Wilderness Lodge/Boardwalk/AoA??

[Jasperann]

Okay I would like to get some opinions. I know that they vary, and that honestly is the best part of the DIS is you get such diverse opinions.

Here is a little background:

I originally booked AoA in Finding nemo, however, I am spoiled rotten by my DH and I've been pricing rooms for Club level at Wilderness Lodge or the Boardwalk. Wilderness lodge we will need two rooms and it is about $2800 more than Boardwalk deluxe room (which with my discount is only really $2000 more than AoA). The price really isn't the issue... Since this is a trip to remember my mom I am not truly worried about the cost.

So basically what I am asking is WHICH resort would you stay at? We have 4 kids 16, 9, 9 and 6 at the time of travel. We do swim a lot in the afternoons. I enjoy the boat rides, but both resorts have that option... We really love Epcot and MK so that isn't a factor either. I can find pros and cons for each of them, so how about you guys that have actually stayed at these resorts chime in? Thanks a ton!!!

[Hopefully]

I have not stayed at AoA so I can't really compare. But that said, the theming I have seen is not for me.
I voted for Boardwalk. I love the area. It is within walking distance of 2 theme parks, it is vibrant with lots of activity.
I would definitly choose this.

[DPCummerbund]

Originally Posted by Jasperann

We have 4 kids 16, 9, 9 and 6 at the time of travel. We do swim a lot in the afternoons. I enjoy the boat rides, but both resorts have that option...

In terms of boat rides, I'd say the Wilderness Lodge Red Flag launch to the MK is a much more interesting boat ride than the Friendship to HS. For one thing, the Friendship is rather slow, & feels slow - I've never walked from the Epcot area to HS, but many people report that they can walk to HS faster than the Friendship gets there. Plus, you're on a large boat in a small canal - it feels a lot more like a bus than a boat.

Alternately, I really like the Red Flag route from Wilderness Lodge to MK. You really feel like you're on a boat in the middle of a lake (especially if you're on one of the smaller launches rather than the larger cruiser), & the way the MK or the WL suddenly appears around a corner is really cool.

On the other hand, the Boardwalk allows you to walk to Epcot, so it really does have better transportation options overall.

Not to throw a monkey wrench into your plans, but since your kids love swimming, have you considered the Beach Club? Stormalong Bay is much better than the pool at any of the resorts you've mentioned so far.

[Jasperann]

Originally Posted by DPCummerbund

In terms of boat rides, I'd say the Wilderness Lodge Red Flag launch to the MK is a much more interesting boat ride than the Friendship to HS. For one thing, the Friendship is rather slow, & feels slow - I've never walked from the Epcot area to HS, but many people report that they can walk to HS faster than the Friendship gets there. Plus, you're on a large boat in a small canal - it feels a lot more like a bus than a boat.

Alternately, I really like the Red Flag route from Wilderness Lodge to MK. You really feel like you're on a boat in the middle of a lake (especially if you're on one of the smaller launches rather than the larger cruiser), & the way the MK or the WL suddenly appears around a corner is really cool.

On the other hand, the Boardwalk allows you to walk to Epcot, so it really does have better transportation options overall.

Not to throw a monkey wrench into your plans, but since your kids love swimming, have you considered the Beach Club? Stormalong Bay is much better than the pool at any of the resorts you've mentioned so far.

I have but they do not have available 6 person rooms on Club Level (if they even make those there) and the price for two bedrooms on Club Level is way to expensive for us.

[Robbi]

With the size of your group, I'd choose the Boardwalk. There's more to do than at WL. They might love riding the surrey bikes and the Boardwalk lends itself t nice walks. It's also a short walk to both Epcot and Hollywood Studios. You can also take the boats.

[bcrook]

I think the boardwalk area is the best location to stay. I love being able to walk into two parks, explore 5 resorts, have access to dozens of restaurants.

I do think it would be frustrating to stay in boardwalk area without hoppers though. I like to have the freedom to run over to the Patisserie for a snack or grab some fish and chips in Britain.

[Jasperann]

Originally Posted by bcrook

I think the boardwalk area is the best location to stay. I love being able to walk into two parks, explore 5 resorts, have access to dozens of restaurants.

I do think it would be frustrating to stay in boardwalk area without hoppers though. I like to have the freedom to run over to the Patisserie for a snack or grab some fish and chips in Britain.

This is yet another reason I would love to stay at the Boardwalk. The BC is really more to my taste but they don't have anything available for our size group.

We do have park hoppers and I think it really opens up a new way to tour if we stay at the Boardwalk. Which I am pretty sure we will be doing after thinking on it and talking about it all day long yesterday. I showed the kids the two pools and they said they liked the clown pool best. Except for my DS he wasn't to happy about the evil clown... but he did say he would swim in the pool just not by the clown.

[bcrook]

Originally Posted by Jasperann

This is yet another reason I would love to stay at the Boardwalk. The BC is really more to my taste but they don't have anything available for our size group.

We do have park hoppers and I think it really opens up a new way to tour if we stay at the Boardwalk. Which I am pretty sure we will be doing after thinking on it and talking about it all day long yesterday. I showed the kids the two pools and they said they liked the clown pool best. Except for my DS he wasn't to happy about the evil clown... but he did say he would swim in the pool just not by the clown.

The clown slide is fun. But I have to admit, the clown is creepy. I really liked the area surrounding the pool. Lots of shade and the bar is convenient.

[Jasperann]

Originally Posted by bcrook

The clown slide is fun. But I have to admit, the clown is creepy. I really liked the area surrounding the pool. Lots of shade and the bar is convenient.

Thanks for the positive view!! I am sure that the kids will love it!

[mickeynut1]

I voted for BWI CL. We have not stayed at BWI, but I have looked into it several times as it's one resort we want to try. We have stayed WL CL and loved every minute of it. With that said, I would want connecting rooms if I had to get 2 rooms and since that is only a request and not guaranteed, my choice would be to have everyone in a deluxe CL room at BWI. Plus as others have said, BWI is in a very convenient location as it's within walking distance to both Epcot and DHS. Good luck deciding and happy planning.

[tiger4me2]

BWI Club hands down. The clown at the pool is not really that scary unless you have a clown phobia. We enjoyed it this month when we went

[Jasperann]

Originally Posted by mickeynut1

I voted for BWI CL. We have not stayed at BWI, but I have looked into it several times as it's one resort we want to try. We have stayed WL CL and loved every minute of it. With that said, I would want connecting rooms if I had to get 2 rooms and since that is only a request and not guaranteed, my choice would be to have everyone in a deluxe CL room at BWI. Plus as others have said, BWI is in a very convenient location as it's within walking distance to both Epcot and DHS. Good luck deciding and happy planning.

Yeah the 2 rooms thing doesn't sit well with me. Especially since it is just a 'request' to have connecting rooms. I wouldn't want to be away from DH the whole time. Sleeping in the same bed with my teenager is painful...as well as the little kids.

Originally Posted by tiger4me2

BWI Club hands down. The clown at the pool is not really that scary unless you have a clown phobia. We enjoyed it this month when we went

Thanks!!

[Ro Z]

Love BWI and Villas. We stayed at POR a couple weeks ago (which we also love) but only because we couldn't get a room at BW!