Wilderness Lodge vs Beach Club?

[flinkerfrosch]

19 days and counting we will be in WDW, and can't wait!! I thought I had the trip FINALLY planned, organized etc..but I keep making changes!!
I can't help myself..lol

I need your help! It will be myself, DH, DS 6 and DS 3.

We are staying 6 nights at AKL, 4 nights BC and 5 nights WL.

My kids LOVE to swim, so I was thinking of doing 5 nights BC instead of 4(the 5th night just became available) and 4 nights WL instead of 5.

What would you do? This is our 1st time at WDW, so I have NO idea what to expect!

Thank-you!!!!

Cheers!

 

[pepe of ohio]

Personally, I don't like, enjoy or do split stays... We move into a resort and just relax and play the whole vacation...

But if I had to, I'd do resorts where I'm going to spend the most time...

Mine you, thus is personally our choice, we'd throw out AKL ( been there, never saw or felt the urge) and split the vacation days between the BC and WL....BC because it makes getting to EPCOT a short walk....WL, because its a pleasant boat ride to the MK.... No bus transportation issues...even the boat to DHS from the BC is nice..

We're just not fans of AK, not much to see and do, very hard park to navigate, more hot than other parks due to vegetation...or a 1/2 day park... We just skip it, we enjoy the MK the most...

Anywho 3 moves in one trip... Not something we would want to do, and with young children ( we did with our own and now with the grandchildren) enjoy swimming in the resort pool most of all... Instead of packing up and moving around...

 

[JoJostar]

Here's my 2 cents. Your kids are pretty young so i am not sure how well they swim. SAB at the BC/YC made me super nervous when my kids were young. It is very spread out, and in my opinion hard to keep an eye on your kids. So I would not have opted for the extra nights at the BC for that reason when my kids were young.

 

[Tigger's ally]

As an often splitstayer, I think I would keep the ressie just as you have it. Lots of people will not ever understand us split stayers, but a "new" vacation location three times during your trip adds excitement. As for the pools, with the ages you have them, they will enjoy all three pools. AKL actually will have three places for them to see now with the origiinal pool, Kidani pool and kids play area. BC pool will let them play in the sand, but will indeed be harder to watch them. WL pool is neat because of the surrounding scenery, the geyser going off, etc. Sounds like you already have a great plan. Enjoy your youngens and trip. Neither last very long.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Personally, I don't like, enjoy or do split stays... We move into a resort and just relax and play the whole vacation...

But if I had to, I'd do resorts where I'm going to spend the most time...

Mine you, thus is personally our choice, we'd throw out AKL ( been there, never saw or felt the urge) and split the vacation days between the BC and WL....BC because it makes getting to EPCOT a short walk....WL, because its a pleasant boat ride to the MK.... No bus transportation issues...even the boat to DHS from the BC is nice..

We're just not fans of AK, not much to see and do, very hard park to navigate, more hot than other parks due to vegetation...or a 1/2 day park... We just skip it, we enjoy the MK the most...

Anywho 3 moves in one trip... Not something we would want to do, and with young children ( we did with our own and now with the grandchildren) enjoy swimming in the resort pool most of all... Instead of packing up and moving around...

Thank-you for your input!

AKL is a must do for us. My sister stayed there a few years ago, and said my boys would love it, so we must try it out! My boys LOVE animals, and we got a Savanna View, so we are excited to watch the animals from our balcony.

I know my boys will love AK, so I believe we will probably spend 2 days there throughout our stay

As for the split stay portion..we are campers! We own a tent trailer and spent many weeks/weekends camping during the summer. We set up/pack up all the time, so doing this vs moving a few suitcases to another resort is so simple for us. We wanted to try out a few of the resorts, and are very excited to do so.

We are actually staying another 8 days in a 2 bedroom condo on the beach in Treasure Island after our Disney stay, so moving around is something we enjoy doing

I understand a split stay isn't for everyone, but for us, its a no brainer!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Here's my 2 cents. Your kids are pretty young so i am not sure how well they swim. SAB at the BC/YC made me super nervous when my kids were young. It is very spread out, and in my opinion hard to keep an eye on your kids. So I would not have opted for the extra nights at the BC for that reason when my kids were young.

Thank-you for your help!

We actually have a pool (not as near as big as BC, but its still water and my 6 year old swims like a 15yr old, but my 3 year old is still hesitant, and doesn't swim as well.
Water doesn't make me nervous cause I've grown up with a pool, boating and camping, so I'm not intimidated by the BC pool although I do understand where you're coming from.
I will keep your advice in mind while I ponder my decision!

