What is the best DVC resort for 2yo?

[JaneSparrow]

I am thinking its AKV Kidani due to the animals and kiddie pool. What do you think? Just thinking of where to go next. We own at BLT.

 

[hakepb]

Any resort in WDW with wet water in a pool is best for a 2YO

But there are things that make the parent's life a bit easier. Animals outside do make room time more fun, kinda like having an attraction in your room, and the Kidani splash area is great. If you have a stroller, then being able to roll onto a boat or monorail is easier, too. (BLT, BCV, BWV (but terrible MK busses) )

 

[Kidanifan08]

Kidani is nice for the animals and splash area. At 2, having a counter service is not critical. The park busses stop at Kidani first, which is a huge bonus.

The Epcot area resorts are nice, too, if you enjoy walking to the parks. Many report poor bus service to MK,. We have never used the busses to MK, so I can't comment. A BW view room during nap (or at bedtime) time is very nice for mommy and daddy.

 

[Simba's Mom]

That's what I had thought also. However, reading on a nearby post about bees at the pool area at AKV makes me wonder. Tell me this isn't a common problem.

 

[com_op_2000]

While I agree with AKV kiddie pool area is great. At SSR, the splash area at the Paddock area quite pool is our DGS favorite. He would run around in there all day without eating if we let him.

 

[DreamChasers]

We just got back from the BCV and my 3yr daughter loved stormalong bay. With the zero entry beach pool and the kiddy water slide. In many ways made this a better option for her then the water parks. On our first day there, after playing in the pool for 2hrs she cried when I told her it was time to go and she is usually an easy going, go with the flow type of kid. Had to promise her we would come back and we did.

 

[suemom2kay]

That's what I had thought also. However, reading on a nearby post about bees at the pool area at AKV makes me wonder. Tell me this isn't a common problem.

I suspect that what everyone is referring to as bees are actually yellow jackets (wasps that look like bees and LOVE soda, food, etc.).

I believe it is more of a seasonal problem (height of summer) rather than an AKV problem. Florida is full of insects... I would try not to let reports of insect activity influence your resort choice.

Really all of the DVC resorts have kiddie pools (someone correct me if i'm wrong). The splash area is nice but honestly a 2 year old would be happy in any shallow water.

I love love love AKV (esp Kidani) and it is my new favorite!

 

[Trooper8286]

When I had 2 year olds (mine are 11 and 8 now) it was mostly about basics....water in the pool, juice in the cup and a bed when it was time (whether they wanted to go or not). I think most DVC resorts (I'm a noobie) will give you fun for your 2 year old.

In the end, what park is your favorite? I think the closeness of the resort to the places you will visit most will be key. Naps and coolness are your friend. They are at the resort. Not to mention the "sunscreen in the eyes", "I forgot my......." and the dreaded "diaper/pull-up failure"......those kinds of things make a quick stroller trip to the resort really kind of a big deal.

We made our selection of BLT as where we would buy largely because it is close to MK and on the monorail.......we can't get enough of that castle, the fireworks and the "please stand back from the doors..."

My 2 cents

 

[spiceycat]

I am thinking its AKV Kidani due to the animals and kiddie pool. What do you think? Just thinking of where to go next. We own at BLT.

depends upon the child.

some kids don't like the animals as much as you would like.

would go with BLT - walking to the MK and the splash area fountains plus the smaller slide (really a wheelchair entrance - but it is zero entry in the first place)

the water is not too deep.

 

[DisneyRegulars]

I would say any hotel with a pool with the gradual entrance would be great. My son hates getting splashed so he doesn't enjoy the splash pads, but loves playing in the shallow ends of the pools. We personally cannot wait to bring him to the SSR paddock toddler pool because it had these really cute water slides that we imagine he will love.

 

[nezy]

I am thinking AKL or SSR for reasons mentioned.
I also liked OKW when my kids were young. They loved playing in the sand. We have most of our points at the Boardwalk and never stayed there when the kids were young. I thought there was just too much going on-and some kids(and adults) get freaked by that clown. I liked that OKW was laid back and the kids could really get a break from all of the rest of the hustle and bustle.

