Need input on which DVC resort best for small kids

[belahboodog]

Looking for some people's opinions...I have two small children ages 8 & 5. We are going to disney world January 23 through January 30, 2011. Which resort is best for small children - the BCV or BLT? Or maybe you can suggest another one too We also have grandparents coming along. Any helpful tips would be most appreciated! I also wanted to know what amenities are better & restaurants are better too!

 

[hakepb]

There are some that say BCV's pool may not be ideal for younger children (so big, very hard to keep track of) and in January, you may not get pool time (weather related, what's your min temp needed to go to the pool? and/or that is the time of the year for pool rehab), so I would not choose a resort only on pools.
Location wise, BCV does offer a bunch of dining options and very close to EPCOT and DHS.

BLT offers a lot in nearby restaurants on the monorail loop and MK. It is really personal preference which restaurants you think are better between BCV and BLT.

Personally, I would place a really strong suggestion on AKV savannah view. It is truely a one of a kind experience (where else in America can you stay in an African themed resort with views of actual savannah animals?) If the kids like the animals, then room time becomes it's own attraction, and an amazing vacation experience. The AKV Kidani pool area should be ideal for that age (if you have pool time). The Jambo pool slide will be fine for the 5 y/o but possible tame for the 8y/o.
Restaurant wise, you are more limited at AKV. There is no breakfast at Kidani, and no true counter service. Personally I'm very happy with the Jambo dining options, but you would want to bus to parks or drive a car for more dining options..

 

[spiceycat]

if you are using the buses then AKV is too far from MK. which with kids that age would guess is going to be your main park.

so would go with BLT. you can walk to the mk - which is great in case of a melt down by your kids (or you).

the BCV is lovely. that say it only has buses to the MK. you can walk thru Epcot and ride the monrail = but it is a long walk and you must have park hoppers on your tickets (if you have annual passes you will be fine too).

you can walk to Epcot - would take the boat to Studios.

if you want the MK w/o buses -then it is either BLT or VWL (boat)

 

[bandedfroggie]

We like AKV Savanna view for your chiildrens ages. *PLUS* they have a wonderful Community Hall at AKV with arts and crafts and fun educational offereing throughout the day.

They have daily mini-camps (which fill up quickly) with naturalists, animal experts, and natives who can share their culture and lives with you.

Then there is story telling by the firepits.

So much to do at the resort!

OKW also has a great Community Hall, but is a much slower paced resort. When we wish to have a slow, togetherish vacation (swimming, movies, and games) we head there.

Now BWV is very busy with an active boardwalk with strolling preformers, hair braders, some games, and lots of shops. Also fun, but much less relaxing for my family.

Hope that helps!

-Tony

 

[Pakey]

Food choices better at proximity to BCV.

MK location with 2 young children trumps everything else.

 

[robertdangelo]

BCV also has nightly movies on the beach with Campfire, S'mores & Sing A Longs. Cape May has a great character buffet. Beaches and Cream is a great Ice Cream shop.

 

[MinnieGi]

Our kids are 9 & 5 and have been staying at all the DVC's since they were babies - they are ALL great for small kids!!!

It really depends on where you want to be close too. Do you want quick access to MK - then BLT or VWL. Do you want great location to EPcot or DHS - then stay BCV or BWV. Do you want to feel really away from the parks when you go back to your resorts and enjoy more of a condo type feel for accomadations - then go OKW or SSR. Do you want something very unique and close to AK - then go AKV.

 

[disneybirds]

We love BCV. The pool is wonderful! My parents love to be able to walk right into Epcot and do some touring on their own.

 

[Crystal_27]

I think that you have to factor in what parks you will be visiting and go from there. If your kiddos are going to want to spend more time at MK, then go with BLT. If, however, they want to spend more time at Epcot or DHS, then BCV is the way to go. Both have access to some great restaurants and dining experiences but, of course, BCV blows any resort out of the water in terms of pools. Something else to think about, though, is that if you are booking at the 7 month window, then a standard view at BLT (which is comparable to a BCV room in terms of points) probably won't be available so you will have to use more points for a Lake View at BLT. Either way, good luck!

 

[belahboodog]

Thanks to everyone who helped out and posted a rely! You've all been so nice and helpful!!!!

 

[spiceycat]

bcv will also be gone at 7 months.

BLT has access to the other monrail hotels- CR, Polyn and GF plus the MK for restuarants. Also Epcot is a monrail ride away.

now the side you get too first with monrail access is future world. have to admit that World showcase definitely has better food. that is what is close to BCV and BWV.

also would try VWL - it does not have monrail access - but it does have a boat to both MK and CR (2 different boats)

 

[surfer_ed]

My Kids really liked the ool at BCV and the Savannah at AKL. If you are doing allot of parks you can't beat WL because you can wheel a stroller right on to the ferry!!

 

[5forDiz]

I agree with those here who have posted that if you will be spending majority of park time at MK then go with BLT; but if not then BCV or BWV (you can always hop the monorail from Epcot to get to/from MK too but bus from BCV or BWV is pretty good as well). Unless your family would be spending alot of time at StormAlong Bay I'd say pick BWV over BCV for all the reasons others have posted here; at BWV the atmosphere/entertainment & Community Hall (located at villas quiet pool) is second to none & you can still easily stroll around to BCV and attend their kids/family activities like movie on the beach night, etc.

Good luck with your planning

 

[goldenears]

On our last trip to WDW, our kids were 3 and 1. We did a split stay at OKW and BCV. BCV was WONDERFUL and I would stay there again in a heartbeat if I could get a ressie at the 7 month window. The pool is beyond perfect for little kids. Our kids really enjoyed playing in the sand in the pool, etc.... It is also really great to be able to walk to Epcot and take the boat to DHS.
I have not stayed at BLT, so I can't give you any info. on that resort. I am sure it is wonderful too.