Thanks again

 

[flinkerfrosch]

As an often splitstayer, I think I would keep the ressie just as you have it. Lots of people will not ever understand us split stayers, but a "new" vacation location three times during your trip adds excitement. As for the pools, with the ages you have them, they will enjoy all three pools. AKL actually will have three places for them to see now with the origiinal pool, Kidani pool and kids play area. BC pool will let them play in the sand, but will indeed be harder to watch them. WL pool is neat because of the surrounding scenery, the geyser going off, etc. Sounds like you already have a great plan. Enjoy your youngens and trip. Neither last very long.

You're right! A lot of people that don't split stay will not understand my reasons for it, but to each there own, right

Our family loves it, and we are very excited for out trip!

I really do appreciate everyone's opinions because I am so indecisive!

I know my boys will love AKL because there is something for both boys (water slides for both, zero entry etc..) The BC has the big Pirate ship slide my 6 year old is SUPER excited to do (he's a thrill seeker) and then they have the smaller slide and sand bottom portion for my younger one.
WL pool doesn't look as exciting, but its hard to tell from pictures.

I did have the Poly booked for the last 5 nights, but changed my mind cause of the construction going on. Do you think I should have stayed with the Poly vs WL?

All the resorts have so much to offer and its making my decision so hard! I can never stick with the plan I make..I always have to change it..lol

I never thought planning a Disney trip was so exciting and stressful at the same time! Haha

 

[mickeynut1]

I would keep everything the way you have it. We have stayed at all 3 resorts and loved them all. With that said, we loved our BC stay and did like SAB, but both WL & AKL pools come in second for us after the volcano pool at the Poly. All 3 resorts have great things to offer and I think your kids will have a great time at all 3. Have a great trip .

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I would keep everything the way you have it. We have stayed at all 3 resorts and loved them all. With that said, we loved our BC stay and did like SAB, but both WL & AKL pools come in second for us after the volcano pool at the Poly. All 3 resorts have great things to offer and I think your kids will have a great time at all 3. Have a great trip .

Thank-you!

I did have the Poly booked for the last 5 nights, but switched to WL cause of the construction. Do you think I should have stuck with the Poly?
Location wise WL and Poly are great! But amenities wise..is there a big difference? I do think my 6 year old would love the Poly pool better then WL, but the Poly pool seems much smaller then WL.

Yes, pools are very important in my decisions because my boys LOVE to swim!

We've been to Great Wolf Lodge many times, and I've heard WL is similar..is this true? Of course, minus the indoor water park portion...

 

[Masonmj84]

Thank-you for your input!

As for the split stay portion..we are campers! We own a tent trailer and spent many weeks/weekends camping during the summer. We set up/pack up all the time, so doing this vs moving a few suitcases to another resort is so simple for us. We wanted to try out a few of the resorts, and are very excited to do so.

I grew up in a camping/backpacking family so I totally understand where you're coming from on split stays (we love them and find that changing resorts is a LOT easier than setting up or taking down a campsite).

Have you thought about cutting one day off your AKL stay and then adding a day to BC (that way, you'd have 5 nights at each resort)?

FWIW, I understand, what you mean about changing your plans all the time. I have a 14 night stay planned for late April/early May 2014 and change my plans about once a week.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I grew up in a camping/backpacking family so I totally understand where you're coming from on split stays (we love them and find that changing resorts is a LOT easier than setting up or taking down a campsite).

Have you thought about cutting one day off your AKL stay and then adding a day to BC (that way, you'd have 5 nights at each resort)?

FWIW, I understand, what you mean about changing your plans all the time. I have a 14 night stay planned for late April/early May 2014 and change my plans about once a week.

Haha..you're so much like me! I've changed my resorts, order of resorts, # of nights at each resort SO many times that I'm driving myself crazy!

I was originally doing 5 nights at all 3, but ended up renting points at AKV, and got such a good deal per night in a Savanna View room that I couldn't turn it down, so its paid for until the 18th. So, it leaves me 4 nights at BC and 5 at WL. I was just having difficulties as to what resort to stay at 1 night longer then the other?

And then of course, I am still doubting my decision to change to WL from the Poly..I don't understand why I can't just stick with what I've got! Lol..

I guess it would be too simple, and I love a challenge..

Thanks for your help, and nice to hear from a fellow camper! Indeed, resort switching from camping is 10 times easier!!

I forgot to mention..have an awesome time on your trip! If you're like me, you will change things another 20+ times..haha

 

[DisneyDmbNut]

I think you will LOVE AKL.. the pool is awesome!!! I wouldn't change a thing. I think you will get the benefit of each resort.. I love all 3!

 

[DJFan88]

Judging by your responses to everyones input, you seem pretty intent on the bones of your plan. So, therefore, I wouldn't fret about the one day here or there, and just leave it alone, making it simpler on yourself so you can get to other parts of planning.

