DVC resort comparison

I really thought we were going to LOVE BLT but I have to say, we were soooooo glad to get back to AKL. Blt was so tired, I sent loads of pictures to member services.

AKL:
Pros: Lots of animals, plenty to do around the resort so that you really don't have to leave if you don't want to, nice pool area, FOOD!
Cons: Distance from the parks, bus service

BLT:
Pros: New feel, comfortable beds, proximity to MK, ease of access to Epcot, ease of access to Grand Floridian, Poly, and Wilderness Lodge, FOOD! arcade, monorail access, recreation options, Top of the World lounge, gift shops
Cons: Small pool

Saratoga Springs:
Pros: Nice pool area, FOOD, ease of access to Downtown Disney
Cons: Really, really big, takes a long time to get to your rooms, very distant from parks

My favorite is BLT. I love it. My family has owned there since its inception. We were one of the first to stay there in fact. I love the feel, I love being close to MK, I love the arcade, oh who am I kidding, I LOVE THIS RESORT! I was so happy when they built the DVC and begged my dad (who was already considering buying points and was debating between BLT and AKL) to buy there. My least favorite is Saratoga. Their pool area is nice (not up to par with BC, but still nice) but it's very far out. We got a room close to the lobby, but it's so huge that they have busing around the resort. We've only stayed there once for this reason. Animal Kingdom is lovely, but far out. I don't think I'd want to be there for more than four nights before switching to another resort, although the pool area is better.

BLT is all about the location and the Top of the World Lounge for me. If you want to be close to the Magic Kingdom and have easy access to all those resort dining options BLT is the way to go. Location, loctaion, location. I haven't stayed there yet because it's been difficult for me to get in at the 7 month point. One of the down points is that you pay a premium for the MK view, but you have to remember that that is also the parking lot view.

AKL is my 'home resort' and I love it there. You have the option of staying at either Kidani Village or Jambo House and each side has its benefits. There are lots of food options and some of my favorite pools on property. I've never not been able to get a room at AKL, even at the last minute. The downside is that the resort is removed from all of the parks and that there is only bus service vs. something fun like a boat or monorail. You'll hear people complain about the AKL bus service, but I think it's on par with the other resorts. Many times at AKL I feel really remote and take cabs to get places faster.

Saratoga Springs is beautiful, and has a fantastic staff. It was the first DVC Resort I stayed at and we had such an amazing view across the lake to DTD. But it is *so* spread out. Just getting to the main building with the pool and food can be a real hike. It also feels a little remote to me and there are a lot of bus stops that you have to hit on your way to the parks or back home.

At the 7-month mark, all bets are off for priority, even at your home resort. I tried to switch form Saratoga (home) to BLT for December 1-10 this year very close to the 7-month mark (like within a week of switching being possible) and I did not get it. I understand that DVC is fairly busy in early December because the required points are the lowest of the year and of course the holidays bring tons of extra perks in decorations and activities.