mickeyfan1
Member
Pros and cons please Animal Kingdom Lodge or Boardwalk? Will be staying in studio room.
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Animal Kingdom Lodge or Boardwalk?
- Thread starter mickeyfan1
- Start date
DManRightHere
Well-Known Member
We've stayed at both. I really thought Boardwalk would be for us as we love Epcot and can walk right in the back gate. I will never stay there again. Mainly, the bus service is horrible (sharing with like 6 other hotels) and there is not any convenient late night food (that we could find besides pizza).
Aninal Kingdom has one of the best bus service during our 4 recent trips (MK and DD is a bit of a haul, but buses are timyly), theming is spectacular, great quick service hotel food. We do make sure to eat much earlier now though..
Aninal Kingdom has one of the best bus service during our 4 recent trips (MK and DD is a bit of a haul, but buses are timyly), theming is spectacular, great quick service hotel food. We do make sure to eat much earlier now though..
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lostpro9het
Well-Known Member
+1!
We've done several DVC resorts and AKL is tops for us. We prefer Jambo but Kidani is real nice too.
At BWV it was nice being able to walk to EC and HS but the amenities and views couldn't compare to AKL.
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DizneyPryncess
Well-Known Member
I am a Boardwalk girl, it is the favorite resort in my family. We do drive to Disney though, so I can't comment on the bus situation. I like the pool, the bakery, and walking the BW loop in the morning or night. The location is also ideal for us, being able to walk to 2 parks and mini golf.
I have not stayed at AKL, but have visited and eaten there. It is also a beautiful resort. For me, I just prefer the park proximity of the BW resorts. I don't think you can go wrong either way.
I have not stayed at AKL, but have visited and eaten there. It is also a beautiful resort. For me, I just prefer the park proximity of the BW resorts. I don't think you can go wrong either way.
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DManRightHere
Well-Known Member
Boardwalk does have a great bakery! The boardwalk also does look great at night. Just the buses and late food options killed it for us. We really enjoy parking our car for the whole trip and not worrying about driving.
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ParentsOf4
Well-Known Member
Animal Kingdom Lodge (Jambo House) is the better hotel. Boardwalk Inn & Villas is the better location.
Bus service is a matter of how the buses are being dispatched on a particular day and timing. Get lucky on timing and you'll think the resort (whichever resort) has the best bus service ever. Get unlucky and you'll think the buses are terrible.
The Boardwalk is within walking distance of 2 theme parks. This is a tremendous advantage if you are staying late at Epcot or DHS. DAK requires talking the bus to all destinations.
Crescent Lake is lovely at night, and the actual Boardwalk usually is hopping after Epcot closes, a good place to hang out if the weather is nice.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is more exotic, one of WDWs best. Animal Kingdom Lodge has the better pool and, of course, the animals themselves. Animal watching is fun day or night. When checking in, ask about where to go to use the night goggles.
Both hotels have some nice dining options, although the Boardwalk does not have a food court.
I suggest you look online at photos go with the one whose theming is more appealing to you.
Bus service is a matter of how the buses are being dispatched on a particular day and timing. Get lucky on timing and you'll think the resort (whichever resort) has the best bus service ever. Get unlucky and you'll think the buses are terrible.
The Boardwalk is within walking distance of 2 theme parks. This is a tremendous advantage if you are staying late at Epcot or DHS. DAK requires talking the bus to all destinations.
Crescent Lake is lovely at night, and the actual Boardwalk usually is hopping after Epcot closes, a good place to hang out if the weather is nice.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is more exotic, one of WDWs best. Animal Kingdom Lodge has the better pool and, of course, the animals themselves. Animal watching is fun day or night. When checking in, ask about where to go to use the night goggles.
Both hotels have some nice dining options, although the Boardwalk does not have a food court.
I suggest you look online at photos go with the one whose theming is more appealing to you.
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Lord_Vader
Join me, together we can rule the galaxy.
If you are staying long enough I recommend a split stay. AKL is my favorite with BWI coming in second among all the resorts.
As others have stated BWI doesn't have a food court, we used the bakery and the BC court as needed during our stays there and the ability to walk to EC or DHS is worth a lot. Sitting on the boardwalk early in the morning sipping coffee and watching the little birds steal crumbs from all the dropped food was a lot of fun as well as getting drinks in the ESPN club and watching a late baseball game and walking back to my room was nice!
AKL is relaxing, the views are fantastic and the resort is second to none in WDW IMO. The Savanna views are great, sitting on the patio with the various animals is awe inspiring especially during Su rise and sunset.
As others have stated BWI doesn't have a food court, we used the bakery and the BC court as needed during our stays there and the ability to walk to EC or DHS is worth a lot. Sitting on the boardwalk early in the morning sipping coffee and watching the little birds steal crumbs from all the dropped food was a lot of fun as well as getting drinks in the ESPN club and watching a late baseball game and walking back to my room was nice!
AKL is relaxing, the views are fantastic and the resort is second to none in WDW IMO. The Savanna views are great, sitting on the patio with the various animals is awe inspiring especially during Su rise and sunset.
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StarWarsGirl
Well-Known Member
- In the Parks
- No
Boardwalk.
The location for Boardwalk is prime. You can walk to two of the parks (or take the boat if you prefer). AKL feels very far out, and I've always had terrible experience with the bus service.
Some have mentioned the Boardwalk bus service. Just to clarify: Boardwalk primarily shares a route with Swan and Dolphin. It used to share with Yacht and Beach as well. This is no longer the case, except for possibly DTD. It's not horrible going to and from MK, whereas going to MK from AKL can be a mess.
