Which resort, AKL, WL, or BW?

[kamerino]

We (my boyfriend, myself, and my 8 year old daughter) are heading to Disney World in mid-January. We currently have a reservation at CBR, and are super excited. That being said, this trip is a pretty special one. We have all been through a very difficult year (I lost my dad in September to cancer, my stepdad is currently in hospice after suffering a series of Parkinson's-related seizures, and my partner is currently in Greece visiting his mom, who was just diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer). This trip is our way to start the new year off with a something to celebrate, and to step outside of our daily worries and enjoy ourselves for a few days. Anyway, we were able to save up a little extra, and we can upgrade to either AKL, WL, or Boardwalk (the others are too expensive). I've never stayed at any of those, and would welcome any suggestions.

Thank you!!!

 

[chalee94]

With an 8 year old, I'm guessing you'll spend extra time at the MK, so I'll vote WL. (Mild concern about construction issues but the boat to MK is nice.) Artist Point is a nice upscale restaurant and Whispering Canyon Cafe is fun if you're feeling more rambunctious.

If epcot is your favorite, then the BW resort puts you in walking distance of both that and the studios. The wooden coaster style pool slide is also fun (serious clown phobias might push this to last place though. )

I love the animals, theming and restaurants at AKL but it does "feel" like a long way from the MK for little ones and buses are your only option to get to the parks.

Wherever you stay, try to swing by the boardwalk for dinner (or at least a funnel cake) and maybe watch a juggler or magician for a few minutes while you are there. Similarly, grab breakfast or a daytime snack at the AKL and check out the animals.

 

[kamerino]

With an 8 year old, I'm guessing you'll spend extra time at the MK, so I'll vote WL. (Mild concern about construction issues but the boat to MK is nice.)

If epcot is your favorite, then the BW resort puts you in walking distance of both that and the studios. The wooden coaster style pool slide is also fun (serious clown phobias might push this to last place though. )

I love the animals, theming and restaurants at AKL but it does "feel" like a long way from the MK for little ones and buses are your only option to get to the parks.

I'm with you on the clown phobia! I would not want to swim in that pool, lol.

I'd love to hear how bad the construction is at WL right now. If it's not too intrusive, then I think that might be the right one. Then again... the animals at AKL seem pretty damned cool.

 

[NJ Goofy]

Sorry to hear about your very tough year and hoping your trip will brighten next year !

We've stayed at all 3 resorts and I don't think you can make a wrong decision. AKL is a beautiful place and if your DD likes animals she'll love it, obviously it is only a short bus ride to AK. WL is also very cool, the lobby and fire place are something special, you can take a nice boat ride right over to MK. BWI is our favorite because of it location. You can walk to EPCOT's back gate and take the boat to DHS, so it very convenient. We also enjoy the Boardwalk itself because there's always something going on and the view of the lake is beautiful. Good Luck !

 

[siestakeys04]

Sorry to hear about your family ... we have not stayed at the WL since 2006 but my kids enjoyed it there the boat transportation was quick and a great option along with the bus.

 

[Babsy]

I would pick BWI as first choice because we do not enjoy staying in a resort with construction, so the WL is out. We know from experience that you can encounter problems with a resort under construction at WDW and we do not want another difficult situation like that again (similarly, you can have no issues at all, but you are taking a risk). AKL would be my second choice. It is a wonderful resort, but the most distant from the MK which is where you will going often, especially with an 8 year old.

Any of the three are great resorts so you will likely have a wonderful time whichever you choose!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

We've stayed at all 3 and BWI would be my choice. My DS9 actually loves the clown slide! AKL and WL are beautiful resorts, but the rooms are much smaller than the rooms at BWI. BWI also offers you two parks within walking distance (EP and DHS), great evening entertainment on the Boardwalk and tons of restaurants within walking distance (EP WS restaurants plus all the restaurants at BWI, BC/YC and Swan/Dolphin). Especially if you are doing late night activities at DHS or EP, it's great to be able to simply walk back to your resort.

