Where to stay for first dvc trip 10 nights

[shpdem]

Can't decide where we want to stay for our first dvc stay in September for 10 nights. There will be 2 families 3 adults 3 kids age 7,3,1. We have been to Disney several times just not the villas.

 

[Kidanifan08]

Given the age of the kids, I would say AKL and suggest a Kidani savannah view. The kids will love the animals. You will get 3 full bathrooms. The pool area, and particularly the splash play area, are great for kids that age. The park buses stop at Kidani first, and are generally empty. That gives everyone a seat and makes boarding with a stroller a little easier.

BWV boardwalk view is one of our favorite rooms, but they are smaller and only have 2 full bathrooms. Also, the noise from the boardwalk can be a little much after 9PM, which may affect bedtime for the little ones (and the big ones in some cases!). The pool at BCV is awesome, but probably a little to much for a 1 and 3 year old. One advantage to either of those locations is easy access to Epcot and HS, but the buses to MK can be a bit of a pain.

Have a great trip!

 

[disneyktee]

I voted AKL because there's just so much to do at the hotel. If you're the go-go-go park type I would change my vote to BC since you have the great pool and easy park access, but with kids that age you might want more easy-going options. They do an awesome job at AKL integrating the safari. On our last trip we were just visiting for lunch but after talking with one of the guides at the pool area safari look out (which is a must, the giraffes come so close and all the guides are extremely friendly and eager to share what they know) we learned they do a craft each day where kids can "make" food for the safari animals then a handler puts it out and you get to watch them eat what you "made." Might sound corny but we all thought it was pretty cool!
If you dig into it it seems (IMO) like AKL goes above and beyond to create an experience for guests.

 

[com_op_2000]

I'll choose AKL.
2nd the PP information about the views and Kidani pool/splash area.

 

[drusba]

AKL Kidani 2BR would be a good choice for reasons noted above. BWV boardwalk view would, in my view, also be ideal because of view and location, but unlike KIdani, there is a significant proabality it will not be available at 7 months out. BCV has access to Stormalong Bay, the best pool on site, and it would also be a good choice, but it has some chance of not being available.

 

[cruisin5]

The downside to Kidani (IMO) is no quick service. But, watching animals from your balcony or viewing areas and the pool are a good trade off. Getting back and forth to parks isn't the most convenient. Would you consider a split stay? Wilderness lodge would be second on my list for your family.

 

[disneynutz]

Are you a new owner, that makes a difference.

Bill

 

[shpdem]

Are you a new owner, that makes a difference.

Bill

Yes we are new owners

 

[jdkdorn]

I love AKV-K savanna view. The nice thing is that the view changes by the minute. You will never see the same thing twice when you look out the window. This resort is my favorite resort on the property, some people complain about how far out it is but I do not mind the bus and it starts at Kidani so you always get a seat. The only issue is the lack of dining at the resort, but you just hop a bus and it drops you at Jambo. The pool and pool bar are great also.

Good luck
Judy

 

[disneybirds]

I would definitely do a split stay. Based on the ages of the kids, I would choose between BLT (close to MK), AKV (seeing the animals) or BCV (awesome pool).

 

[hakepb]

I'd say BWV as plan A
(If you have a stroller, boating or walking to Epcot or DHS without folding a stroller is really, really nice)
Then AKV as plan B (because I think there's a chance BWV may not be available)

BCV is only plan C because I think it's undergoing renovations.

 

[disneynutz]

Yes we are new owners

As a owner it doesn't matter where you stay because you will be staying at all of the resorts may times over. Where you don't stay today, you can stay tomorrow.

I suggest that you start a journal to keep track of your stays, the pluses and minuses of each resort/room based on your findings. After a few years you will have a record of what resorts to repeat and which to skip. That being said I would stay this trip at BWV because it's the only resort on your list not be refurbished.

Bill

 

[shpdem]

As a owner it doesn't matter where you stay because you will be staying at all of the resorts may times over. Where you don't stay today, you can stay tomorrow.

I suggest that you start a journal to keep track of your stays, the pluses and minuses of each resort/room based on your findings. After a few years you will have a record of what resorts to repeat and which to skip. That being said I would stay this trip at BWV because it's the only resort on your list not be refurbished.

Bill

Thats good advice Bill, didn't think about keeping journal to keep track of positives and negatives, so in a few years when we can't remember we can look back at it.