None of the Epcot resorts have food courts. This has never been a huge deal for us. I believe there is 24 hour room service.
I like Lord Vader's suggestion of a split stay if you are staying long enough. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
The location for Boardwalk is prime. You can walk to two of the parks (or take the boat if you prefer). AKL feels very far out, and I've always had terrible experience with the bus service.
Some have mentioned the Boardwalk bus service. Just to clarify: Boardwalk primarily shares a route with Swan and Dolphin. It used to share with Yacht and Beach as well. This is no longer the case, except for possibly DTD. It's not horrible going to and from MK, whereas going to MK from AKL can be a mess.
None of the Epcot resorts have food courts. This has never been a huge deal for us. I believe there is 24 hour room service.
I like Lord Vader's suggestion of a split stay if you are staying long enough. That way, you get the best of both worlds.
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Redsoxfn79
Member
Boardwalk location is nice but as many have said the bus situation is a mess. Walking is nice to the room but after a day at Epcot that short walk can feel very long. Is nice to say hey it's too crowded and walk back tot the room in 15.... Long waits and long rides back from other parks. Seriously it's like you are the first picked up In a rotation and last to be droped off. Next place for us will be animal kingdom lodge. Or the poly again if $$$$ is good for me that year.... Just saying.
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DManRightHere
Well-Known Member
Well...when the parks are closings are open till 11pm-3am we were pretty spoiled at port orleans food court open till 2am.
We do try to make a point to eat dinner earlier now. As many of the good places close at 9pm.
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JasonDeyoung
Well-Known Member
Having stayed at just about every resort on property now, of the two you're choosing, for sure pick AKL. I have only stayed there the one time but it honestly blew me away that much that I can't honestly say Id pick another resort over it if I had to pick it Vs another
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NelsonRD
Well-Known Member
This thread is shocking. To decide between one of the best hotels (Animal Kingdom), to one of the worst (Boardwalk) is comical. The Animal Kingdom lodge is gorgeous, and has live animals, and outside of Africa, there is no place like that in the world. Disney deserves more credit for what they accomplished at that lodge - to me, grossly underrated.
The boardwalk is dirtier, louder at night with obnoxious guests and golf carts zooming around all night, and has a creepy pool, all with no views.
Ultimately, it comes down to what is important to you. A closer hotel to Epcot and activity, or a unique hotel experience that you cannot experience anywhere else. I am not saying I would never consider the Boardwalk again, I just would never compare the Boardwalk to Animal Kingdom.
The boardwalk is dirtier, louder at night with obnoxious guests and golf carts zooming around all night, and has a creepy pool, all with no views.
Ultimately, it comes down to what is important to you. A closer hotel to Epcot and activity, or a unique hotel experience that you cannot experience anywhere else. I am not saying I would never consider the Boardwalk again, I just would never compare the Boardwalk to Animal Kingdom.
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Lord_Vader
Join me, together we can rule the galaxy.
The boardwalk is dirtier, louder at night with obnoxious guests and golf carts zooming around all night, and has a creepy pool, all with no views.
Ultimately, it comes down to what is important to you. A closer hotel to Epcot and activity, or a unique hotel experience that you cannot experience anywhere else. I am not saying I would never consider the Boardwalk again, I just would never compare the Boardwalk to Animal Kingdom.[/QUOTE]
The BWI is supposed to be like a NJ BW, with the crowds at night, nightlife and carnival games. It can be a little loud but we liked sitting on our patio later in the evening with families running around having a blast, ESPN chatter after the games were over, etc. I would never call the resort dirty even if some of the carpeting was beginning to look a little worn.
The pool... It is creepy to me too, did like the elephant sprayers though but hated that the pool bar closed so early.
Ultimately, it comes down to what is important to you. A closer hotel to Epcot and activity, or a unique hotel experience that you cannot experience anywhere else. I am not saying I would never consider the Boardwalk again, I just would never compare the Boardwalk to Animal Kingdom.[/QUOTE]
The BWI is supposed to be like a NJ BW, with the crowds at night, nightlife and carnival games. It can be a little loud but we liked sitting on our patio later in the evening with families running around having a blast, ESPN chatter after the games were over, etc. I would never call the resort dirty even if some of the carpeting was beginning to look a little worn.
The pool... It is creepy to me too, did like the elephant sprayers though but hated that the pool bar closed so early.
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NelsonRD
Well-Known Member
Why are you offering an opinion if you never stayed at the Animal Kingdom Lodge?
Deciding to stay at the Boardwalk over the Animal Kingdom lodge is like deciding to buy a Minivan over a Mustang GT Convertible. Yeah, the Minivan is more practicable, and has more interior room, but with without a doubt, I would rather have the Mustang.
If you drive and do not rely on Disney transport, the distance to the Animal Kingdom is no worse getting back to your room from the Magic Kingdom then the Boardwalk. There is no monorail, transfer station, then long walk.
I have stayed at both multiple times, for what its worth, the Animal Kingdom is light years better.
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NelsonRD
Well-Known Member
This all comes down to what is important to the OP. If they plan on spending most of the time at the Magic Kingdom, I would argue it is easier to drive/bus to MK from the Animal Kingdom, than to walk though Epcot from the Boardwalk, to the monorail, to the transfer station, back on the monorail, to the main gate. Making the location not so superior. If they are going for Food and Wine, then possibly the Boardwalk would be better.
If you ever stay at the Animal Kingdom lodge some day, and you drive to and from the parks, you will say, "That wasn't so bad." Then you can go to your room and watch a Giraffe eat, and nothing at any other resort can offer you that.
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