Which has better pool for kids?

[Eeyorecln]

We're thinking of renting points for our trip in a year. We have 4 boys who will be 2, 5,6 and 7 at that time. Which pool is more fun for kids?

 

[pjshaff]

Maybe I'm a little biased right now, but we just got back from BCV and our 2 (6 & 3) LOVED SAB. We're OKW owners, but for right now, being that they are both learning to swim, the 2' pool with sand area and the 3' pool in the shipwreck with the small slide are perfect for them!!! Check out Tagrel.com (someone help me with a link please ) for an awesome slideshow of SAB.


HTH,

Pam

 

[tjkraz]

Stormalong Bay at the Beach Club is like a mini waterpark. The only negative comment I frequently see is that some find it too large to easily keep an eye on your kids. If you plan to be actively swimming and playing with the kids while you are there, that might not be such a big issue. But with 4 young kids, I sort of doubt that you would be able to kick back in a lounge chair and let them go their merry way.

Aside from that, all of the resorts' main pools have slides and smaller areas specifically designed for younger kids. I doubt you'd be dissatisfied with any of them.

Saratoga Springs has a hot springs-themed play area with water jets that shoot up in the air similar to what you find at Downtown Disney. This is aimed at the younger kids. It also has a large slide that winds through rockwork, and a smaller 6' slide that our 2 and 4yo kids loved when we visited. It also has a zero entry area for those who might be non-swimmers.

Hope that helps.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

The pool at the BCV is the best DVC pool by far.

 

[crisi]

SAB and SSR have zero entry. Great for your younger kids. SAB also has a really cool sandbar for toddler playtime.


The slide at WL is nice and tame. SAB has a kids slide, and its "big" slide is very big.

I wouldn't take 4 kids to SAB unless they were old enough to be pretty independant (or all very compatible swim ages). We were there with our 4 and 5 year old and since we were in the water with them and there was one adult per child, it was a wonderful place. Your six and seven year old are just about the perfect "grey hair" age for SAB. But you know your kids and your own level of anxiety. Take a look at tagrel's slideshow (www.tagrel.com)

 

[bom_noite]

Slam Dunk - no question: BCV pool is superior.

I agree with the previous poster who warned you of the size of the pool complex. Will be difficult keeping your eyes on all 4!

I would also warn you to be very careful with the kids in the floating pool! The pool is very deep and the current is strong. Would not recommend any of your kids go in that alone.

Regardless, all pools are staffed with a large number of life guards who do a good job controlling the pool.

With kids that age I would recommend a pool hopping day! We used to head out with our kids and try and hit 7 or 8 pools in a day. The rule "No more then 45 minutes at any pool". The kids loved it. We always do this when Grandma was with us so she can shop and see the different hotels.

I asked my kids to rate all the BCV pools. They are:

DVC Pools:
1) BCV - The slide is awesome. Lots of diversity.
2) SSR - Very nice slide - usually not too busy. Zero entry good for the little ones.
3) BWV - Very cool slide, pool can get busy.
4) OKW - Great setting - new slide is not that great.
5) VWL - Nice setting - pool and slide are not that great.

Other resorts:
1) Poly - Great slide. Zero entry is good. If you listen you can hear music under the water!
2) GF - Nice slide great setting.
3) AKL - Slide is boring - but the zero entry is nice. Gets busy (and no pool hopping - just guests).
4) Coronado - Slide is not that great - but it looks impressive!
5) Car. Beach - Lots of diversions for the kids.
6) Port Orleans - Again, lots of diversions the young ones will like.
7) Contemporary - Slide is not much, but, great views over the lake.

 

[lisareniff]

I wouldn't take 4 kids to SAB unless they were old enough to be pretty independant (or all very compatible swim ages). We were there with our 4 and 5 year old and since we were in the water with them and there was one adult per child, it was a wonderful place. Your six and seven year old are just about the perfect "grey hair" age for SAB. But you know your kids and your own level of anxiety. Take a look at tagrel's slideshow (www.tagrel.com)

I agree Crisi! The 5-8 age range is difficult. They know how to swim but must be watched constantly. This pool is so spread out that you can not watch one area while playing with another child in a different section. If you have enough adults or the kids are willing to be in the same area at the same time it would be fine. I went without DH with my then DD7.5 (good swimer) and DD2. It was frustrating for the two girls. DD2 wanted to play in the sandbar the whole time and not be held in the deeper water, while DD7 wanted to go in the whirlpool and an the deeper water which I couldn't see from the sandbar. ...and no I never expected to sit on a lounge chair while at the pool with my children... I go to play!

 

[AreWeThereYet]

We've stayed at all the moderates, Wilderness Lodge and several others. SAB is by far the best pool. We took our infant there for the first time last year and he loved being in the water. The girls first went when they were 10 and 12 and we had no problems keeping track of them. Once we established our spot to meet - they were free to roam the pool (DW and I always had an eye on them) but they didn't venture too day away. Now they love to hit the slide, float around the "lazy river" and just hand out.

You'll surely love it!

 

[jennz]

bom noite - thanks for the ratings of the pools - I love that!

Our personal favorite is SSR - zero entry, donald play area and small slide. We have one 7 yr old DD who does not swim well and does not like risk - hasn't tried any slides except the kiddie one at SSR. I would love to try some others (we've been at AKL, loved that one too and b.n. is right - it does get crowded!, CBR, and Coronado) with a little more action, but that day will come. DH loves loves the slide at SSR. (He'd probably go crazy at SAB!)

Good luck choosing!!