Hi there. I need some help deciding between AKL or YC. I am going there in April with my husband and 2 sons (ages 4 and 2.5). We are not doing any parks this time. We did all the parks about 2 months ago. We just want to go to relax by the pool but also have some of the Disney atmosphere. I booked the AKL but now I am not sure if I should do the YC because of the pool. Also WL was a contender too. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thank you!
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AKL vs YC
- Thread starter Sally22
- Start date
Thank you. I am fighting the urge but after pushing two strollers through the crowds we just want to enjoy the resorts. Plus I promised my husband it would be relaxing this time. I tend to become a drill sergeant during Disney vacations Lol!YC, best pool around and you have the boardwalk and the other hotels to visit if you wanted to take a stroll
Not sure I could stay in Disney without going to the parks though!
Tuvalu
Premium Member
Your young children will enjoy the animals and lodge activities and children's wet play area at AKL more than Stormalong Bay (which is a great pool, but better for older kids.) Also, the remoteness of AKL may be a barrier to the temptation of wanting to go into the parks. 
AKL is a great choice for a resort-only vacation.
AKL is a great choice for a resort-only vacation.
DisneyPrincess5
Well-Known Member
If I were not going to visit parks, my personal preference would be anywhere on the Boardwalk. Beach Club has a great pool that's sure to be comfortable in April. Of course around that area are great eateries and stores, other resorts to visit and explore, awesome grounds to walk, etc. Happy choosing.
Simba's Mom
Well-Known Member
I'd recommend against the YC with little ones just based on some conversations I've had recently with young parents staying at YC. Several I've talked with have been disappointed that YC seemed more "adult" to them, and not as welcoming to running, typical little kids. One mentioned getting an "unwelcome vibe". I've also met a couple w/o children who preferred staying at the YC because there seemed to be fewer children there. I'll admit that I haven't stayed there, so I'm only going by comments; but I do think they'd love AKL.
sxeensweet
Love a little Disney every day!! ;)
I would do AKL being there is so much for your little ones to do there. YC is great for adults and kids a little bit older being there is not as many extra activities besides the pool area to explore and do. AKL also has lots of great dining from the QS to all the TS locations there and Kidani next door. You also can use the pool at Kidani which is also awesome so they would have 2 different pool areas to explore whereas YC is only one area albeit awesome though. AKL is a great choice for a resort only trip.
StarshipDisney
Well-Known Member
We have stayed at both YC and AKL. We actually liked the theming much better at AKL, but did not care for the bus service (our experience anyway) and (depending on where your room is located) the potential very long walk from your room to the bus stop. The pool area at YC is much better.
We are out to try all the deluxe resorts, but if I had to choose between AKL and YC again, I would go with YC because of the convenience to EPCOT and HS.
We are out to try all the deluxe resorts, but if I had to choose between AKL and YC again, I would go with YC because of the convenience to EPCOT and HS.
JusticeDisney
Well-Known Member
AKL is awesome, don't get me wrong, but it is VERY isolated. And in my experience, travel to anywhere else from that report is the worst. Of the two you are considering, I would go with YC based upon location alone.
NelsonRD
Well-Known Member
The answer is Animal Kingdom Lodge. Do not let others downplay the resorts proximity to the parks, or size, or darkness of the rooms, because the attraction is the safari. No other hotel in the country is like it. It is a unique experience, and your kids will enjoy viewing the animals. If the pool is more important, and your not going to the parks, I suggest the Great Wolf Lodge. I have always said, if Animal Kingdom is an option, it is always the one. It always amazes me such a unique resort is often overlooked over minor details that in no way overshadow the safari. It is amazing waking up to a giraffe eating outside your window.
JusticeDisney
Well-Known Member
Sorry, but I have to respectfully disagree. Kids the age of the OP's will find the animals fascinating. For about 3 minutes. And then they won't care less about them. And if hanging out by the pool is a priority, YC wins by a country mile.
Have not stayed at the YC but have visited. We have stayed at AKL (kidani village) once when my son was 2.5 and then again when my son was 5 along with my daughter who was 2.5. Every child is different and some will be more interested in the animals then others. Both my kids always spent 10 to 15 minutes at each of the different animal overlooks numerous times. The splash/play area at Kidani village is IMO the best on property. Guests staying at Jambo can use both pools and vice versa. AKL has some unique and great restaurants also.
MotherofaPrincessLover
Well-Known Member
Stormalong Bay is great, but be warned that a lot of the areas are very deep; that took me by surprise on our trip. I'd choose AKL for this trip, especially since you're not going to any parks. Save YC for a trip when you go to the parks since it's located closer to the parks.
jimbojones
Well-Known Member
I hope I am not being too contrarian here, but if you are not going to the parks and have already been to Disney why not go someplace new? For what you pay for either YC or AKL you could stay at a very high end resort in a place you have not been too. I visit Disney about every two years but travel for 3-4 weeks out of every year for work and leisure so I see a lot of hotels. WDW hotels are very expensive for what they are. A deluxe WDW resort is hardly equal to what you can get for the same money off property. I always joke with my wife at world showcase that what we paid to see fake Paris is as much as we paid to see real Paris. Its a big world and life is short might as well see as much of it as possible. There are some really amazing resorts in Florida alone that top Disney resort hotels hands down, again if you are not planning on going to the parks that is.
tigger1968
Well-Known Member
I'll chime in with AKL as well. If a "no parks" plan is in order, then the relative remote feel of AKL helps and you really cannot beat the theming. The pools are great and the restaurants there are top notch. Plus they do offer some nice programs and activities for kids.
Parrothead4life
Member
Just my opinion I think your little kids would love seeing the animals. They also have a story time bonfire at night that they may enjoy as well or at least they use to.
Thank you. We live in NY and my parents live in Fl. We typically go down a couple of times a year and stay with them and do a mini-vacation at a resort. We figured we would do a couple of nights at AKL because we like the atmosphere of Disney. Would love some feedback on other resorts in the area to add to our list.