Which Resort and activities for older kids and why?

[JAL2525]

We are planning a trip with our children for spring 2011...this works with new school schedules and all. As you can see be my sig the kids are getting older.

My question is this...has anyone done Disney with older kids? Which Resort would you recomend and why? Lastly are there any activities or events/shows you would recommend and why?

I look forward to your input as always.

 

[tricia]

Well, my boys aren't that big yet, but I know they love it when they can have their own beds. So, something with bunk beds, or 2 rooms at a cheaper resort would be things I would consider. I may also consider a monorail resort, or an Epcot resort so that it is easy for the teens to get around on their own.

Do you have any priorities in mind?

 

[laceemouse]

I agree, big boys may not want to sleep in the same bed.
Many of the deluxe resorts have arcades, the Beach Club has the best pool, but really they will be old enough to go off on their own so any resort on property would be good IMO!

 

[MrsPooh]

When we went in 2005 my girls were 10 and 16. We stayed at Poly - we went with family and they choose the resort. We found it to be perfect for our family. The room and two double beds and a daybed. Dh and I shared but one girl took the bed and one the daybed so they each had their own. That part was very nice.

I also liked that the resort was on the monorail and next to TTC. Since older dd was 16 I was comfortable with them going off together and it was so easy being at Poly. The adult pool was fine for them, too.

My girls had been before but they had been much younger. They really enjoyed trying new foods since we were on the dining plan.

Sorry I can't give more advice but we did really enjoy Poly.

 

[MImommy]

My last time at Disney we had three teenage girls (15, 16, and 17) as well as two little girls. We stayed at the POP (70's) and the kids (big and small) loved it. The teens enjoyed the water parks more. Also, the Cirque show is nice for older kids.

 

[MImommy]

One more thing! See if there are any games playing at the All Star stadium. We watched a ballgame while we were there.

 

[bjakmom]

Once my (now adult) kids hit their teens, they loved the BWI/BWV area. There is always someplace for them to walk/hang around to get some time to themselves and DS loved the arcade at ESPN (is that still there?). There was also a small arcade at BWI and a gym they enjoyed. They could always walk over into Epcot in the evening to do a few rides, play video games at Innoventions or to grab a bite to eat. DS rented the water sprites a few times over at Y&BC. DHS with ToT and RnR is also just a quick boat ride or walk down the canal away.

 

[Safari Queen]

Beach Club has an amazing pool with the best slide, walking distance to Epcot and DHS, the Boardwalk right across the water, ESPN, lots of food, boats, bikes nearby, performers on the Boardwalk at night...lots and lots to do and see.

 

[CLR4321]

All WDW resorts have things for kids of any age. I would think more about what amenities you would like to have as well as what theme you want and what part of WDW you would like to be in. I agree with the PP's who mentioned maybe wanting a place with 3 beds, so they don't need to share one. If you decided to go with a moderate, you could stay at POR, which has a trundle bed along with the normal 2 full sized beds. As far as deluxe resorts, there are a lot of options, including getting a villa. For a value, you may want to consider getting 2 rooms or get a roll away bed for one of your kids to sleep on. Other options would be to get a FW cabin or a ASMu family suite.
If it was my trip and it was in the budget, I would get a villa at BLT.

 

[JAL2525]

Thank You everybody some great ideas and food for thought. Keep them coming.

I think it'll be a great time for a family meeting to discuss the options.