Where to stay

[LSW]

We will be going in March of 2006 - we would like to rent points but are unclear on which location to stay. We have two adults and at that time one five year old. We think we will be fine in a studio if we have a balcony/patio to retreat to when she is falling asleep. We had thought the VWL were best because of the proximity to MK but are now unsure based on the room reviews.

Is Animal Kingdom an option?

Can anyone offer some suggestions?

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

If you are interested in the AKL, then don't rent points, just make a reservation. Using points there just isn't worth it.

What did you read about the VWL rooms that you didn't like? The BWV or BCV might be nice options. Both are within walking distance to MGM and EPCOT and both have great pools (especially SAB at the BCV).

HBC

 

[ellenmiele]

If you are looking to stay at a Deluxe Resort and you have a young child I would go for one with better proximity to MK or MGM/Epcot so that way you have more transportation options (walk/boat/monorail) rather than staying at AKL where you'd pretty much need to take the bus everywhere. If a kitchen is important to you then go for VWL or either BCV or BWV. If not, then don't bother with renting points - rooms at the deluxe resorts are plenty big enough for a family of 3. And I'd bet a room at AKL is pretty close in price to a wing room at CR and given a choice, IMHO, a resort on the monorail would be my first choice almost any time.

 

[Daggett]

The rooms at VWL are fine. One queen bed with a sleeper sofa. The view isn't great, but who cares. The Lodge is beautiful.

And if I were a kid (and I am a 43 year old kid) I would love to stay at the Willderness Lodge. As a matter of fact the DW and I will be staying there the first week of Christmas.

 

[LSW]

Do you know if the studios at VWL, BWV, BCV have a balcony or patio? Do you think a studio big enough for a family of three?

Thank you for helping us with the planning trip process.

 

[LSW]

I read at resort room rating section that a dair number of folks were disturbed by the trash pick up at the VWL and one I think commented on a particular room was not very clean. Do you have any thoughts on this? I was leaning toward the VWl until I read the informatiom above

Thanks

 

[thelobstershanty]

The villas at VWL are very nice. Every resort gets it's share of rooms that are not in tip top condition and due for rehab. Basically ALL the WDW resorts are maintained to very high standards.
I think you are wise in chosing a MK resort with a 5 yo; that is the park you will most likely spend the most time in and these resorts are also located the closest to and have the the largest variety of character meals--which usually appeals to this age. If you do not want or need the kitchenette, you may want to consider some of the non DVC MK resorts. The Poly is a great resort with young children, and you would have 2 queen beds and a daybed that is the size of a twin bed. The pool at the Poly appeals to the 5 yr old set also; and has zero depth entry which is great for little ones.

 

[sleepydog25]

VWL rooms are excellent based on our last two trips. As pointed out, there will be the occasional problem with rooms no matter where--including 5-star hotels in New York. But, VWL is an excellent choice to be close to MK as the boat ride over is very nice and has been a great option for us with our DD4. VWL itself, as well as the Lodge in general, is a beautiful resort and very quiet in comparison to others. After spending all day in a park with 10,000 of our closest friends, we like coming back to peaceful accomodations.

The Villas also have a small pool (Hidden Springs) that doesn't have a slide but isn't nearly as loud and busy as the main pool behind the main lobby. There is also a small hot tub area next to the Hidden Springs pool. We've never had an issue with trash pickup at VWL, and I would bet the huge majority of those who have stayed at VWL would agree. Finally, I believe the studios have a small balcony--I know the other suites do. VWL is a great choice. Don't let a few negative comments throw you off--if you were to do a little research, I know you would find negative comments on any WDW resort. Good luck!