Best DVC property with baby?? VWL??

[Booknut]

Hi

We are booked to stay in a DVC studio (for the first time!) at VWL in January. We are bringing our daughter who will be 14 months old. We thought VWL would be best as it has the boat to the Magic Kingdom but from what i've seen on the map the boat dock seems very far away from the villas.

Can someone tell me if they think VWL is suitable for someone with a young toddler and/or do you think a DVC studio elsewhere might be better? Do you know how long the walk will be from the villas to the boat dock? We won't have a car for the 7 nights we're there.

Thanks

 

[MILLZ]

Depends on what your looking for. We just got back from okw with our 4 year old and 3 mth old it was fine. We really think the bus systems are fine and works out well for us. We have stayed many times and it was always fine. Again the bus service has worked really well when we have been there. VWL boats are quite a ride and are pretty busy at night when the parks close but whatever you decide im sure you will be fine. My boy who is now 4 has riden the buses so much now its old hat to him and also he actually really enjoys it.

 

[mama03]

It may seem far, but the walk is wonderful. Its not that bad, plus you will pass old faithful every time. It is a quieter resort, which when my kids were little would have been great. Dont worry, go with the flow and enjoy your vacation.

 

[ZekeKelso]

From the elevators to the end of the dock is just under 1/4 mile. See

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1773120

 

[gracelrm]

We stayed in VWL several times when our kids were stroller age. Since we spent the majority of our time at MK, the boat ride over was very nice. You don't have to fold the stroller up - you could just roll it right onto the boat. It was especially good at night. The little one would fall asleep waiting for the boat, sleep through the boat ride, and all the way back to the room. To me, that was so much better than having to take them out of the stroller, fold it up ( and all the stuff we had in and on the stroller) and then hold onto a sleeping child on a crowded bus.

JMO

 

[4Pluto]

We were there with a 10 month old and a 3 year old. The 10MO was in the stroller and the 3YO walked to the boat dock with no problem. As important, the bus stops were really close to the Villas, so trips to the other parks were really easy too.

As far as kid friendly goes, WCC is always loud so crying kids are no problem. The Villa had quiet rooms to explore. You can watch the electric light parade from the dock that's close to the Villas (or from some rooms). And the Villa pool was great for us; although its not zero entry, it has wide steps that were easy to climb.

I thought this was a great resort for the young ones.

 

[TosaTrio]

DH and I stayed at VWL when DD was 22 months. It was a great location. Boat to MK was great! DD had fun playing in the sand and pool! We stayed at SS just before DD 3rd B-Day. While the Bus transportation was fine, rolling the stroller on the boat is MUCH easier then one parent holding the sleeping child while the other folds the stroller and gets all the junk out of the stroller basket!

Have fun!

 

[melk]

We loved being at VWL when our kids were "stroller age." As someone else pointed out, you can push them right onto the boat without getting them out of the stroller,which comes in very handy if they happen to fall asleep. We also loved spending time at the quiet pool with them, as well as taking them over to Fort Wilderness (they had a petting zoo then, not sure if it's still there). We also would rent the surrey bikes and take the wooded path to FW. We saw deer and armadillos on the way, the kids loved it!

I think it's a great choice to stay at with small children. Have fun!!!

 

[jade1]

Would depend where we plan to spend time. If MK for sure VWL. If EPCOT and DHS-for sure BCV or BWV and stroll back to the room and avoid the bus rides (not interested in collapsing a stroller and those bright lights coming on at every stop). If AK it doesn't matter.

 

[Booknut]

Thanks everyone, under 1/4 mile is not far at all - although if she's crying the whole way it may seem like an eternity!

 

[vbarry]

We took DD 6 months and again at 15 months. VWL is perfect for small children. The walk is not far and is a very nice relaxing walk. They have a kiddie pool and all the ducks. I just thought it was perfect. Have a great time!