Choose our resort!

[brergnat]

I need help choosing the perfect place to stay for our first trip to WDW as a family. I've got it down to three choices.

1. Polynesian, Garden View Concierge (2 connecting rooms)

2. WL-Deluxe Room (Junior Suite), plus connecting standard room (if MIL comes---if not, just the deluxe room)

3. BCV-2 BR Villa

Here are the particulars.

When: First week of May 2009

Who:
DH, Me, DS (4.5), DS (3), MIL (most likely coming for PART of the trip)

What's so special about this trip: EVERYTHING! This will be our boy's first trip to WDW (and first plane trip...from CA!!!). DH and I were married at WDW in 2001; honeymooned at WL. We will be making up for everything DH is missing this year, while he is deployed to Iraq (he returns Feb 2009). It's going to be a big happy vacation; one that we will ALL need. It's all about relaxation and fun. No commando! We are DL "regulars" since we live so close. We really want to spend a lot of time enjoying the hotel we stay at, so this is why I'm so indecisive about where to go.

Things to consider: Our oldest DS is autistic. He has trouble falling asleep when he gets overstimulated. It would help immensely to have a separate room where he (and possibly MIL and other DS) can sleep away from DH and I. He needs his own bed. He will NOT sleep on an inflatable bed (he's scared of them). We had quite a problem getting him to sleep in a standard room at the Grand Californian Hotel last October for 3 nights. We vowed to NOT all stay in one room when we go to WDW. We all need our sleep, and it doesn't happen with DS in the same room as us. For this reason also, a relaxing and calm resort is key. We need a haven. Both kids will still be in strollers, for the most part. Both love to swim. Both love trains (and the DL monorail). We will not plan to spend most of our time at MK, since Disneyland is all they know of Disney parks. We want them to see the OTHER stuff at WDW, that DL does not have. We are probably the only people that go to WDW with toddlers and plan to spend most of our time AWAY from the MK.

So, vote for your pick. Don't worry about the price. Money is not an issue for this trip. We're spoiling ourselves with all the "free money" (incentive/special pay) we're getting during the deployment.

 

[stellablue]

Wow, it sounds like this is certainly going to be a very special trip for you guys and I hope you have a wonderful time!!

I chose Beach Club 2 BR Villas for you guys. I chose it because it is located on the Boardwalk, which is walking distance to both Epcot & DHS. You had mentioned that you would be spending less time at MK, so this location might be perfect for you. Also, hanging around the Boardwalk is fun in itself.

These villas are very elegant and comfy. They are also generally quiet and peaceful.

The other perk you might be interested in is the pool at the Beach Club. Stormalong Bay is known for being the best pool on property!

 

[cmd0819]

You have three great choices here. WL is my df's all time favorite resort, and it would be nice to be back to your honeymoon place. At the pool at the Beach Club is amazing. But, I voted for the Poly because of the monorail. Although, if you think you might spend more time at parks other than MK, the beach club is a nice option because you can walk right to Epcot.

 

[Shmily1]

I chose BC. It is just the most awesome resort!! The best part is location!! Other good parts are SAB, Cape May Cafe character breakfast (YUM!!!), and Art the greeter (he is wonderful!!). About the location. It is an easy walk to Epcot, DHS, or the BW or you can take the boats. The BW has great activities in the evenings so that is always fun to see.

Thank you for your family's sacrifices for our freedom. Please tell DH we said that's for all he does.

Enjoy your stay!!

 

[letthewookiewin]

My personal favorite, so far, is the WL. However, we are staying at the Poly on our next trip b/c DH said I could get a MK view room. I think with kids the age of yours, that you will spend the most time at the MK, and the quick access to the monorail would be great. Also, my DS9 was recently diagnosed with possibly having a higher fuctioning form of Autism. We will now more once his Epilepsy is under control. I don't know if you are planning anytime at the pool, so I don't know if that is even a factor. With my DS9 we noticed that he enjoys a pool with zero entry much better than one with stairs. There is just something about the stairs that even when he's in the shallow end, he feels the water is too deep. It makes him very stressed, he makes me carry him, and holds on like his life depends on it. If it's a zero entry pool, it doesn't stress him and he has a great time. Also, he hates really loud noises. Eventhough I prefer watching the fireworks from Main Street, he spends the entire time with his hands over his ears making a terrible face. I am hoping that the sound of the fireworks going off is more muffled at the Poly, and he can just enjoy the fireworks.

 

[RMulieri]

I chose BC..location is nice, can;t be Sab pool and because your DS has autism, the extra space in the 2br villa in sweet.

 

[PrincessPaczki]

I would have to say the POLY. We have stayed at the other two and they are wonderful resorts with great pools. I would think that the POLY would be easier with the monorail in your favor. It would be so much easier with 2 strollers and the travel time to the MK and Epcot is so much faster. Plus, what a beautiful resort!

