WL, AKL, or BWI?

[rebeccaariel]

Hi all! I made a thread a little while ago asking for suggestions for resorts for my upcoming trip with my dad. He and I have narrowed it down to three options: Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, and BoardWalk Inn. I'd love to get some input!

A little background: My dad hasn't been on a vacation in a long time, about 8 years. He's taking me for my 21st birthday (woo!). He wants to relax, so this will likely be a very laid-back trip. Neither of us have ever stayed at a Deluxe. I so rarely get to travel with my dad, as you can see, so I want this to be a really great trip. I know it will be no matter where we stay, but still, I'd love to get your opinions!

 

[Wood Nymph]

I voted for Boardwalk because I think the two of you would really enjoy staying in an Epcot area resort. There are plenty of restaurants in the area, and the World Showcase is a few minutes walk.

But the Wilderness Lodge is a great place to stay, too, especially if the theme appeals to you. I don't think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[wiigirl]

Another vote for BWI.

 

[pepe of ohio]

Got to go with the overall WOW factor.... WL.... One of the most detailed to perfection, isolated by in the MK area, peaceful and serene resort on property!!

 

[AJA]

Hands down BWI!!!!

ETA: IMO your dad would love the boardwalk area and Epcot! The boardwalk area is more adult oriented.

 

[ThumpersWorld]

I vote for the Boardwalk too. EPCOT hotels are our favorites...the boardwalk is just festive and fun!

 

[AliceIn]

I picked the BWI because of the location. You'll be close to both Epcot and DHS, plus have all the entertainment options on the Boardwalk. I'd pick AKL or WL for families with younger children, but adults only I say the Epcot resorts are the best choice.

 

[bek]

Wilderness Lodge and Animal Kingdom Lodge were created by the same architect. Both are stunning! So which is more appealing to your dad -- being in a National Park setting or the African setting with animals nearby? Both my DH and I love the sense of being removed from the hustle and bustle of the parks. I picked AKL because I cannot get enough of giraffes and zebras. I also love Jiko, Boma and Sanaa much more than the WL dining options.

The Boardwalk area does have lots going on and easy access to Epcot and DHS. I stay at the Dolphin when I want to be in the Epcot area -- it's great for F&W. The Swalphin is less expensive than BWI, YC or BC and the beds are fabulous!

But for a resort focused stay -- my choice is either AKL or WL.

 

[etail]

I picked AKL, figuring that folks from Canada can see WL like spaces but seldom AKL. BW might invite you to be more engaged (frenetic) with all the things at your finger tips (two parks, the boardwalk, stuff to walk to...).

 

[figment_jii]

Hard choice! It really depends on what you want to do and whether you like the bus system or not.

If you plan to spend a lot of time at the resort, then I vote for AKL. There is so much to do and see. If you can splurge, a room with a savanna view is amazing. The only major downside if that there are no nearby parks that can be accessed without bus transportation.

If you want proximity to parks (Epcot and DHS), then BWI is a great option. It's walking distance to Epcot and kind of walking distance to DHS (about a mile). It's very easy to "pop" into Epcot.

So, it really depends on which you want...animals or proximity!

 

[MrsDuck]

AKL is my favorite!

 

[Pakey]

I've stayed at all 3 and my favorite is BWI.

 

[rebeccaariel]

Thanks so much everyone! It's a close race in the poll right now. I guess every resort has its fans! My dad and I will talk about it. It's so hard to choose when they're all so amazing! Keep the opinions coming!

 

[elaw]

I've also stayed at all 3 and WL is my favorite. It basically comes down to personal preference since they are each very different themes.

 

[Dizzytime]

All so nice, but the convenience of EPCOT, especially all that fun and delicious food at World Showcase, would make the BWI the obvious choice for us.
Have a great birthday, and a great trip!

 

[bluejasmine]

Didn't care much for AK felt like resort was away from everything and I haven't tried WL yet.

We will have our first stay at BWI in Sept, we normally stay MK resort but we love Epcot so we are trying BWI!

ASMU/POR Dec 16-22, 2012 & BWI Sept 8-15, 2013

 

[pamkat1820]

My vote BWI for an adult trip. Lively, plenty of entertainment and stuff to do at night.


But for laid back WL- quiet a world all of its own.

 

[Dizney73]

My favorite its animal kingdom lodge because there is so much to do at the resort itself. We rarely choose a savannah view because there are do many great public viewing areas. WE love the pool, the animals, the night vision, the Mara food court, the fire pits at night. ... We love it! It is farther from 3 of the parks but had a wonderful resort feel.
We also love boardwalk but do not like not having access to a food court with our little ones. It is very convenient, however, to Epcot and Hollywood studios and our kids love the boardwalk performers at night!
And we really like wilderness lodge as well. It is beautiful! Our kids love to ride the boost to magic kingdom and we love to spend time at fort wilderness when staying here. But, we live in the country and have trees all over our yard so that aspect is nothing special for us. It is beautiful though.
My vote is akl but hope I gave insight on all three resorts

 

[clapton]

BWI gets my vote for atmosphere, location and food choices. Have a great trip!

 

[Disney mom12]

We have never stayed at the other resorts, mainly because AKL stole our hearts. We love how it's quiet, and peaceful, which allows you to relax. It gives you time to unwind from the busy disney days, and still has amazing restaurants (sanna is our favorite) and lots of things to do and see. (Campfires, movies at the pool, night time vision for the savannah, afternoon pool parties)