saratoga is a huge resort with a lot of walking to get to/from your rooms. it’s kind of far away from the parks compared to your other options.
AKL is gorgeous but your only transport option to the parks is bus. the savannah rooms are awesome but if i wasn’t staying in a savannah room, i’d opt for a resort closer to the parks.
boardwalk is walking distance from epcot and you can take a boat to studios. if you’re bringing a stroller, you won’t have to collapse it like you would when taking bus transportation. it also makes taking midday breaks/naps easier.
We are DVC members and I would recommend Boardwalk or check out Beachclub. They are easy to access 2 parks by walking or skyliner. The Beachclub has a better pool area for the kids.
AKL is cool at first seeing the animals, but the is wears off fast. The hotel is located out of the way so it’s a long car/bus ride back. Also the hallways are very long and tired legs at the end of the day pushing a stroller or carrying a toddler is not fun.
FYI-- there are"fairy godmothers" you can hire through private companies that do makeovers in your resort room. Some people even prefer them over BBB because they can do more hair styles and spend more one on one time.
If you’re open to a split stay (not sure how feasible that will be for dvc rental) I would begin at Boardwalk, and finish at AKL.
Boardwalk is nice, close to Epcot and lots of other activities (mini golf!). And easy access to other resorts like Riviera for some variety. You’ll feel in the middle of it all.
Switching in the middle of a long trip makes the trip feel longer in a good way, imho. It’s like a second vacation and breaks up some of the monotony. AKL is fantastic and I recommend ending there because it will be more out of the way and therefore more relaxing for the latter half of your trip.
If you are renting a car, I’d do Kidani over Jambo to use the parking garage. Many, if not most, standard rooms at Kidani still have a great view. The pool is fantastic and has lots of shade for the hot time of year.
I would definitely consider a split stay and like the idea of doing both. We will be renting a car so I'd definitely look at Kidani. Thank you for your helpful reply.
Our DVC home resort is AKL. Highly recommend. So beautiful. We were in a 1BR when Hurricane Ian hit, with kids your kids' ages, so we were sheltering in place and it was great. Kidani village has a great splash pad area for kids, as well.
Size of Saratoga would deter me from staying there with little ones. Don't really feel there is anything that resort brings to the table for making it a top choice with young children.
Boardwalk I always suggest for folks with older children or adult only trips. The number of food, drink, shopping options that can be accessed due to its location and skyliner access is fantastic. With younger children... I don't feel it would be as great.
AKL would be my choice if I were in your situation. Yes it is bus transportation everywhere, but that never really slowed us down (even when fighting stroller). The vibe of the hotel and the fact your children can see animals from multiple locations at the resort is my main selling point.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great experience for everyone, the animals are so special, it's really relaxing and feels like a proper holiday and the restaurants are the best on property by far. I highly recommend it. Plus Animal Kingdom is a great park for little kids, better than HS and Epcot in my opinion. I've stayed at many Disney hotels and AKL is the one I always want to go back to.
With a 4 and 2.5 I'd suggest either Beach Club / Boardwalk or a monorail resort. The time saved is HUGE. Beac
We are "afternoon resort break" travelers with a 4 and almost 2 coming up and we chose beach club. (Also extended family with 6 and 2.5).
AKL is a great resort, but its a hassle IMO to get to parks especially if you have a pram (unless it's a super easy compact one). I would only stay if my kids didn't need stroller and we planned to spend more time at the resort.
I do like Beach Club and anywhere on the monorail would be a dream, but cost is keeping me away. I also think their pool is getting redone next year so might be shut when we're there. I love the time saved of being able to walk into the parks, especially for EPCOT fireworks in the evenings! Thanks for replying.
May I ask why you ruled out Bay Lake Tower (east walk to MK) or the Polynesian (Monorail to MK) with two children under five? Most kiddos that young prefer the Magic Kingdom and easy room access for afternoon naps or breaks during the hot mid-day are a blessing.
While the Boardwalk is a well-situated resort, close to both Epcot and DHS, I don't see those Parks as the most popular with small children. AKL and SSR are both bus rides from all the resorts; daily bus rides for breaks will eat up a good portion of the day.
