Torn where to stay

[poohfan]

Celebrating daughter's 21st birthday. Originally planning a family trip and staying at AoA Finding Nemo suite but now it's just the 2 of us. Family suite seems too big and AKL has Savanna room available. But will probably spend most nights at EPCOT. Monorail resorts too expensive and WL has no rooms available. Having a hard time deciding

 

[dansdad]

We are big fans of the Epcot resorts, especially Boardwalk Inn.

 

[Marionnette]

Celebrating daughter's 21st birthday. Originally planning a family trip and staying at AoA Finding Nemo suite but now it's just the 2 of us. Family suite seems too big and AKL has Savanna room available. But will probably spend most nights at EPCOT. Monorail resorts too expensive and WL has no rooms available. Having a hard time deciding

I agree with dansdad. Epcot resorts would be my choice. If not BWI or YC/BC, then look into S/D. My own preference would be BWI. Take your daughter to Jellyrolls for an over-21 evening and then you can just walk back to your room!

 

[AllieBoo]

I would do Yacht or Beach club. Stormalong bay pool is awesome. Plus you can walk to Epcot, and take a boat to DHS.

 

[Sue M]

YC is our fav Epcot resort. Swan/Dolphin has discounts for certain groups- teachers, nurses, etc. However when I've looked into this, the resort fees and paying for airport transportation pretty much ate up and room rate savings.

 

[DisneyDiana]

Epcot is our favorite park and Animal Kingdom Lodge is our favorite resort. The bus ride from AKL to Epcot is very short and they are in close proximity. If you can get a room at AKL I would go for it.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would choose an Epcot resort.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

As others have said, if an EP resort is available (BC, BWI or YC), I would book one of those. You will be able to walk back and forth to EP. If not, I would go for AKL savanna view. If you don't want to take the buses back and forth to EP, you can always exit out IG and take uber or a cab from an EP resort back to AKL.

 

[kmv]

I agree with EPCOT resorts too. I like all 3 (YC, BC and BW). If not, I would go with AKL before AoA for the 2 of you.

 

[Babsy]

Of the two choices that you mentioned, we would pick AKL. The resort is amazing with awesome theming and all the advantages of a deluxe resort. AoA is a nice value and good if you need the suites, but in your situation, the regular rooms at AKL will be perfect! Don't worry about location and buses - it is fine from AKL. You will find that you have an extra 5-10 minutes on the bus to the MK, otherwise there is no significant difference in transportation from most other resorts.

If an Epcot resort is available and in your budget, it would be a good option. We often choose to stay at the Swan or Dolphin when we manage to get one of the many great discounts that are often available there. The rooms are great and the pool is very nice. The location is awesome!
You do need to be aware that the Swan/Dolphin, although ON Disney property, are not owned by Disney. So, they have access to EMH and the WDW transportation, but not to DME and room charging for theme park purchases. Also there is a resort fee and parking fee if you stay here, so add about $50 per night to the rate to get a more realistic cost for comparison to Disney resort costs.

good luck!

 

[robinb]

What is your budget and when is your trip? You might want to look into renting points for a DVC Studio somewhere.

 

[wdwthanksgiving]

Epcot resorts would be great if any are in your budget - easy access to two parks plus the boardwalk at night is lots of fun.
AKL is beautiful but quieter and more removed from "the action"--
You can always reserve your room out of the current choices, but keep checking back for an opening at WL --WL is terrific with the watercraft to MK and Contemporary for easy hop onto monorail..also has the new Geyser Point which is terrific..nice pool that's not too crowded and a wonderful lodge atmosphere

 

[NH-to-FL]

Another vote for one of the Epcot resorts. We are fans of the Boardwalk Inn but if a great pool is important then I suggest the Beach Club or Yacht Club.

We have made many trips to the BWI and love being able to wander over to Epcot in the evening.

The Epcot resorts are expensive but in my opinion are the best location on site.

 

[bettybooplove]

Celebrating daughter's 21st birthday. Originally planning a family trip and staying at AoA Finding Nemo suite but now it's just the 2 of us. Family suite seems too big and AKL has Savanna room available. But will probably spend most nights at EPCOT. Monorail resorts too expensive and WL has no rooms available. Having a hard time deciding

If Magic Kingdom resorts are too expensive do you consider Epcot resorts too expensive as well? I noticed you only mentioned the park but none of the resorts.

If the Epcot resorts are out of your budget I would consider Saratoga Springs. It's cheaper than the Magic Kingdom resorts and even some of the Epcot resorts. It's a 7 minute drive to Epcot. There's also a boat ride to Disney Springs and your daughter would have a lot to do since she'll be 21.

I think AKL is beautiful and a nice second choice. It's 10-15 minutes away from Epcot by car.

 

[mickeynut1]

Of the two choices that you mentioned, we would pick AKL. The resort is amazing with awesome theming and all the advantages of a deluxe resort. AoA is a nice value and good if you need the suites, but in your situation, the regular rooms at AKL will be perfect! Don't worry about location and buses - it is fine from AKL. You will find that you have an extra 5-10 minutes on the bus to the MK, otherwise there is no significant difference in transportation from most other resorts.

I agree with Babsy. AKL is an amazing resort and would be my choice as well. Even though the resort is out away from everything, the transportation isn't bad, IMO. We have had 2 stays at AKL and visit every trip to eat at Boma and have never had a problem with the buses. Good luck!

 

[robinb]

I also love the Epcot resorts, but if the monorail resorts are too expensive for the OP the Epcot resorts will be the same.

The cheapest way to get into an Epcot resort is to either rent DVC points or stay at the Swan/Dolphin.

 

[gingerfeathers]

If you really want to do a Disney deluxe resort, it sounds like AKL is definitely your best bet in regards to availability and pricing. If you're willing to possibly forego a deluxe, I agree with those who have suggested the Swan/Dolphin. They're lovely resorts that are an easy walk to Boardwalk and Epcot World Showcase: two must-visit places for a recently-turned 21-year-old. It sounds like a lovely trip though, and I am sure you'll have a great time regardless of which resort you choose.

 

[johnnyblz20]

I agree with the above. Go with an Epcot resort. Our favorite use to be BC but since the YC was renovated it has now become our favorite and still easy walk to Epcot and quick boat ride to DHS