First Time Staying Disney - Best Resort For Kids?

[Joshh8314]

This is our first time staying at Disney property in March 2022 for 8 nights.

We have two young kids 6 & 8 years old and these young magical years won't be around forever so want to take advantage and stay somewhere the kids enjoy.

I've narrowed it down to Bay Lake Tower and BoardWalk with a 1Bedroom.

We don't plan on using the pools much (so Beach Club is out) and will try to hit the parks often so BLT and BW seem close to parks.

Bay Lake Contemporary resorts seems to have lots of Disney theming and close to MK.

While Boardwalk has the Boardwalk activities close to Epoct/HS.

Which do you think would be best for a family with kids?

Or is there another resort you'd recommend over these?

Thanks!

 

[bbn1122]

I own at BLT, some will say that this resort has very little Disney theming. But I think being part of the CR/BLT complex makes it a great resort.

Monorail
MK right there
Bay Lake
Chef Mickey
Watch fireworks from CR or room
Electrical Water Pageant

The pool at BLT is nice, but you can also use the pools at CR.

My boys are grown but they loved to ride the monorail and visit all the different resorts.

Good luck

 

[Joshh8314]

I own at BLT, some will say that this resort has very little Disney theming. But I think being part of the CR/BLT complex makes it a great resort.

Good luck

Thanks, I liked the idea of the BLT/CR combo rtoo with lots of the Disney theming in the CR lobby.

Many of the resorts seem limited. But Animal Kingdom/Saratoga rooms seem to grabber nice theming now - they're just too far away from everything.

Seems like the best theming are the value and moderate resorts but my wife and I likely wouldn't enjoy it as much.

Thanks for the insights.

 

[sndral]

I wouldn’t consider BLT to have much theming - it’s a rather bland multistory tower, IMO, but at your sons’ ages I suspect MK will be a favorite park & for the quick walk to MK, BLT can’t be beat.
Likewise BWV isn’t heavily Disney themed either. It’s very convenient for going into the country section of Epcot, I’m not sure Epcot has as much of interest to 6 & 8 year olds compared to MK or DHS. You can walk to DHS from the BWV & there’s a lot there that younger kids will like, however it’s a bit of a hike, especially after a long day spent walking & standing in lines in DHS, you can take the boat, which IMO is better than a bus, but still a slow ride.
Have you considered the suites at AOA? With it’s over the top Disney theming and Skyliner access to DHS and Epcot, it might be worth a look.

 

[disneydreamer1980]

I think kids would prefer the theming of the Poly or Wilderness lodge. They’re not “Disney themed” but they are highly themed, kids seem to love them snd they’re right next to MK.

 

[Best Aunt]

I think each resort becomes less Disney themed when it is renovated. When planning trips with my nieces/nephews, the Disney theming of the resort was never a consideration. I mean, I could hang Mickey Mouse posters all over my house, but that doesn't make it Disney World.

The Contemporary Resort lobby is being renovated now, I believe. I don't know whether that will mean more Disney-themed touches or fewer.

Which parks do you plan to visit? How easy is it to get to those parks from the hotel? Look at the menus of the hotel restaurants - do they serve food which your kids will eat? How about the restaurants at nearby hotels?

In general, I think BLT and BWV are good choices because of their locations. But I don't include "Boardwalk activities" as a reason to stay there. When the activities are open, it's like a few carnival games with an occasional magician thrown in.

I wouldn't rule out BCV just because you aren't planning to swim; it's a great hotel even if you don't go near the pools. But it's harder to book than BWV because it's smaller.

OP, are you a DVC member? If yes, you're asking in the right place about the right hotels. But if not, a regular hotel room with a discount may likely be cheaper than renting points for a DVC 1-bedroom. (The savings with renting points generally is for renting a studio.)

 

[PalmettoPath]

IMO Disney's Grand Floridian Resort is far and away the best Deluxe resort for kids (and adults as well). So much to do for kids in terms of events and activities and dining (when everything is open, of course). The grounds are also great with large grassy areas to play on, big beach areas and fun outdoor games. Also great MK proximity.

 

[Joshh8314]

I think each resort becomes less Disney themed when it is renovated. When planning trips with my nieces/nephews, the Disney theming of the resort was never a consideration. I mean, I could hang Mickey Mouse posters all over my house, but that doesn't make it Disney World.

The Contemporary Resort lobby is being renovated now, I believe. I don't know whether that will mean more Disney-themed touches or fewer.

Which parks do you plan to visit? How easy is it to get to those parks from the hotel? Look at the menus of the hotel restaurants - do they serve food which your kids will eat? How about the restaurants at nearby hotels?

In general, I think BLT and BWV are good choices because of their locations. But I don't include "Boardwalk activities" as a reason to stay there. When the activities are open, it's like a few carnival games with an occasional magician thrown in.

I wouldn't rule out BCV just because you aren't planning to swim; it's a great hotel even if you don't go near the pools. But it's harder to book than BWV because it's smaller.

OP, are you a DVC member? If yes, you're asking in the right place about the right hotels. But if not, a regular hotel room with a discount may likely be cheaper than renting points for a DVC 1-bedroom. (The savings with renting points generally is for renting a studio.)

Thanks, I looked and it seems like DVC points rental is by far cheapest for deluxe hotels.

Appreciate the insights for the hotels

 

[Joshh8314]

I think kids would prefer the theming of the Poly or Wilderness lodge. They’re not “Disney themed” but they are highly themed, kids seem to love them snd they’re right next to MK.

I liked the Poly but we want 1BR so the kids can go to bed and us parents stay up a couple more hours.

Funny thing, we're from up north so we want to go to Florida to see palm trees. The wilderness is awesome looking but we have a ton of "wilderness" like lodges in the north midwest so the WL might be more like home state resorts instead of getting away to Disney Florida.

Thanks