 

[rosiebean]

Personally, if I were saving extra and upgrading, I wouldn't go to a hotel with construction. I've stayed at WDW resorts while they were undergoing construction, but those stays weren't a 'splurge' or meant to be special in the way you are describing. Construction can be ok if you know what you're getting into, but it can also dampen the magic.

We stayed at the Poly two years ago when it was in deep refurbishment...after getting a great discount that was well within my budget that year. Our room was away from construction, but...the lobby was mostly walled off as was much of the exterior pathways and the big pool was closed. We were thrilled, because we got our room at a good price, had a good view, etc. But if I'd saved up extra to stay at the Poly given the construction, I'd have been sorely disappointed.

In your circumstances, I'd stay at BWI. It's in a really fantastic location within walking distance to two parks...both of which have rides and shops that appeal to young kids (my kids LOVED Epcot). BWI also has a fun nighttime vibe and a really cool pool (and long slide) if the weather cooperates. An added bonus is that...if you chose to relax at your resort at night...you can hang out along the boardwalk (or in your room given your view) and watch two firework shows. The earlier show at Studios isn't as spectacular as those at Epcot, but it's really cool relaxing by the lake and watching fireworks.

But if your party loves animals, I've heard nothing but great things about staying at AKL. Sure, the bus rides are a tad bit longer than from most other hotels, but the resort is stunning and animals animals animals!

Good luck on your trip, and I hope it's amazing!

 

[DaisyDuck001]

It would depend partly on which resort's theme most appeals to you three.

I've stayed at WL and BW. Although I haven't stayed at AKL, I've dined at Boma and Jiko, and had a chance to walk around AKL a bit.

The only drawback IMHO of BW is that there is no real restaurant inside the hotel -- just a bar area selling snacks, drinks, and continental breakfast. But if you go outside the hotel, there are restaurants nearby.

I can see positives and negatives to staying at a resort undergoing construction. I find it interesting to learn how things get to be the way they are, so glimpses of construction intrigue me in a sense. I've read that they generally limit the noisy aspects of construction to between 9AM and 5PM. I also stayed at the Poly during its remodeling and was not too bothered by the construction, but YMMV.

I think that the three resorts you are considering are all good choices, and you almost can't go wrong with any of them. I don't know how long your trip is, but can you possibly do a split stay among two of the resorts? If so, since AKL and WL have a similar look to their lobby, I'd choose one of those based on which theme you like best, and pair that with BW.

 

[hakepb]

AKL is generally only a good option if you plan to spend enough time at the resort to view the animals, interact with the Cultural CM's (check activity schedule) and dine in at least 1 TS restaurant. It's not everyone's "best every trip" resort, but it's so unique that it's worth trying once if you can.

2 summers ago, as we were walking into WL, DS8 said to me, "remember when we stayed in that resort with animals outside our room?" (Hint, hint). It sure seemed that the animals made a bigger impression on him than any negative like longer bus rides.

But, it's January weather, and it can get down to the 30's.
At BWI, all dining requires a walk outside when walking from your room.
At WL, that wonderful boat ride could be super chilly.
And AKL, it can be too cold, so the Giraffe and other animals need to stay inside their barn (where guests can't see them)..and QS dining is a walk outside, at least its covered.

Spend some time thinking how you utilize a resort during your trip and make the best choice for your family.

 

[kamerino]

Thanks everyone, so much, for your input! We're going for a relatively short time (4 nights), and we've planned a full day at MK, a full day at Epcot (our favorite), and a day day at AK, with dinner at HS (50's Prime Time). We've left the first evening and last day open to relax and enjoy our resort, and maybe Disney Springs.

I think that after a bit of research I'm starting to lean towards BWI, because of it's proximity to both Epcot and HS, and because of the Boardwalk itself. It feels like a destination in and of itself. We like to end the day with a few drinks, and the Boardwalk (the microbrewery in particular) seems like a pretty nice option, and something different than a typical hotel lobby bar. I've also heard that the buskers on the boardwalk can be pretty entertaining, and I think my kiddo would enjoy that. I also really like the thought of being able to walk back from a couple of the parks in the evenings. Although we're Floridians (and Athenian), we do quite enjoy the cold weather (I spent most of my twenties in Chicago and London), and that doesn't feel like too much of a deterrent. I also think that the whimsical look of the resort would be really appealing to us, creepy clown notwithstanding.

