Best Pool Area for 1 year old?

[Polynesian27]

In your opinion which DVC resort offers the best pool experience for a 1 year old? Our son who will be 1 year and 4 months when we visit Disney in July loves the water so I want to make sure we pick a resort that he can really enjoy! You can just post the resort name, but if you would like to tell us why you think its the best that would be wonderful! Thanks everyone.

 

[BillPA]

My grand-daughter just loved the Kidani pool area. She was 21 months on her trip last August. We also stayed at BCV and she liked the pool there as well. But I believe Kidani was her favorite

 

[gdrj]

In your opinion which DVC resort offers the best pool experience for a 1 year old? Our son who will be 1 year and 4 months when we visit Disney in July loves the water so I want to make sure we pick a resort that he can really enjoy! You can just post the resort name, but if you would like to tell us why you think its the best that would be wonderful! Thanks everyone.

A bucket of water in the bathtub will make any 1 yr old happy! My point is he will be happy anywhere you pick.

I would select a pool with sand if you think he will enjoy that as well. BCV is an immediate thought except the pool can be very crowded. Bay Lake has a kiddie area plus beach plus contemporary pool besides BLT's pool (not to mention walk to MK). I'm sure you will end up with suggestions of every pool! More than the pool just enjoy the time and the photos that you'll take!

 

[Alice Sr.]

I don't think you can go wrong but a couple of things stand out in my memory. SAB is crazy busy, very active, it was not the best match for me/us, and maybe something for you to consider. We are die hard BWV fans but my DD's still love OKW. It has a lovely atmosphere, that is probably not at all how they would describe it though, lol.

 

[ercrbc]

We have taken several trips with toddlers the past few years. We spend a lot of time at the pool. Based on our experience I would review them this way:
Kidani splash area is awesome for a 1yo. Plus there is a zero entry pool and a tiny water slide, great overall pool for a toddler.

SSR has two fantastic pools for toddlers. The new paddock pool is AWESOME for little ones. My 1 and 4yo loved spending the afternoon there last Fall. The splash area there is easy and safe for little ones to climb on and the little water slides are a lot of fun for them. Plus an adult can go down those slides with toddlers on their laps easily and safely. I did it about 50 times, lol. Both the paddock pool and the main pool at SSR have a zero entry too. The Donald splash area at the main pool is small but my kids loved it.

OKW is fun because it has a sandy beach area, but the pool isn't zero entry and there is no small slide.

BWV is tougher with a toddler without a zero entry and there isn't a splash area either.

WLV was fun, but I wouldn't pick it first for a 1yo (no zero entry, no splash area)

My vote would be SSR first and AKV second based on pools. We haven't tried SAB at BCV yet, I have been nervous about keeping an eye on my little ones at a pool so big (they are 7, 4 and 1).

We haven't tried BLT either, the pool looks fun for toddlers but it looks so much smaller than either AKV or SSR!

 

[TosaTrio]

Kidani and SSR would be my choice. Great splash areas and zero entry. BCV does have the sand bottom pool area but is really busy and doesn't have a great slash splash area. If you choose SSR stay in the Paddock area for the new pool.

 

[2binak]

I would agree with Kidani and SSR. Kidani would be my first pick though. We stayed there when DD was 1.5 yrs old and she loved exploring the splash area and she spent alot of time on the kiddie slide at the main pool too.

BWV is tougher with a toddler without a zero entry and there isn't a splash area either.

BWV has a kiddie pool (& small playground) just off to the side of the larger pool.

 

[Deb & Bill]

All three themed pools at SSR are lots of fun for kids. Paddock, High Rock Springs and Grandstand.

 

[ercrbc]

BWV has a kiddie pool (& small playground) just off to the side of the larger pool.

Yes, but it isn't a splash playground and there is no zero entry. Chasing a climbing 1yo near the edge of a pool can be challenging (more so since I am keeping eyes on my other two on top of that). They are less likely to fall and get hurt when they can easily run in and out of the water on their own.

 

[Figee17]

All three themed pools at SSR are lots of fun for kids. Paddock, High Rock Springs and Grandstand.

I second this! Just got back from a trip at the THVs at SSR with a 1, 2, and 3 year old and they all LOVED the pools at SSR.
The Paddock pool is zero entry (LOVE!) and has a separate, gated splash area
The Springs is also zero entry and has a splash pad area with a Donald Duck
Grandstand is not zero entry but has a splash area.

As OP said, bring a cup and he will be happy with almost anything, but my DS has always loved the zero entry feature (which a lot of the DVC pools offer).

 

[2binak]

Yes, but it isn't a splash playground and there is no zero entry. Chasing a climbing 1yo near the edge of a pool can be challenging (more so since I am keeping eyes on my other two on top of that). They are less likely to fall and get hurt when they can easily run in and out of the water on their own.

When you have just one little one to look after however, the kiddie pool works out just fine.

 

[mufasa0505]

Kidani then SSR were our little one's favorites.

 

[kam1011]

SSR by far!

 

[ercrbc]

When you have just one little one to look after however, the kiddie pool works out just fine.

The kiddie pool at BWV is absolutely just fine. Just not IMO the most enjoyable to take a 1-2yo baby when compared to SSR or Kidani. I'm not trying to knock the BWV pool, it's my 7yo's favorite. She loves the clown slide and we all enjoy the BW area

 

[NUHuskies#1]

SSR! The zero entry and Donald splash area are great plus there are plenty of tables and chairs with umbrellas for for you to sit with the baby close by. Kidani Pool is nice but small and crowded. Not a lot of places to sit near by. we were at Kidani last summer but own at SSR and I'm glad we spent the time at the SSR pool when our boys were smaller. This is the first summer in 15 yrs that we are not going to WDW and I'm a little sad. We are headed to Aulani for a change but I know I will miss WDW recreation!

 

[Sammie]

Saratoga Springs.

 

[zumbergc]

We have done kidani and bwv with at the time 1 yo or 18 month old

Kidani wins hands down. Tons more going on in the water play area. Plus the zero entry was great.

Bwv. Think round pool with a foot or two deep and that was it. we made it work and he had fun but he enjoyed kidani much more

We are checking out BLT this year.


Dont forget to grab a life jacket for your kid.

 

[spiceycat]

We haven't tried BLT either, the pool looks fun for toddlers but it looks so much smaller than either AKV or SSR!

It is definitely smaller. and it is not very deep - another words it was build for toddlers and kids - not adults

think the deep part is like 3' - it does have zero entry - the HC entrance (which is not needed because of zero entry) - is what the little kids use for a slide and the lifeguards let them. So the bigger slide is not the only one.

really think your little one would love BLT - although Kidani is nice too.

now you might be disappointed in the pool at BLT - but it was not designed for adults or it would be deeper.

now if you want to swim go to the CR - it is nice and deep!

 

[supersuperwendy]

I would say definitely SSR. The paddock pool has a nice zero entry area where your little one can sit and play in the water. Plus the water play area has nice little spots where he can sit and play.

Our daughter also loved the splash pad at BLT. There were plenty of chairs too to sit and watch and the view of bay lake was gorgeous!!!

 

[Polynesian27]

Has any been to the Kidani pool in mid July, is it packed?