Can't decide on which Epcot resort - help

[JJ&JSMOM]

We've decided to stay in a deluxe resort in the Epcot area but we are having a difficult time deciding which one. Our TA recommends the Beach Club due to SAB. The pool is really a big deal for us but I don't know I look at the pics of the Beach Club and it doesn't appeal to me at all. I'm not sure why. I think our youngest two would really like the zero entry and the sand area. My son would love the slide but don't like the fact that he'd have to walk so far to get to the entrance stairs. We'd have to split up.

The Boardwalk just intrigues me. Love the pool - the kids have seen the pics of the clown and it doesn't bother them at all. I think we would enjoy the activities and atmosphere of the Boardwalk.

The Swan and Dolphin are not disney resorts but they're in the area and the pool looks great! Don't really care about not being able to charge to our room key or the package delivery. Not even sure we'd do the dining plan so those aren't factors for us.

I'm open to any all all advice. We wouldn't be going until May of 2010 and we're a family of 5 - me, DH DD4, DD7 & DS10. So we have plenty of time but I haven't seen any reviews lately on the Epcot resorts.

Thank you for your help.

 

[goofy4tink]

I've stayed at all three...so have some idea. I prefer BW, but that's my home DVC resort, so I'm a wee bit biased. We did enjoy SAB at the BC, but you're right. It's hard to let your younger kids go walking around, out of sight, in order to access that slide there. I hated my dd having to leave the pool area, and cross that public walkway...not that I'm an overly protective mother but stuff happens. Dd wasn't crazy about it either...if that matters at all.
We haven't used the pool at the S/D yet, but will be in August. We are usually there in the winter months. I was there in Dec and sat out by the pool area, enjoying the peace and quiet, with a cup of coffee, and making some phone calls. It was really beautiful there. But, it does lack that Disney magic type theming.
BW?? I love it there. The pool is fun, the slide is terrific. You can actually sit below and watch your kids go up to the top and then start down the slide. When they are 'spit out' you can see it, from just about anywhere in the pool area. The Community Hall is a great place for some fun activities. My dd used to love going there for some arts and crafts type things..not sure if they still do that but it's worth checking out.

The one thing that is lacking at these resorts is a quick serve type meal. Yes, you can grab something at the Boardwalk Bakery, but the selections are very limited. And there is a grab and go section at the Marketplace at BC, and you can get soda/coffee refills there for your mugs. But, even that is limited as far as food goes.
At the Dolphin, you do have Picabu...love Picabu. It is on the bottom level of the Dolphin. It is open 24 hrs...kind of cafeteria style. But, they have a ton of options..from salads to full dinners...my dd had meatloaf and said it was terrific!!!
The other thing to keep in mind is that if you stay at the S/D, you won't be able to use DME to get there..you will have to pay for some kind of transportation.

 

[deej696]

I've also stayed at all 3, and like tink I too prefer the Boardwalk. We enjoy the pool at BC, but we rarely use it so thats not a big selling point for us. The pool at BW is great, the slide is just as fun, and I'm sure your kids will enjoy it. One silly reason why I like the Dolphin...the coffee. Its far better than the flavored water they serve at the Disney resorts. But thats just one small thing. We stay at the Boardwalk once every couple months and it has never disappointed...

 

[TwingleMum]

For a different view point. I own BCV. And I prefer it over BW. Don't get me wrong I like the BW (except the LOOOOOOONG hallways (sorry inside DVC joke) and the pool was fun but I thought the BC was a better fit. You don't say how old your kids are or if you will have anyone else with you like a spouse. I have 3 kids and they are crazy for SAB. My one son loves to play in the zero entry and play in the sand with the free beach toys. My other 2 love the Pirate of the Caribbean slide. Usually either my Dh or I will do slide duty. They also love the lazy river floating around on the free tubes. Many times they don't want to leave and we skip the park and relax by the pool. They also love going to Beaches & Cream. BC has a character breakfast which is really fun. And dinner at Cape May is also great. Love those oreo bon bons. The Yachtsman Steak house is one of the best restaurants on property. There is also a fab quick mart will panninis and gelato. A quick walk to EPCOT right through the World show case. My kids also love the Dive in movies. At Christmas they had a ball playing ping pong at the pool. My one son loves the chili at the BC and we do a late swim and get chili through room service and its a highlight for him.

Whatever you decide have a wonderful trip.