Help me decide: BC or WL in Jan

[goofygal531]

DH could care less. It's up to me where we stay. He just wants a "magical vacations" (no stress!).

I've noticed that the WL is $500 less than the BC and now I'm wondering if we should stay there.

DH hates buses, but there's the boat to MK where I think we'll be most due to our DS. But then BC is in such a good location.

I need help. Where should we stay??

 

[kmp1191]

We just got back (10/11/05) and stayed a week at WL. LOVED IT!! It didn't feel like a hotel to us. The kids loved the bridge inside the resort and we all agreed - there was nothing better after a hectic day at MK than a calm, relaxing boat ride back to WL. I only wish we could have 1) stayed longer & 2)taken a boat everywhere. We are already planning our next trip (hopefully Sept 06) and I wouldn't mind staying there again!

Good luck in choosing and have a great time!

 

[lovevacations]

I was just going to post the same question. We are doing our (my)DREAM trip. Nine nights w/dining from May 25-June 3 with 2 daughters ages 6 and 8. (we would only do 8 n @BC). I saw a Disney show on travel ch. and WL caught my eye. We will have our own car. Do you have to pay to park at the hotel or theme parks if you stay onsite? Is it better to drive than use trans? Any thoughts would help!

 

[goofygal531]

To LOVESVACATIONS: At the time your going the crowds are just starting to increase. I'd use WDW transportation. That week's our anniversary and we used to go then. Not anymore, way too hot for our little one!

I've never rented a car in WDW but to me it looks a lot more inconvenient. You have to take trams after you park your car to get to the park's entrance. I'd rather have the bus just drop me off in front than going through all that. Plus to get to MK you can only get there by bus, boat or monorail. The parking lot is across the lake.

I believe you get free parking at the parks if your staying onsite.

 

[Lulu's Mom]

I was just going to post the same question. We are doing our (my)DREAM trip. Nine nights w/dining from May 25-June 3 with 2 daughters ages 6 and 8. (we would only do 8 n @BC). I saw a Disney show on travel ch. and WL caught my eye. We will have our own car. Do you have to pay to park at the hotel or theme parks if you stay onsite? Is it better to drive than use trans? Any thoughts would help!

If you stay onsite you do get free parking.... they give you a parking pass to put in your car window.

 

[Tinkbellfan]

Goofygal - From your signature I see you have stayed at MK resorts and Epcot resorts so you know the pros and cons of each area. As for the resorts themselves you can't go wrong with either one of them. Go with your favorite themeing.

In Jan you probably won't be using the pool's too much, so SAB isn't so high on the pro's list for BC. BC has better food options (YC/BC, BW, S&D, Epcot), but WL has better access to MK. BC is a bigger resort than WL but has boat/walk access to Epcot and MGM.

Soooooo - were should you stay? Big help I am huh! To hard to decide b/c they are my favorite two resorts - but here I go - WL! With a little one, easy access to MK is the best! WL is also very peaceful really helps you relax after a day at the parks.

 

[J and R's mom]

DH hates buses, but there's the boat to MK where I think we'll be most due to our DS. But then BC is in such a good location.

You'll be taking a bus or boat at either resort.

At WL it's a boat (or bus) to MK. You can also take a separate boat from WL to the CR and jump on the monorail if you want something different to do.

At the BC you'll take a boat to EPCOT (or just walk) and to MGM. The rest of the parks are by bus.

I've noticed that the WL is $500 less than the BC and now I'm wondering if we should stay there.

WL is MY FAVORITE! But I'm an outdoorsy type so I love the theming. There's lots to explore on the grounds and also lots to do over at Fort Wilderness for little ones (the petting zoo, and the nightly campfire/movie with chip & dale, and hoop-dee-doo-music-review, and nature trails for walking or riding rented bikes).

We're staying at BCV this trip, though, because DH requested being in the EPCOT area again. There's ALOT to do over in that area from the boardwalk to the miniature golf courses to the parks...not to mention SAB (storm-along bay)--the YC&BC pool.

