Animal Kingdom Lodge or Yacht & Beach Club?

[Lauren2288]

Hello everyone! Just after a little advice please...

My partner and I are planning our WDW trip for October 2015 and are torn between AKL and Y&B. Having visited WDW a few times as a larger group we have always stopped at Saratoga Springs and this will be the first time we are looking to stop at a more traditional hotel. We have eaten at both resorts and explored on our visits so we know that we really like the look of each hotel but are torn here. We prefer the theme of AKL but much prefer the location of Y&B (especially as we will be there during F+W).
We are from the UK and pricing for AKL is approx. £300 cheaper than Y&B so the question is, is the Y&B worth the extra money? I love the outside of the Yacht Club in particular but from photos feel that the rooms in the Y&B maybe look a little dated?
If everyone who has stayed at each hotel could give their opinions that would be much appreciated.

Thank you!!

 

[slappy magoo]

I've only stayed in AKL, which I loved. Honestly I'd be pleasantly surprised if rooms were still available for Yacht or Beach during the festival. Yeah, the theming of AKL is much more impressive than Yacht and Beach, but that's a great location. Is a split stay an option? I think I've read in the past that for UK residents getting package prices it's often more trouble than it's worth but I'm going by memory.

 

[Mr Toad]

Two completely different styles. Does an African Lodge look appeal to you? Does a beach or turn of the century sea side resort? You probably can't go wrong with either, but I'd rather walk to Epcot from BC or YC...

 

[slappy magoo]

Two completely different styles. Does an African Lodge look appeal to you? Does a beach or turn of the century sea side resort? You probably can't go wrong with either, but I'd rather walk to Epcot from BC or YC...

I didn't know walking to Epcot from AKL was an option.

 

[Mr Toad]

lol, I see what you mean...

 

[belledream]

What a fun choice! Though I love Y&B Club with all my heart, I'd go with AKL. You already prefer the theme, and even though you can walk to EPCOT for Y&B, you could use the money you save to make your F&W experience (or something else) that much better! Getting to and from the parks (usually) occurs once a day. The time you make of the parks is worth a lot more in the intangibles department IMO. Congrats on whatever you choose!

 

[jlsHouston]

Well if money is not a real factor I would definitely take BC/YC. Nothing like walking out the door of your resort and turning left hiking up a little hill over a bridge and through the International Gateway! And there you are right by Britain! With France to your right! I think BC is my favorite resort, although I love all the ones I have stayed up.
Yes AKL is themed very nice. Animals are neat. Great restaurants at AKL. I would still take an Epcot area resort over AKL during October (F&W)

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I've stayed at both. While I prefer the convenience at YC...i.e. easy walk to Epcot, boat or longer walk to DHS and quicker bus service to MK, we preferred everything else about AKL. I was scared because the rooms are smaller, but it was still great. I can't see us ever returning to YC, but I'd definitely return to AKL.

Edit- I guess I might as well say WHY I didn't like YC. Our issues at YC are surely not issues for everyone who stays there, but the CMs at the hotel during our stay were very non-Disney-like. I also didn't love the room. I loved the space, but the décor itself wasn't me and a number of spaces both in the rooms and in the halls were showing a lot of wear.

 

[Mukta]

During F&W, I would definitely pick YC/BC. It is so convenient to go back to your room to grab a jumper, change shoes etc.

 

[stalkingmickey]

I've stayed at both. While I prefer the convenience at YC...i.e. easy walk to Epcot, boat or longer walk to DHS and quicker bus service to MK, we preferred everything else about AKL. I was scared because the rooms are smaller, but it was still great. I can't see us ever returning to YC, but I'd definitely return to AKL.

Edit- I guess I might as well say WHY I didn't like YC. Our issues at YC are surely not issues for everyone who stays there, but the CMs at the hotel during our stay were very non-Disney-like. I also didn't love the room. I loved the space, but the décor itself wasn't me and a number of spaces both in the rooms and in the halls were showing a lot of wear.

Funny We had complete opposite experience stayed at AKL in Sept 2013 CLub level and we had so many issue with the club level CM and 1 Front desk CM. Enough so that the Operations Manager called me personally on my cell phone while still on vacation. She was great but still we tried the BC and YC in Jan 2014 and loved it. Location was perfect, rooms did not feel dated at all. CM's were exactly as should be in a Disney Deluxe Club level hotel. We loved the hotels so much that out next trip Sept 2014 we are staying at YC.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

Funny We had complete opposite experience stayed at AKL in Sept 2013 CLub level and we had so many issue with the club level CM and 1 Front desk CM. Enough so that the Operations Manager called me personally on my cell phone while still on vacation. She was great but still we tried the BC and YC in Jan 2014 and loved it. Location was perfect, rooms did not feel dated at all. CM's were exactly as should be in a Disney Deluxe Club level hotel. We loved the hotels so much that out next trip Sept 2014 we are staying at YC.

Just funny how much CMs can influence the opinion of a resort. I do know that they rotate, but I don't know how often. I guess the rest just boils down to personal preferences.

 

[KingdomofDreams]

We've stayed at AKL many times and have never had a less than magical experience. The atmosphere and theming can't be beat imo. We really love the vibe there.

Beach or Yacht's theming is ok (although for us not that enticing) but it would have the close proximity to Epcot, the pool area, Beaches & Cream, and the Boardwalk going for it.

Tough decision! Good luck!

