Best DVC resort for mom traveling solo with 19 monh old?

[DisneyFave]

we’re going in september so i’m leaning toward beach club for the pool (which, really, he will like more than the parks). Also looking at the Poly beacuse walking distance to both epcot and MK monorails, and Bay lake tower for obvious location reasons. Torn! Stroller access to parks very important (as in, i hate folding my stroller while wrangling baby alone and dont want any bus rides — will walk thru epcot to get to monorail to MK if need be).

Will be 3 nights, no hubby just me and my babe before he turns 2 and I have to pay for his flight! Lol any recs on resorts for that age much appreciated.

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

I would do Bay Lake. I haven’t been to BC yet but my understanding is the pool is better suited for older kids.
Plus traveling solo you can’t beat walking to MK.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

If BLT is available, it would be good. If you're inside of 7 months, you may not have the options.

 

[DisneyFave]

That is a very good call! I guess I really need to be looking at splash areas moreso than pools because baby won't be able to swim... he just started walking so I'm new to all this! Looks like Poly and GF both have great splash areas... and I like the Contemporary's zero entry pool for him too

 

[bumbershoot]

I guess I really need to be looking at splash areas moreso than pools because baby won't be able to swim...

Yep. And watching over a toddler in a pool or even splash area is *exhausting*. Even with another adult it can wipe you out. So you might not even have as much time in the water as you anticipate.

Have him wear the vest they provide. Don’t get water wings. google if you wish.

 

[Surgie2]

That is a very good call! I guess I really need to be looking at splash areas moreso than pools... and I like the Contemporary's zero entry pool for him too

Both the pools at the Poly have zero entry areas. In addition, the Oasis pool at the Poly has poolside covered patios that can be rented by the half-day or day which would be so worth it to me for guaranteed chairs in the shade. I think the Poly pools have a bit more fun factor than the CR but the walk from CR to MK is a plus.

 

[patty57]

I'm not trying to complicate this for you, but Stormalong Bay has a good area for toddlers. There is a large area that's shallow and kids can sit in the sand and play there. As far as transportation, I agree that the monorail will be easier for you.

 

[NicoleLarson]

I've stayed at all 3 of these with infants and BLT hands down. Stormalong bay is NOT toddler friendly. Its huge with a ton of blind spots. Polys splash area is nice but has some deep areas where you can't see the kids and with all of the water features its really hard to keep track of your kids. BLT is very compact and has a nice splash pad, zero entry along with a baby slide into the main pool. Also being able to walk back and forth to MK is priceless. The only other option I would recommend I'd GFV but not being able to walk to MK puts it at a disadvantage.

 

[nelsonkg]

I have to say I agree with Patty57. We have stayed at BCV many times with a toddler and the wading area with the sand bottom was wonderful, with buckets and shovels to dig with and plenty of other kiddos to keep mine occupied it was relaxing. Also my boys loved the Boardwalk strolls every night and street performers esp the magician. I loved being able to grab dinner at all the countries at World Showcase at night with so many choices just a stroll away as I traveled alone with my boys also. Poly would also be my choice because of the monorail. I have stayed at all the other DVCs except SS and those are my top 2 with a toddler

 

[Best Aunt]

wStroller access to parks very important (as in, i hate folding my stroller while wrangling baby alone and dont want any bus rides — will walk thru epcot to get to monorail to MK if need be).

Since OP said this, I don't think anything in the Boardwalk area makes sense if OP plans to go to Magic Kingdom - that would involve folding the stroller to get on a bus (or MinnieVan). If you have a Hopper or Annual Pass, you can go through International Gateway, walk all the way to the front of Epcot, then get on a monorail to get to the Transportation & Ticket Center, then get on another monorail to get to the Magic Kingdom, but I would think that would burn a lot of energy before you even get to your first attraction, and it would mean you couldn't get to the Magic Kingdom early.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Frankly, if she is talking points not cash, in September, too late for VGF, BWV or BCV without split stays.

 

[AFwifelife]

We don’t stay DVC but we do try to stay at monorail resorts because it’s so much easier with strollers. I wouldn’t choose too much about what pool each resort has. Taking little toddlers to the pool is exhausting. We usually opt for some down time in the room.

 

[Wood Nymph]

Storm Along Bay has a wonderful shallow, sandy place area. The kids can spend hours playing in the sand. There are plenty of seats in the shady area, close to the water's edge, so mom can relax a little. There is also a very cute, short little slide on the back of the Pirate slide where the toddler can play. There is poolside food and beverage service, too, so that you don't have to drag the child out of the pool to order food. It would also be a nice resort for evening entertainment at Epcot or the Boardwalk resort area, or HS.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The sandy area for little kids at Stormalong Bay is closer to the Yacht Club side of the pool. The OP might even try for SSR because they have fun water play areas, lots of places to walk around with a stroller and she can roll over to Disney Springs as well. Plus there is a better chance of getting DVC points for a stay at SSR this late in the game.

 

[Sue M]

With a 3 day stay and not wanting to use a bus I guess you’d have to pick which 2 parks are the most important. Stay at MK area resort and go to MK and Epcot or stay in Epcot area and go to Epcot and DHS. With the age of your child I think MK has the most things for a toddler.

 

[senadler]

We have stayed at both BCV and the Poly with a toddler, and my preference is the Poly. That was before the kids area at the pool, so I would recommend the Poly even more now. Stormalong Bay does have a great sand area for kids, but it does get deep. The rest of the pool has a lot of deep spots. While our family really enjoys this pool, I would not want to be there by myself. It is also a long walk from the villa side of the BC to get to the sand area which is closer to the YC.

While staying at BCV with a stroller, we have done the walk through Epcot to the MK to avoid the bus, but it does take a long time. I used to do it with my youngest and let him take a nap on the way, and the rest of the family would meet us at MK. You can't do this if you want to go to RD at MK, which I would highly suggest. If you do plan to do that, you would be stuck taking the bus.

We have also been to BLT when my youngest was around 3. I did not really like the pool area there. Just not as themed or relaxing at the Poly. Location is great though, and easy access to MK and Epcot without buses.

 

[holden]

BLT - splash pad, tiny baby slide, walking distance to MK, nice food options.

 

[DisneyFave]

Welp, the DVC gods have decided for me! Availability at BCV disappeared over the weekend, so now we're doing Poly. And I'm quite happy about it! Thanks to everyone for your advice!!!!

 

[DisneyFave]

PS I still can't believe we're staying at the poly on rented points for $288/night... paid $600/night years ago!

 

[BLLB]

Poly is great for a toddler, they have a zero entry.