CR or BLT. wwyd?

[princessap]

It has always been my dream to stay at the CR. We will have three kids by the next trip 15 mos, 4, 6
It will be our last disney trip for a while because DH isn't a fan of going every year.
I have always wanted to stay at CR due to close proximity to mK. plan to do mnsshp and walk back would be amazing!!
However I am concerned there isnt a lot there for the kids to keep them entertained. The pool area looks a little boring to be honest.
my dh suggested AK. the pool area there looks great but someone said it is really spread out.
augh....decisions decisions.
my dh would prefer a villa but i dont know if he knows how much they are!
Can anyone offer advice?? I am so undecided.

 

[readytogotodisney]

We stayed at BLT in 2010, and CR years ago. I liked them both, so much that BLT is our first pick for our next trip in January.
The pool at BLT is nice, but not over the top like other hotels have. But they do have a water slide and splash pad that my then 13 month old loved!
I also really liked the zero entry pool they have, again nice for my DS. My niece and nephew also liked the pool and they were 9 and 7 at the time we went to BLT.

 

[Greysword]

LOL, so the conversation shifts here

Ok, so to compare CR to BLT is a matter of amenities. First, I would not suggest a BLT studio. The CR rooms are reportedly larger and likely better than the studio for the dollars paid. Thus, it is between a CR hotel room or a BLT 1BR villa.

A significant difference is the 1 BR villa offers a full washer/dryer and kitchen (refrigerator, stove, dishes, dishwasher, etc) as well as two rooms (living/dining and a bedroom). These rooms are also very quiet. BLT guests may also use the BLT pool (as well as the CR pool). The villa is $613 (on Friday, Sept 21st; I picked a random day late in the month; a 1BR Lake View).

The CR room is in the concourse (I'm assuming you won't want to stay in the garden wing, since this is the "last time in a while blow out" trip), and you'll have the monorail zooming by and be a part of the whole concourse vibe. This also reportedly could be a bit noisier due to the action just outside the room. The rooms are spacious and nice, and would likely have a small refrigerator and access to laundry facilities. You will have the CR pool, but not BLT's. A lake view Tower room is $523 (on Friday, Sept 21st).

In all, a BLT villa has access to everything for the CR plus BLT's pool and activity center, but the price is more. I highly recommend a 1 bedroom and not a studio villa, as they are reportedly quite small.

 

[patty57]

Why don't you look into renting DVC points for BLT. It would be the most economical way to stay there. I think your kids might really like BLT and the Contemporary. If you stay at BLT on points, you can use the Top of the World Lounge to watch Wishes. I think the Contemporary is fun for kids with the monorail going through it and all the stores and some restaurants right in the open. Walking to and from MK is priceless.

 

[princessap]

LOL, so the conversation shifts here

Ok, so to compare CR to BLT is a matter of amenities. First, I would not suggest a BLT studio. The CR rooms are reportedly larger and likely better than the studio for the dollars paid. Thus, it is between a CR hotel room or a BLT 1BR villa.

A significant difference is the 1 BR villa offers a full washer/dryer and kitchen (refrigerator, stove, dishes, dishwasher, etc) as well as two rooms (living/dining and a bedroom). These rooms are also very quiet. BLT guests may also use the BLT pool (as well as the CR pool). The villa is $613 (on Friday, Sept 21st; I picked a random day late in the month; a 1BR Lake View).

The CR room is in the concourse (I'm assuming you won't want to stay in the garden wing, since this is the "last time in a while blow out" trip), and you'll have the monorail zooming by and be a part of the whole concourse vibe. This also reportedly could be a bit noisier due to the action just outside the room. The rooms are spacious and nice, and would likely have a small refrigerator and access to laundry facilities. You will have the CR pool, but not BLT's. A lake view Tower room is $523 (on Friday, Sept 21st).

In all, a BLT villa has access to everything for the CR plus BLT's pool and activity center, but the price is more. I highly recommend a 1 bedroom and not a studio villa, as they are reportedly quite small.

I know. I am sooo undecided. I like the theme of AK better but the proximity of CR to mK better. Augh.
Someone suggested blt because we are doing mnsshp and the walk back to blt would be great. I just cannot help thinking how uninteresting the pool area looks for the kids

It looks more adult friendly than kid friendly.

 

[gray52]

Just my opinion... even though the little one makes it more like 4.5, trying to squeeze 5 in a BLT studio would be next to impossible (for us). You could get away with it at Old Key West because of the 2 queens, but our BLT stay in January with 4 (DS7 and DD4) pushed us over the top to buy more DVC points and upgrade to a 1-bedroom.

 

[Greysword]

It sounds like you answered the question yourself, stay at AKL. proximity is a lesser factor than what you'd find enjoyable. If it is just the pool, kids don't usually care if it is SAB or a quiet pool, just as long as they are swimming they are happy.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If you are thinking of a Tower Room at the Contemporary I would take that over Bay Lake Tower for these reasons. You would be an elevator ride away from their Monorail station, stores, restaurants and etc. With Bay Lake Tower you would need to go from their to there skybridge that's connected to the 4th floor of the Contemporary.