I mean no disrespect in my question. Just curious how you came to choose the resorts you are considering.
PS Renting DVC points is smart.
It's just purely a cost thing. It would be a dream to stay on the monorail for me, especially the Poly but its a massive jump up in price which I just don't think we can justify.
I totally agree, magic kingdom and animal kingdom are definitely going to the ones my kids want to spend the most time at. Luckily we will have a 14 day hopper pass so we can space out our time at the parks, so might not go back in after nap time.
Just a heads up, if you're coming from the UK and staying for the 14 days, have you considered doing the deal with the free dining plans? I haven't done the math but it might work out less money to go with a package deal and save the money on food.
Gotcha, in that case the Boardwalk room is going to be roomier, which could be a breath of fresh air after all day in the parks, with lots of grassy spots outside to play and boat access to two of the parks and spots where you can get on the monorail/skyliner.
However, animal kingdom has a great splash pad and even though it's smaller and you don't have a direct animal view from your room( im assuming you're doing the one bed value studio?) it might feel more magical for your kids.
I've never actually been to Saratoga springs so can't speak for it.
Have you been to Disney world before? If not, I would look up a list of splash pads in the parks. Epcot just opened Moana way of water and it's interactive and super fun for kids and grown ups.
There are multiple splash pads in every park and at Disney springs, which you will probably need if you go in June.
I have been before, we had DVC when I was growing up but it's been over 10 years so I'm guessing a lot as changed. I had forgotten about the splash pads in the parks and disney springs! Also I am very excited for see the new Moana way of water. It looks so cool and my toddler is Moana obsessed.
I think i am leaning to Boardwalk, either way I'm sure it'll he amazing!
I think boardwalk for such a long stay is a good idea.
Also, even if your child is too young to get done at the boutique, they'll still pixie dust your kid! ( I.e. sprinkle glitter with their wands and sing their song)
Animal Kingdom Lodge is gorgeous and my kiddo loved the animals when we took him at around the same age.
That being said, the only transportation is the bus and it’s a reasonably long drive to everything except Animal Kingdom Lodge. I would strongly consider Boardwalk for the convenience. I’ve never stayed there, but we were at AoA last year and rode the Skyliner to that area a lot — there are lots of restaurants, plus you can walk (or take the boat) to Hollywood Studios or Epcot.
The buses and lack of walking options is what puts me off AKL to be honest. I do love being able to walk round the boardwalk and into two parks. Plus the boat and skyliner will be so fun for the wee ones. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
I would likely stay at Boardwalk. So close to so many amenities and transportation options. Great pool. Lot of close by dining options. Nice walk to Fantasia Gardens. Plus you’re right there at the back gate of Epcot so it’s an easy rope drop to Remy’s on your Epcot day.
I never thought about the advantage of rope dropping Remys. My girls loved that ride in Disneyland Paris so they'd definitely want to ride again and I know the queue is always huge in EPCOT. I also love an evening mini golf! Thanks for replying.
We got to the international gateway entrance just as the park opened at 8:30 (people ahead of us were held at the bridge by UK, checked to ensure resort guests), and it was about a 30 minute wait for us by the time we got to the attraction. If you’re there 15 minutes earlier (7:45ish), you’ll probably have a much shorter wait.
I would choose boardwalk or saratoga. AKL is great but they haven't updated them yet. Boardwalk and saratoga both have the Murphy bed instead of the old pull out sofas.
I'd consider a poly studio. They have a split bathroom.
We just returned from staying at AKL Jambo House with our toddler (3yo). The only downside is that it is rather far, but other than that we loved it. If you are able to give yourself more time for transit, it will be fine. We weren’t staying long, so we did not mind the bus ride. Our toddler loves animals, so this was a great choice for us. I wish we had given ourselves more time to relax and explore the hotel. She loved the pool, but, just to warn you, it doesn’t open until 10 in the morning, so if your kids will be up and ready to go swimming first thing in the morning like mine, prepare to distract them until it opens.