Not sure about the 2 days at AK park, as my boys were growing up, we've always felt one did it, but I can see popping in there twice esp. if you are like us, and don't stay at a park gungho style, preferring to go back to our resort earlier for swims, etc., We can usu. cover what we need there by just extending it a little till around 4.
The reason is that the shows are great so you want to see them (ESP see Nemo!). But also that some of the rides have height limitations that mine at 6 did not meet. Now they sure do! But we still get it all in, as it seems there is less there than MK and EP.
I am sure you will find yourself at MK a lot!!!
If you never make an early entry to any park, please try and make the one at MK. That is the one early entry that you can actually get a lot done at, esp. for your age group.
To me, the early entry at AK is a waste as you now just have all of the people competing for the only rides that have open for it. Esp. got nowhere with the safari ride, FP is the best way there. MK has a lot open in fantasyland and tomorrowland at that time, and is well worth it.
Have a great trip!

 

[Wood Nymph]

Do you have a lot of ADR's? It might be easier for us to advise you if we knew which parks and what activities you had planned for those days. For example, if you can't decide whether you want to stay at the BC or move to the WL on a certain night, then look at the activities that you have planned for that day. if you have a dinner reservation at Coral Reef, for example, them stay at the BC that extra day. If your reservation is at Ohana that night, then keep your reservation at WL.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Judging by your responses to everyones input, you seem pretty intent on the bones of your plan. So, therefore, I wouldn't fret about the one day here or there, and just leave it alone, making it simpler on yourself so you can get to other parts of planning.

Not sure about the 2 days at AK park, as my boys were growing up, we've always felt one did it, but I can see popping in there twice esp. if you are like us, and don't stay at a park gungho style, preferring to go back to our resort earlier for swims, etc., We can usu. cover what we need there by just extending it a little till around 4.
The reason is that the shows are great so you want to see them (ESP see Nemo!). But also that some of the rides have height limitations that mine at 6 did not meet. Now they sure do! But we still get it all in, as it seems there is less there than MK and EP.
I am sure you will find yourself at MK a lot!!!
If you never make an early entry to any park, please try and make the one at MK. That is the one early entry that you can actually get a lot done at, esp. for your age group.
To me, the early entry at AK is a waste as you now just have all of the people competing for the only rides that have open for it. Esp. got nowhere with the safari ride, FP is the best way there. MK has a lot open in fantasyland and tomorrowland at that time, and is well worth it.
Have a great trip!

Thank-you for all the info! Good to know that AK may only be a 1 day park! I just "losely planned" for 2 days just in case.
My 6 year old is just over 48 Inches, so he's able to go on most rides! My 3 year old, not so much
We do plan on spending a good bulk of the theme parks at MK and we do plan on 1 day for rope drop because I've heard from you and so many others that you get so much done in the am.
DHS and Epcot, I've planned only 1 day for each and maybe 2 for Epcot. We also have Water Park & More, so we plan on hitting both water parks.
I've planned a lot, but I also like to leave things to "what do we do today" and go with the flow. I do have a lot of ADR's and have also planned some park days around them. I've also paid very close attention to "easywdw" to pick what parks are best to attend on each given day.
I do believe I worry, stress for nothing, and need to relax and enjoy the countdown to Disney World!

Cheers!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I think you will LOVE AKL.. the pool is awesome!!! I wouldn't change a thing. I think you will get the benefit of each resort.. I love all 3!

We are very excited for AKL! For some reason I've never been able to vido that resort. I've had 4 top fav's to pick from, and I decided to vido Poly over AKL. I can't put my finger on it as to why, but I will let you know how it goes when we return.

I know you Love AKL from many posts on the AKL board. Thanks for your input, and help!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Do you have a lot of ADR's? It might be easier for us to advise you if we knew which parks and what activities you had planned for those days. For example, if you can't decide whether you want to stay at the BC or move to the WL on a certain night, then look at the activities that you have planned for that day. if you have a dinner reservation at Coral Reef, for example, them stay at the BC that extra day. If your reservation is at Ohana that night, then keep your reservation at WL.

You make a great point!
I do have a lot of ADR's and never really put a thought into the location of the ADR's to parks/resorts due to the fact that we have a car while we are there.
I do know that the last 6 days (Tues-Sun) we have an ADR on Thurs for breakfast at Ohana (may try to move it to Fri morning), Thurs night we have MBYBBQ and Sun, Chef Mickey's for breakfast as our last ADR.
We also plan on attending MNSSHP on the Fri night as well.
The Tues and Wed I have no ADR's, but plan on either doing MK or AK on the Tues or Wed. Wed night, MK for sure for the Electrical Parade & Fireworks.
Or, Tues we may do MK cause its a party day, so I've heard party days are a better day to attend to park.
Its a toss up! Depends on weather and what we've done the week before!
I don't have a solid, in stone plan, and like to go with the flow more then a strict schedule.

