Help me w/ resort Choice

[Juliet25]

Hi All, based on my budget/availability it looks like for around the same price I can get a family suite at art of animation, standard room/standard view at boardwalk or a deluxe studio at the boulder ridge villas at the wilderness resort.
I am leaning toward the boardwalk room, but we are a family of four, is that just too cramped? It will be my husband, me and 4 and 7 year old. I assume one kid can sleep on the "day bed"? And is there always a balcony at the boardwalk inn? My kids go to bed pretty early, it's nice to have some space my husband and I can hang out after they go to sleep.
Also, we will want to spend one day at the resort going to the pool, exploring so hoping any of these have a lot to offer. Thanks!

I love Boardwalk and WL, so you can’t go wrong with either. I haven’t stayed in AoA, but I walked around it. The pool is incredible! I would still go for BW though. If you’re lucky, you’ll get a Village Green standard view, which is basically a BW view. The room is very spacious. I’ve been with 3 kids and it never felt too cramped.

 

[NewDisneyEnthusiast]

We just did a garden view at the BW back in Aug with 4 adults, mom, dad and 2, 20 yr old kids. Room was big enough for us all. Loved it so much, going back in May, same resort and room type. The pools are fantastic. We even got to see the top of the Epcot Forever fireworks from the Leisure Pool. Main pool has a waterslide that resembles a rollercoaster and no more scary clown! Proximity to the HS & EP is a great plus for our family and there are numerous dining options to suite any taste or budget. No matter where you chose, the accommodations will meet your needs. Good luck and hope you have a great vacation.

 

[DizKids2]

One additional thing to consider in your decision is the extended evening theme park hours for deluxe resort guests. If your trip falls on a night wheee these occur and you would take advantage it is an added benefit of BWI or WL.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Boulder Ridge is due for a major refurb this year/next. Like bathroom remodel, floor ripping out level refurb. I would stay away. Being in a Disney construction zone is not a vacation.

BWI is my vote due to convenience. Yeah AoA has the Skyliner, but it’s two Skyliners away from EP or DHS so that’s four more lines and rides every day you go to those parks than if you just walked to/from BWI.

Caveat- I think 2 queens and a daybed is just a request at BWI and that a fam of 4 could end up with a 2 queen room? If 2 sleeping surfaces is a dealbreaker, AoA would be the one to book.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I think refurb/pool closure was announced recently so be sure to doublecheck. Sorry I can’t remeber the locations. I recently stayed at AoA and was surprised ! I vote AoA … I really think the WL location villas are small and that location is a pain for transportation.

 

[ppony]

Easily the BWI or WL. Renting DVC points gets you wish a great deal on those rooms. I just cancelled 1 night at POFQ for a lake view BLT and actually got it cheaper than the POFQ room was. Total win! Between the 2? Personal preference in ambiance and location. I LOVE the smell at WL. I wish they'd bottle that stuff! And boat option for transportation is great. It's also super easy to hop the monorail resorts to shop and eat if you're right there. I love the walking distance to 2 parks from BWI. Either way will be a WIN. AoA, while the space would be nice, and we LOVE space, it's still more of a motel style resort and all the Disney theming in the world doesn't help that in my eyes.

 

[TheSouthernBelle]

Hi All, based on my budget/availability it looks like for around the same price I can get a family suite at art of animation, standard room/standard view at boardwalk or a deluxe studio at the boulder ridge villas at the wilderness resort.
I am leaning toward the boardwalk room, but we are a family of four, is that just too cramped? It will be my husband, me and 4 and 7 year old. I assume one kid can sleep on the "day bed"? And is there always a balcony at the boardwalk inn? My kids go to bed pretty early, it's nice to have some space my husband and I can hang out after they go to sleep.
Also, we will want to spend one day at the resort going to the pool, exploring so hoping any of these have a lot to offer. Thanks!

Totally my two cents but we love the Boardwalk area. If you are talking about a BWV studio, we've stayed in those rooms as a family of 4 and it was just fine for us for space. Our kids were preteens at the time but even now at 15 and 13, they'd be fine with that room. My younger daughter sleeps on the pull down murphy bed under the TV with no issues, she's about 5'1" tall and never complains. The pull out sofa isn't great but my kids never complained. Plus you'll get extended evening hours staying at a deluxe but it's not really a big perk if you don't plan to use it. We love that area a lot for the boats to parks, walking to DHS/Epcot and access to other resorts.

If you really want to prioritize extra space away from sleeping kids, the BWV won't fit that bill, only the AofA suite would do it. Your kids may really enjoy the theming at AofA more than the other resorts. The pools at all of these resorts are nice but only WL and BW have slides.