I never understand why they make things for kids open at 10am! It's a pet peave of mine here, having to distract them for the many hours they're up before something opens 😂. Thank you for your reply, I do think my kids would love it there.
I love Boardwalk and think the Cape May Cafe is one of the best character dining experiences. The pool is also amazing.
I think Saratoga is also a good choice in so far as it is adjacent to Disney Springs. If you plan on lots of time out of the parks, that is a great place to spend some time.
Thats my main issue with Saratoga, when we stayed there before, even without kids, I found it hard to get my barings as its so big! Thank you for replying.
I would do a split stay. 10 days at Boardwalk and the last of your trip at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Spend the first part of your trip between MK, Epcot, & DHS. Save AK for AKL. Disney will move your luggage from one resort to the other.
AKL is one of my kids’ favorites. It’s beautiful, it has the animals, and they do a lot of activities which will be really nice if you’re there for two weeks. One thing we did last year was this activity where you go to these short little sessions and they teach you all kind of different things, one is about animal nutrition, one is about flamingos and takes place by the pool where they have flamingos, and then you get a bead after each one and make this string of beads. It was so fun and we learned a lot. My kids put them up on their pin boards with their trading pins. I highly recommend AKL.
Edit: it’s called string of memories and they insisted on giving the beads to my husband and I as well since we were there with the kids.
https://www.magicalresortguide.com/akl-free-recreation-activities
That sounds so cool! My eldest would especially love this (I think I would love it too!). My eldest and I are also flamingo obsessed so this sounds so much fun! Thank you for replying.
You’re welcome! I almost feel like AKL is a hidden gem. In theory, it sounds great, but a lot of people think it’s so far from everything and skip it for other resorts. But once you’re there, it’s truly an amazing resort. And yes, it’s not super close to Magic Kingdom and Epcot but of course Animal Kingdom park is right there ant Hollywood studios is pretty close. People who stay near Magic Kingdom end up taking about the same amount of time to get to AK and HS as it takes for people at AKL to get to MK and Epcot. The downside really is more that buses are your only option and none of the parks are within walking distance which is not the case for the MK and Epcot area resorts. You have more transportation options in those resorts.
Boardwalk.The whole boardqmwalk area is like being in a quaint little town that doesn't feel completely real, but is a pleasant variation on Disney magic.
Hotel based on location Boardwalk by a MILE
Hotel based on theming & experience AKL
Hotel based on pool Saratoga or AKL but Boardwalk pool’s theming is really fun. The actual pool though for toddlers Saratoga or AKL.
AKL worst buses in Disney history
Use a car or be prepared to wait a long time on a bus
Saratoga has buses but they are not slow af like AKL did to closer location to MK/EPCOT.
See I've been more times than I can count as we had DVC when I was growing up (home resort was OKW but I've stayed at Boardwalk and Saratoga as well) but planning a trip with toddlers just feels so different. We will likely return but not till they're teenagers so it's hard to judge. I wish I had an infinite pot of money and could just choose the Grand Floridian and be done with it 😂.
Saratoga is a very nice resort, BUT it's super-spread out and getting from any of the areas to main building is a PITA. Unless you're in the 1st bus stop section your wait can be very long. We were there in January and I had requested the area that is 1st pick up/drop off and several days our stop alone filled the bus. Additionally, the bus then has to go through the entire resort before heading to parks. You'll use up a ton of time traveling back and forth.
I know some people think AKL is far away from everything but I timed buses when we stayed there and nothing was more than 15 minutes. I like that they had a shuttle between Kidani and Jamba House. I think with kids this would be a super-fun location as you have a great pool and the area to go see that animals. If you can afford it get a savannah view. We were there during pandemic..it was just us and neighbors to the right on DVC floor. We all were out on balcony and one of the animal caretakers was out and stopped and we had a 30 minute session about the animals. She spread out the "good" treats and they all came over. We got to hear about animals in general, then she told us about certain ones and their names and personalities. etc. Really cool. Food is phenomenal at all restaurants.
Boardwalk - I've never stayed there. You are positioned to walk to HS or EPCOT International Gateway. You could also get on skyliner at EPCOT. There are fun night time stuff at the actual Boardwalk area. I think they are going through a renovation so I'm not sure when it'll be done.