 

[Spike-in-Berlin]

Yacht and Beach Club without second thinking. We stayed at the AKL in 2011 for ONE night (we planned to stay a week) and this was the worst night ever at a WDW resort. We called the room the "haunted mansion room" because of the cobwebs but these were REAL! Imagine a lamp above the bed with cobwebs inside like at the HM. Imagine dusted curtains were thick layers of dust fall down when you actually move them. We complained about this disgusting room at the reception and it took them 2 hours to get some responsible person in the late evening. He was the WORST Disney employee ever, didn't seem to really be interested in helping us, showed us another room which was in a similar bad condition however and when I wanted to talk to the resort manager he told me we would have to wait to the morning, so we stayed for one night in this dirty and shabby room (after they had removed the dead spider between the smoke detector and the wall). On the next morning the resorts manager finally arrived and was stunned by the rooms extremely bad condition. We didn't have to pay for the night, we were transferred to the Yacht Club because it was the only deluxe resort which had vacancies at that time and we got two complimentary nights at a deluxe resort of our choice. The Yacht Club was impressive and the room was a true BEAUTY! The best hotel beds I EVER slept in, actually better than our beds at home, the room was spacious, extremely clean and welcoming. The Stormalong Bay Pool Area is actually a small waterpark of its own and beyond any question the best resort pool in WDW. Walking distance to EPCOT is great, less than 10 minutes even from the most remote rooms to the International Gateway, the closest less than 5! The only flaw, the YC doesn't feature a CS restaurant like WL, Poly etc. The Yacht Club became our favorite Deluxe resort after this stay.

 

[s&k'smom]

If spending time at F&W is the goal I would absolutely go with Y&B. Plus you can walk to the studio's if you want (it's a lovely walk my family loves it). Buttttttttttttt if theming is the thing AKL all the way.

 

[stalkingmickey]

Yacht and Beach Club without second thinking. We stayed at the AKL in 2011 for ONE night (we planned to stay a week) and this was the worst night ever at a WDW resort. We called the room the "haunted mansion room" because of the cobwebs but these were REAL! Imagine a lamp above the bed with cobwebs inside like at the HM. Imagine dusted curtains were thick layers of dust fall down when you actually move them. We complained about this disgusting room at the reception and it took them 2 hours to get some responsible person in the late evening. He was the WORST Disney employee ever, didn't seem to really be interested in helping us, showed us another room which was in a similar bad condition however and when I wanted to talk to the resort manager he told me we would have to wait to the morning, so we stayed for one night in this dirty and shabby room (after they had removed the dead spider between the smoke detector and the wall). On the next morning the resorts manager finally arrived and was stunned by the rooms extremely bad condition. We didn't have to pay for the night, we were transferred to the Yacht Club because it was the only deluxe resort which had vacancies at that time and we got two complimentary nights at a deluxe resort of our choice. The Yacht Club was impressive and the room was a true BEAUTY! The best hotel beds I EVER slept in, actually better than our beds at home, the room was spacious, extremely clean and welcoming. The Stormalong Bay Pool Area is actually a small waterpark of its own and beyond any question the best resort pool in WDW. Walking distance to EPCOT is great, less than 10 minutes even from the most remote rooms to the International Gateway, the closest less than 5! The only flaw, the YC doesn't feature a CS restaurant like WL, Poly etc. The Yacht Club became our favorite Deluxe resort after this stay.

You must have gotten the same CM we did!!!! Due to several CM attitudes towards very simple items the Operations manager ended up comping our entire stay as well as our sunrise safari.

I loved the hotel itself its just going to take a lot for me to go back there again. Maybe 1 night or two just to do the sunrise safari again.

We loved our night time on the balcony watching the animals move about and eat. We spent each morning watching them as well, but since Epcot is really our park the BC or YC has been our choice since.

 

[jeffk410]

My vote is AKL simply because I find the theming truly immersive. I have yet to stay in YC or BC and I can imagine the proximity to both Epcot and DHS is amazing. Yet, I do not mind the ride from AKL to the park at all. I find that the drive there gives me time to finish my mental simulation for the day and the anticipation / excitement builds up quickly. Good luck with your decision.

 

[jpittore1]

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village rooms have three full bathrooms when you get a two bedroom....depending on your party size the extra bathroom really helps in the morning

 

[TheBeastMom]

Yacht and Beach Club is TO DIE FOR.....
A singular pool experience....a great informal and formal eating....walking distance to EPCOT....how much more do I add?

 

[jaklgreen]

I would pick YC/BC. The location can't be beat. I have stayed at AKL and while it is a nice resort is it soooo far away from everything. It took forever to get anywhere but AK. Also they do not spray for mosquitos(because of the animals) and I got eaten alive while staying there. That had never happened in the 25+ trips before or after.

 

[acishere]

- The feature that really makes AKL such an amazing experience is the Savannah view from your room. Paying for a non-Savannah view would make me lean more toward YC. If seeing giraffes roam outside your window is an experience you wouldn't pass up, there is your choice.
- YC is perfect for F&W however, you can walk or boat right into the WS. And stumble back out and get right back to your hotel in a few minutes.
- YC pool is awesome. Probably the best on property.
- AKL has all the restaurants that are on the top of my dining list. YC's location gives you a lot of choices. You have all the dining options of Boardwalk, Swan/Dolphin, and BC at your disposal for outside the parks dining.