VWL or Boardwalk Villas

[mom in 2005]

Hi,

I'm still on the fence about purchasing so I've decided to stay in one of the DVCs this trip so I can get a feel for the villas and everything. I have a choice of staying in a 1 bedroom at VWL or Boardwalk villas. It's just 3 of us, me, dh and dd3. Which resort is better? My dd loves to swim. We are going in November of this year. The only park we will visit will be MK for the Xmas party and then for a day. But we'll have a car so I don't think my question is related to proximity to MK.

Which resort is new or renovated? Which one has the better pool for little ones? We will eat out some but cook most of the time.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Inkmahm]

I own at both! I'd vote for VWL for you. There's a great pool for kids. I've taken nieces and nephews to stay there at about age 4 and they all loved it.

 

[slimplaw]

I would stay at VWL. Perhaps it will be decorated for Christmas when you're there and that would be a big plus. VWL would also be a smaller resort to navigate with a 3 year old.

 

[pickles]

do you prefer a woods theme , dark colors

or do you like beach theme and light colors?

VWL are one of our least favs, so we would choose BWV


tho your dd would like BCV if the pool is open when you are there

 

[bellazachmom]

The 5 minute bus trip to MK makes VWL our current favorite place to stay!! We have a 4 & 2 year old and a new little one so we seem to spend the majority of our days at MK.

 

[olympiamom]

We stayed at WLV and thought it was dark and smaller compared to OKW. But taking the boat to MK was sooooooo great! it was 5 minutes, uncrowded ( we went in January) and totally EASY! I would really recommend it. The pool at both places was okay. We actually had more fun in the quiet pool at WL because no one was in it and the giant hottub was right next to it. so we just went from one to the other! Have a great time! Can't tell you about BWV - am trying to rent their this trip.

 

[Fairytalekelly]

We have stayed at both and I would recommend VWL because of its more relaxed feel. Now that our kids are older we love the Boardwalk but it was nice to feel away from it all at VWL. It seemed like the kids were able settle down at night easier.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

I love the VWL - nice part is so many other things to do. Rent a boat and go out on the lake. Rent a bike and take the little one over to the campground, ride around, check out the petting farm, have a pony ride, see the big draft horses. If it is the holidays, ride through the campground and check out the sites, the campers deck their sites out for the holidays!!

That's why we like the area. There is a lot to do, that does not cost any money, or minimal at best. My kids were to pick this upcoming trip - 8 and 16, and they still wanted VWL!

 

[wildernessDad]

I'd go with VWL, but then, I am biased.

 

[cokenut33]

do you prefer a woods theme , dark colors

or do you like beach theme and light colors?

We've stayed at both, and would chose VWL. Nothing against BWV, but we love the theme of VWL, and its proximity to MK is a HUGE bonus with a little one. We stayed for 2 weeks in a studio @ VWL when our DD was 4, and loved every minute of it. We also happen to love the theming of BWV, but because of its proximity to Epcot and the Studios, it's better for an older crowd (IMHO). Also, with the boat & bus available, you will get to MK faster than you could drive. Good luck and have a magical trip!!!

 

[mikesmom]

Not trying to rain on your parade, but if you are trying for THIS November you need to hustle. If you are renting points from a DVC owner I would say you have no chance of getting anything. If you are making ressies through CRO, you may have a chance, but possibly not for VWL. Because of the great Christmas decorations it sells out very fast in November and December.

 

[Kris10luvsDisney]

We stayed at VWL during Dec. a few years ago, and the decorations were amazing! The Christmas tree takes your breath away! I also loved the boat ride to MK, it was not crowded and we never had a long wait. Our one complaint in taking the buses was that they always seemed to go to the campground after our resort and it would make the rides a little long.

We also stayed at BWV this past Feb. and we LOVE the location! Our kids are young too and they loved the pool there. My DD was a little scared to go down the slide, but they had fun playing in the pool and there was a playground right next to the main pool area. There is also a fun community hall area right next to the quiet pool that had video games, board games, coloring books and they have activities planned each day for the kids.

Our only complaint at BWV was finding kid friendly lunch on property. You have to walk out onto the boardwalk and go to one of the restaurants (can't remember the name of it). There was only 1 restaurant that did take out of the whole boardwalk! (I think the pizza window was closed b/c we tried that too)
The only food at the pool bar offered was paninis and my kiddos don't eat those

 

[DisneyKidds]

We also own at both resorts, and if we could only keep one it would be the VWL. I do love the location of BWV, but on the whole VWL is a little nicer resort. Newer. Cleaner. We like the pools better. The pool and hot tub by the Villas is sooooo relaxing and there is a large kiddie pool at the main area. There is more accessible to you at the WL, including boats to ride around Bay Lake and Seven Seas, and walking and bike access to Ft. Wilderness. The whole resort is secluded and laid back, yet right in the middle of the action. Given your plans to go to the MK, staying at the VWL will give you the full experience, including the convenience of getting to the parks from your home resort.

 

[Kris10luvsDisney]

I also forgot to mention while we were staying at the VWL, one night we went down to the beach and watched the floating parade. There were only about 2 other families w/ us watching it. It goes through the bay past WL and over towards Poly/Contemporary. They are boats fastened with lights, so it looks like the animals are floating through the water and it's all set to music. The kids loved it!
I can't remember what it's actually called, I'm sure someone on here can tell us!

 

[Inkmahm]

I also forgot to mention while we were staying at the VWL, one night we went down to the beach and watched the floating parade. There were only about 2 other families w/ us watching it. It goes through the bay past WL and over towards Poly/Contemporary. They are boats fastened with lights, so it looks like the animals are floating through the water and it's all set to music. The kids loved it!
I can't remember what it's actually called, I'm sure someone on here can tell us!

That would be the Electric Light Parade. At least, that's what it used to be called.

 

[chaoscent]

I have stayed at both. For younger children who need an escort I would stay at Wilderness. With teenagers who are a little more independent, I would stay at BWV. the older ones preferred being close to MGM and Epcot was just a boat ride or walk away.
Penny