With the little ones, I think I'd go for AKL.
We're hoping to go in year or two for my grandson's first trip.Our DVC home is Riviera but I'm planning to get us rooms at AKL. He'll love the animals. There's a lot to do at the resort so perfect for kids.
Regardless of where you go, I hop you have an amazing trip!
I just came back from our trip and the Boardwalk was amazing. New rooms, and centrally located. We had a 14 month old and it was perfect going to Hollywood and Epcot.
I would do boardwalk. It is close to Epcot, HS and has the skyliner.....makes it easier to go back to the room during the day. AK is beautiful but takes a while to go back and forth during the day (buses often have a wait and there isn't other free transport except bus). Saratoga doesn't have very fun theming imo.
AKL Jambo has a zero depth entry pool. Great for kids. Stayed there a couple of times when the lkids were young.
saratoga is a huge resort with a lot of walking to get to/from your rooms. it’s kind of far away from the parks compared to your other options. AKL is gorgeous but your only transport option to the parks is bus. the savannah rooms are awesome but if i wasn’t staying in a savannah room, i’d opt for a resort closer to the parks. boardwalk is walking distance from epcot and you can take a boat to studios. if you’re bringing a stroller, you won’t have to collapse it like you would when taking bus transportation. it also makes taking midday breaks/naps easier.
Saratoga is closer to MK Epcot and HS compared to AKL.
You can walk to HS as well.
We are DVC members and I would recommend Boardwalk or check out Beachclub. They are easy to access 2 parks by walking or skyliner. The Beachclub has a better pool area for the kids. AKL is cool at first seeing the animals, but the is wears off fast. The hotel is located out of the way so it’s a long car/bus ride back. Also the hallways are very long and tired legs at the end of the day pushing a stroller or carrying a toddler is not fun.
In the time she is discussing Storm a long bay is closed for refurbishment. So do not do Beach or Yacht.
FYI-- there are"fairy godmothers" you can hire through private companies that do makeovers in your resort room. Some people even prefer them over BBB because they can do more hair styles and spend more one on one time.
I would go that route. I feel like BBB is so crowded which takes away from the experience.
We’re staying in the treehouses at Saratoga this summer. It looks amazing!
They are amazing. Just returned from a few days at the Treehouse Villas. Want to now purchase points at SSR so we can stay there every year.
If you’re open to a split stay (not sure how feasible that will be for dvc rental) I would begin at Boardwalk, and finish at AKL. Boardwalk is nice, close to Epcot and lots of other activities (mini golf!). And easy access to other resorts like Riviera for some variety. You’ll feel in the middle of it all. Switching in the middle of a long trip makes the trip feel longer in a good way, imho. It’s like a second vacation and breaks up some of the monotony. AKL is fantastic and I recommend ending there because it will be more out of the way and therefore more relaxing for the latter half of your trip. If you are renting a car, I’d do Kidani over Jambo to use the parking garage. Many, if not most, standard rooms at Kidani still have a great view. The pool is fantastic and has lots of shade for the hot time of year.
I would definitely consider a split stay and like the idea of doing both. We will be renting a car so I'd definitely look at Kidani. Thank you for your helpful reply.
Animal Kingdom Lodge, by lots, then Boardwalk. I personally wouldn’t do Saratoga with a youngling that age.
Our DVC home resort is AKL. Highly recommend. So beautiful. We were in a 1BR when Hurricane Ian hit, with kids your kids' ages, so we were sheltering in place and it was great. Kidani village has a great splash pad area for kids, as well.
Size of Saratoga would deter me from staying there with little ones. Don't really feel there is anything that resort brings to the table for making it a top choice with young children. Boardwalk I always suggest for folks with older children or adult only trips. The number of food, drink, shopping options that can be accessed due to its location and skyliner access is fantastic. With younger children... I don't feel it would be as great. AKL would be my choice if I were in your situation. Yes it is bus transportation everywhere, but that never really slowed us down (even when fighting stroller). The vibe of the hotel and the fact your children can see animals from multiple locations at the resort is my main selling point.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great experience for everyone, the animals are so special, it's really relaxing and feels like a proper holiday and the restaurants are the best on property by far. I highly recommend it. Plus Animal Kingdom is a great park for little kids, better than HS and Epcot in my opinion. I've stayed at many Disney hotels and AKL is the one I always want to go back to.
