Easiest pool to supervise 3 active little boys?

[ranthony]

Which one of the DVC pools (at WDW) would be the easiest to supervise 3 boys ages 7, 3 and 3? I know that SAB is probably not the best choice.

I'd like for DH to be able to do some golfing but I wouldn't want to be in the parks with the kids by myself...(hopefully in a few years) and I'm not sure the pool would be any better.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

I can only comment on where we've stayed, which is SSR, OKW and BWV.

OKW and BWV don't have zero entry pools, so you're jumping right in to 4' or 5' of water. That would make me nervous with younger kids that can't swim. Of the two, I'd pick OKW. Right or wrong, I was able to keep an eye on the kids more easily at OKW than BWV. However, the theming of the BWV pool is really fun. My kids LOVED it.

SSR has zero entry and a water spout area with Donald Duck. It's really cute. Slide there is kind of blah, though. Same with OKW. The slide at BWV is much more exciting.

Preferences (in order) of my kids (DS-12 and DD-5): BWV, OKW, SSR
My preferences as a parent: SSR, OKW, BWV

 

[alldiz]

I would pick WL or SSR.

WL seemed to be pretty "contained"....and a great place to hang out.

SSR had a nice zero entry.....didn't realize how awesome this was for kids till we stayed there.....
AKL also has the zero entry.

I haven't stayed at BWV or OKW yet....but if you can easily get out to the BW area....I wouldn't want that stress.
Stick with a "contained pool area.....WL, SSR, AKV.
happy planning
Kerri

 

[SammieG]

we found it very difficult to get loungers anywhere near the pool at OKW and the pool is in two different sections making it difficult to see children if they move to the area furthest from you.

Having said that.. i worry less as life guards are on duty.

We are currently at AKL.. and whilst its a big pool you can pretty much see all of it from wherever you are...

 

[bobbiwoz]

I think the rocks that make up the slide do hide one part of the VWL pool. I would pick the AKV pool as easy to supervise at, and it has zero entry. However, it is true that we haven't had our DGC there yet, so maybe there's something I'm missing regarding view.

Bobbi

 

[ranthony]

AKV is our home and where we will be staying. I've only ever been to that pool when we did a walk around after dinner at Boma's in December, and it was dark. I was a bit worried that the temptation of the areas around the pool, like the flamingos and such, might prompt one of the 3 yos to wander off.

Inevitably, as anyone with fraternal boy twins knows, they are bound and determined to go in opposite directions! I'm really not worried too much about the "in the pool time" as I am confident in my own, and the lifeguard's, diligence while they are in the pool (I used to be a lifeguard, and they'll have vests). It's really the area around the pool that concerns me. At this age they are still very impulsive and curious little boys and have no fear about wandering off w/o mom or dad to investigate something of interest.

I'm even considering pool hopping to another resort that might allow for easier supervision, I just haven't visited that many of the resorts.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think SSR would be the easiest main pool to supervise 3 children at. It's more contained, and has a more open view of the whole area than the others.

 

[bobbiwoz]

You know, the villa pool at VWL is very nice, with bubbly springs built in and then you could be near the MK. We last stayed at VWL with our DGC ages 2, 3 and 4 around Halloween, and the main pool did work for us, the villa pool was undergoing rehab. I know that you asked about seeing all 3 children, and the VWL pool would work.

Bobbi

 

[elena05]

we were fine at the SSR main pool. My boys were 2, 4, and 6 at the time. The zero entry was perfect for the 4 year old. He loved to wade by himself and found the fountains fun. He is a little leary of the big slide, but the toddler slide was fun for him. The 6 year old loved the slide and can swim pretty well, we let him explore a little by himself, so it was a good way for him to feel a bit independent. The two year old loved to run thru the Donald splash zone. I stayed in the water near the splash zone and the slide. He would run to the splash zone, then to me, then back again. I also got to catch the six year old come down the slide quite a few times. The area around the pool is quite safe. Just try not to show them the ramp or the stairs up to the Carriage House! I think they'll be too busy to even notice how to wander off! Good luck and have a great vacation.

 

[dvcdisney]

We have stayed at BCV, BWV, OKW, VWL and AKV.

Of all these, I would say the best bet is AKV. As some had mention it has a zero entry pool. Also, it is not a large pool so if you stand or sit near the slide, you can very much see all the pool. Actually except for a few areas, you can see everything from most spots. But if they love slides, the best place would be to the left of the entrance to the slide. You can see them go in and slide out.

I would say the next choice would be VWL. Although there is not zero entry on the pool, it is again not very large and you can sit or stand at or near the bridge and be able to see both sides. Again if they like slides you can position yourself in from of the slide and watch them go in and slide out. It's somewhat shaped like a V or Y....where one arm kept a low end and the other side is more deeper with a nice waterfall/falling creeking.

BWV is a large pool but you can see most everything. The only thing they have that's different is the clown slide. The kids would love it. But there are many spots where it's deeper than it looks, so if your young children have trouble with swimming and you won't be in the water, I would not suggest this pool.

I cannot comment on OKW, because we were there 5 years ago and I believe they have changed it since then and to be honest, we went once for a few minutes, it wasn't that great. My kids spent more time in the sand playground.

BCV is by far the more difficult pool to keep constant watch if you are outside the pool. There is no one place and unless you are in the pool with them constantly, I wouldn't recommend it. It is easy to lose sight of them. There are many times that we have been there that we have heard parents screaming for their kids because there's so many places you cannot see. You have to be in the water with them to enjoy this pool.

