Looking for Resort Advice!

[erineab]

We are family of 4 looking ahead to renting DVC points next August. My children will be 9 and 6 at the time of travel.
I am having a hard time deciding which resort to book. Since we will be travelling in August, the pool is quite important to us, but so is location (we will spend most of our time at MK and Epcot). We have narrowed it down to the following:

1) Bay Lake Tower - I am not necessarily a fan of the modern decor at this resort. The main reason this is a top contender is the proximity to MK.
2) Villas at Wilderness Lodge - I like the theming here. I am not sure how convenient the boat ride to MK actually is though.
3) Beach Club - Storm Along Bay is the main draw here.
4) Saratoga Springs - Not sure if this is really a contender right now, but thought I would get some insight into this one as we do enjoy Downtown Disney.

Any thoughts or suggestions that you could provide would be so greatly appreciated!!

 

[disneygolfer1985]

My choice would be the beach club if you could get it. My home resorts are the boardwalk and the grand Floridian. I grew up going to the beach club as a kid and I loved storm along bay. Also, the proximity to Epcot is awesome. You are only a short bus ride to MK.

 

[juncker]

As much as I love Saratoga, I'd shy away from there. Even next August I expect things to still be a mess from all the construction.

With ages 4 and 9, I'd go for BLT due to the proximity to MK. The boat from Wilderness is just about as good. Neither have the pool that BCV has.

Have you considered Animal Kindgom Lodge. They have a great pool and your kids are perfect ages for the animals. Probably easy to get a reservation too. Good luck.

 

[hakepb]

What unit type?

A VWL studio would get you an extra bed (vs the other studios)

A BLT 1BR gets you an extra bathroom that you don't get in the other choices)

 

[DreamerWDW]

I would choose either the VWL or BLT. VWL is our favorite for the beauty and theme of the resort. I love the boat to the MK as well. BLT is a close second for the walk to MK and I love the pool. It's also great to be on the monorail.

BCV's (and BWV's) are also nice and SAB is a fantastic pool.

Have a great trip whatever you choose!

 

[dreaming4disney]

I know that VWL is undergoing pool renovations. Does anyone know if it is a minor or major overhaul?

BLT is a nice short walk to MK.- I love that about it!

 

[Msmithmd]

I know that VWL is undergoing pool renovations. Does anyone know if it is a minor or major overhaul? BLT is a nice short walk to MK.- I love that about it!

Major. Main pool closed until mid to late November.

And to OP's question, the VWL boat to MK is very convenient. Sometimes quicker than taking the monorail from one of those other resorts. Just depends on when you arrive at the station/dock versus the vehicle's timing.

 

[erineab]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. We have narrowed it down to VWL or BLT. I might have to try for a split stay if I can't decide. Since I will be renting points, I really need to get this done at the 11 month mark in order to have the best chance of availability, correct? The only downside I can see regarding dvc points rental is that no changes can be made once it's booked. It's hard to make a choice this far out!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks for the advice, everyone. We have narrowed it down to VWL or BLT. I might have to try for a split stay if I can't decide. Since I will be renting points, I really need to get this done at the 11 month mark in order to have the best chance of availability, correct? The only downside I can see regarding dvc points rental is that no changes can be made once it's booked. It's hard to make a choice this far out!

Hopefully, you are not considering a BLT studio with a family of four. It is extremely small and you will be uncomfortable in that studio. It's really better for an adult couple or maybe a couple with one small child. Go with the BLT one bedroom villa if you choose BLT.

 

[mjillard]

If a 1 bedroom would be too many points, you may want to consider a studio at okw for the 2 queen beds and extra space. Not a super convenient location but you can park right by your room if you don't mind driving.

 

[sleepydog25]

I own at VWL, but in your case, I'd go with BLT. . .barely. Since your prime focus will be MK then Epcot, the BLT wins in the proximity department. Having stayed twice at BLT in the past year, I can affirm how convenient it is being next to MK. Further, you have access to the monorail which visits other resorts and by which you can reach Epcot. The boat to MK from VWL is fun, but it's not nearly as convenient as walking 10 minutes to be at the entrance to MK.

As for the sleeping situation, I recommend renting a 1BR at BLT if at all possible since that setup gives you a second bathroom which is a godsend with two kids. The theming is a bit modern for my tastes, as well, but that says more about my preference than BLT as a resort. Further, the pool at BLT is a lot of fun, a slight notch above the main pool at WL and much better (for kids) than the Hidden Springs pool at VWL, in particular.

Finally, given you are going in August, I'd prefer being able to quickly leave MK and walk back to the room to rest and recuperate as opposed to waiting for the boat or a bus that you'd take to VWL. Overall, both VWL and BLT are great resorts, and while I still prefer my beloved Lodge due to its serenity and intimacy (it's small), BLT sounds like the winner to me. Still, you choose what you feel is right for you--you'll enjoy either one. Good luck!

 

[lovin'fl]

I'd say BLT as well and I'd also say that 4 in a studio will be tough...we did a studio there with just DH and I and it was perfect for that. And you probably do want to get it booked as close to 11 months out as you can...especially if you want standard or theme park view. If you are considering a split stay, I'd go with BCV and BLT or VWL...not VWL and BLT....you will be able to walk or boat to 3 parks (in full disclosure- I am a bus and monorail hater).

 

[lovetotraveltx]

Especially doing a split stay, I wouldn't rule out AKV. It's only close to Animal Kingdom park. But, the pools, grounds, culture and animals are way worth it. They also have an awesome quick service restaurant.

The rooms are actually roomier and less points then BLT.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Cessfam]

This is all very helpful information...especially about the pool

 

[erineab]

We actually would need to go with a studio at BLT, even though there are four of us. I don't know that the limited space would bother us though....we spend several weeks each summer in a pop-up tent trailer and it definitely gets cozy when it rains for a few days at a time! Does anyone have experience as a family of 4 in a studio?

 

[TinkandGoofy'sMom]

My family of four have stayed several times in studios. We spend a lot of time at the parks, so when we need to save points, studios are fine. We stayed at BLT last summer and loved it. The proximity to MK is fantastic. My girls loved the round pool at the Contemporary, they were sometimes the only ones in it! The Contempo Cafe was great for quick meals too, and of course there is the monorail to get to Epcot. As far as I'm concerned, anywhere at Disney is better than home!