 

[vbarry]

2 bedroom at BCV!! You will love it! There is a kitchen and washer and dryer. We stayed at the Poly a few years ago (which I love) but when we moved over to the Boardwalk in a one bedroom....I decided to buy DVC. The space makes a HUGE difference!

 

[iloveeeyore]

I almost always recommend the Poly, as it is my very favorite resort and soooo convenient with young ones...

BUT, in your case, since MK is not a factor, I'd say WL or BCV (in that order). The BC has the greatest pool, and a very convenient location to Epcot and DHS, however, the WL I think would be more remote (therefore more quiet), plus I believe those Jr. suites have lovely views of Bay Lake.

The Poly wouldn't be a bad choice, but part of the attraction (and therefore justification for the high price) is in the location virtually AT the MK.

Please let us know what you decide.

 

[brergnat]

So far the BCV and Poly GVC are neck and neck.

Those two are the ones I'm leaning towards, personally.

There is something to be said for the convenience of the Concierge (for food/snacks) and the convenience of the Poly in general, plus I LOVE the restaurants there.

What's holding me back from the Poly being #1 is:
-it's loud...and crowded
-there's no workout facility on site (huge issue for DH...walking to the one at the GF is just inconvenient)

What's holding me back from BCV being #1 is:
-no concierge...we'd have to buy groceries and prepare our own meals, and clean up (ewwww...NOT on vacation!)
-if we didn't buy groceries and eat in room, there's no Counter Service location at Beach Club. We aren't huge on TS meals with our boys and having a concierge lounge to walk into and have breakfast, especially, "ready" would be great. Although, breakfast is an easy meal, and would be easy to do in the villa.

Decisions decisions!

I think I've narrowed it down to these two, though. WL is now out, officially. I've stayed there too many times (not that it's a bad thing, but I'm ready for something NEW!)

Keep voting guys!

 

[mickeybrat]

I would say Poly. It is relaxing. It Won't have the hustle and bustle that the Epcot resorts have. Although I would say WL, but you have already been there. A resort choice is always the family's preference. Everyone's so different in what they think "A vacation should be" It really will depend on the people traveling. Good Luck and Have Fun whatever you choose!

 

[maxiesmom]

So far the BCV and Poly GVC are neck and neck.

Those two are the ones I'm leaning towards, personally.

There is something to be said for the convenience of the Concierge (for food/snacks) and the convenience of the Poly in general, plus I LOVE the restaurants there.

What's holding me back from the Poly being #1 is:
-it's loud...and crowded
-there's no workout facility on site (huge issue for DH...walking to the one at the GF is just inconvenient)

What's holding me back from BCV being #1 is:
-no concierge...we'd have to buy groceries and prepare our own meals, and clean up (ewwww...NOT on vacation!)
-if we didn't buy groceries and eat in room, there's no Counter Service location at Beach Club. We aren't huge on TS meals with our boys and having a concierge lounge to walk into and have breakfast, especially, "ready" would be great. Although, breakfast is an easy meal, and would be easy to do in the villa.

Decisions decisions!

I think I've narrowed it down to these two, though. WL is now out, officially. I've stayed there too many times (not that it's a bad thing, but I'm ready for something NEW!)

Keep voting guys!

Being that you don't want to cook or do table sevice, I would stay away from the Beach Club. They do sell some snack food, but the selection is very limited. I see that the pool is important for your family. And while the Beach Club does have Storm Along Bay, it is not very small kid friendly. It is very hard to see your kids at all times, unless you keep them confined to one section of the pool. Plus, if they want to use the slide they have to walk across the sidewalk and away from the main pool area to get to it.

Staying at the Poly and being on the monorail line is wonderful. Plus being able to relax at the beach and watch Wishes at the end of the day is soooo nice. The volcano pool has a zero entry end, and a cute little slide. Captain Cooks is great for quick a counter service meal. If you like bananas, don't miss the tonga toast.

 

[spiceycat]

okay - BCV only has 25 dedicated bedrooms with 2 queen beds - that is not a whole lot at all.

if your son can't sleep in anything except a regular bed. you are limited.

now if sleeper sofa will do - then BCV is still fine.

if not would reconsider. the dedicated at VWL has 2 queen beds in all their dedicated units.

so does SSR. BWV has only one queen and double sleeper sofa.

okw has 2 queen beds period in the 2nd bedroom either dedicated or lock off.

at BCV - king bed in the master, queen sleeper sofa in the livingroom - and and in the second bedroom - either 2 queen beds or one queen bed and a double sleeper sofa.

so in your case you need a guaranteed 2-bedroom dedicated with queen beds - if you can't get that - then you need to reconsider.

won't go with a room - even the deluxe room - your son will need more privacy.

might even consider OKW - it has the biggest rooms, but only if he is fine on the bus. if buses upset him then - then stick with one of the others.

