SSR v VWL with almost 3 year old

[angtx]

We are new member of DVC and have our first tripped planned for the end of September. I am currently booked at SSR but am considering VWL. Since we are traveling with an almost 3 year old, most of our time will be spent at Magic Kingdom and the resort pool/play area so I have a couple of questions...

1. Which is easier to get to MK? I heard that VWL is closer but the boat actually takes longer than the direct SSR bus.
2. Which has a better pool/play area for small children?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Our DGC were 1 1/2, 2 1/2, and 3 1/2, when we stayed at VWL with them in August. It was a great trip. The boat wasn't a hard trip for them, but the DGS was a bit afraid of the noise of the engine. All of the children enjoyed the kiddie pool as well as the villa pool.

I think SSR has a Donald Duck spray water area and there is a zero entry pool, and I think that would be fun as well. We are owners at VWL and we never considered another resort.

Best wishes as you make your decision!

Bobbi

 

[Lynne M]

1. Which is easier to get to MK? I heard that VWL is closer but the boat actually takes longer than the direct SSR bus.

No question, it's easier to get to MK from WL by boat. You also have the option to take a bus to MK from WL.

I'm having a hard time believing that it would take longer to get to the MK from WL than from SSR. Aside from the fact that SSR is several miles away from MK, and WL is right across Bay Lake from MK, there's this:

1. The boat dock is closer to the MK than the bus depot is. It's a much quicker walk to get to the boat, the dock is directly in front of the park exit.

2. At SSR, depending on which area of the resort you're staying in, there may be several stops after the bus picks you up, before you head to MK. Heading back from MK, there may also be several stops at SSR before you get dropped off at your bus stop, and then you may have a long hike to your building.

I've stayed at both WL and SSR, and believe me, you're better off at WL if you want to spend most of your time at MK.

 

[starbox]

I love the boat ride at VWL, although it's not "fast", it's really lovely- it will still probably take you about 20-30 minutes when you factor in wait times. If you use a stroller, you can take the stroller right on the boat without folding it.

SSR has the better pool and water play features for toddlers/pre-swimmers.

 

[disneyfool_1202]

I think SSR has a Donald Duck spray water area and there is a zero entry pool, and I think that would be fun as well. We are owners at VWL and we never considered another resort.

Yup- those two things are true, as we just went to SSR last May with my son who was almost 3 at the time. He liked the zero entry pool (he's a bit afraid and it allowed him to wade in slowly) and he was actually afraid of the Donald spray area. That being said.....

I honestly prefer VWL (which is our home resort). The pool isn't zero entry, but I found it to be a nicer area, plus there's a small sandy beach area (not sure if it's for swimming but 3 year olds love to dig). The boat ride to MK was wonderful and didn't take long at all. SSR is over by Disney Market Place and I believe a longer bus ride than even taking the boat but if you are in a rush you can always take the bus from VWL. SSR didn't have much to offer for food for the younger crowd either. We much prefered the food availability at VWL, both the counter service and sit down. The family restaurant is fabulous at entertaining the kids during dinner time as well - it's almost like a dinner show and the kids get to participate.

 

[barlitz]

We will be traveling with our almost 3 year old in a few weeks, we will be going to SSR. The pool, closeness to DTD (alot of things for her to do there )and she absolutely loves the bus ride, we stayed at BC last year it was a little to crowded for us, had to wait for everything that can be frustrating with a 3 year old.

 

[castleri]

Yup- those two things are true, as we just went to SSR last May with my son who was almost 3 at the time. He liked the zero entry pool (he's a bit afraid and it allowed him to wade in slowly) and he was actually afraid of the Donald spray area. That being said.....

I honestly prefer VWL (which is our home resort). The pool isn't zero entry, but I found it to be a nicer area, plus there's a small sandy beach area (not sure if it's for swimming but 3 year olds love to dig). The boat ride to MK was wonderful and didn't take long at all. SSR is over by Disney Market Place and I believe a longer bus ride than even taking the boat but if you are in a rush you can always take the bus from VWL. SSR didn't have much to offer for food for the younger crowd either. We much prefered the food availability at VWL, both the counter service and sit down. The family restaurant is fabulous at entertaining the kids during dinner time as well - it's almost like a dinner show and the kids get to participate.

I think either resort will be fine for that age as long as the parents are happy there. We stayed at WV before DVC was there and ate at WC - vowed we would never do it again - way to loud and annoying (even the kids felt this way) after a long day at the parks. We just wanted to eat a nice meal and get out of there. I know we are in the minority but I would not base a stay on that restaurant or on the pool for that age group. The young children do like the beach area but there are play areas at SSR also. We like them both for different reasons but I would keep the SSR reservation and maybe pool hop over to WL for a break during a day while at the MK. The transportation at SSR has been really good the several times we have stayed there and being close to DTD and the food possibilities there was also a plus.
Whatever you decided have a great trip.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Is your three year old your only child? If so, than I think VWL wins hands down. SSR has the awsome pool. But there is so much to do at VWL that doesnt include going to parks. Play on the beach, put child in stroller and take the walk over to Fort Wilderness, visit the petting zoo, check out the stables, go for a pony ride. Just ride the boats and visit the other resorts, take boat over to the Contemporary, check it out, hop on monorail and just go for a ride. Wait until you can ride with the captain!!! Rent bikes with a child seat and go for a bike ride! I enjoy both resorts, having a 14 year old and an 8 year old. We are staying at SSR this trip, basically so the 14 year old can have some fun heading to DTD. But for a relaxing trip VWL wins hands down for us!