BWV or VWL? Which is best for toddler?

[roserae]

My dh and I can't decide which resort to stay in on our upcoming trip to WDW in January. This will be our first trip "home" and "home" is BWV, so there is a definite draw there plus all the other reasons we chose BWV. But we are thinking VWL might be a better choice for this trip because of the season and the proximity to MK, where a lot of our time will be spent. We are also interested in doing some things at Fort Wilderness on non park days, so we would be closer to that too.

However, BWV offers more restaurants and night time things to do plus the advantage of being able to pop over to Epcot easily after the other parks have closed.

DD will be just over 2 years old and this trip is totally geared around her. Which do you think she would enjoy more...and which would be easier on us?

Oh, does VWL have a beach area? I'm thinking it will be too cold to swim, but playing in the sand might be fun. Just a thought.

Thanks for any help.

Stacy

 

[littlestar]

Yes, the lodge has a sandy beach area. Also has playground equipment there for the kids if I remember correctly.

If it's cold in January, the atmosphere at the lodge and villas is great (all those fireplaces and rocking chairs). Being close to the Magic Kingdom would be great for a two year old. The Fort Wilderness petting zoo would be fun for your daughter I'm sure.

I vote for VWL in January. I'd try BWV during a hotter season. Of course, you never know, there might be a heat wave in January but probably not.

 

[drusba]

There is somewhat of a beach area at VWL, but you cannot go in the water -- swimming in any of the lakes is prohibited (rule established about 8 years ago due to possible pollution and alligators).

VWL is ideal if you will be spending most time at MK. It also has a cafeteria which the BW does not. Because of differences in design, it is also easier to keep an eye on your toddler while at the VWL main pool than at BWV. BWV has the better kids playground and of course the ability to get to Epcot and MGM easily along with a large number of restaurants. The toddler probably won't care which one you go to. No wrong choice and ultimately I would say go with what the parents like best.

 

[Granny]

Here's another vote for VWL. For the two year old....

...a geyser that erupts, amazingly enough, right on it's regular schedule

...a good counter service restaurant in Roaring Fork

...a fun, kid-oriented full service restaurant in Whispering Canyon

...the afternoon duck races in Silver Springs Creek...they're a hoot!

...a nice toddlers pool by the main pool

...a lobby that will look about 300 feet tall to a toddler!!!

...theming that she will understand (western, railroads, etc)

...the boat ride to MK will be like an attraction ride to a 2 year old

...the nightly Electrical Water Pageant will be absolutely magical to a young one like that if she can stay awake that long


I love the BWV...enough that I own there as well as at VWL. But for the trip you described, I'd go with VWL.

If you go to BWV, your daughter would have a wonderful time as well. Just hanging around the Boardwalk would be quite entertaining for young and old alike.

But VWL would be hard to beat for your circumstances.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

another vote for vwl!!! your toddler will love takeing a stroll over to fort wilderness!!! go to the petting zoo, have a pony ride, check out the big horses used to pull the carriages in the MK, plus if you are lucky, the stoll over she will probably fall asleep and take a nice nap, while you can sit on the porch of the trails end restaurant and rock away on those nice big rocking chairs, I sent the family over to the MK one day and did exactly that with my little guy, it was very nice! Plus a trip by boat to the Contemporary is always fun, and just riding the monorail is cool also, we have done that at night just for the heck of it! Try to get a seat in the front! there are alot of "odd" things to do in that area, that don't cost a thing and can be very entertaining for your daughter and you also

 

[spiceycat]

go with VWL - you say the main reason was your child - she won't (unless she is maturity) like Epcot - don't be surprised in the fireworks going off scare her.

she will love the MK!!!!

however kids that age seem to love to take a bus trip - so if the weather is okay - get on the bus - even if you don't get off - also as had been say make sure she gets to ride the monrail.

 

[timC]

IMO there's more for a 2yr to enjoy at VWL than BWV.

- Boat rides (to MK)
- Ducks and rabbits to chase around
- beach to dig in
- kiddie pool
- Explore the path to FW
- Lot's of stuff for kiddo's at FW
- Explore the lobby
- Easy access to MK and mickey's toon town

 

[CK1]

Ok, I agree with everyone else -- VWL -- for all their many reasons. We too own at BWV but have yet to stay there.

One pt to make that others haven't noted yet: the room configs at BWV. Maybe it was just the model (we'll soon know for sure!) but all the door knobs, light switches, etc are really low. I asked the DVC person who allowed me to tour the models this march what the deal was with that -- she claimed they are "all that way". I said I assure you that had they been that way at VWL, my disco daughter (then 2) would have never left the lights alone... or at least only long enough to LEAVE out the door!
THe 2 brs are a concern at BWV because there are no "dedicated" rooms -- they all have that extra hallway door. I may cherish that door when my trio of kids (now 8,7,and 3) are teens, but for now, I wanna know where they are 24/7!

We are FINALLY making our plans for our first trip "home" to BWV and a side trip to BCV... BWV looks like an awesome resort and I know we'll enjoy it. (Our faith is evidenced by an add-on this spring!) But even so, based on the info you gave, I'd go with VWL. If you're sorely tempted to still try BWV or feel you might be missing out on something there -- why not schedule your first or last day there and switch over? Or at least hop over for a visit. I'm normally opposed to resort switching... but the urge to try BCV (yet finally go home to BWV) is just too strong for us to resist this time!

Happy planning, whichever way you choose!

 

[roserae]

Thanks everyone! Sounds like VWL is the place for us this trip...assuming there is availability. We are going mid-January, but can't make ressies until all of our paperwork makes it through the channels...hopefully in the next 4 weeks. Thanks for all the good tips!

Stacy