In regards to WL, although I've always wanted to stay there, I think that I might wait until the construction is finished, and go then.

AKL still circles back in my mind because of the animals, but the truth is, that with the exception of early mornings and that last day, our time spent at the resort will be limited to late nights, where we won't really be seeing many animals at all. That being said, catching a single glimpse of a giraffe or a zebra from our room would probably "make the trip" for both my boyfriend and my daughter!

These decisions are tough! I thought I had decided when I started writing this post, but now I'm not so sure!

Back to more research....

 

[DizDaD7]

We (my boyfriend, myself, and my 8 year old daughter) are heading to Disney World in mid-January. We currently have a reservation at CBR, and are super excited. That being said, this trip is a pretty special one. We have all been through a very difficult year (I lost my dad in September to cancer, my stepdad is currently in hospice after suffering a series of Parkinson's-related seizures, and my partner is currently in Greece visiting his mom, who was just diagnosed with stage 3 lung cancer). This trip is our way to start the new year off with a something to celebrate, and to step outside of our daily worries and enjoy ourselves for a few days. Anyway, we were able to save up a little extra, and we can upgrade to either AKL, WL, or Boardwalk (the others are too expensive). I've never stayed at any of those, and would welcome any suggestions.

Thank you!!!

So sorry for your unfortunate circumstances....But keep thinking positively for all will get better. Disney has a great way of doing this as well.
With that being said, your dilemma for the resorts is a good one. For any one you choose, I'm sure will be magical..

1st off: AKL/V & WL are designed/built by the same architect, so you'll see a lot of similarities here. Other than decor.
BWV on the other hand is waaay different from these 2.

It all depends what you are looking for in a resort.

Are you going to be spending down time at the resort?, Pools shops, eating. Etc.
It seems in the 4 days you'll be visiting every park, so no real advantage from one to the other about location. Maybe slightly for BWV, for it's proximity to the 2 parks.

We've done 2 summer trips both at BWV & both have been great. My kids and I love the clown pool. One of the best on property, and has some fun entertainment out on the BW...

AKL/V on the other hand, is a whole separate vacation though. Sort of a vacation within a vacation.
True it's a lil further away from MK, but this is what makes it so magical...You come back from the parks and it's very relaxing here. It has 2 of the nicest pools & 3 awesome TS & the best QS restaurant too.. So much to do & see here.

Hopefully this will help u a little. Either route enjoy choosing & have a great trip...

 

[ahutton]

If EPCOT is your favorite and you will have park hopper tickets then Boardwalk would be my pick, hands down. It's wonderful to enjoy a day in a different park, relax a bit and wander into EPCOT for Illuminations and a treat at the end of the night and then come back to the Boardwalk activities.

 

[kamerino]

If EPCOT is your favorite and you will have park hopper tickets then Boardwalk would be my pick, hands down. It's wonderful to enjoy a day in a different park, relax a bit and wander into EPCOT for Illuminations and a treat at the end of the night and then come back to the Boardwalk activities.

We have AP and we do like to hop around on every day except for MK day (that day is kind of sacred to my daughter, lol, and we do it from rope drop to park close... exhausting!). I am liking the idea of BWI more and more, mainly for it's proximity to our favorite park, especially to World Showcase (our favorite part or the park!). It gives us an excuse to go back more than once

In all of my years going to Disney, I've never been on the Boardwalk at night. I know there are a few 21+ venues, but are there things that my daughter would enjoy, too?

With that being said, your dilemma for the resorts is a good one. For any one you choose, I'm sure will be magical..

Absolutely a good dilemma to have!

