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Mom And Daughter; Animal Kingdom
  • On Jul 15, 2008
    Jami from MA Asked Note: This answer was provided prior to the change to planDisney and may still contain references to Disney Parks Moms Panel.

    Experiences, policies, pricing and other offerings are subject to change and may have changed since the date of this answer.

    planning a trip to DW in October with my 2 young boys, age 5 and 3. I am trying to decide between the animal Kingdom Lodge and the Beach club. Any help would be great!

    I'm sure you'd be happy at either resort, but if I had to choose, I'd pick the Beach Club. The coolest part of the Animal Kingdom Lodge are the savannah view rooms. If your boys are animal lovers and you're springing for the extra cost of the savannah view, then the AKL might be the best choice for you. Otherwise, you could plan a meal at the AKL (the Boma buffet is great for families) and see the resort's animals that way.

    The AKL pool is great, but the Beach Club pool is spectacular. The entire pool is three acres big, but there is an area with real sand that is just the right depth for preschoolers. There is a giant sand bar here, perfect for castle building. It has all the benefits of the beach, only safer because there are no waves and lifeguards everywhere. The BC is also the only WDW resort that I'm aware of that has a water slide that is sized for younger kids. Your boys are welcome to ride on the giant slide too, but if they want to take it easy, there is another option.

    Transportation is easier from the Beach Club. The AKL is only near the Animal Kingdom, and bus service is the only way to get anywhere else at WDW. From the BC you can take an easy stroll to Epcot, or a longer stroll to Disney's Hollywood Studios. There is also a pleasant boat that will get you to either park. (Buses go to the MK and AK.) There are is also more recreation at the BC. You have easy access here to the performers on the Boardwalk, and there are boat rentals available here for zipping around the lake.  Also, you have access to more restaurants from the BC. The restaurants at the AKL are great, but there are only two table service restaurants here. From the BC, you're a quick walk away from at least two dozen table service options at the Yacht & Beach Clubs, Boardwalk, and Epcot's World Showcase.

    My family has stayed at the Beach Club at least 8 times. And there's a reason we keep going back - we've been completely happy with the accommodations every trip.
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Meet the Panelist: Erin, New York

I have three teenage daughters. We're DVC members obsessed with Disney travel. We've been to Walt Disney World countless times and have visited Disneyland & Disneyland Paris. We've taken several Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise trips. Learn More About Erin

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