Which DVC resort to book at?

[harrowgirl]

We are planning our trip for May 2013 - DH, myself, DD (will be almost 5) and DS (will be almost 3).

We haven't planned everything out yet, but I suspect we will getting a park hopper, and spending at least 2.5 days at MK, 1 day Epcot, 1 day HS and .5 - 1 day at AK.

We will need to go back to the room during the day for DS to nap.

Convenient location/transportation are most important due to the having to return to the resort during the day. We'd prefer to have the option of quick service dining, as well as a table service restaurant that is relatively quick. I think all of the resorts at this level will have room service as well.

We are hoping that DS will be out of his "running away" phase by then, but since he is a runner, I expect he will be in the stroller a lot.

I think my best options are Bay Lake Towers and Wilderness Lodge, unless I am missing something.

Thoughts? Advice?

PS - I would really like to stay at the Poly, but I'm thinking that we would be better renting DVC points and getting a 1 bedroom because of the napping.

 

[chalee94]

sounds right but owners have been able to book BLT and VWL since june, so i wouldn't delay any longer in trying to book something. timeshares tend to book up earlier than hotels.

BLT is probably the best choice for a 1BR (their 1BR has a 2nd bathroom, VWL only has 1 bath) and it is within walking distance of the MK, but VWL is probably cheaper cost-wise.

 

[FantasiaMagic]

I think you have the right idea for BLT or WLV. Like pp said you should book as soon as you can to ensure you get a room.

Since you said you were also planning 1 day at EPCOT and 1 day at HS - you could also book at BC or BWV. They are both in walking distance (5 min) to EPCOT. You can also walk/boat to HS (or boat to EPCOT).

Its up to you though if you would rather have convenience to Mk or EPCOT/HS.

-FantasiaMagic

 

[DeanDoug]

I concur- you should book as soon as you can. If you think you will spend the majority of your time at MK, then BLT is perfect (if available). In fact, someone can take DS for his nap, while the other two play in MK!

Wilderness Lodge is great too, and a quick boat ride away. That said, it all depends on where you are on a given day. AKL is close to AK (don't sell yourself short on this one, it is wonderful, especially for small children, I opine, better than Epcot for that crowd), Boardwalk is close to Epcot, etc. Don't be fooled that MK is centrally located- it isn't.

Renting DVC is a wonderful option that will likely give you some more room to manage naps, snacks, etc.

Please let us know if you have more questions!

 

[bellaally]

Looking at the actual rooms, I feel in love with AKL, I don't know why it's low on everyone's list it is a little separate from the rest of the World ,lol.

 

[harrowgirl]

Looking at the actual rooms, I feel in love with AKL, I don't know why it's low on everyone's list it is a little separate from the rest of the World ,lol.

We actually stayed at AKL on our honeymoon and loved it. We will for sure go back. I just felt that with the little ones, we needed to be closer to MK this time around, especially with the napping child.

 

[chalee94]

Looking at the actual rooms, I feel in love with AKL, I don't know why it's low on everyone's list it is a little separate from the rest of the World ,lol.

it can be a long ride to the MK and back...

i agree, though, that it's a beautiful resort with an amazingly executed theme. giraffes outside your balcony is a unique experience...i love staying there on trips that don't focus on the MK.

 

[twodogs]

We loved our BLT 1bedroom. Perfect location for MK as others said. If you can't rent points due to non availability, AAA is 20%off rack rate at BLT for that time frame if AAA rooms are still available.

 

[Marionnette]

Looking at the actual rooms, I feel in love with AKL, I don't know why it's low on everyone's list it is a little separate from the rest of the World ,lol.

We loved the peaceful atmosphere of AKV Kidani but it doesn't have a QS restaurant. You have to go over to Jambo House, which is a bit of a pain. And other than AK, it isn't convenient to the parks.

Of the two choices the OP presented, I would go with BLT just because you can walk to the MK from the hotel and take the monorails to Epcot. Since she's got a little one in a stroller, it's nice not to have to fold it up and drag it on a bus or tram in order to get into a park.

 

[Magic3forme]

Bay Lake is our favorite resort for location and everything else!!

like the others said, call soon to book it, it fills fast!!

 

[DeanDoug]

AKL is our absolute favorite... I'm not kidding when we say that we feel at home there. It can be a hike to some parks, but worth it.

 

[Phelia325]

Love the BLT for the convenience. We stayed there in 2011 and it was amazing. If you can get into BLT, then I definitely recommend a stay there.

I would also suggest Beach Club. In May, it will be pretty warm, so you will probably enjoy the pool time. The BC/YC has the best pool on the entire Disney resort, imho. We always do our May trips at the BC. I have a 3 y/o who LOVES the pool there. Also, since you need to return to the room for napping, it's convenient to EPCOT and HS.