What is your favorite resort?

[arthur06]

We are going to book a September trip next month, at the 7 month window.

We are 2 adults and 3 boys, 12, 6, 4 at time of travel.

We are passing on the parks this trip, except MNSSHP one night.

We mostly want to swim and enjoy activities we haven't done before. Para sailing, boat rentals, ect.

I was thinking BCV so we can really enjoy SAB.

What would be your choice for such a trip?

 

[CruznLexi]

Hilton Head of course you would miss the party

 

[dianeschlicht]

For a non-park trip to Disney World, I'd pick Kidani Village. They have a really fun water play area, and there is all sort s of themed things for both kids and adults to do. I doubt I would want to stay at BCV if I couldn't walk into Epcot. We LOVE Epcot, and being so close and unable to go would about kill me. At AKV, I wouldn't miss the parks at all.

OKW and SSR would be additional options. Both are pretty self contained, and both have great multiple pools and both are easy access to Downtown Disney. You wouldn't really miss the parks if you had access there, and OKW is a great relaxing destination, not to mention that the accommodations are much larger there.

 

[jakenjess]

My choice would be BLT. You would be right next to the marina for the water activities, could walk to the party, and lots of good restaurants right on the monorail line. Plus there's the boat to WL and Fort Wilderness. We enjoy renting bikes over there for a fun nonpark activity.

 

[Dancind]

Tough one. Your older boy would love the slide at SAB, the younger ones would probably prefer the play area at Kidani. At BCV, you also have the Boardwalk area for restaurants and some entertainment.

As far as buses to DTD, it's slow going from both resorts.

 

[mybabesuz]

We have done no park trips in the past.
We have stayed at Kidani, Jambo and OKW.
AKV would always be our first choice for a no park trip.
It can be an all inclusive resort.
4 restaurants, 4 bars, 2 pools, Animals and many many activities.

I could never stay at Beach Club or Boardwalk and not go to the park being so close.

 

[Brian Noble]

We mostly want to swim and enjoy activities we haven't done before. Para sailing, boat rentals, ect.

Depending on how serious you are about the boating stuff, Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon is the place to be, and that would mean VWL. The other waterways aren't nearly as interesting. I would take cabs to/from DTD from there, though.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

For what you described I'd select VWL for access to Bay Lake/Seven Seas. You also can enjoy amenities over at FW and it's a short boat ride to para sailing at Sammy Duvall's at CR/BLT. You'll also be close to head over to TOWL if you want to get a good view of fireworks or just watch the high ones from the beach at VWL. You could try and sign up to be the flag family one day and do the lodge tour.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

For non-park trips OKW is always out favorite! We love it's proximity by boat/bus to DTD. You can hop the boat and go for dinner and or ice cream (Girardelli's) after dinner) My son and his buddies love to go to the movies, also in DTD. There's a stage there as well where they put on shows and have little concerts the kids may enjoy!

As far as OKW amenities, you can rent boats ( 2 man speed racers, paddle or pontoon) at the marina. There are tennis courts, rental bikes, basketball courts, ping pong table,. There's a choice of several quiet pools, along with the main pool with the castle slide)

Kidani is also a great choice but it's more remote!

 

[dvcterry]

VWL would be my pick.

I would do the water activities and add archery to the list. Spend a night at the beach. Enjoy all the resort has to offer.

 

[Lorelei528]

I say AKV-Jambo House. It's our fave resort overall though we haven't stayed at BCV yet and would like to give that a try, but if it's a no park trip, as a pp said, I don't think I could stand being at BCV and not be able to go over to EPCOT!

AKL/V feels like a bit of an escape even on days you do go the park! There are loads of activities all day and into the evening and the pool (and pool bar!) are great!

 

[backyardponder]

How about Vero Beach? With the younger kids, not going into the parks might be tough. We love VB and are taking our grand son there in a few months. No para sailing or boat rental there, but a beautiful beach, pool and activities.

 

[drusba]

First issue is what size room are you intending to get. With five and only a 1BR, the ideal resorts are AKV, BLT and OKW because they have the sleeper chair. For the others you will need to create bedding for a fifth if a 1BR.

Second issue is when you intend to go in Sep. If you are talking about a trip that ends before Sep 27, then you will likely find much to choose from at 7 months out. However, Food & Wine fest begins Sep 27 and the result is that you may have serious trouble finding anything at BCV at 7 months out if you want the last three nights of Sep. Moreover, BWV boardwalk and standard view will likely be gone and it is even possible pool/garden may be a problem. BLT lake view should be available and possbily VWL at end of Sep but you will need to act fast to reserve at 7 months out if they are. If earlier in Sep you should have a good chance for BCV and even a possible chance for boardwalk and standard view at BWV.

If you want to do a lot of boating, my vote would be BLT or VWL (OKW and SSR also have it but many rooms are not close to the boating area). If you want to spend a lot of time at the ideal pool BCV would be it. If you want a lot of time at Downtown Disney SSR or OKW is the place. If you want all around activities with viewing of animals thrown in AKV is the place.

 

[arthur06]

We are looking at going Sept. 15th. So, we will miss F&W.

I am just having a hard time with this decision. We usually don't fret the room if we are spending a lot of time in the parks.

I am debating if I should just let the kids make the pick?

 

[Judique]

We are going to book a September trip next month, at the 7 month window.

We are 2 adults and 3 boys, 12, 6, 4 at time of travel.

We are passing on the parks this trip, except MNSSHP one night.

We mostly want to swim and enjoy activities we haven't done before. Para sailing, boat rentals, ect.

I was thinking BCV so we can really enjoy SAB.

What would be your choice for such a trip?

Bay Lake Tower was our choice for this type of visit.

We stayed about a week and only did parks on two days about 2 years ago.

Water sports were right there, lots of dining options and the monorail made it really easy for dining at the Poly and Grand Floridian - we love Narcoosee's and Captain Cooks as well as Contemporary options. You could take the boat to Ft Wilderness and WL and do their activities. We enjoyed biking, and there was horseback riding plus segway at Ft Wilderness in addition to Hoop de doo review - all very close by.

Parking at BLT was also very nice - pretty much like having it outside your door.

My all time fave is BWV, but for a non park, I really can see so many advantages to BLT.

 

[Donna M]

We are looking at going Sept. 15th. So, we will miss F&W.

I am just having a hard time with this decision. We usually don't fret the room if we are spending a lot of time in the parks.

I am debating if I should just let the kids make the pick?

Having the kids pick is a great idea. They may choose based on the pool only. All the resorts are great. Resort hopping is fun too.

 

[Brian Noble]

Depending on how serious you are about the boating stuff, Bay Lake/Seven Seas Lagoon is the place to be, and that would mean VWL.

D'oh! I totally forgot about BLT.