Summer Vacation Little or No Park Time -Help Choose Resort

[tigergrad]

We are planning a summer vacation- late July early August. 5-6 nights. Yes I know it's hot and crowded. We don't plan to spend much time if any in the parks. We are looking to stay 5 or 6 nights. It will be me, DH, DD, DSiL, DGS (7) & DGS (almost 2). Planning on either 2 studios or a 2 bedroom. We have stayed at all the resorts except BLT, but always stayed busy in the parks. Looking for suggestions on a resort for more relaxation and doing things other than the parks. Thanks in advance.

 

[com_op_2000]

With the DGSs I would recommend AKL. Very good pools, wet play areas, animals, and being away from the parks it is a more relaxing area.
All the resorts can be quiet and relaxing but we find the AKL is the most.

 

[CarolMN]

AKV or SSR.

 

[pepperandchips]

I would pick animal kingdom also -- the pools there are fantastic and the style of AKL just fits my personal aesthetic best. I always feel swept away there and the animals and restaurants provide so much to see and do I don't think I'd miss the parks.

If you don't think it would upset the grands, I might also consider Poly studios since that is a really relaxing resort as well (but I know seeing the castle might cause littles to want park time). On the flip side, you have boat rides and monorail circuits as entertainment, so many restaurants and recreation close at hand. Plus the size of the Poly studios is fantastic (or so I've heard) so it could be a good use of points.

Good luck choosing! And have a wonderful and relaxing vacation!

 

[Junebugwv]

I take my grandkids often and they love the pools and the craft room at SSR. We all enjoy the boat ride or walking path to DS. I also like the the roomy living area in the 2 BR at OKW when we have extended family.

 

[NJ Goofy]

Another vote for AKL if you're not doing the parks. It is almost like its own park, we really enjoyed our stay there especially with a savanna view room.

 

[bobbiwoz]

AKV or SSR.

My choices too. Both have excellent Community Halls.

 

[Amw1064]

When we go in the summer and do not do parks, we always stay at Beach Club. You can not beat the pool.

 

[Cruisin Spartan]

SSR is the only DVC Resort we've stayed at so far, but it definitely strikes me as a great choice for this type of trip. Great pool options, plenty of Resort to explore, Community Hall, and proximity to Disney Springs. The low point cost combined with all of those features, really makes for a great value.

We're staying at Poly this summer, and I am beyond excited. It is an awesome resort with a great location, and cool atmosphere. However, if the park time is less important, the extra points may decrease the attractiveness.

 

[BLLB]

I second the AKV recommendation. We have stayed at both Jambo and Kidani. We really liked them both. But, for a 2 year old the pool area at Kidani gets the edge.

 

[DizDaD7]

We are planning a summer vacation- late July early August. 5-6 nights. Yes I know it's hot and crowded. We don't plan to spend much time if any in the parks. We are looking to stay 5 or 6 nights. It will be me, DH, DD, DSiL, DGS (7) & DGS (almost 2). Planning on either 2 studios or a 2 bedroom. We have stayed at all the resorts except BLT, but always stayed busy in the parks. Looking for suggestions on a resort for more relaxation and doing things other than the parks. Thanks in advance.

All the other replies are all valid points, & mine would be no exception.
1) AKL/V We like it even with the rushing around to the parks...Because when we come back, it's a vacation within a vacation...Now , if you're doing it with little or no park time, then I can imagine it being even that much better.
2) BCV For it's close proximity to Epcot for a possible dinner, or virtually 1 of many TS within just walking distance, not even in the parks ....SAB, is also a huge plus too...
3) VWL would be my 3rd choice...Relaxing boat rides, beautiful lush greenery everywhere. Some nice restaurants close by, plenty of off the beaten path things to see n do down there & over at the FW too. Nice pool, and most of the stuff should be almost done by then. Mainly the new pool.

 

[Sammie]

Saratoga Springs would be my choice. Great pools, really good quick service, walk over to Disney Springs.
Second choice would be AKV.

 

[sleepydog25]

1) AKV
2) VWL
3) BCV

 

[tigergrad]

Thanks you for all the thoughtful suggestions. We have narrowed it down to 3 resorts. Poly, Boulder Ridge, and BLT. We have stayed at Poly and VWL before and love them both. Our first choice is Boulder Ridge but we are unsure about the construction. We are planning for The last weekend in July and the first few days of August. Since the grandsons are young, MK will most likely be the only park we visit this trip. Help with our narrowed list? Pros and cons for resorts?

 

[sleepydog25]

From your list, I'd go with VWL (sorry, I will never call it "Boulder Ridge" ). In case you do decide to do MK, the boats make for not only an easy access but a fun one, as well. There are lots of activities the kids can enjoy at FW which is only a short walk or bike ride away (though currently not open, the bike/surrey rental shop at WL may very well be open by summer). Of course, the entire Lodge ambiance is an exciting one that kids can easily appreciate. While construction will still be ongoing during your time frame, the majority of it will likely be done. The new restaurant is due to open in a couple of weeks, and according to reports coming out of the owners' meeting a few weeks back, the pool is scheduled to open by summer. As many have noted on a few different threads (and we witnessed first-hand), the construction itself isn't intrusive other than the camo fences. As you won't be in the parks much if at all, the noise might be a bit more bothersome, but I'm thinking by your trip the noise will largely be restricted to the interior of the south wing where the rooms are being refurbished. Then again, I am biased about the location.

 

[alisonslp]

From your updated list, I would not do BLT. We have found there is very little to do there. Though you have the benefit of seeing the fireworks every night. We have never visited wilderness lodge so I don't know. I personally don't like poly. Just looks run down to me. But I know others love it.

Like others, I would have recommended AKL as the animals will forever keep the youngin's and older folks entertained. Second choice would be BCV for the awesome pool and proximity to HS and Epcot for fireworks. Third would be SSR for pools, the QS restaurant and proximity to DS - nightly trips for Gheradelli!

 

[bbn1122]

I agree with everyone regarding AKL for the little ones. But I love SSR for the entire family. There is so much to do and see now in DS.
I also vote for a BC, but it's hard to get into.

We did AKL IN 2011, no parks before our cruise. Enjoyed the animals, theming and the restaurants at AKL.

At SSR last summer we stayed in Congress Park and loved the proximity to DS. We went bowling and to the movies, plus shopping and a lot of eating.

Good luck with your planning.

 

[crewmatt]

AKV or BCV.