Either choice will be great and for the extra savings, I'd say WL is a wonderful place to stay.

We are doing our (my)DREAM trip. Nine nights w/dining from May 25-June 3 with 2 daughters ages 6 and 8. (we would only do 8 n @BC).

I'd say DEFINITELY go for the extra night. You won't be disappointed with the WL. Your daughters will love it.

 

[Got Quattro?]

I have stayed in both.

Beach Club gets the nod, because there is so much to do within walking distance.
2 parks, 5 resorts. You cant do any better.

I loved the WL, dont get me wrong. But I felt like we were on disney transportation all the time....even more than when we stayed at animal kingdom lodge.

 

[kedaniels]

We just had the same decision to make and we went WL. It looked like so much more fun for the kids and the boat ride was a big draw.

And we could get the Deluxe room (3 kids).

 

[lovevacations]

OK I'm closing in on the WL. One last debate. I know the BC pool is really great, but what about the WL pool. We do plan on spending alot of time at the resort since we'll have a 10 day park hopper.

 

[goofygal531]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I just spoke with DH and explained the price difference to him and he said he'd rather spend the extra $500 to have more variety at the BC. Why do guys love the Epcot area so much??

Plus, he'd like to use bus transporation as less as he possibly can. It's just not "magical" riding on a bus!

He makes me walk through Epcot to the monorail to get to MK. Anything to avoid the bus. Oh, but to shop at the marketplace, he'll take the bus. He just doesn't like it ALL THE TIME. Boats and monorails are relaxing to him and he feels like he's on vacation. He said the money was worth the boat ride!

Whatever!

Hey he's the one who works I'm a stay-at-home mom who's happy to be anywhere in WDW! I'd sleep on Main St if I could!

Thanks again for all your suggestions!

 

[ciera321]

We had the same decision last December and went with WL. That time of year, to have a huge fireplace to sit in front of and sip hot cocoa, was so nice. The WL is beautiful!!! We are pool people, and look forward to BC in August, but in January you probably would not use SAB for very long periods of time. I would save the money and stay at the lodge!!! Have a great trip!!!

 

[J and R's mom]

I know the BC pool is really great, but what about the WL pool. We do plan on spending alot of time at the resort since we'll have a 10 day park hopper.

We took our then 5 and 8 yr old niece and nephew to the WL and they LOVED the pool. It has a waterslide and neat theming. The hot tub is also next to it as well. There's also a quiet pool over by the villas if the big pool is too much for them.

I just spoke with DH and explained the price difference to him and he said he'd rather spend the extra $500 to have more variety at the BC. Why do guys love the Epcot area so much??

It's such a close walk to EPCOT. The boardwalk has so much to do. Miniature golf course not too far away. You can walk to MGM, too, although it'd be a bit of a hike. So many places to eat. The beachy feel. Can go visit Swan & Dolphin. Cresent lake itself. You might even see a wedding going on at the YC gazeebo or the gazeebo on the boardwalk (that's where DH and I were married ). It really is an amazing area to stay in. You won't be bored.

Plus, he'd like to use bus transporation as less as he possibly can. It's just not "magical" riding on a bus! He makes me walk through Epcot to the monorail to get to MK. Anything to avoid the bus.

If buses are the main reason for NOT staying at WL, there is a separate boat that runs from WL to Contemporary Resort (CR). It doesn't take that long to get over there. You can always catch the monorail that way as an alternate mode of transportation from the WL. DH and I do this several times each trip. It's much SHORTER than walking from BC THROUGH Epcot to the main entrance to catch the monorail.

 

[lovevacations]

Thanks! This is such a great place to get info! I think I'll change my ressie (again) and switch from BC to WL. If I just stick to a standard room (not really concerned about views or space), I'll save a lot of money. Can I get bunk beds in standard rooms? I might look into getting the "recreation family plan" to rent boats and bikes. Well, so much for saving $$$!