OKW or BCV w/ small kids

[MOMO2DK]

Hi,
I just booked us for our home resort OKW, for a week in April. We have 2 small children (age 5 and 3) . This will be our 4th trip to OKW, but I'm thinking of trying to change those ressies to BCV once I hit the 7month mark, with the thought of the
kids enjoying SAB, evening walks around the boardwalk and evenings in Epcot. I know OKW has the best rooms. I'd like to hear other DVCers thoughts on this. Will I
compromise the room quality for the pool fun? Additionally, I've never been in April (our school vacation) am I nuts to think that SAB will be less than CROWDED at this time? Help.
Martha

 

[Joan S.]

Hi Martha, Is your school vacation the week of the 18th?? I think this is the time for Mass and RI, possibly Conn and parts of New York. That being said I think with Easter NOT near our April Vacation time in 2005 it will be a great time to be at WDW! I have been going the past two years in Feb. because of Easter(I wanted to be home with family) and this year we will be down there for at least part of the April Vacation week(I am thinking of doing the 4-day cruise the first part of the week!) We have stayed at BCV a number of times and I think your children will LOVE IT! The one bedrooms are smaller but we are a family of 5 and have done it fine. The YC area has a great sand and water area for young children that is part of storm-a-long bay. The whole feel of the BCV is just so BEACHY and Family oriented that is why I think you should give it a try! Joan

 

[kathleena]

I think it would be great no matter where you stay! And the difference in room size will not matter cuz you will be at that fabulous pool so much!

Seriously, I would not even think about the differences. This is not a lifetime vacation - it's just a week or so. Ultimately, it's the family time and fun that you have that will make or break your vacation - not a few square feet of hotel space. Well, in my opinion anyway.

Will I compromise the room quality for the pool fun?

I just have to say that the quality of the room should not be in question. Only the quantity. The quality from DVC to DVC resort is the same high standards that we expect from Disney. IMHO.

 

[StormalongKay]

Hi,
We're also a family of 5 (ages 7, 5 &4) and have done one BR in both OKW and our home resort, BCV. You will notice a difference in size, especially if you're used to staying at OKW, but it wasn't a problem for us. The kitchen/Tv area is smaller in BCV but still have a ton more space than a studio or regular hotel room!

What you lack in space you more than make up for elsewhere! For us SAB is still #1 pool in the world to my kids. If yours are like mine, you will spend hours there. We were last there mid-March and it was definitely warm enough to enjoy the pool so April should also follow suit. And don't overlook the BCV's proximity to Epcot's back door for dinners and nightime walks - if you've never stayed there before you'll be amazed how close you are.

Have a magical time!
Mary Kay

 

[Desperado]

Oh, for young children, I'd have to recommend BCV. Even if you don't factor in the pools, you've got wonderful transportation to MGM, the beach, and access to Epcot for the evenings. There's a nice opportunity to take a nice break in the middle of the day from the parks, and still be close to return in the evenings. There's the option of the monorail to Epcot then a stroll to BCV. I'd have to say BCV wins hands down with younger children, there's not much comparision for the convenience. There's plenty of room in the rooms, elevators fairly close, and parking within a reasonable distance. The BCV pool is very nice with kids too. Enjoy.

 

[Disney Doll]

I think with smaller kids, the proximity of 2 of the major parks is a nice feature. If you are touring the parks, and "meltdown" begins, you can whisk them back to the hotel fairly easily.

SAB is a fantastic pool, they have a great kiddie area, a nice sandy play area. Even the quiet pools at BC are nice as well.

The room size is smaller overall than OKW, but still very ample for a vacation condo. Quality-wise, they are the same. Obviously, BCV is themed differently than OKW(although both sort of have that "trpoical/beachy"appeal), but the quality of the furnishings and the service is the same.

 

[vernon]

You don't mention if you have a studio or a 1 bed. IMHO in a 1 bed it really isn't an issue at all. In a studio it is a minor issue as far as will the kids sleep OK sharing a sofa bed as opposed to a "regular" bed. At their ages I don't think it's a problem.

Certainly I think they are at an excellent age to enjoy BCV, I've stayed at all the DVC resorts except VWL and SSR. I think it's a great part of the DVC package to try out different resorts and see which of the different strong points you find useful on different visits. With the kids still being young ( and small) I think it would be a great opportunity for you to get some ideas for future vacations.

 

[kcashner]

We've stayed at both..... I like the "park at your door" feature of OKW. I like the activities on the Boardwalk at night at BVC. I really don't like walking past all the shops and having DD whine. I did explain that those shops were very expensive and we could look but not buy.....

Both are wonderful. Since you've done OKW, why not try BWV. We had a "standard" room which had a wonderful view of the EPCOT fireworks from our balcony!

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Hmmm, I guess I'm the only dissenting opinion here?

Even though I LOVE the BCV area, with our two boys (5 and 3) I would be a nervous wreck at SAB. I don't like my kids out of my sight for one second at WDW (or any other public place, for that matter).

I look forward to many trips to BCV when our boys are older (and DD age 2 month now!); and maybe your children are content to stay close by in the kiddie area, but mine would be running back and forth from the slide to the sand to the lazy river, etc.

Before DD was born, my DH and I would "divide and conquer" by each of us sticking with one of our sons. But now that there are more children in our family than parents I will not attempt SAB again until they are older.

At all other DVC resort pools, I can pretty much relax and keep the boys under watch much more easily.

Just wanted to share my opinion.

And as long as I'm sharing opinions, my resort of choice with my children (close in age to yours) is VWL--much easier access to Magic Kingdom which is where we spend most of our time. And, a great pool with no "hidden" areas.

Good luck with your decision!