I can list the ones I've stayed at and tell you what I liked and didn't like. We always stay in a one-bedroom for the two of us; studio the first night, though.
Bay Lake Tower:
The good: theme park view and top of the world lounge if you don't have the view; the one bedrooms have two full baths and the sleeper chair in addition to the pull out couch; an easy walk from your car to the lobby; walk to the magic kingdom; easy walk to monorail to visit resort restaurants; easy walk to contemporary to use their watercraft. Easy walk to monorail to switch to epcot monorail; walk to the bus depot at magic kingdom and take a bus to any resort; the nice little beach beyond the hot tub; three different point categories.
The bad: the pool always seems cold (the building casts a shadow) and there are not enough tables with shade; the hot tub is often filled with unruly kids with no parents around. The contemporary pool is a short walk...it is a little warmer.
BoardWalk Villas:
The good: Location!! Walk to Epcot and Hollywood; the lobby is great for people watching; the rocking chairs on the verandah; the places to eat; the entertainment on the boardwalk, the CM's are the best in my opinion; the newly refurbished rooms are beautiful (finally have a makeup mirror); a very relaxing atmosphere; the quiet pool, the community hall by the quiet pool; some standard view rooms can see epcot fireworks or star wars fire works; some boardwalk views can get a really nice view of epcot fireworks and MK fireworks in the distance; the points for standard view are a great deal; I like that you can specifiy BoardWalk View (and I would not use the same amount of points for the pool view).
The bad: a long walk from your car to your room; only one elevator; the bus service was legendary (and not in a good way) but we have seen improvement our last two trips but the bus stop needs better organization (i.e. a pushy family that just arrives and somehow gets in front of everyone...and then some have to wait for the next bus (usually MK buses are very crowded in the morning); Only one bathroom, but it is a split bath.
Wilderness Lodge: The good: A nice relaxing place; only stayed in a studio there but I found it very roomy; love the quick service place to eat; Artisit Point signature dining is always outstanding; the lobby is just stunning and I like to just relax in there; the fitness center is very nice, the pool was a little cramped but that has changed completely since I was there.
The Bad: You need to take the bus everywhere or can use the boat for MK. Only one point category. Can't speak about a one-bedroom, as have not been in one.
Beach Club: The good: easy access to Epcot, storm along bay pool.
The bad: only one point category and I don't like the views. I'm in the minority here, as I really didn't like the resort. Maybe because we stayed when the weather was cold and kind of rainy a good part of the time. It is a beautiful resort, though. We had a nice two bedroom with a deck that ran all the way. Lots of room.
Animal Kingdom:
The good: Jambo House studio was huge, the standard view was a nice pool view; Kidani one bedrooms have two full baths and the sleeper chair and the rooms seem enormous (be aware that Jambo one bedrooms do not have two full baths); the pools are really nice; the quickservice food court has lots; the animals all around; lots of activities throughout the day; a lot of point categories.
The bad: long hallways from bus stop...not too bad at Kidani if you have your car with underground parking; the walk from Kidani if you want the foodcourt. Some people don't like the remoteness, I thought it was great. I have to say that having to take the bus everywhere was not bad at all.
Polynesian: We only stayed there one night soon after it opened. I don't like the fact that you can only get a studio. We had a 3rd floor lakeview which was nice for the fireworks. Easy access to monorails.
Saratoga Springs: It's a nice location, but shopping is not my thing. a very relaxing resort, but I didn't like having to go to the other building for food and such. We have owned there since they opened, but only stayed there once. We've been using those points for Aulani.
My personal favorites are BWV, BLT and AKV. But everyone has their own favorites for different reasons. I still need to try Grand Floridian. I love BLT and AKV one bedrooms but I think BWV is my favorite....it was our first
DVC 20 years ago. Have never been sorry for any of my DVC contracts.
Our family is in a heated ( but friendly) conversation so I thought that I would ask the experts here their opinions. Thank you!
