Ok, so we are frequent dineygoers. Every time we stay somewhere other than the Boardwalk we tend to regret it. I guess I like the boat transportation, and I am back with a 1 year old just pushing the stroller up and down the boardwalk always has put my other ones to sleep. I just feel that maybe I want a different experience, not the same trip year after year. We tried the AKL concierge level but didn't like the hotel. A little dark and having to take the bus everywhere wasn't for me. Any insight? I am making my final payment today and I know boardwalk is available. We really like the 1 bedroom villa and Bay Lake might be nice but they only have a studio which wouldn't work. Thanks!!
What about Beach Club Villas for something different? We like it better than Boardwalk and you still get all the same Epcot area advantages. VWL was okay to us but it does also have some of that darker theming. It's the dark furniture that creates that impression, I think. I don't think the rooms are generally dark, but it feels that way - I think that goes for the WL, AKL and the Poly, all of which have darker furnishings.
I love WL, haven't stayed at the villa section, but think WL is great. Boat to MK was a fun way of getting there. And there is a boat to CR where you can hop on the resort monorail. But I also loved AKL! I didn't find the rooms dark at all, except the time we were on the 6th floor at WL which has the privacy balcony and lets less light into the room.
I like VWL very much but I think VWL will be a little dark for you, and you will still be taking buses everywhere but MK. I would agree with the poster who said you should check out BCV. The rooms at BCV are pretty much identical to BWV except for the decor, but it's still a light bright resort instead of darker like AKL. I've stayed at both BCV and BWV, and although they are in the same general location, they do have different feels to them - so you can have the best of both. You can be close to the Boardwalk, but have a different vacation as well.
I agree with voting for the Beach Club Resort so you will still have the beautiful area to walk your little one. Will you be renting points or using points as a DVC owner or will you be booking a regular room through Beach Club Resort? The only reason we haven't stayed at Beach Club is we rent points and I'm not too happy with the views given at BCV side. The regular rooms have awesome views of Stormalong Bay and the lake and Boardwalk though.