 

[The Sasquatch]

We are doing almost the same split stay in December.

4 nights at BCV and 3 nights at WLV

These are our 2 favorite resorts and they are both great for different reasons. The BC/YC pool is by far the biggest selling point for us and it is truly above and beyond the pools at the other resorts. If you are like most families I know, the pool plays a major part in the vacation as a whole. The other great benefits of staying in the Epcot resort area is the close proximity to Epcot for dining and also having the Boardwalk area for dining and nightime activities. The whole area is pretty lively into the evening vs the somewhat peaceful WL and AKL.
I think WL is just awesome from the first time you walk through the front door. No other resort gives you that same sense of awe when you arrive. The theme and attention to detail is in every square inch of that resort. Its very nice to be close to MK and also close to Fort Wilderness. There are a bunch of activities and shows right around the corner that most people dont take advantage of. We like spending a part of the day wandering around the campground on bikes you can rent at WL or going to the campfire, hoop dee doo or the backyard barbecue. At the end of the day, the WL winds down and gives you a chance to relax.
I dont want to take away anything from AKL but I just dont get the same enjoyment from that resort. I do however disagree with people posting that AK has a lack of things to do or its not a 2 day park. AK and AKL are two different things. AK has a ton of things to do if you take the time to enjoy it. Its not the place you run from ride to ride. But if you walk, take in the animals and shows, and jump on a ride in between, its a great place. Everest, Dinosaur, Kali River, Kilamanjaro Safari, Tough to be a Bug, Lion King, Jungle Trek, etc. All very enjoyable.
At the end of the day, being that its your first time, you are going to be amazed by anything you end up choosing. We are all somewhat jaded because of the amount of times we have all been there. The only thing I would caution is trying to do too much in one day. You are staying for a pretty long time so balance your days with going to the park, coming back for a swim, maybe a nap, dinner, and going back to the park or and activity in the evening.

Have a great time!

 

[TJA]

So you are set with moving around, so I won't comment on that portion -- you mainly want thoughts on WL vs. Poly and also add an extra day to BC portion, right? I think you said you have a car, but it's extremely nice to use easy WDW transportation when you can. You will LOVE that about BC -- being able to walk to Epcot and HS is wonderful. Go at your own pace, no waiting in lines, no parking. Personally, I'd add the extra day to your BC portion because of this ease factor and also because I think there is a lot more to do around the Epcot resort area. You can even walk to mini golf, enjoy the boardwalk, lots to do.

We personally loved SAB when our kids were toddlers because of the exclusive section with shallow water and sand everywhere. However, you mentioned your 6 yr old can swim like a 15 yr old, so as parents you will most likely have to split up if the 6 yr old wants to go to other sections of SAB. As long as you're prepared for that. We have twins so we never had to deal with splitting up as we always stayed together.

At WL, you can easily boat to MK. And, yes, it does remind me of Great Wolf Lodge to a certain degree. The theming is very rustic and cozy. However, you mentioned Poly being your first choice and I do have to say that a reason we love Poly is because we can watch Wishes right from there. If you have a TPV, it's heavenly watching right from your balcony/patio. And I think your boys would love the monorail to MK. Both WL and Poly are great, but given the choice we'd probably pick Poly due to monorail and watching Wishes, plus we love 'Ohana and Kona, and the new rooms at Poly are extremely nice and much larger than rooms at WL. But WL is very, very cozy and nice, so if you decide to stay with that I highly doubt you'd be disappointed.

Hope I helped and didn't make things worse...

 

[hookedonears]

19 days and counting we will be in WDW, and can't wait!! I thought I had the trip FINALLY planned, organized etc..but I keep making changes!!
I can't help myself..lol

I need your help! It will be myself, DH, DS 6 and DS 3.

We are staying 6 nights at AKL, 4 nights BC and 5 nights WL.

My kids LOVE to swim, so I was thinking of doing 5 nights BC instead of 4(the 5th night just became available) and 4 nights WL instead of 5.

What would you do? This is our 1st time at WDW, so I have NO idea what to expect!

Thank-you!!!!

Cheers!

What would I do? First of all, we love the water parks. Since you're staying for such a long time and your kids love pools, I'd do Typhoon Lagoon twice and Blizard Beach once. I'd change resorts only once. I'd spend 7 nights at the BC - great pool and then 8 nights at the Poly. Great pool as well and best resort at WDW IMO,to end a great vacation. AKL and WL are very nice facilities, but they're unfortunately out in the middle of freaking nowhere.