BLT or VWL with a one year old?

[fitgirl36]

Hi all! We just returned from a 5 day trip with our 1 year old DD. We stayed at the Beach Club ( our favorite resort) But we plan on returning in May of 2012 and want to stay closer to the MK. We stayed in a one bedroom villa and it worked out perfectly so we want to stay in the same room type next time. My DH and I aren't sold on the theming of BLT but I think the convenience of the monorail can't be beat. We've stayed at the WL several years back and liked it but that was pre-kiddo. Do both resorts have a water play area and playground? Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

Honestly I would go with Bay Lake Tower because of the Resort Monorail access from the Contemporary and the walkway to the Magic Kingdom. Since you will be there with a 1 year old those are going to be two things you will be thankfull to have.

Plus from the pictures I have seen the Bay Lake Tower pool area has a kids splash play area, just like the one at the Contemporary pool which you can also use.

 

[CoachBagFanatic]

Although we have only stayed at BLT 1 bdrm villa, we have visited VWL while our friends were staying there last year. We prefer BLT over VWL. DH and I didn't think we would like the theming of BLT either but we actually thought it was very nice. You definitely can't beat the walking path to and from MK. If you need to leave MK in a hurry especially with a baby, that is heaven. Most of the times it was quicker for us to walk back to BLT rather than take the Monorail. There is also a boat launch that you can take back to CR as well. Below is a picture of the BLT pool. In the upper left hand corner is part of the mickey splash zone for the kids. There are chairs around the splash area as well. I am sure no matter where you stay you will have a great time. Happy Planning.

 

[Marthasor]

My vote is for BLT. The location for a family with a 1-year old cannot be beat and the toddler water area looks amazing!! We stayed at VWL this past August (would have stayed at BLT, but nothing available) and I was not impressed - no toddler water area (very small pools, in fact) and the transportation to the parks was spotty at best. Why fold up a stroller and wait 20 - 30 minutes for a bus to MK when you can hop on the monorail or even walk to MK from BLT! The boat service from VWL wasn't much better. Plus, in my opinion, BLT offers better food choices for everyone.

BLT over VWL hands down!

 

[fitgirl36]

Thanks everyone for the replies, it helps alot!

 

[wdwgirl1]

We stayed at BLt the past 2 years. The first year our DD was 3, and this year our DD was 4 and we had our new DD- 5 months with us. It was so great to be able to do a less then 10 minute walk to the MK- and to be able to hope the monorail to EPCOT. We would bring the girls back from the MK for a swim and a nap.

 

[Threeh]

Another vote for BLT. You can't beat walking back from the MK.

I don't think you could go wrong with VWL either, nice boat trip, but my vote is for BLT.

Have a great trip!!!