My kids are 18.17 and 15. so many of the DVC resorts were not around when they were young, but we have been going to disney since my 18yr old was 2 months and have been DVC members since my 15 yr old was born.

I have young nieces and nephews now who I would take to AKL and SSR and OKW first. However, as someone mentioned the closeness of Bay Lake to MK is well worth it to not have to lug strollers on and off of other transportation ie, boats, monorails, trams, etc.

 

[DenLo]

If you are planning on going to MK, I'd say BLT. It's walking distance from MK. If you are doing only a resort stay, AKV. Jambo House is closer to the quick service restaurant, but the DVC villas are all on the 5th floor (or 6th for club level). That means the animals are further away and they often sit or stand under the trees for the shade so it looks like there are any animals around. Kidani Village has a great water play area that would be great for toddlers. And both pools have a zero entry.

 

[JaneSparrow]

If you are planning on going to MK, I'd say BLT. It's walking distance from MK. If you are doing only a resort stay, AKV. Jambo House is closer to the quick service restaurant, but the DVC villas are all on the 5th floor (or 6th for club level). That means the animals are further away and they often sit or stand under the trees for the shade so it looks like there are any animals around. Kidani Village has a great water play area that would be great for toddlers. And both pools have a zero entry.

We own at BLT for this reason - walk to MK! We're staying for the first time this Nov-Dec trip but I'm thinking what to do in 2014.

 

[pouncingpluto]

If you are planning on going to MK, I'd say BLT. It's walking distance from MK. If you are doing only a resort stay, AKV. Jambo House is closer to the quick service restaurant, but the DVC villas are all on the 5th floor (or 6th for club level). That means the animals are further away and they often sit or stand under the trees for the shade so it looks like there are any animals around. Kidani Village has a great water play area that would be great for toddlers. And both pools have a zero entry.

I second this. Our daughter is 2, and we LOVE BLT (or VGF, which we'll be trying soon) at this age, because of being able to pop over to MK so easily. On our last trip, for her second birthday, we were there basically every day -- some other park in the morning, and then MK after her nap. She was so cute -- she would go climb into her stroller on her own because she was so ready to go! Getting in the stroller meant walking over to MK!

That said, for the resort itself, we LOVE AKV. Prior to having our daughter, AKV and the Epcot area resorts were our favorite, and I suspect we will migrate back to those resorts as she gets older. For the next few years, I imagine I'll be trying for BLT/VGF a lot.

I'm so psyched for our December trip -- 2 nights at AKV savanna view, followed by 7 nights at VGF! The best of both worlds!

 

[rowlands57]

I think the time at the resort vs. the time in the park is a big consideration. The bus ride from the AK to the other parks can be lengthy. If you are planning on being at the resort more then I guess that's less of a consideration. The main pool at the BCV is really amazing and the benefit there is a nice walk to EPCOT and a pleasant stroll over to Hollywood Studios. You can also go through EPCOT to the Monorail for a trip to the MK and that. The bus would only be needed for AK or Downtown Disney for the most part. I find that keeping bus time to a minimum is a big plus for myself and my family.

 

[rccldisney]

I think the time at the resort vs. the time in the park is a big consideration. The bus ride from the AK to the other parks can be lengthy. If you are planning on being at the resort more then I guess that's less of a consideration. The main pool at the BCV is really amazing and the benefit there is a nice walk to EPCOT and a pleasant stroll over to Hollywood Studios. You can also go through EPCOT to the Monorail for a trip to the MK and that. The bus would only be needed for AK or Downtown Disney for the most part. I find that keeping bus time to a minimum is a big plus for myself and my family.

We own at BCV and have been taking our two DGS there for the last 11 years. Great access to DHS via boat and walk into EPCOT. The pool, in my humble opinion is still the beast at any resort. There is a huge sand area for the little ones to play and counter service close by. Great restaurants, fireworks seen from the beach (or your room) at night. Movies on the beach at night. Getting to AK id difficult from everywhere. Have never had problems with MK buses. We would also get park hoppers and use EPCOT as a way to come and go and to get back to the resort. (i.e., use monorail from MK to EPCOT then through EPCOT to the resort). We have even used DHS buses then to the boat and back to the resort. Its not always about the destination, sometimes the trip can be just as nice.