 

[crisi]

AKL SSR and BCV have zero entry - great with three year olds.

BCV is really difficult to watch kids at, it wouldn't be my choice with a seven year old, but it does have toddler slides.

AKL and SSR both have tamer slides - I believe SSR has a toddler slide.

While your husband golfs, you could hop (assuming you are a member staying on points and hopping isn't blocked). The Poly has a very cool slide for a seven year old, zero entry, and isn't too hard to watch kids at.



Home for us is BWV, my kids could stand in that pool at five and six, but not before then. Before then we'd throw them in lifejackets from the community hall and they'd bob around. They had a great time, so if you are willing to do that (the kiddie pool there and at VWL isn't anything special) that might be an option anyway.

 

[LIFERBABE]

we were fine at the SSR main pool. My boys were 2, 4, and 6 at the time. The zero entry was perfect for the 4 year old. He loved to wade by himself and found the fountains fun. He is a little leary of the big slide, but the toddler slide was fun for him. The 6 year old loved the slide and can swim pretty well, we let him explore a little by himself, so it was a good way for him to feel a bit independent. The two year old loved to run thru the Donald splash zone. I stayed in the water near the splash zone and the slide. He would run to the splash zone, then to me, then back again. I also got to catch the six year old come down the slide quite a few times. The area around the pool is quite safe. Just try not to show them the ramp or the stairs up to the Carriage House! I think they'll be too busy to even notice how to wander off! Good luck and have a great vacation.

I completely agree with this for SSR. You can keep up with all 3 and they will still have access to all the features. The Donald Splash area and Toddler slide and zero entry are all on one side of the pool. The big slide spills out on that side of the pool also.

The Grandstand area also has a large splash area and nice size pool and lots of loungers and tables so between the 2 areas, you should not have trouble finding a seat.

I like that SSR is not split up into little areas of pools. My family loved it

 

[ZekeKelso]

The Hidden Springs pool at VWL is great! It's (relatively) easy to relax while watching 3 kids. I can say from experience that watching 3 boys over at the main WL pool is stressful! Of course, the boys have more fun in the "big" pool - but compromises have to be made.

Hidden Springs is the only quiet pool I've taken my 3 nephews to, but I suspect the "quiet" pools at the other DVC resorts would be good choices too!

 

[ldo]

you can position yourself near zero entry. If 7 yr old is not a good swimmer, get a life jacket and let him go down the big slide alone---my 6 yr old did it fine (there is a little "current" in the water under the slide--mine needed a life jacket and they were fine).
Also, SSR has a GREAT Community Hall--my kids loved it and they have tons of games, coloring,e tc. for 3 yr olds--go when there is no planned actitivity and hang out.
As said, the waterplay over at GS is very good for this age. You can sit in hot tub and supervise them--it's right there. Also, GS pool has long side of steps good for kids to play on with trucks, fish, etc. (with audlt in pool, of course).
I would actually request GS (which is what we had--perfect)--close to waterplay and smaller pool (never crowded--I could always get a table and chairs (aug 2007)) and only a few minutes to walk over to bigger pool.
For others--I like VWL b/c it is so small and so close to WL and the big pool--no chance of getting a "bad room" or distant location (I would not have liked SSR if we had a distant location)--plus, if going to MK, the boat is nice.
AK is nice b/c of zero entry and there is a nice sandy playground right by pool---of course, this can be bad with wet kids!!

 

[dgaston]

GS = Grandstand Took me a while to figure it out!

 

[Saratoga Souris]

As a lifeguard I would recommend SSR . As mentioned the zero-entry is really the best for llittle ones. You also have a splash pad at High-Rock Springs and also at the Grandstand (for variety). The slide is also appropriate for a 7-year old
I agree that the set-up at OKW is not good (with the 2 sided pool) for watching little ones. Although it won't matter to you.... I have to disagree with the poster who said that the OKW slide isn't very good.... I think it is a really good and really fast slide. I like it better than the Keister Coaster (sp??)

 

[ranthony]

Since we'll be at AKV it sounds like that may be a good option. If after we arrive I change my mind, it sounds like we may hop over to SSR (if hopping is an option, of course).

 

[SaratogaShan]

You said that your husband would be golfing right? The clubhouse for the LBV golf course is at SSR. If he plays there, you could all go over as a family. Maybe he could help you lug all the stuff to the pool and get everyone settled before his tee time.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Have you thought about a non-DVC pool? Coronado Springs has a nice pool (the Dig Site) that is very easy to see the kids, plus there is a neat Jaguar slide. And it's not too far from AKV.

 

[JMLBrats]

Here's another vote for SSR or AKV (although we haven't actually tried AKV yet). I really loved the pool at SSR for the zero entry and the ability to see pretty much all of it from standing in one place. When we stayed there, my kids were 6, 4 and 2 and they are wild ones and LOVE water!!! We are staying at BCV for the first time this summer because DH has been begging me to for the last few years. I'm looking forward to it because we're only staying for a couple of nights. I would not stay there for a week w/my 3 (they're only 7.5, 5.5 and 3.5 right now) because talk about unrelaxing!!! I might get a couple of minutes break while my two younger ones play in the sand though and DH can keep track of our oldest. Wouldn't venture to SAB without DH though-that's for sure.
If you're thinking about pool hopping, look into CSR. That's another pool we've been meaning to check out. Looks like a great one for kids, but seems fairly contained. Someone correct me if I'm wrong please...