Resort Suggestions for 2 'Tweens & an Infant?

[gigi1313]

Suggestions requested... and the "why's" behind the suggestions...

we booked bounceback for next sept at Pop, two rooms, one for dh/me, one for our 11/13yos
fast forward to about a week after our vacation and we learn that i am pregnant!!

so, next year we'll have 'tweens and an infant (due in march/april)... so, now where to stay?

i'm re-thinking pop 'cause i'm figuring we'll be enjoying more resort time due to the new addition and there's not a lot to "do" at pop as the pools are rather plain and the arcade gets expensive...

so, i thought maybe the yacht/beach club to enjoy storm-along bay in our downtime (at least the big kids and dad while mom/baby nap ) and for the proximity to epcot (good food!) and the boardwalk (fun) but two rooms there are likely not in our budget and one room concerns me 'cause i don't want the big kids losing sleep if/when the baby is up at night (it's bad enough i'll be tired and cranky, but i'll be used to it! LOL! )

we've enjoyed POFQ, didn't care for CBR (too big/spread out), am afraid that CSR/POR will be equally too big/spread out... i'm considering WL (what's their pool like?)... and we didn't care for AKL (too dark, pool was "boring" and the slide was always closed)... the monorail resorts don't excite us and we'd face the same budget issues as YC/BC...

so, help me decide... tell me that my cons are not so bad and show me some pros of a resort i may have overlooked... PLEASE!

 

[SusanDK]

The Epcot/Boardwalk resort area is a good idea considering the age of your older kids. Have you thought about Swan/Dolphin? You can usually get it for less than YC/BC, and for about the same price as a Disney moderate, but they are deluxe resorts with a great location. You may be able to get two rooms or a suite with separate sleeping areas for the older kids and parents with infant.

If you qualify for government rate or teacher's rate, you might be able to get a great rate. If you're Starwood members, perhaps you could reserve something and upgrade with points. You could get an AmEx Starwood to start acruing points in their program.

Susan

 

[AllyGirl_79]

Congratulations!

I like the idea of BC/YC if you expect to spend a lot of time at the pool. Have you considered looking into the BC Villas and renting DVC points? Depending when you go (i.e. not over a weekend), you might be able to do a 1-bedroom without breaking the bank. And then you'd be able to separate the sleeping baby from the wide awake tweens (or the wide awake baby from the sleeping teens, as the case may be).

 

[gigi1313]

thanks for the suggestions... i had not considered the swan/dolphin, but i know dh has always been interested in staying there... of course, that would negate our free dining (which is the hook i use to lure dh to wdw every fall)...

i've considered renting dvc points as well... but again, then i'd lose the free dining... although it's worth thinking about 'cause the savings of the villas might be more than the savings on the free food!

thanks for the suggestions... it's a good thing i've got some time to think about it!

 

[Buzz2001]

CSR!! The tweens would love the pool and slide. Check out my CSR website below for pics and info.

 

[gigi1313]

between here and the "just how big is CSR" thread, i think i'm sold! now, what building would you recommend for close/easy access to the pool/food court/bus stop? there's no preferred section, correct?

 

[Buzz2001]

between here and the "just how big is CSR" thread, i think i'm sold! now, what building would you recommend for close/easy access to the pool/food court/bus stop? there's no preferred section, correct?

There will be some walking involved at CSR (or any large mod) but not as bad as some make it out to be. The distance around the whole lake is just under a mile (.97 miles).

Walking Distances
From El Centro moving clockwise around the lake path to:
Casitas 3 = .16 miles
Casitas 4 = .24 miles
Casitas 5 = .27 miles
Ranchos = .46 miles

From El Centro to the Dig Site, via the bridge near the Cabanas
= .35 miles

From El Centro moving counterclockwise around the lake to:
Cabanas 9B = .16 miles
Cabanas 9A/8B = .22 miles
Cabanas 8A = .31 miles

There are two ways around walking, one is to use the internal shuttle provided by the golf carts or use the buses. Park buses start at bus stop 2 and end at bus stop 1. Downtown Disney and park exit buses start at bus stop 1 and end at bus stop 4. They do this so guests can get to and from the main building and get closer to their rooms. There are signs posted at the bus stop on how to use the buses.

Depending on what you want to be close to, here are some good building choices.

Cabana 9b is close to bus stop 1 and the main building with a short walk to the Dig Site (main pool) over the wooden bridge. Most convenient location and most preferred.

Cabana 8a is close to the Dig Site (and playground) and bus stop 4 with a short walk to the main building. (Closest to the Pool)

Cabana 8b and 9a are in between the 2 above. 9a has a quiet pool and is also a smoking optional building.

Ranchos 7b has a quiet pool, is close to the Dig Site and bus stop 4 with a bit longer walk to the main building. 7b is behind cabana 8a.

Casita 1 is attached to the main building and is very close to the restaurants.

Casita 3 has great courtyard and fountain views but you will have to walk or ride the internal shuttle to get to the pool. You can use bus stop #1 or #2.

Casita 5 has some nice fountain and lake views and is close to the Dig Site but farther from the main building. Close to bus stop #2.

Make your room request as soon as you make your reservation. It’s never too early.

 

[vettechick99]

I'm with the rest who say the Epcot-area resorts. SAB is great for kids. But what we really love about that area is the proximity to Epcot/MGM. If you are ok with it, they could always run over to the BW or into Epcot/MGM for the evening by themselves (or with dad).

But it seems as though your little one will be around 5-6 months at that time and be up for just about anything! DD is 6m now and she'd be a lot of fun at WDW. Of course she'd need her naps and down time, but we could really enjoy the parks and have a good time without feeling stuck in the room.

I hope you have fun!

 

[Pumbaa_]

SAB would keep your kids very occupied plus the closeness to two theme parks means no bus needed. I would give that a try myself