Favorite DVC resort for families

[minerva78]

I'm likely going to try to rent DVC points for a 3 night stay next year. I'm still several months away from the 11 month mark, so I'm trying to learn as much about this process and the resorts and my head is officially spinning! Since many of you have stayed at multiple resorts I wanted some opinions about which ones might be the best for my family and why so I can figure out some 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices.

My family consists of me, DH and my 2 DDs who will be 5 and 6 at the time. We're planning on doing about a 6 night stay offsite with extended family first, then spending 3 days by ourselves onsite. Most likely we'll use this time to visit MK and Epcot for the second time, visit and eat in DTD, as well as do some character meals (hopefully Akershus, Chef Mickey and Ohana). I likely will add the dining plan. We will have a car, so we won't depend on Disney transportation, but we may use it at times when it could be more convenient.

I'm kinda leaning towards AKV Jambo house because of the animals, the theme, they seem to have a lot of kid friendly activities, and the CS restaurant. But I also need some other options. BCV seems nice because of the pool areas, and the proximity to Epcot is appealing. BWV is also in the Epcot area, but would they have as much for kids to do as AKV? I know a lot of people try to get BLT because of the proximity to MK, but we'd be picking a studio and I've read some mixed things about those. I've only briefly researched WL, SSR and OKW, and not much stood out to me yet (other than each would be cheaper than BCV and BLT), but I'd definitely appreciate some opinions otherwise!

 

[dvcterry]

I think AKJ-J is a great family resort. There are activities for children. It's a wonderful resort to just be at. We enjoyed the pool, restaurants.

 

[momto3pirates]

Have you looked at BLT? Location is perfect for visits to MK and Epcot. Chef Mickeys is right next door and Ohana is just a monorail ride away. Being able to walk to MK is awesome!!

 

[codysmom1990]

I think Beach Club is the best, they have the pool, which is the best pool!!! They have Beaches and Creme ice cream shop, you can have lunch and ice cream there. They have character breakfast there for in the mornings, walking distance to Epcot. It's a great family atmosphere, not stuffy like Grand Floridian.

 

[WIDisneyFan]

With your age group and the fact Magic Kingdom is #1 on your list Bay Lake Tower would be a great choice. Walk out the front door and you are at the Magic Kingdom in less than 10 minutes. The pool, is nice, especially for younger kids as it is a bit on the small side, but that means there is no where for the kids to wander off.

We have also stayed at AKL and it is amazing, our only objection is it is not convenient for going to the Magic Kingdom or Epcot unless you have a car.

 

[soccermother]

VWL. The boat ride over to Magic Kingdom is a great relaxing way to travel, the pool is fun, and great restaurants.

 

[dismagiclover]

My vote is for BCV. The pool is so much fun and you can't beat the short walk into Epcot. AKV is fun too simply because of its uniqueness. Waking up to Giraffes outside your balcony is unforgettable. I think you are right about avoiding BLT if you are staying in a studio with 4 people. Those studios are tiny. Fine for 2, but really tight if you have to pull out the sofa bed. Whatever choose will be great!

 

[Sheepdog23]

My kids (5, 7) love BCV pool the most but the animals at AKL are also very appealing to them. I stayed there one january when it was really cold and the animals were scarce because it was too cold. We own at VWL which we just find fun, and the kids love Whispering Canyon Cafe. I love how peaceful and relaxing it is while still being close to everything. They also love riding the boats and even hopping over to the contemporary to be able to ride the monorail. Good luck choosing!

 

[minerva78]

I asked my husband's opinion on it and he said he didn't want to be at any resort with animals. I told him they don't roam free inside, so he might have to get over it! But I do think I may try for BCV as a first choice, because we both agreed that being able to walk to and from Epcot would be very convenient, especially since we'll probably end up eating 3 meals there. AKV would be my second choice because I think me and our girls would like it, so he'll just have to be outvoted. Neither one of us were really interested in VWL or BLT, but something could change. I'm sure it will be a great experience wherever we end up!

 

[lovin'fl]

I asked my husband's opinion on it and he said he didn't want to be at any resort with animals. I told him they don't roam free inside, so he might have to get over it! But I do think I may try for BCV as a first choice, because we both agreed that being able to walk to and from Epcot would be very convenient, especially since we'll probably end up eating 3 meals there. AKV would be my second choice because I think me and our girls would like it, so he'll just have to be outvoted. Neither one of us were really interested in VWL or BLT, but something could change. I'm sure it will be a great experience wherever we end up!

I was going to suggest BWV since you can walk to Epcot and if you book at 11 months out you can get the standard view which are less points than BCV...so you get the same benefits (walking to Epcot) for less points. But, the pool at BCV is the best resort pool at WDW.

 

[dbs1228]

My vote is for BLT if you are only doing 3 days which will fly by! I have 3 DD's and hands down MK is their favorite park - walking distance from BLT. The monorail ride to Epcot is so easy also. If you were there longer i.e down days to enjoy the resorts I would probably vote for AKV or BCV but if you are thinking 3 days and 2 parks - location would win out for me to make the most of your time. Have fun

Forgot to mention the new Fantasy Land - the girls will love it!

 

[minerva78]

I was going to suggest BWV since you can walk to Epcot and if you book at 11 months out you can get the standard view which are less points than BCV...so you get the same benefits (walking to Epcot) for less points. But, the pool at BCV is the best resort pool at WDW.

My first choice originally was going to be BWV because it was in the Epcot area and it required much fewer points. But I was worried that it seemed more geared for adults and I wanted my kids to have some fun activities to do when we weren't in the parks. I think we'll probably come back to the resort midday after eating lunch in the parks, and I'm pretty sure the girls won't be napping (only my youngest daughter takes naps now and only when she's by herself) so I defitely want a resort with a few activities in addition to a pool. Would BWV have that?

 

[dismagiclover]

My first choice originally was going to be BWV because it was in the Epcot area and it required much fewer points. But I was worried that it seemed more geared for adults and I wanted my kids to have some fun activities to do when we weren't in the parks. I think we'll probably come back to the resort midday after eating lunch in the parks, and I'm pretty sure the girls won't be napping (only my youngest daughter takes naps now and only when she's by herself) so I defitely want a resort with a few activities in addition to a pool. Would BWV have that?

BWV actually has a community center which does activities regularly. They always have crafts available and fusball, ping pong etc. My kids love spending time at the community center. (Though they do prefer the one at OKW over the one at BWV.)

 

[minerva78]

BWV actually has a community center which does activities regularly. They always have crafts available and fusball, ping pong etc. My kids love spending time at the community center. (Though they do prefer the one at OKW over the one at BWV.)

Thanks for the info! My girls would definitely enjoy crafts. I looked a bit more at BWV and the boardwalk seems like a nice area to walk around, maybe it could offer something all of us (DH included) would like. It seems like all of the resorts give you info about activities so I'm sure we'd find something. And I read that BWV has some smaller pools, so maybe it would be easier to keep track of them in one of the quiet pools than in SAB. I might try for a BWV studio at the 11 month mark and if that doesn't work out then I have other options. The fact that it would be cheaper and still near Epcot is a plus!