BCV vs SSR for Nov trip your thoughts

[culli]

3 children (6, almost 3 and just turned 2 year old) plus my Mom, wife and myself. Mom is in her mid 60's and active but just like all of us does get tired. We have been to SSR and love it, think the kids will love the pool. BCV (thinking about waitlisting if not available) sounds great and we love EPCOT. Already have a dedicated 2BR at SSR.

Just torn on which my Mom will like best, she will like to relax and hang out as well. I have heard great things about SAB but have not seen it. For the young kids not sure if SSR zero entry and Donald play area will better than SAB? We are staying Nov 6-17 and will do mostly EPCOT and MK but D studios does have an appeal too, kids dislike DTD. We will also spend a few days hanging out at the resort and pool. DO NOT PLAN on doing the park commando thing.

My Mom has not been to SSR or BCV and I really want to make sure everyone has the best time possible. I keep justify each in my head and depending on the day one seems better over the other. I suppose I can always waitlist BCV and if we change our mind go to SSR as I doubt it will be hard to get. We are going to BWV in early June with the wife and 2 oldest kids. Ok enough babble but just trying to pick others brains on your thoughts.

 

[Starr W.]

SAB is pretty big, is your oldest a good swimmer? I think SAB is hard if you have kids at various abilities in swimming, you may have to break up. Someone take the swimmer, and someone watch the younger kids over by the beach part of SAB(closer to YC).

We own at SSR and stayed at BCV in January. Can't beat the location of the BCV. Though given your dates it might be tough to get in there. The dedicated 2brs at BCV are 2 types(one with 2Qs in 2nd br, not many of those) and 1Qbed and a sleeper sofa. These are 2 booking types, so you have to be specific on the waitlist on your request.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I agree, the dedicated 2Q at BCV may be hard to get. SAB will close fairly early during Nov also not to mention the weather. And there won't be much lounging by the pool with that age group and SAB's layout.

I think SSR is really pretty and relaxing and more like a country estate. Lots of paths for strolling and there is the community hall which your mom may enjoy (Floral class, ceramics, crafts) along with the kids and the spa.

If your trip was a summer trip, I would go with BCV.

 

[Disneyhappy]

With the age of your three children, I woudl choose SSR, especially if you plan a lot of time at the pool and resort. The pool is huge and crowded and I would be a neurotic mess trying to keep track of my children. We love both SSR and BCV but with young children, I would find SSR more relaxing after busy days at the parks. BCV and the Epcot resort area is very busy and the added stimuli after all the stimulus of the parks sent son over the edge when he was younger. But then, you know your children the best. Neither is a bad choice. Good Luck!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We own at BCV and I've booked a November trip for the week before Thanksgiving, but I've asked everyone if they would like me to change to VWL, because at that time of the year, I don't think we'll be using SAB. However, my family wants to try BCV, so we're staying.

With your group and given the time of the year, I really would stay at SSR. Well, actually I would try to move to a dedicated 2 bedroom at VWL, but that's just me!

Bobbi

 

[culli]

Good points to consider everyone keep em coming!!! We went this time last year and stayed at the Port Orleans. I found the parks to be empty and waitlines small so I'm a little concerned that some implications state this is a busy time. Busy for BCV, DVC or WDW? Hmmmmmmmmmmm VWL that is a thought too, is it really that much faster to get MK from there? Seem like waiting for the boat could be just as bad as a bus??? How does VWL pool rate and do they have zero depth??? Problem is all resorts have their plus and minus..........and to be honest they ALL APPEAL to me

We won't be spending LOTS of time at pool but kids do love it and are water freaks but not the main attraction, and YES WE have to keep an eye on all the kids by water because they all think they are pros.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Both of the WL pools have steps, so not zero entry.

We like the boat ride to MK, and we often go to FW for one reason or another. Also in cooler weather, we often go on bike rides and from VWL to FW, it's very nice to ride bikes. There are ponies to ride and horses to look at in the corral at FW.

DH's birthday is mid November and the years we've been there for his birthday, the lodge and villa lobby had Christmas decorations up, but that will most likely be true for all of the resorts.

