Which DVC for our grandchildren?

[Simba's Mom]

As soon as Mom and Dad give us the say-so, we'll take the grandchildren to WDW. Which is best for ages 2 and 4? Their favorite things are the playgrounds (for some reason, I just haven't ever checked the playgrounds at the various resorts) and swimming/playing in the kiddie pools. DS and DDIL stayed at BWV for their honeymoon and think the lack of CS right there might make that a poor option. We often stay at OKW, but I honestly don't even remember seeing a playground there. We're thinking of AKV (is Jambo a better option?), OKW,or BCV (they love Minnie Mouse and I like that there's a character breakfast with her right there).

 

[chalee94]

little ones = time at MK. i'd vote for BLT or VWL.

 

[myxdvz]

My DD who was 4 on her first visit loved MK but became obsessed with the Playhouse Disney (now Disney Jr) Live Show. We were glad we had park hoppers because we find ourselves coming back to DHS just to catch the show... Again... And Again... And again...

They love the pools but at that age any would do. We're going to BCV this time cause of SAB.

 

[SamSam]

Kidani has a wonderful pool/water play area. We had grandkids at Kidani this past year (ages 2-8) and they loved the pool area, and everything else about Kidani. The animals, the night vision goggles, the great cm's.

 

[dvcterry]

I would say AKV. Not only for the play area but the resort itself is really great for children. There's also a lot of activities to check out with the daily schedule.

 

[bobbiwoz]

OKW does have a play area, just walk past the Community Center away from the dock area.

We chose VWL for our Grandkids first visit. They were 1,2 and 3, and the boat ride to MK made it special. AKV wasn't around then, but that water play area has been a hit with them.

Bobbi

 

[eva]

When we took our grand kids we stayed at BCV. Sure glad we did. SAB was a hit, especially the sandy kids area. The tubes in the lazy river was really fun too. It's the only place they want to stay now. Kids really love play areas and the water, so I feel this resort is best in that respect. Plus, DGD's favorite ride of all time is the Nemo ride at EPCOT. Don't know how many times we rode that thing and walked around the Sea pavilion. So it was a bit more convenient to stay at BCV. Oh, and we ended up doing early character breakfasts at MK (and Chef Mickey's) a couple days. So we took taxi there. Really easy to do. Just have them drop you at the contemporary and walk over.

 

[chipper10]

My DS loved AKV Kidani when he was 3. The only downside was that there was no counter service there. It made it hard with a toddler. Now we stay at Jambo House. We love AKV and so do the kiddos. They had a blast there for our last trip (they were 5 & 13 months .).

 

[joelp]

Admittedly, I'm biased ...

My DD-9 loves AKV ... and has loved it since we first stayed there 4 years ago ...

Another advantage (for the parents) is Simba's Clubhouse ... (plus 3 TS restaurants, 1 CS, a spa, 2 pools, a playground, and tons of activities ... and the animals!)

However, I can understand how SAB and the Boardwalk would be a big draw, too ...

Tough choice! (split stay?)

 

[spiceycat]

OKW and SSR have playground near each of their pools. OKW are really for an little older than yours. Not sure about SSR.

will you have a car - then POR had an excellent playground.

now BWV does have an excellent playground next to the main pool.

 

[lovin'fl]

I vote BLT or AKV. BLT for monorail to MK and Epcot plus the pools at the Contemp and BLT are nice. And there are plenty of dining choices along the monorail (Chef Mickeys at Contemp may be nice to do with you grands). AKV has fantastic theming and pool area and the animals are a big hit. We have never stayed there and are trying for there next Christmas.

 

[com_op_2000]

DGS has had great times at:
AKL - the splash area at the Kidani pool is the best for kids. Dump buckets, water fall, water canons, slides, etc
SSR - The Springs pool area has a play area and the Bleachers pool area has a very large splah pad, but it is all in the sun.
Taking him to BCV this year for SAB.

 

[supersuperwendy]

I see BLT isn't on your list but that's my suggestion....

On our June trip we resort hopped and of all three....BLT was the best for our 2 year old. Putting her in our stroller and walking to MK was awesome! She LOVED the splash pad at the pool too. She also loved watching wishes from our balcony and riding the monorail.