First Timer Needing Advice On Resorts

[motomom]

Hi everyone! My family of 4 is planning a trip to WDW in Sept. 2007. We are first timers, so we are overwhelmed with the choices in resorts. I am leaning toward the BWV or the BCV but only the studio at BWV seems to be available right now. Is the studio too small? My kids are 6 and 9 so we dont need too much space, but dont want to fall all over each other either. The location drew us to these choices. Any suggestions?

 

[beth_cam]

We have stayed with our two children at CR (ages 2 and 4), AKL(ages 4 and 6), and ASMo(ages 5 and 7). We have enjoyed them all but ASMo the best. While I do agree that being on the monorail line is nice, CR it was quicker to walk to MK, and with any of the others you have to remember that the monorail only goes directly to the MK, the 3 monorail Resorts, and the ttc, to go to any other park you have to atleast do a monorail transfer (epcot) or a bus. We didn't find it all that helpful. Also while CR was clearly bigger, AKL didn't feel much bigger, and for the amount of time we were in the room it just really didnt matter much. While ASMo rooms are smaller there is also less furniture. We didn't feel anymore crowded in there than in akl. One big help, I think, was we drive so we could have stored our suitcases in the car if need be but they fit under the beds. I packed 2 large suitcases. We only unpacked one into the dresser (all there was room for) and used that suicase for dirty clothes. We also had a big cooler and a box of toy type goodies as well as two small boxes of food goodies. We don't do hang ups except the wet bathing suits so we were able to store most of the stuff in the 'closet' area. The cooler also took the place of not having a fridge. The kids really liked the themeing at ASMo. And that is where my son would like to return to for his birthday - I overrode him and chose CSR. We are planning on doing more down time this trip.

 

[chasgoose]

With two kids, I would just stay in a regular Beach Club or Boardwalk Inn room. There isn't much reason to stay in a studio at a DVC resort unless you are a DVC member. They don't offer anything that the main resort doesn't offer better or at least equally as well. The standard resort rooms at the BC or BWI start at the same price as a studio at the DVC versions and you would get two real beds (as opposed to a king and a pullout in the studio) and, at least at the Beach Club, you are closer to the main resort areas like SAB and the restaurant areas and stuff. You lose the kitchenette, but I think the trade-off is definitely worth it. Plus, I think you still might be able to get free dining at the non-DVC resorts which would save some more money.

Also, if you go non-DVC you can stay at the Yacht Club, which IMHO is the best Epcot area resort. It has all the advantages of the Beach Club, but it is a little quieter and more relaxed (still totally appropriate for kids your age). Also, you are much more likely to get a full balcony at the Yacht Club than the Beach Club.

 

[Demosthenes]

I am a DVC member, and completely agree with chasgoose. The regular rooms are at least as nice as the studios, and are more convenient to the resort facilities. The only advantage the studio has is the microwave.

 

[ProudMommyof2]

Let me give you more food for thought. We took our DS8 and DD5 for their first trip to the world last month. We stayed the Wilderness Lodge in a room with a queen bed and bunk beds. IT WAS AWESOME!!!!!!!!
The resort is just beautiful. It is close to Magic Kingdom, which is where we spent the most time, and the boat ride was fun. The rooms have been recently updated with new furniture and a flat panel TV. Every room has a full balcony-most rooms at BC do not. The bunk beds were a huge hit with the kiddos!!! Our room offered a view of the Wishes fireworks every night and the Electric Boat parade soon after.
I know the pool at BC is supposed to be amazing, but my kids loved the WL pool, it does have a slide.
Lastly, it's CHEAPER!!!

 

[brergnat]

Well, I would also throw out the idea of a studio villa. I hear they are REALLY small, and why make your kids sleep on a pull out sofa if they can have a real bed elsewhere for the same money or less?

First, I would figure out where you intend to spend the most amount of time (Magic Kingdom, Epcot, MGM, Animal Kingdom). Then, choose a resort that is close to the main park of your choosing.

With your family size, you are not limited very much. Families of 4 can stay pretty much wherever they want.

I will say, though, as a first timer, try to stay in either a MK or Epcot deluxe for the proximity to at least ONE major theme park. It may take you awhile to "figure out" the bus transportation to your advantage, and you will no doubt waste much time on buses if you choose a moderate or value (this has been my experience over MANY trips!)

Of the MK resorts, I would suggest the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge. Of the Epcot Resorts, I'd suggest the Yacht Club.

I'd stay away from the Animal Kingdom Lodge on this trip. It is a bus transportation only resort, and is really far removed from the rest of the parks besides Animal Kingdom.

My recommendation would lean toward the Yacht Club. It has a fantastic pool, spa, beautiful rooms/lobby, a marina, bike rentals, workout room, ALL the Boardwalk dining/nightlife, plus the Swan/Dolphin hotel within walking distance for MORE dining options. You can walk to Epcot in about 10 min, MGM in about 20 (or take a boat to either). It is luxurious without being overly stuffy and it's located pretty much in the dead center of the WDW property (geographically speaking). It is not too far from anything else. Plus, it is a wee bit cheaper than the MK resorts.

Check on availability and I would rank them in this order:
1. Yacht Club
2. Polynesian
3. Wilderness Lodge (reserve a bunk bed room if they are available)