Torn on where to stay

[2binak]

We're going back to the World in mid-November and we're bringing my in-laws along with us. We're debating between AKV savanna view & BLT lake view but are really torn about where to stay:

BLT Pro - We spend quite a bit of time at MK & Epcot and we'll be attending MVMCP one night, so having access to these two parks via walking & monorail is a huge plus.

BLT Con - I really enjoy spending quiet time on our balcony in the mornings and at night and would be really disappointed if we get a room on the inside of the C where you're essentially facing the other 1/2 of the building. (yes - I'm a view snob ) Also, my in-laws aren't really modern decor or building people so I don't know that they'd enjoy the feel of BLT.

AKV Pro - We've stayed here twice and know that we love the entire resort. My in-laws love lodgey places and have never stayed here so I think it would be nice for them experience it.

AKV Con - We have a rental car, but take the bus to MK so we'll be taking the bus more often than we'd like to.

I'm sure that VWL could be a compromise, but it's too woodsy for my taste.

So, anyone want to help us decide where to stay? BLT for the location or AKV for the atmosphere?

 

[mom2aidanNpiper]

We're going back to the World in mid-November and we're bringing my in-laws along with us. We're debating between AKV savanna view & BLT lake view but are really torn about where to stay:

BLT Pro - We spend quite a bit of time at MK & Epcot and we'll be attending MVMCP one night, so having access to these two parks via walking & monorail is a huge plus.

BLT Con - I really enjoy spending quiet time on our balcony in the mornings and at night and would be really disappointed if we get a room on the inside of the C where you're essentially facing the other 1/2 of the building. (yes - I'm a view snob )

AKV Pro - We've stayed here twice and know that we love the entire resort. My in-laws love lodgey places and have never stayed here so I think it would be nice for them experience it.

AKV Con - We have a rental car, but take the bus to MK so we'll be taking the bus more often than we'd like to.

I'm sure that VWL could be a compromise, but I'm not a woodsy, lodgey person at all and the draw to AKV is the animals & the kids play area by the pool.

So, anyone want to help us decide where to stay?

Not sure this helps at all, but for our trip next Feb we plan to do a split stay at both these resorts if we can 4 nights each is what we plan on doing! My kids are dying to stay at AKL but we love the monorail resorts. So half and half seemed perfect.

Good luck on your decision!

 

[hakepb]

What do the inlaws think about walking, ie to they drive around a stores parking lot looking for a good spot?
To some the loooong hallways of Kidani may be a deterrent. Otherwise, it sounds like Kidani may be the better choice.

FWIW, I'm not a big fan of the split stay hassle, but it really depends on personal preference.

 

[2binak]

Not sure this helps at all, but for our trip next Feb we plan to do a split stay at both these resorts if we can 4 nights each is what we plan on doing! My kids are dying to stay at AKL but we love the monorail resorts. So half and half seemed perfect.

Good luck on your decision!

We did talk about a split stay but decided that once we're settled in, we like to stay settled in. We unpack our suitcase & owner's locker and "move in" to our room and we don't want to pack & unpack three times in 7 days. Twice is enough I am totally jealous of those of you who can rock the split stay

What do the inlaws think about walking, ie to they drive around a stores parking lot looking for a good spot?
To some the loooong hallways of Kidani may be a deterrent. Otherwise, it sounds like Kidani may be the better choice.

FWIW, I'm not a big fan of the split stay hassle, but it really depends on personal preference.

They are both in great shape so they don't mind walking but we have a rental car so the long hallways at Kidani aren't really an issue except for when we need to catch the MK bus. We'll also have park hoppers so we may drive to one park and hop to MK from there.

 

[hakepb]

Cool!

I'm not catching anything to suggest a big negative of AKV. (Make sure to dine at Jambo at least once, that lobby is very impressive )

BLT is a more prototypical choice of families with young kids, or those that enjoy modern, or highrises, or most WDW fans that take a monorail through the Contemporary and think..."some day is like to stay here"
But AKV is an incredible and unique experience, especially if you spend enough time in the room to enjoy the animals (the morning can be a bad time on the sunset savannah as the animals are getting checked in the vet building). FWIW, you do see other people on balconies at Kidani, especially if you are on the inside of the North turn. But it is less awkward because you know others are out to look at animals

 

[disfanforlife]

No advice, but I am facing a similar question myself. We are booked at Kidani in November. But, we are bringing another family with us who have never been to Disney before. We tried to tell them the differences between the resorts. They like the idea of being close to the MK, but their sons would LOVE seeing the animals at Kidani. Haven't decided yet if I am going to try to switch. Only a few weeks left until the 7 month window....

 

[spiceycat]

there is another DVC resort near the WDW - VWL - it was designed by the same person who did AKL/V.

now it does have animals - just the wildlife in Florida.

still can't believe the other guests who were sure that Disney had tamed the squirrels.....not to mention the birds....

anyway it is not as close as BLT - but if you like AKV - you might like it. So you get close to the MK and still have your interior that your enjoy

 

[Donna M]

You said you love AKV and your in-laws like lodgey places, so I say go for AKV. BLT has a very different feel, no lodgeyness there. I was disappointed when I would walk up to the main door at BLT since it just felt like any hotel I'd see in a city. When I'm at Disney I like to feel like I'm someplace else; you'll get that feeling at AKV.

If you will not be in your room much, then the convenience of BLT might outweigh the theming.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You may want to book your home resort now if you haven't already. Mid-November can be hard to book with the end of Food & Wine, Food & Wine Half Marathon, Veterans Day, Jersey Week, etc.

 

[2binak]

Thanks for the input everyone! I just read through this thread with Dh and we've decided to try to get into AKV this year and save BLT for another trip.

You may want to book your home resort now if you haven't already. Mid-November can be hard to book with the end of Food & Wine, Food & Wine Half Marathon, Veterans Day, Jersey Week, etc.

We always book at 11 months out so we do have a beautiful place to stay (BWV) if AKV is unavailable