 

[Bella O]

I personally would choose the Poly. If your boys like trains they will love the monorail, and it is convenient to Epcot - you can walk to the TTC and get direct service to Epcot. Also I think the pool at BC, while it's fantastic - esp. for older kids- may be overstimulating for your ds - it is almost always crowded w/lots of noise and commotion. Plus the concierge would meet your pampering needs nicely. The walk over to GF for the gym isn't bad at all - we are staying at the Poly for the 1st time this year, but have stayed at GF alot, and walked to the Poly all the time. I hope you guys have a great time!

 

[brergnat]

now if sleeper sofa will do - then BCV is still fine.


so in your case you need a guaranteed 2-bedroom dedicated with queen beds - if you can't get that - then you need to reconsider.

Yeah, I have that part all figured out. I didn't know there were only 25 units like the one we need...might make it harder, although we will book through WDTC and I want to secure this room NOW for May 2009, so maybe my chances are good.

We don't necessarily WANT to just stay in a villa. We specifically are ONLY interested in the BCV due to the proximity to Epcot. If we can't get a guaranteed 2BR dedicated w/2 queen beds at BCV, we'll forgo the DVC properties altogether. Plus, we want to be within walking or monorail distance to at least ONE park. I hate the buses. My son is okay on buses (he loves his school bus) but I can't stand them, and we don't want to use them unless we absolutely have to. Plus, neither of our boys are known for their patience, so waiting and then possibly having to stand on a bus...no thanks!

Oh, and this issue of Stormalong Bay being too big is not an issue. Our kids will be young still...I know they would LOVE the sandy bottom toddler area, and will probably spend most of their time there. They won't be all over the place. Plus, we don't "lounge" at the pool. We swim with our boys. My older son (the autistic one) is very clingy in the pool and would NEVER go down that huge slide (maybe the little kiddie one). He might go down the Volcano pool slide, though.

 

[joepic]

I think the Poly would be a great first hotel for your son.

The WL would be good when he's older, he'll be able to understand a lot more about it.

The Poly would be great because of the Monorail, obviously, character breakfasts, and it's a nice, warm Disney environment for any first timer.

 

[Frankiesmom]

My DS 6 is autistic and we are all happiest and most relaxed @ the POLY; if you could swing it LVC views offer wonderful views of wishes fireworks; where our DS can watch and it's far enough away from the noise that we don't have to worry about him freaking out. Even GVC; you can all watch from the lounge or the beach- for us it was easier just to be able to view it from the balcony and he loved watching the castle change colors! Good luck with whatever you decide and check out the info on the disabilities section here for taking kids with autism to WDW- we found out on these boards about the GAC- guest assistance card; seperate areas to wait for rides or just being able to be taken right to the front when available. My DS has the hardest times with crowds in enclosed areas and loud noises. Hope this helps!

 

[SeaSpray]

My older son (the autistic one) is very clingy in the pool and would NEVER go down that huge slide (maybe the little kiddie one). He might go down the Volcano pool slide, though.

Hi

I just want to say that while the slide at the volcano pool isn't extremely long or at a very steep angle, I don't think it's what I would call a child's slide, either. I went down that slide for the first time on our last trip, and I got quite the wet and wild ride! LOL If your DS is a little on the cautious side (my younger DS16 was like that when he was younger), even the volcano slide might be a little too much for him. I guess you or your DH would go down it first, to see whether your DS would like it or not.

Have a great time, whichever resort you choose!

 

[brergnat]

Hi

I just want to say that while the slide at the volcano pool isn't extremely long or at a very steep angle, I don't think it's what I would call a child's slide, either. I went down that slide for the first time on our last trip, and I got quite the wet and wild ride! LOL If your DS is a little on the cautious side (my younger DS16 was like that when he was younger), even the volcano slide might be a little too much for him. I guess you or your DH would go down it first, to see whether your DS would like it or not.

Have a great time, whichever resort you choose!

Thanks for the input. I only say he might go down that slide because he has a thing for volcanoes. I don't know why, or where it came from, but he thinks they are cool. And he loves slides. Of course, one of us would "test" it out first.

 

[Ennazus8810]

I chose BCV for you, based on the location to Epcot and the peacefulness of the Boardwalk. They are wonderful rooms, very roomy, and your son should be able to sleep with no interuptions. There is also a "quiet" pool located right in the middle of the BCV's, which is great for times when you DS wants to swim but not be around a lot of others.

Good luck choosing and have a wonderful trip