Preschoolers and DVC

[bobbiwoz]

It looks like our DGrands and family will be joining us in late summer/September '06. I told DDiL that I would ask what specific things people do to the villas to childproof them. When I get answers, I'll print out the thread and send it to her. I remember that the BWV 2 bedroom kitchen tables are glass topped, are the ones at VWL also glass? We have not stayed in a VWL 2 bedroom.

We'll have an almost 2, almost 3 and almost 4 year old. We want resort days more than "spend all day at park" day. It seems to me that the BWV has a nicer toddler pool area than the VWL, but VWL is closer to the MK and if we're going to do a park some days, that's the park we'll go to. What are the swimming facilties at WL for young ones?

Can you rent one of the golf carts at the WL bike rental area? I was wondering if you can and then go over to the horse barns, at FW, I think they still have the horses to see, and pony rides, although no more petting zoo. Is that true?

We were under the impression that the family wouldn't be joining us for a few years yet, but we visited them for Thanksgiving. They joined us for pool /resort 1/2 days at our hotel and things went well, and they asked if we're "game" they would love to join us at WDW.

So, it's going to be a 5 night stay in a 2 bedroom. They like the idea of the facilities, full kitchen, laundry. We could get the 11 months out at the VWL and BWV, but I think that for September we could go anywhere. Do you agree on VWL?

Children on the busses issue - does anyone care to comment on safety? It's my impression that children sit on laps. Do you feel safe that way?

We are about a week away from setting the date. All of the points will have to be borrowed, so I may just wait until maybe 8 months out to actually book and buy the tickets. Meanwhile, DH and I are psyched, we get to introduce this next generation to WDW!!!

Bobbi

 

[tjkraz]

We've been taking our son (now 4.5yo) since he was 18 mos and our daughter's first trip was around 18 mos, too.

We really didn't do anything special to secure the room. Keep things away from the edges of counters. The kids love that little bar area outside the kitchen at all resorts except OKW. That's where they spend most of their time in the room when not sleeping, watching TV or on the balcony.

I would be sure to request room on floor 2+ because you don't want to have a first floor patio. The patios have no barricades--they are just a cement slab. Upper floor balconies are fully enclosed, and we have no reservations about our kids coming-and-going through the balcony door at will.

As for busses, we have no problems taking the kids on busses. Some drivers are a little more...agressive than others. But I'm sure Disney has an extremely low tolerance when it comes to accidents.

The only suggestion I would offer regarding busses is to not put yourself in a position where there's a chance you would not get a seat. If you're leaving at park closing time and it appears to be standing room only, let people go by and wait for the next bus. I've seen too many people on the DIS complain about a lack of chivalry these days when it comes to pro-offering seats. I don't even want to comment on that debate since it's ridiculous to think one can readily assess others' physical ailments from afar. Bottom line: Unless you can clearly see you'll get a seat for all those who need them, don't take a chance--wait for the next bus. You don't want to be stuck standing for 10 minutes with a 1.5 year old clinging to you.

 

[disneymom225]

Hi Bobbi! We felt very comfortable w/ DD on the busses and we are WAY overprotective parents. She was 18 months old in AUgust and we loved VWL. THe boat ride to MK was wonderful-we managed to time it to see fireworks a few nights as we were heading back. It was perfect for us b/c we were in MK almost every day. THey do have a little kiddie pool at VWL-we've never stayed anywhere else so I can't compare. But DD seemed to really enjoy it. The one thing I wish we had brought were some pool toys. DD also really liked the little playground on the beach at VWL. She played on it for about an hour. Good luck and have fun!

 

[carol1231]

When our two kids were that age, we usually stayed at OKW. Mainly because we could park the car right outside the door and then we didn't have so far to lug the strollers and stuff. And the kiddie pool was handy and next to a play area.

We also liked to stay at BWV (our favorite). The kids loved the elephants at the kiddie pool and had lots of fun running back and forth to the play area.

We didn't stay at VWL when the kids were that young. And have only stayed there a couple of times now.

 

[CarolAnnC]

FYI, the 2 bedroom at BWV has a wood top kitchen table. Just checked out of one today!

 

[bobbiwoz]

FYI, the 2 bedroom at BWV has a wood top kitchen table. Just checked out of one today!

Thank you, I am very glad that I was wrong about what I remembered, it must have been a different timeshare, maybe HGV. We stayed by the one at Sea World!

Bobbi

PS. DH did agree that it was HGVC at Sea World that had the glass topped dining room table.

 

[crazywig]

my kids are 3 and 1. i don't do any major 'babyproofing' while in the villas, we stay mainly at BWV, with one trip at SSR. i do keep the bathroom doors closed though as the tub is too much temptation for my 1yr daughter who is a climber. i also take the chairs off the balcony and keep the doors (balcony and exit) deadbolted at all times (my son could open the villa door at 2 )

my son loves the BWV playground, and the kiddie pool is perfect for the 1yr old. you can get lifejackets at the community center.

as long as you've got the hands, the busses aren't a safety issue imo.

we love being able to walk to 2 parks from the BWV, it makes the 'quick exit because my kid is having a meltdown' that much easier .

we are trying VWL for the first time in january! i am thinking we are going to love the proximity to the MK.

 

[DawnaJean]

BWV would be great for the kids. There is a small kiddie pool adjacent to a playground. Remember to bring a few pool toys, such as the little water balls that the kids can toss in the kiddie pool. One grandma there was having so much fun with her Gsons taking turns tossing the ball to them.

Two things to watch out for at the pool area - 1) the big plastic slide in the playground. It was wet due to the people in bathing suits going down the slide and I went down it.....big mistake on my part...slid off so fast that I took out a 5-yr-old girl about six feet away because I couldn't stop and fell forward. She didn't get hurt but it scared her and I felt horrible. 2) the big clown coaster slide in the pool - While they tell you that its ok for the little ones to go down the slide with a life jacket, I wouldn't suggest it. My brain must have dropped out one day and I let my 2 1/2 DS go down with his sisters (DS 10 and DS 11) but they wouldn't let them go together. They sent him down (as I waited at the bottom) alone and instead of staying seated he laid down and spun all around the slide, coming down headfirst. My heart dropped out (with my brain) as I saw him coming down the slide and I grabbed him up before he went in the water. He said it was FUN......no, he didn't get to do it again!!!!!

Dawna

 

[mbb]

and have so much fun!!!!

Our guys were 4 years old our first trip(pre-DVC) - and they did the slide at the Polynesian, with their lifejackets, no problem

We also stayed at ASM, and yes, the buses can be an issue for those later nights..the one night we did have to stand (most times there was one seat available, and I would hold both boys on my lap), I grabbed onto the support poles, and sat the boys at my feet. DH looked after the stroller, and mom and dad looked after themselves, LOL!..and the knapsacks

Like disneymom225 said, watching the fireworks on a leisurely boat ride back to VWL would be my pick...but then there's the "walkablilty factor" back to BWV...

And sand toys are an absolute must..if you can, pack enough for your grandkids and a few extras, there are always lots of "Disney friends" around to play with

And ditto bringing in the balcony chairs, too

Have fun!!!!