC and AKL. I had initially thought the first 5 nights at YC, to be walking distance from Epcot and the Boardwalk and close to MGM. SAB was a huge draw for us. Being spoiled by the Grand Californian in DL, we really like the walking distance aspect. Then, the last 2 nights at AKL, savannah view, to have a more relaxing end to our trip.

Having read on this board that SAB is really crowded, this is becoming less of a draw. Would we be happier at the BWI? Should we split our stay 4/3 instead of 5/2?

I would appreciate any input! Thanks so much.

 

[racheltyler]

Your 5/2 plan sounds perfect! We've stayed at most of the resorts on Dis property, including the YC and AKL, and you've picked 2 of the best, IMO. SAB is just the best and I've been there in Feb, Apr, June and I've never noticed it to be crowded. Never a problem finding seating. It really is like a waterpark and since it's so big, it never felt crowded to us. Also, the location of the YC to the parks is great. I wouldn't recommend BWI over the YC - being in the same area on the lake and similar style rooms, I'd definitely go for the one with the awesome pool and Beaches & Cream. And then AKL is just so relaxing and wonderful - from the animals, dining, exotic ambience, great pool - I could go on and on....One more thing, don't forget to try Boma at AKL. The menu may sound a little out there by the way the food is described, but it is so good (and we usually just like typical American food). Have fun on your trip!

 

[JESW]

This is just my opinion...

I would stay 3 nights at the AKL and then 4 nights at the BWI. Our family liked the AKL for the atmosphere and the fact that it's "off the beaten path". A nice resort to calm down at and ease into the vacation. We have stayed at the YC, BC & BWI and right now the BWI is our favorite. Yes, everyone talks about stormalong Bay (our kids are 6 & 10 and love it also) but I find that during busy times such as spring break the crowds are more of a pain than a pleasure. We were originally booked for the YC for our upcoming trip but I swtiched us over to the BWI. The kids like the pool and the clown slide, and no matter where they are I can see them in the pool - not the same at the YC.

We usually split our stays 3 nights at a Magic Kingdom resort and then end with 5 nights at an EPCOT resort since EPCOT is our favorite park and we love that area.

Just personal preference. You can't lose with whatever you choose.

Jill

 

[BunsenH]

I agree with racheltyler. You 5/2 scenario sounds just like what I would do if I resort hopped (never have).

 

[Dobie]

Oh no, split advice! What to do?!?

Thanks so much! Now, If I can just plan 14 meals in 14 months, I'll be set!

 

[Ladyhawke10]

I'm going to go w/ the 3/4 AKL/ BWI combination.

I agree w/ the SAB observation. While its a fun place, it is almost too crowded at times to be enjoyable for us, and during spring break it would be very crowded. I prefer the BWI to the YC or BC based on theming (I've stayed in all three, and would return to any of them, but my favorite is BW because it is SO beautifully decorated and the rooms are the prettiest!).

Our last BWI stay was during spring break, actually. While the jacuzzi near the themed pool was crowded, the jacuzzi near the quiet pool was almost always empty when we happened upon it. It is in the middle of rose bushes and very pretty landscaping and it was a lot of fun to relax in there. The walk back to the hotel after Illuminations is wonderful (as is the show itself).

The AKL is a great hotel, too...very relaxing and much more removed than the BWI, but I think it's a good place to start the vacation and then get into the Epcot area afterwards. That's what we do anyway. My favorite trip is to stay at AKL, move to BWI, and then end at GF. We usually stay about 3 days apiece in each one for a week and a half long trip. It's perfect