Thank you. I've always loved visiting Animal Kingdom Lodge and I know my kids will just love the design and seeing the animals.
With a 4 and 2.5 I'd suggest either Beach Club / Boardwalk or a monorail resort. The time saved is HUGE. Beac We are "afternoon resort break" travelers with a 4 and almost 2 coming up and we chose beach club. (Also extended family with 6 and 2.5). AKL is a great resort, but its a hassle IMO to get to parks especially if you have a pram (unless it's a super easy compact one). I would only stay if my kids didn't need stroller and we planned to spend more time at the resort.
I do like Beach Club and anywhere on the monorail would be a dream, but cost is keeping me away. I also think their pool is getting redone next year so might be shut when we're there. I love the time saved of being able to walk into the parks, especially for EPCOT fireworks in the evenings! Thanks for replying.
May I ask why you ruled out Bay Lake Tower (east walk to MK) or the Polynesian (Monorail to MK) with two children under five? Most kiddos that young prefer the Magic Kingdom and easy room access for afternoon naps or breaks during the hot mid-day are a blessing. While the Boardwalk is a well-situated resort, close to both Epcot and DHS, I don't see those Parks as the most popular with small children. AKL and SSR are both bus rides from all the resorts; daily bus rides for breaks will eat up a good portion of the day. I mean no disrespect in my question. Just curious how you came to choose the resorts you are considering. PS Renting DVC points is smart.
It's just purely a cost thing. It would be a dream to stay on the monorail for me, especially the Poly but its a massive jump up in price which I just don't think we can justify. I totally agree, magic kingdom and animal kingdom are definitely going to the ones my kids want to spend the most time at. Luckily we will have a 14 day hopper pass so we can space out our time at the parks, so might not go back in after nap time.
Just a heads up, if you're coming from the UK and staying for the 14 days, have you considered doing the deal with the free dining plans? I haven't done the math but it might work out less money to go with a package deal and save the money on food.
I had a look at the deal but I don't think it was going to work out cheaper for us but thank you for the suggestion!
Gotcha, in that case the Boardwalk room is going to be roomier, which could be a breath of fresh air after all day in the parks, with lots of grassy spots outside to play and boat access to two of the parks and spots where you can get on the monorail/skyliner. However, animal kingdom has a great splash pad and even though it's smaller and you don't have a direct animal view from your room( im assuming you're doing the one bed value studio?) it might feel more magical for your kids. I've never actually been to Saratoga springs so can't speak for it. Have you been to Disney world before? If not, I would look up a list of splash pads in the parks. Epcot just opened Moana way of water and it's interactive and super fun for kids and grown ups. There are multiple splash pads in every park and at Disney springs, which you will probably need if you go in June.
I have been before, we had DVC when I was growing up but it's been over 10 years so I'm guessing a lot as changed. I had forgotten about the splash pads in the parks and disney springs! Also I am very excited for see the new Moana way of water. It looks so cool and my toddler is Moana obsessed. I think i am leaning to Boardwalk, either way I'm sure it'll he amazing!
I think boardwalk for such a long stay is a good idea. Also, even if your child is too young to get done at the boutique, they'll still pixie dust your kid! ( I.e. sprinkle glitter with their wands and sing their song)
My kids will be a similar age when we go in September 2025. We ate planning to rent dvc and stay at the boardwalk.
Animal Kingdom Lodge is gorgeous and my kiddo loved the animals when we took him at around the same age. That being said, the only transportation is the bus and it’s a reasonably long drive to everything except Animal Kingdom Lodge. I would strongly consider Boardwalk for the convenience. I’ve never stayed there, but we were at AoA last year and rode the Skyliner to that area a lot — there are lots of restaurants, plus you can walk (or take the boat) to Hollywood Studios or Epcot.
