Back to Your Answers
Mom And Son Running through park; RunDisney; incredibles shirt
  • On Jan 3, 2009
    Walter from GA 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.

    We are going to WDW at the end of May and are trying to decide whether to stay at the AKL or Yacht Club. We have a boy 8 and a girl 5. Both love animals but we're worried about the location of the AKL. We will have our own car but want to limit driving.

    To say that you have a wonderful dilemma is an understatement!  I have stayed at both properties, and while very different, both are spectacular in my opinion.  The Animal Kingdom Lodge is truly a unique resort.  A savannah-view affords your kids the ability to peak out your window and see wildlife in its natural environment.  The African watering-hole-themed, pool is lovely, and the lobby of the hotel is magnificent.  Jiko and Boma (the two table service restaurants ) are among our favorites at Disney.  Transportation to and from the Lodge to all Disney parks is via bus.  In my experience, the buses run frequently, and we never had a wait that was significantly different from that at other resorts.  The Lodge is further from Magic Kingdom, Epcot and Hollywood Studios, so your ride on the bus is slightly longer.

    The Yacht Club shares with its neighbor property, The Beach Club, what might be the best-themed, pools (its actually a mini waterpark) at Disney, Stormalong Bay.  In addition, the resort's location is outstanding.  You can walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios.  The Boardwalk offers fun evening entertainment options steps away from your resort, and a host of excellent dining options.  Its proximity to Epcot and Hollywood Studios makes it easy to see Illuminations or Fantasmic in the evening.

    In short, if location is your highest priority, and you plan to spend a lot of time at Epcot and/or Hollywood Studios, I would probably suggest the Yacht Club, and schedule a trip to Animal Kingdom to satisfy your kids love of animals.  If most of your time will be spent at the Magic Kingdom, you will be taking a bus from both resorts, an the few extra minutes on the bus from Animal Kingdom shouldn't seem significant.  The opportunity to "live" on a savannah is truly amazing.
thumbnail image for Tanya

Meet the Panelist: Tanya, New Jersey

I am Tanya from FL, full-time mom to two fun-loving boys. I have an array of planning tips and believe I offer a unique perspective on how to make Disney an amazing adventure for individuals with a variety of needs and abilities. Learn More About Tanya

Didn't find what you were looking for? Click the Ask a Question button to open the Ask a Question dialogue box. If you are not logged in a dialogue box will appear to signin in order to ask a question.

To submit your question, please log in now if you have not already done so.

Ask a QuestionOpens the Ask a Question dialog box.

For media inquiries, please visit wdwnews.com

 

Panelists have received/will receive a Walt Disney World® Resort, Disneyland® Resort or Disney Cruise Line® vacation for panelist and up to three family members and/or park tickets for their planDisney participation. The views expressed on plandisneypanel.com are those of the panelists, who are independent contractors. These views are not intended to reflect the opinions of Disney Destinations, its affiliates, its management, its agents or its employees and have not been reviewed or approved by Disney Destinations prior to posting.

Stay Connected

© Disney, All Rights Reserved

x

Update Browser

For a better experience browsing this website, please download an updated version of Internet Explorer.


Or you can continue browsing without updating.

 

 

Internet Explorer FireFox Safari Chrome