Best DVC pool opinions please?

[momsgoofy]

Okay, I'm thinking this qualifies as a planning question, but I may be wrong so feel free to move this.

I'm looking at traveling in July to WDW with my Dniece who's 11 1/2...she loves the pools! And I'm being a nice aunt who's donating my DVC points for the trip, so which DVC property would be the best pool in ya'lls opinion? Okay, I'm sure now that I've read this question you're gonna say BWV and Stormalong Bay...okay...but what about the others?

Thanks! I appreciate the help!

 

[gppnj]

I don't think anyone can refute that BCV has the best pool: Stormalong Bay. That one's in a class by itelf. That said, no DVC resort has a pool I'd consider bad. So if you can't get into BCV, don't fret. I'm sure your niece will be delighted at whatever resort you stay at.

 

[sajetto]

Yeah, I think you're mostly gonna hear SAB or BWV's pool. If you don't get into BCV then I would try for BWV (that is if the child is not afraid of clowns) and if neither of those I'd say SSR

 

[BillPA]

Get BCV if you can. You then have access to every DVC pool, and the best one Disney has, SAB. Anywhere else you can NOT 'hop' to SAB. VWL pool is also nice and closest to MK, a 12 YO would want to spend a lot of time there also.

This late you may not have much of a choice for resorts. All of DIsney's pools are very nicely themed, but SAB is by far the best.

Have a great trip.

 

[senecabeach]

First of all ... if you are planning a DVC vacation in July...better start making ressies, its 4 mos. away!!

As far as the pools.... All the Disney pools are wonderful. If she's a water rat, she'll enjoy any one of them and they all will keep her, and you, cool in that July heat!!
ENJOY!!

 

[LIFERBABE]

Undisputed hands down SAB!!

That said, there should be other deciding factors when considering a pool for family.

SAB closes relatively early. Will you be in the parks all day and want to swim at night? Very rarely does SAB stay open until 10 pm.
The slide is across the walkway. Will your niece have a buddy or will it be just you? Will you want to slide as much as she does or watch her come out on the other end?

With my boys, I escort them to the slide and then go back to watch them come out. They are a little younger than your Dn, but you have to know what you will feel comfortable with.

SAB has a great rec. staff and they have organized games and sometimes treasure hunts.

If you are planning to lounge while she swims and slides, then the smaller DVC pools will fit that style more.

BWV has a great slide, but VWL and SSR have better pools. OKW also has a great slide and I would rank their pool above BWV but below SSR and VWL.

I would rank the pools:

SAB pros AWESOME sand bottom Closes early must be active with young
SSR pros Zero Entry, Lots of water features Great slide no pool food.
VWL very nicely themed. Tamer slide.
OKW Great slide, nice water features
BWV AWESOME slide nice depth for swimming. lots of nooks. pool is basic although we always have a great time there.

 

[NYMomof4]

All of the pools are excellent! I can tell you that the OKW slide was a lot of fun and the only one that soaked me under when I hit the water (lots of fun!) We also enjoyed the GF pool after I took my younger kids to the Pirate Cruise. All the resorts also have the quiet pools for after hours swimming.

 

[momsgoofy]

Thanks everyone! I really do appreciate the info! I thought I'd hear Stormalong Bay as the best...I've only seen it, but it looks so cool!

I know I am at the mercy of what is available this late in the game, but I'll see what there is in the morning and go from there. Since I don't want to use our points for the Friday/Saturday portion we're looking for another non-DVC property for those nights. I'd be happy with one of the value resorts, but when I told Dsis I'd use some of the points and she could help cover some of the other expenses, she said "DD has always wanted to stay at the GF, I could pay for those 2 nights"...well, that wasn't exactly what I was thinking, but hey, I'm not opposed to the GF. It's just that when I was starting to research today, I recalled how much Dniece enjoys going to the pool on vacation so I thought I'd ask for some opinions...it just might influence where we stay.

Thanks again everyone!

 

[dallastxcpa]

Momsgoofy,

If you don't get your first choice for the DVC resort don't forget to waitlist.

As far as non-DVC for your weekend stay. I would highly recommend POFQ. They have an awesome waterslide. (My nine year old daughter liked it so much that she wanted to go swimming when the temps were in the 40s). The resort atmosphere is so laid back an scerene. And your Dneice will also be able to use the pool at POR.

 

[crisi]

While SAB is a very cool pool, it is difficult to watch your kids there. Just so you know, line of sight is nearly impossible in the twists and expanse of that pool. If your DN is a good swimmer, it may not bother you. Mine are little enough that I need to have an eye on them in deep water (which SAB has far too much of) and SAB gives me grey hair.

 

[momsgoofy]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the input! When I called MS this morning I could get a studio at OKW or SSR, since the pool at SSR is pretty cool IMO, I opted for it. Now, Dsis is gonna get the first two nights and is looking at GF, BW(so we could go to SAB anyway), AKL, or Swan/Dolphin. Hey, I am just thrilled that I get to go to WDW this year....and OMG! I just realized it'll be the first trip without DH or DS...what's a princess to do? lol

Thanks again for the help!

 

[crisi]

Thanks everyone! I really appreciate the input! When I called MS this morning I could get a studio at OKW or SSR, since the pool at SSR is pretty cool IMO, I opted for it. Now, Dsis is gonna get the first two nights and is looking at GF, BW(so we could go to SAB anyway), AKL, or Swan/Dolphin. Hey, I am just thrilled that I get to go to WDW this year....and OMG! I just realized it'll be the first trip without DH or DS...what's a princess to do? lol

Thanks again for the help!

You can't pool hop from BW to SAB. It may just be a typo and you may be looking at BC.

 

[momsgoofy]

You can't pool hop from BW to SAB. It may just be a typo and you may be looking at BC.

Right you are...my brain knew what was meant and just read it as such, but thanks for reminding me. I just got off the phone with Dsis and she's set to make our ressies for the non-DVC part of the trip. We've had the wishy-washy-est time deciding...Dniece first wanted GF, then I mentioned AKL, Dsis at first was thinking Swan/Dolphin, but can't do the MYW plus dining there (or at least the site wouldn't let me add it to get an idea of price.) Then tonite Dsis is talking about staying in one of the Epcot resorts...so we just might make it to SAB anyway if it ends up being BC.

Thanks again for the reminder!