As for their pool they have kids activties everyday and it's also designed like Mickey Mouse ears, so I say there is no more Disney themed pool then that.

 

[princessap]

It sounds like you answered the question yourself, stay at AKL. proximity is a lesser factor than what you'd find enjoyable. If it is just the pool, kids don't usually care if it is SAB or a quiet pool, just as long as they are swimming they are happy.

True enough. to kids a pool is just a pool. I thought ak had a splash pad too. Does CR have that?

I must admit I like the idea of walking back to CR after mnsshp instead of
fighting crowds to
get out.

How likely am I to get standard view at bLT??

 

[autismgoesdisney]

Since in Disney's eyes you are a family of four right now I would take advantage of that and stay at WL or AKL. We are a family of five, and can never stay at those places without it costing a lot more. So if you have desire to stay at AKL now is the time to do so IMO!

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

True enough. to kids a pool is just a pool. I thought ak had a splash pad too. Does CR have that?

The Contemporary pool does have a kids splash area.

 

[dkostel]

I'm not sure about standard view, but there isn't that much of a points difference between standard and lake view (which is my fav) and you should be able to get one or the other if you book enough in advance. I second the recommendation of renting points from a member and getting a 1br. It is bigger than a CR room (non-suite), and you get laundry & a kitchen not to mention a separate bedroom.
Having been at BLT with a 6 year old I cannot recommend the walk back enough, especially after Wishes when there is a line for every available boat, bus and monorail.

 

[goofy4tink]

True enough. to kids a pool is just a pool. I thought ak had a splash pad too. Does CR have that?

I must admit I like the idea of walking back to CR after mnsshp instead of
fighting crowds to
get out.

How likely am I to get standard view at bLT??

Not very. DVC owners at BLT grab them as soon as they hit the appropriate 11 month booking window.

I have to agree about a studio...don't do it. Way too crowded with three kids. You'll go nuts. So, either try for a lakeview one bedroom, or go with a regular room at the CR itself.

I own at BLT and love it. I have no issue with the walk over to the main concourse area from BLT. It is no further than the South Wing. Not a big deal at all.
But, you may be happier in a regular CR resort room vs a villa.

 

[twinboysmom]

As in the other thread, I still recommend BLT. As far as getting a standard view, via cash reservation not very likely. For a dvc rental via a member, if done at the 11 month booking window, highly likely. While villas are expensive via cash reservation, via rental they are much more reasonable. Sme numbers I pulled for you:

Based on 2012 rates

BLT sept 12-19
1 bdrm stand view
194 pts
At $10 per point $1940
At $13 per point $2522

AK Kidani
1 bdrm savanna view
209 pts
$2090 or $2717

CR cash reservation assuming no discount
Garden wing $2931
Bay lake view $3521
Theme park tower view $3876

You can find $10 rental per point privately from another member and the higher priced points are from places like David's. We love having the kitchen and washer and dryer in the one bedroom. And honestly, I think as it has been said before, your children will love the pool whether you choose AK or CR/BLT. It's wet and they have slides. Hope you have a fun trip whatever you decide. You have plenty of time to ponder.

 

[YankeePrincess]

I tried to book a standard view 1 bedroom 11 months out and they were already gone. I had to upgrade to a MK view (not that I am complaining. )

Also, someone had mentioned the Top of the World Lounge if you rent. Can you go up there just renting? Don't you have to be a member?

 

[patty57]

I had no problem using the Top of the World Lounge as a renter. My room key said DVC on it because I was using a member's points.

 

[YankeePrincess]

I had no problem using the Top of the World Lounge as a renter. My room key said DVC on it because I was using a member's points.

Ahhh yeah you know what I am thinking of cash reservations. My bad! Good to know about the renters though!!

 

[Greysword]

If you stay at BLT on points, you can use the Top of the World Lounge to watch Wishes.

technically, only members staying on points can access TotWL. When we were there a couple years ago, they asked for our Blue member cards, but the KTWC also states DVC member, so you may be able to. Just don't count on it

If you are thinking of a Tower Room at the Contemporary I would take that over Bay Lake Tower for these reasons.

But, you may be happier in a regular CR resort room vs a villa.

I agree with you both, but her DH has requested a villa of some sort for this "once in a long while to come " trip. otherwise, I'm on board with a CR room, too. However, I priced it out for Sept 21st, and the different wasn't much ($50/night?)

How likely am I to get standard view at bLT??

Not very. DVC owners at BLT grab them as soon as they hit the appropriate 11 month booking window.

It depends on if you are renting points or if you are going through Disney. It is very difficult to get a Standard View room at BLT, even in the first month of the booking window, as it is the least points thus most sought after. I forget when you are going, but I agree with our esteemed moderator . You can try, but Lake View is the most prevalent for renters. As for cash reservations, I'm not sure but you can ask Disney.