Family of 5 - Where to stay and why?

[nderh2o]

Ok,
here's another question that is sure to spawn some opinionated answers. My wife and I are taking our three kids (DS8, DD6, & DD4) to WDW in June 2008 and I would like your input on which DVC resort we should stay at. We will be going for 9-10 days. Transportation is a big consideration for us. Usually we rent a mini-van but this trip we are looking at saving the cash to put towards the DDP. We usually spend most of our time at MK. Everything else is fair game so let me have it - please try to give a reason for where you would stay if you were in my shoes.
As always, Thanks.

 

[SleepyatDVC]

If I have children in strollers, I prefer to stay at BWV or BCV because I can walk or take the ferry from at least 2 of the 4 parks without having to fold up the stroller. I prefer the pool at BWV because it is harder to watch multiple kids by myself at once at SAB. But I prefer the food choices at BCV with little ones especially if it rains. There isn't a real counter service place at BWV except the bakery.

VWL is nice for MK and you can take the ferry and not have to fold up your stroller also. However, from my own experience, the bus stop is closer to the villas than the ferry so I wind up taking the bus to the MK instead so I wind up having to fold up the stroller for all 4 parks!! Lol. The ferry pier is closer to the MK entrance so I usually do take the ferry back from the MK. VWL is closer to the MK but I find it FAR from everywhere else in the World including DTD. Just something to keep in mind.

Have fun planning your trip and good luck making your decision!!!

 

[J and R's mom]

If you want a 1br unit, then I'd recommend the AKV since those rooms sleep 5. Transportation might not be as nice as the BWV or BCV, though, since it's busses only.

If you plan on a 2br unit, then ALL resorts are possible since a 2br sleeps at least 8. If your are doing a 2br, then I recommend BWV (or BCV). The location and easy access to EPCOT and MGM are great....along with the Boardwalk itself. Community Hall is fun for the kids (and adults) and is located by the quiet pool at BWV (but BCV guests can use it as well).

 

[Granny]

I agree that AKV would be the first choice if saving points is a priority.

Beyond that the stroller point brought up by SleepyatDVC is very well made. If you can get to two of the parks without getting on a bus (3 of them if you walk through EPCOT to the monorail) it would probably be worth looking at BCV or BWV.

 

[nderh2o]

I'm not so worried about 1 BR vs. 2 BR. My youngest (will be 4 in Feb) and my middle (6) - one of them end up in our king size bed almost every night bdcause they are scared. I don't expect that will change for this trip in June. Member services will allow us to book 5 people in a 1BR unit.

A 2BR is almost too big for the ages of the kids. This past summer we had a standard room in Alligator Bayou at POR and my jids loved that we were in one room - I almost went insane. We bought DVC with the intent that for the next few years, we would get a 1BR and then 2BR units after that.

 

[Chuck S]

This thread is starting to cross into occupancy discussion territory. Such discussions are limited to this thread: DVC Occupancy Thread

You may continue the discussion there if you wish.