Best wishes...you truly can't go wrong. BWV, BCV for easy access to Epcot and DHS. We do have one of the dedicated 2 bedrooms with 2 Q's in the second bedroom at BCV, and there are, I think 25, of them. We'll be there November 16 to 21, at least most of us will be there...DH and I have to go home earlier.

Bobbi

 

[Newcastle]

...Busy for BCV, DVC or WDW?...

I could be wrong but I'm thinking that people are indicating that BCV will be busy because of the food and wine festival at Epcot (I believe it is usually held around the time that you will be visiting). A lot of people like to stay at BCV or BWV so they can have quick access to Epcot.

 

[BroganMc]

The EPCOT resorts tend to be busiest October - December because of all the events. Food & Wine festival can become a madhouse on the weekends when the locals come out. (Last year they were vetting people at the parking lots.)

Because of that availability will be in short supply your chosen dates. As for proximity and a 60+ yo, that's a hard one to answer.

The EPCOT resorts are great for slipping easily back to your room when you're in overload. But since they are also busy, that may not provide you the retreat you need. SSR is always peaceful in part because of the soundproofed walls.

As far as SAB is concerned, reports from parents of young kids often say it is one of the most nerve-racking pools. If you're staying in the kiddie pool/sandy beach area you should have a better time of it. The trouble comes when those kids want to go swimming in water more than 2 feet deep. That means trekking over the lazy river (too deep at 8 feet) to the water slide pool and crossing 1-2 bridges. The quiet pools are less stressful though not extraordinary.

I've taken my dad around all the resorts. He likes SSR best because he can withdraw from the parks almost completely and get real rest. I find if he gets a few hours rest between 4-8pm, he's raring to go for EMH up to 3am.

The bus service has been pretty good for me at SSR though it runs on a slower schedule mid-day. It won't be as easy as getting tired in China and walking back to your BCV room for a nap.

 

[3kidz4dis]

I agree, the dedicated 2Q at BCV may be hard to get. SAB will close fairly early during Nov also not to mention the weather.

Do you mean that it will close early in the evening or will it close for another reason? We are calling day by day right now to stay there and we plan on having "pool days". This post is kindof making me nervous.

 

[culli]

The EPCOT resorts tend to be busiest October - December because of all the events. Food & Wine festival can become a madhouse on the weekends when the locals come out. (Last year they were vetting people at the parking lots.)

Because of that availability will be in short supply your chosen dates. As for proximity and a 60+ yo, that's a hard one to answer.

The EPCOT resorts are great for slipping easily back to your room when you're in overload. But since they are also busy, that may not provide you the retreat you need. SSR is always peaceful in part because of the soundproofed walls.

As far as SAB is concerned, reports from parents of young kids often say it is one of the most nerve-racking pools. If you're staying in the kiddie pool/sandy beach area you should have a better time of it. The trouble comes when those kids want to go swimming in water more than 2 feet deep. That means trekking over the lazy river (too deep at 8 feet) to the water slide pool and crossing 1-2 bridges. The quiet pools are less stressful though not extraordinary.

I've taken my dad around all the resorts. He likes SSR best because he can withdraw from the parks almost completely and get real rest. I find if he gets a few hours rest between 4-8pm, he's raring to go for EMH up to 3am.

The bus service has been pretty good for me at SSR though it runs on a slower schedule mid-day. It won't be as easy as getting tired in China and walking back to your BCV room for a nap.

Wife and I stayed at SSR and thought the kids would love it, same with Mom (she really wants to relax and SSR is so beautiful). Probably stay there, I just like to try new things and walking to EPCOT and MGM is soooo appealing can't wait for our BWC visit in early June I tend to over think things, truth is I'm positive no matter which resort we stay at it....we will love it

 

[Starr W.]

Do you mean that it will close early in the evening or will it close for another reason? We are calling day by day right now to stay there and we plan on having "pool days". This post is kindof making me nervous.

It closes earlier in the earlier in the evening. They usually do rehabs in January.