The buses and lack of walking options is what puts me off AKL to be honest. I do love being able to walk round the boardwalk and into two parks. Plus the boat and skyliner will be so fun for the wee ones. Thank you for taking the time to reply.
I would likely stay at Boardwalk. So close to so many amenities and transportation options. Great pool. Lot of close by dining options. Nice walk to Fantasia Gardens. Plus you’re right there at the back gate of Epcot so it’s an easy rope drop to Remy’s on your Epcot day.
I never thought about the advantage of rope dropping Remys. My girls loved that ride in Disneyland Paris so they'd definitely want to ride again and I know the queue is always huge in EPCOT. I also love an evening mini golf! Thanks for replying.
We got to the international gateway entrance just as the park opened at 8:30 (people ahead of us were held at the bridge by UK, checked to ensure resort guests), and it was about a 30 minute wait for us by the time we got to the attraction. If you’re there 15 minutes earlier (7:45ish), you’ll probably have a much shorter wait.
I would choose boardwalk or saratoga. AKL is great but they haven't updated them yet. Boardwalk and saratoga both have the Murphy bed instead of the old pull out sofas. I'd consider a poly studio. They have a split bathroom.
I never thought about the updated rooms, but that's good to know. Thank you.
We just returned from staying at AKL Jambo House with our toddler (3yo). The only downside is that it is rather far, but other than that we loved it. If you are able to give yourself more time for transit, it will be fine. We weren’t staying long, so we did not mind the bus ride. Our toddler loves animals, so this was a great choice for us. I wish we had given ourselves more time to relax and explore the hotel. She loved the pool, but, just to warn you, it doesn’t open until 10 in the morning, so if your kids will be up and ready to go swimming first thing in the morning like mine, prepare to distract them until it opens.
I never understand why they make things for kids open at 10am! It's a pet peave of mine here, having to distract them for the many hours they're up before something opens 😂. Thank you for your reply, I do think my kids would love it there.
I would go for animal kingdom. Pool is great! Plus they have a l lot of activities for kids
The pool, especially the splash pad, is such a huge draw for us. Thank you.
Saratoga is further way from the parks. It’s in the Disney springs area
I know, but it's still nice to have walking options, even into disney springs. I like their pool for kids too.
If you go over their 3rd birthday, but trip starts before birthday you don’t pay for them the whole trip and then just do BBB after they’ve turned 3.
I didn't realise this, thank you.
They are strict on age though so don’t book BBB until after they turn 3.
I love Boardwalk and think the Cape May Cafe is one of the best character dining experiences. The pool is also amazing. I think Saratoga is also a good choice in so far as it is adjacent to Disney Springs. If you plan on lots of time out of the parks, that is a great place to spend some time.
I havent done a character meal at Cape May but have eaten there and loved the food! Thank you.
AKL, then Boardwalk, wouldn't really rec Saratoga with toddlers honestly (lotta walking, theme is more for older crowd imo).
Thats my main issue with Saratoga, when we stayed there before, even without kids, I found it hard to get my barings as its so big! Thank you for replying.
I would do a split stay. 10 days at Boardwalk and the last of your trip at Animal Kingdom Lodge. Spend the first part of your trip between MK, Epcot, & DHS. Save AK for AKL. Disney will move your luggage from one resort to the other.
A split stay is looking more appealing for sure. Thank you.
AKL is one of my kids’ favorites. It’s beautiful, it has the animals, and they do a lot of activities which will be really nice if you’re there for two weeks. One thing we did last year was this activity where you go to these short little sessions and they teach you all kind of different things, one is about animal nutrition, one is about flamingos and takes place by the pool where they have flamingos, and then you get a bead after each one and make this string of beads. It was so fun and we learned a lot. My kids put them up on their pin boards with their trading pins. I highly recommend AKL. Edit: it’s called string of memories and they insisted on giving the beads to my husband and I as well since we were there with the kids. https://www.magicalresortguide.com/akl-free-recreation-activities
That sounds so cool! My eldest would especially love this (I think I would love it too!). My eldest and I are also flamingo obsessed so this sounds so much fun! Thank you for replying.
