Help me chose a dvc resort!

[pinkfairy1684]

I'm planning a family trip in August (me, DH, DS age 5, DD age 2) and I'm really struggling with picking a resort. We are going to rent points for a 1BR and I've narrowed it down to 4...BC, BW, AKL, WL. I think I know the pros/cons of each resort. We've stayed at BC (love stormalong bay and ease of walking to Epcot and HS) and BW before but like the idea of trying something new. For those of you who have stayed at WL or AKL...would you pick them over BC or BW and why??

 

[illinidp]

While I prefer the BC from your list because of the pool and the ability to walk to two resorts, we really like trying the different resorts to the point that lately we have been doing split stays. I probably wouldn't do that with little ones so I would try one of the other two. Both have great theming. WL is a little more accessible to the other resorts as there are multiple modes of transportation available. If you are going next year there may be construction there though. AKL is a great place to take kids that like animals especially if you get a savana view. Both have great pool area also.

 

[mster425]

We are taking our kids who will be the same ages as yours, and chose the 1 bedroom at AKL. The Kidani pool area looks awesome for little kids. I have stayed at WL and BC, and while I love the Boardwalk for adult trips, I'd probably choose Wilderness Lodge if I'd never stayed there (and if I could afford it, ha) just because the MK is so accessible via ferry. I remember it taking forever to get anywhere on the buses at BC (not that AKL will be any shorter, but YKWIM)

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'm planning a family trip in August (me, DH, DS age 5, DD age 2) and I'm really struggling with picking a resort. We are going to rent points for a 1BR and I've narrowed it down to 4...BC, BW, AKL, WL. I think I know the pros/cons of each resort. We've stayed at BC (love stormalong bay and ease of walking to Epcot and HS) and BW before but like the idea of trying something new. For those of you who have stayed at WL or AKL...would you pick them over BC or BW and why??

If you are talking about next month, you might be limited to SSR or maybe OKW depending on when in August you plan to go. It's kind of late to try to book a DVC on points.

 

[sndral]

If you are talking about next month, you might be limited to SSR or maybe OKW depending on when in August you plan to go. It's kind of late to try to book a DVC on points.

Agreed, although AKV is large enough you might have a chance, especially as you are looking for a 1 br.. Best to find out what is left to be booked and if it's acceptable grab it rather than wasting time on comparing resorts which you won't be able to book as they are already booked by others.
If your planned trip is for August 2016 - then you are ahead of the game and should be able to get whichever resort you want in September @ 11 months.

 

[AshleeH]

WL: We stayed in a 1 bedroom suite - weird/choppy layout, odd room placement (our view was a few trees and the L-shaped corner of the building with the rooms on that side). I have no desire to ever stay there again. The only pro was it's proximity to MK.

AK:KV - We stayed in a 2 bedroom suite - Loved everything about the hotel and the room - definitely get the savanna view. Gorgeous and relaxing. The only two cons: A long walk to our room (our fault for doing valet - our room was literally the last one in the hotel, which meant it took us about 10 minutes of hard walking to get from the elevator to the room). It's also a bit of a trek to get to any park except AK. Since we're MK people, it ultimately wasn't a good fit for us, but I loved the resort.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

Out of the choices you listed, BC is my favorite, for all the cons I think you know about already! It is such a wonderful resort. Other then that, I would probably stay at WL. I love the theming of the resort. It is also a great perk having the boat go to MK. You also have the access to see some of Wishes I believe and definitely The Water Parade, which is so cool!

Best of luck deciding on your resort!

 

[DizDaD7]

All are exceptional I think. Although I haven't stayed in WL or BC, I have visited on many occasions. My sis fav. place is WL, which to me is very similar to AKL, and also very close to VGC ( which we did stay at last Feb. ) Same architect I believe.

Yes the proximity is there if you mostly go to MK, but the buses are no prize from what I've been told.

BC to me is very nice. At least what we've seen. Our friends love staying here, when we stay at BWV. True they have an awesome pool, which ( believe it or not ) can get nerving, and plenty of places to eat, plus it's close proximity to 2 great parks. Either walking or boating.

BWV. This will be our 2nd stay here, this summer , and looking forward to it....We chose this resort because there are 7 families and each won't want do do what all others want , every second of the day. So it's just an easy walk back to the resort.... So many things to do & see here too. The only drawback we had when staying here the last time, was the bus ride to/from MK...We got picked up 1st, then Swan , Dolphin, YC, & finally BC, then off to MK....Never once did I have a chance to keep my seat, *( which is fine ). Now I though returning from the park , we'd have the perk of getting dropped off 1st, but nope. It went to Swan & dolphin then to the others. It got to a point where we just got off and walked across the bridge... Very Annoying...Hopefully things have changed with that.

AKL/V: to Me this place is a vacation, within a vacation..... So, So much to do here, and see....& I disagree about just only getting a savannah view...True it is nice, waking up & seeing them, or just having a beverage on you balcony, but the price difference doesn't do it for me....I actually stayed in a value, and we had a great location, as well as a nice view of the pool too. Jambo house that was. Between the 2 resorts there are 4 main places to eat at, and also QS at both pools. Also The pools are very different but equally great too. 1 w/ a nice water play area for the kids.

Stayed twice and wouldn't hesitate staying more times there..... Forget what people say about the buses here too..
The furthest was MK but no more than 20 mins. * Which was what it took us from BWV.
AK, is like 5 minutes, HS is about 8 or so and EPCOT maybe 11. The buses run seamlessly here, and never did we wait very long.

Good luck in whichever you choose, but as a pp stated, if this is for an upcoming trip this August, you may be limited to what resorts you can choose from.

 

[addiln]

i stayed at kidani last year and thought the resort was great. the decor was amazing and the rooms were well planned and we had plenty of room. they only thing i did not like was how far i had to walk to get around there. we were on the top floor so we had a great view of the savannah but on the far side from the lobby. also the pool was on the far side from where we were staying.

the bus here were never an issue as well. we seemed to wait at most 10 minutes in the morning for a bus to MK. at night since it is the same bus for both jambo and kidani it can be a long line but that is the same with any resort at the end of the night.

in the end with have kids with us close to the same age i think they really enjoyed watching the animals there and gave them something extra to do as we were hanging out at the resort. i would not hesitate in staying here again. i thought the resort was one of the best ones i have stayed at.