 

[DizDaD7]

We have AP and we do like to hop around on every day except for MK day (that day is kind of sacred to my daughter, lol, and we do it from rope drop to park close... exhausting!). I am liking the idea of BWI more and more, mainly for it's proximity to our favorite park, especially to World Showcase (our favorite part or the park!). It gives us an excuse to go back more than once

In all of my years going to Disney, I've never been on the Boardwalk at night. I know there are a few 21+ venues, but are there things that my daughter would enjoy, too?



Absolutely a good dilemma to have!

Besides the magicians/illusionists, there are some carnival type games out there. plenty of lil kiosks, for snacks & stuff.The arcade is right on the ground level as well....Also not to far from you, are the 2 miniature golf courses. & yes entry to IG is a HUGE plus...It's right next to 2 of our favorite areas. UK---> Love it and the food/snacks/mime at France.

 

[GreatLakes]

All three of those are excellent choices but unless we were going during Christmas we would be staying at the AKL out of those three. My wife has already let me know our next trip down, which will be our first with a kid, will be at AKL even if it means less park days.

That being said it really comes down to which is more important to you, proximity to a park or the theming if the AKL theme is your thing. If being close to MK or Epcot is more important I'd adjust to WL or BWI respectively.

 

[hakepb]

We have AP and we do like to hop around on every day except for MK day (that day is kind of sacred to my daughter, lol, and we do it from rope drop to park close... exhausting!). I am liking the idea of BWI more and more, mainly for it's proximity to our favorite park, especially to World Showcase (our favorite part or the park!). It gives us an excuse to go back more than once

In all of my years going to Disney, I've never been on the Boardwalk at night. I know there are a few 21+ venues, but are there things that my daughter would enjoy, too?



Absolutely a good dilemma to have!

I think you have a great BWI plan!

And with an AP... definitely use EPCOT World Showcase as an extension of your resort! (On arrival or "resort" day) Just walk in for a meal and head back

 

[AggieRach99]

We love BWI. With the addition of Ample Hills last summer, my 11 yo DS doesn't want to stay anywhere else, as he loves the ice cream! Being able to walk to 2 parks is just fabulous. Hope you enjoy the trip!

 

[prgal0715]

We love BWI. With the addition of Ample Hills last summer, my 11 yo DS doesn't want to stay anywhere else, as he loves the ice cream! Being able to walk to 2 parks is just fabulous. Hope you enjoy the trip!

I don't even have words for how amazing Ample Hills is! Looking forward to some sorbet there in a week; who cares if it's January?

 

[xlsm]

We just got back from the Boardwalk after several visits to WL...I vote WL hands down! The construction didn't seem intrusive at all (we went over to see the holiday decorations), you should check out the thread on the resorts board, it's full of current info!

We did not enjoy the Boardwalk as much. Toward the end of the trip, we grew to like it more, but it wasn't very convenient as far as the resort itself. Our room was waaayyy far from everything (.17 miles from the elevator. I tracked it!), and our Boardwalk view was very loud. If you do refillable mugs, I would skip it at BW and just order some water or something to keep in your room. Or, book club level, because this is a resort where it would really come in handy from a convenience point of view. At the very least, request to be near the elevators. The resort itself is beautiful, but our kids didn't like it as much as they do Wilderness Lodge (they're 11 and 13). We used the quiet pool and it was nice...the clown pool is much smaller in real life than it looks in photos. If we stay in the Epcot area again, we'd probably choose Yacht Club for Stormalong Bay.

I am staying at AKL in May, and we visited it on this trip...I think it would be great for your daughter. It's breathtaking.

For me, I think Boardwalk would be more appealing to maybe couples or groups of adults. It just has that kind of vibe. If we were to ever stay there again, it would be in a garden view room close to an elevator, or club level. Otherwise, it's not worth it to us.
Wilderness Lodge is incredibly convenient on every level. Easy access to everything, good transportation, and a gorgeous pool. AKL is spectacularly gorgeous, lots of activities outside of park time, and has a very comfortable atmosphere.

Choosing a resort is hard!! Good luck making your decision and have a wonderful trip!