Best dvc for spring break

[wrighter]

So we're considering changing 2010's vacation from a summer one to a spring one. Not sure we're entirely prepared to do that, but we know if make some adjustments to the way we normally "do Disney" then we'll be fine. We'll have fun no matter when we go, right?

Big question is this: What do you think the best DVC resort is if you're staying during the very crowded week before Easter? Our home resort is AKV, so we'll stay there if we can't get in anywhere at 7 months. (And we may just stay there, regardless . . .but . . .)

I was wondering if one of the bigger, laid back resorts like OKW or SSR might be a better fit? There are more pools, so perhaps we might actually be able to play in the water and not just around it. And the pace is slower, quieter, which might be a nice respite from the crazy park crowds.

On the other hand, if we could get in to BCV or BWV, we could walk to two of the parks. I would think cutting out the bus madness could be a big benefit during that week. This could also work for VWL, too, yes? Or BLT, although we're not sure we'd like to use that many points.

For anyone who has stayed during Spring Break, could you tell me what it was about your resort that was great for that time of year and what wasn't? We will be getting a 1 bedroom (DH loves to cook) and our kids will be 7 and almost 5 by then.

Would really, really appreciate anyone's input that's got it. Thanks!

 

[DISNEYMOMx5]

We have gone over Spring Break several times, but my only point of reference to share (other than staying off property, which was how we ended up buying DVC in the first place...but that's another story! ) has been BCV. Even though it is a busy time, we have loved staying there b/c when the crowds get to be too much, we have that awesome pool to come back to. The kids also love all the activity around the Boardwalk.

It is great to be able to walk into Epcot. We also enjoy the character breakfast at Cape May.

I really think that as long as you're on property, you'll be fine wherever you end up...there would definitely be advantages to each DVC resort. Enjoy planning!

 

[eyeheartgoofy]

We have visited WDW during the "premiere" season weeks around Easter for the past 2 years. We were at VWL in '08 and BWV in '09.

TRANSPORTATION
In both cases, I've found bus service to be fine. In fact, I think they add more buses during those busy seasons b/c of all the people. We had much longer waits for buses at VWL during our Jan trips in '06 and '07 than we did over Easter in '08. I had heard horrible reports about BWV bus service to MK, but we never had any problems in April '09.

Boat service to and from the MK from VWL was excellent in '08. They had boats running nearly constantly ... and they went directly from WL to MK without stopping at Ft. Wilderness. The boats at BWV weren't so great ... I never did figure out the pattern, but it took us an hour to get from the BW boat dock to DHS one evening b/c you share the boat with swan/dolphin and Beach Club/Yacht Club.

At BWV, walking to DHS and Epcot was nice. However, we missed rope drop at Epcot b/c the International Gateway CM wouldn't open the darn gate before 9:00am on our day ... the people who used the front entrance were a good 10 minutes ahead of us at the FP machines that morning (and 10 minutes makes a huge difference at Soarin' during spring break). But BWV was convenient for dining out at night ... leisurely strolls led us to ADR's at the 50's PTC, Le Cellier and Cape May.

I would imagine the buses at AKV would be pretty efficient b/c you aren't sharing with anyone else (mabye that is different now that there is Jambo and Kidani?). I think that is the biggest problem with BW/WL ... sharing buses with other resorts can add a lot of time to the trip.

POOLS

We found the quiet pools at BWV and VWL to be just fine during Spring Break ... we even got chairs to sit in! My kids aren't into pool slides at this point, so they preferred the empty quiet pools versus the crowds at the feature pools.


The one thing I would caution you about if you stay at OKW or SSR is the crowds at Downtown Disney during Spring Break. I know a lot of people like the proximity of OKW and SSR to DTD for dining, etc. But ... EEK! The crowds were so awful at DTD last year (we had dinner at the Rainforest Cafe') that DH and I vowed never to visit DTD during spring break again. There was no way anyone was going to just "pop on over" for a quick bite to eat at any of the CS restauarants ... I swear there wasn't even room to shop at the World of Disney store.

Overall, I felt that VWL was more of an "escape" from the crowds than BWV. I think a lot of that was the fact that our room at BWV overlooked the Luna Park Pool and that was very loud as we tried to relax in our rooms midday ane early pm (they had a DJ and "pool parties" during the day). I think AKV would offer that escape from the crowds feeling as well, except the lack of a quiet pool might be a negative.

 

[Pixieflip]

I would agree with the above on escaping to a quieter resort. That's what we prefer, too. BCV and BWV are two of my favorites, but they are busy. If you'd like to get away, maybe this is the trip to try something different. And as you suggested, if you reserve at AKV, at least you have it. Reserving at 7 months won't be easy, but you can always try, you never know.

Like my signature says, so many resorts, we'll just have to go again!

 

[jade1]

BCV for us every spring break. We like the beach and watching the boats/boardwalk and also SAB. 5 min walk to EPCOT/BW for dining/drinks.

 

[bobbiwoz]

My spring break is typically the 3rd week in March, and we have not often had weather conducive to swimming. It's not just me, often the pools are empty as they were mostly this year. It was March 21 to 28th! I was very disappointed. Got in the water once!

I was happy that the F&G was around. I stayed at BWV, took the Gardens of the World tour and enjoyed the displays.

Bobbi

 

[kristytru]

VWL is where we always stayed and really enjoyed the proximity to MK.
Kids are getting older, so This past spring break we stayed at BWV and it is fast becoming our favorite. We LOVED being able to walk to DHS and EPCOT (first vacation that I actually LOST weight!). Was not happy with bus service to MK, though. Too many stops. We will probably rent a car next time for a couple days (MK and DTD).
We are staying at AKL in November and renting a car because of the distance from everything.

 

[mamaprincess]

Never been during SB but went during the Christmas crowds and we were very glad to be coming back to a resort that didn't have a crowded and busy feel. We stayed at SSR. I'd recommend going with SSR, AKV or OKW, which ever one excites your family the best,just so you can decompress at the end of the day and actual feel like you are on vacation.

 

[delaneyc52]

My only words of wisdom are to check to see when the high school spring break dates are for the hotels and parks. I have chaperoned 3 trips to the world for spring break at the value hotels and, frankly, while everyone was well behaved..the amount of teenagers in one place is at times overwhelming. This is usually only the case for the "value" hotels. The moderates and deluxe escape the "fun". =) There are very specific weeks assigned to this, so just ask disney member services.