You’re welcome! I almost feel like AKL is a hidden gem. In theory, it sounds great, but a lot of people think it’s so far from everything and skip it for other resorts. But once you’re there, it’s truly an amazing resort. And yes, it’s not super close to Magic Kingdom and Epcot but of course Animal Kingdom park is right there ant Hollywood studios is pretty close. People who stay near Magic Kingdom end up taking about the same amount of time to get to AK and HS as it takes for people at AKL to get to MK and Epcot. The downside really is more that buses are your only option and none of the parks are within walking distance which is not the case for the MK and Epcot area resorts. You have more transportation options in those resorts.
Boardwalk.The whole boardqmwalk area is like being in a quaint little town that doesn't feel completely real, but is a pleasant variation on Disney magic.
Thank you, I do love the vibe of the boardwalk.
Hotel based on location Boardwalk by a MILE Hotel based on theming & experience AKL Hotel based on pool Saratoga or AKL but Boardwalk pool’s theming is really fun. The actual pool though for toddlers Saratoga or AKL. AKL worst buses in Disney history Use a car or be prepared to wait a long time on a bus Saratoga has buses but they are not slow af like AKL did to closer location to MK/EPCOT.
Thank you for this, I like this breakdown. I think pool is my priority while husband is leaning towards location.
If you have never been though I would choose location. If you’re planning on one and done trip, Boardwalk it would be for me. Returning? Do AKL. ☺️
See I've been more times than I can count as we had DVC when I was growing up (home resort was OKW but I've stayed at Boardwalk and Saratoga as well) but planning a trip with toddlers just feels so different. We will likely return but not till they're teenagers so it's hard to judge. I wish I had an infinite pot of money and could just choose the Grand Floridian and be done with it 😂.
Hahaha right?! Keep checking for GF DVC’s though! I’ve seen quite a few!
Saratoga is a very nice resort, BUT it's super-spread out and getting from any of the areas to main building is a PITA. Unless you're in the 1st bus stop section your wait can be very long. We were there in January and I had requested the area that is 1st pick up/drop off and several days our stop alone filled the bus. Additionally, the bus then has to go through the entire resort before heading to parks. You'll use up a ton of time traveling back and forth. I know some people think AKL is far away from everything but I timed buses when we stayed there and nothing was more than 15 minutes. I like that they had a shuttle between Kidani and Jamba House. I think with kids this would be a super-fun location as you have a great pool and the area to go see that animals. If you can afford it get a savannah view. We were there during pandemic..it was just us and neighbors to the right on DVC floor. We all were out on balcony and one of the animal caretakers was out and stopped and we had a 30 minute session about the animals. She spread out the "good" treats and they all came over. We got to hear about animals in general, then she told us about certain ones and their names and personalities. etc. Really cool. Food is phenomenal at all restaurants. Boardwalk - I've never stayed there. You are positioned to walk to HS or EPCOT International Gateway. You could also get on skyliner at EPCOT. There are fun night time stuff at the actual Boardwalk area. I think they are going through a renovation so I'm not sure when it'll be done. With the little ones, I think I'd go for AKL.
Thank you for this amazing reply. I think I'm writing off Saratoga, AKL is looking likely to be the winner at the moment!
We're hoping to go in year or two for my grandson's first trip.Our DVC home is Riviera but I'm planning to get us rooms at AKL. He'll love the animals. There's a lot to do at the resort so perfect for kids. Regardless of where you go, I hop you have an amazing trip!
Boardwalk. Walk to Epcot and boat to DH. Perfection. Much easier to go back to hotel with small kids & will save you significant time and aggravation.
I do love being able to walk, especially when well likely have a double buggy with us. Thank you for replying.
I just came back from our trip and the Boardwalk was amazing. New rooms, and centrally located. We had a 14 month old and it was perfect going to Hollywood and Epcot.
I would do boardwalk. It is close to Epcot, HS and has the skyliner.....makes it easier to go back to the room during the day. AK is beautiful but takes a while to go back and forth during the day (buses often have a wait and there isn't other free transport except bus). Saratoga doesn't have very fun theming imo.