AoA vs Villas at Wilderness Lodge

[AndreaA]

Yes, I know, it's like comparing apples and oranges!

We have twin three-year-olds and are planning our trip for this October. I already booked the Villa for the week we're staying, but just found out that the condo (owned by a relative) we were planning to stay at for the weekend prior will not be available. I've been looking at the AoA instead.

It looks great, and I'd actually looked at it for the whole stay, but it only has a queen bed available and hubby is 6'4.

I guess my questions are, how much of a "step down" will it feel like for us adults, and how much will the kids miss it when we move on to the "boring" villa??

 

[nolanboys]

I think you have a great compromise. AoA for the kids, and then VWL for you and your DH. We are staying at VWL for the first time this year and our boys are excited. We have eaten there and the boys loved the look and feel of the resort. You also are in close proximity to all the family friendly activities at FW. To me AoA looks fun, but after the parks, I like to go back to a relaxing resort.

 

[MMS1125]

Is it an option to stay at VWL the weekend prior as well or no?

 

[Marthasor]

Yes, I know, it's like comparing apples and oranges!

We have twin three-year-olds and are planning our trip for this October. I already booked the Villa for the week we're staying, but just found out that the condo (owned by a relative) we were planning to stay at for the weekend prior will not be available. I've been looking at the AoA instead.

It looks great, and I'd actually looked at it for the whole stay, but it only has a queen bed available and hubby is 6'4.

I guess my questions are, how much of a "step down" will it feel like for us adults, and how much will the kids miss it when we move on to the "boring" villa??

I've stayed at both and my first reaction to your post was "Don't stay at AoA!", but I'm reconsidering as it sounds like you would only be staying 2 nights. Don't get me wrong - I loved AoA, I just didn't like staying there! My DS4, on the other hand, LOVED it! He loved the theming and the splash area and was THRILLED when I pulled the bed out of the wall.

As an adult, what I did not like was the food court day after day with no other convenient option in the vicinity. The noise - Nemo section near the pool was very loud late into the evening. The beds - not very comfortable. I actually wanted to leave after 2 nights.

I think it will feel like a step down for the adults, but I don't necessarily think the boys will miss it when you leave. VWL is a lot of fun as well and the theming and activities are fantastic - just a new place to explore for a little one! We do split stays a lot in WDW and my DS4 has enjoyed every resort we have stayed in (He has now stayed at BC, VWL, AoA, Poly, AKLV and GF).

If you are curious about AoA, I would say stay the weekend. You may find you love it! And if you don't, you will be out of there pretty quickly!

 

[nolanboys]

Also don't know if you have a 1bdrm or a studio. A studio will only have a queen bed and a sleeper sofa. The 1 bdrm will give you the king bed for DH as well as laundry and kitchen, which would be a big plus with your kids.

 

[AndreaA]

Thanks for all the quick replies!

Yes, we're staying in a 1bedroom villa, so hubby can have his king-sized bed AND we can have a separate place to hang out while the boys sleep in the livingroom.

I am hoping that the boys are excited about the theming at the villas. It seems like lots of train stuff, and they LOVE trains - probably a tie with cars. Ha!