BLT or wilderness lodge

[Mflaherty]

I booked wilderness lodge because that's what was available at the time. I now have some flexibility with my dates and BLT is available. I'm traveling with a 3 and 5 year old. I've stayed at BLT and it was ok. Walking to MK was great of course and the monorail but the theming lacks a bit of magic for me. My husband says we should opt for the convenience and second bathroom.(staying in a one bedroom either way) I'm torn. Thoughts?

 

[Brian Noble]

I like them both. The walk from BLT is nice, but so is the boat from WL, and the WL/MK buses are regular and very quick. I loved the BLT theme, but can see why it is not everyone's cup of tea; if that's you, the VWL/WL theming will probably blow you away.

Hard to go wrong. I might let the points requirements decide. If you tend to be points-poor, VWL is cheaper. If you tend to have more than you know what to do with, BLT is fine.

 

[Antonius215]

You can't go wrong with either one our kids (the 5 year-old included) love both! That being said, we love the boat ride from VWL but nothing beats that monorail!

 

[sweatandsteel]

We have never stayed at BLT because the styling is not our cup of tea but we have stayed at Wilderness Lodge 5 or 6 times and love the resort. The boat ride is great! The resort combines the feeling of being away from everything but you are close to everything at the same time. I think you would really like it and would recommend it for sure!

 

[Mflaherty]

These posts are soo helpful!! Thanks everybody!

 

[Chip n Dale's Dad]

With a 3 and 5 year old, I would choose BLT and visit WL during your stay. We use this approach to generate our kids interest to try different things. It may take a few trips (and years) to WDW, but eventually they will suggest it themselves. The extra bathroom is a bigger perk than I ever thought, too!

This is where I play devil's advocate: If an extra bathroom will be more important to you in the future, you might want to stay at WL BEFORE the kids get bigger and you require another bathroom.

As far as the decor at BLT goes, just think 1960s retro-futuristic WDW! When you think about it, it really fits in with Tomorrowland. I think Walt would approve.

Whatever you decide, just remember that there will be more trips, with more experiences because you are a DVCer!

 

[BrotherBear]

WLV seems to be remote and "wood-sie". Its almost like you are staying at a national park, with the pine trees, the lake, the decor. But you are also so very close (via boat or bus) to the action. This is the best of both worlds to me. I love the two pools at WLV too. They are themed wonderfully.

The idea of only having one bathroom when your kids are 3 and 5 doesn't seem that bad. It's when they are 13 and 15 that you must insist on two

 

[sleepydog25]

We've stayed at both (BLT three times), though you can see we own at VWL. Both resorts are wonderful in their own ways as others have mentioned. For our tastes, VWL offers a more magical, escapist theme and setting than does BLT. While the location of BLT is marvelous, the serenity, natural surroundings, and sense of awe you get from VWL sets it apart. My fondest memories as a kid come from the spark to the imagination that a themed campground or resort provided. While BLT is undoubtedly a vacation spot with advantages of its location to MK and the monorail, WL (and VWL) is a vacation destination, a place that appeals to kids of all ages. To me, that's the deciding factor. Either way, you'll enjoy your stay, I'm sure. Best of luck!

 

[sweatandsteel]

I agree completely. We just stayed at AKV in a one bedroom in December that has 2 baths. Besides by mother-in-law using it, we never used it and would have been fine without it. Our kids were only 3 and 1 at the time.

 

[Pirate Granny]

There is a brand new children's water play area at WL...for that reason I would pick there. With our GC we spend time watching them have a ball...BLT a only has that splash pad... There is a nice playground on the beach also.

 

[Mflaherty]

Thanks soooooo much!!!!! Great great advice everyone!