Which resort for first time family visit?

[lp199]

Thank you again everyone for your input and advice! And thank you Babsy for sharing your experiences. We will for sure keep that in mind!

 

[Afabena]

I second BLT! I loved the rooms and the location. Depending on the room you may either get a view of the MK fireworks, fireworks at Epcot, or a lovely view of the Contemporary. It’s an easy walk to the Contemporary and the security is such a breeze for either the MK or Epcot because of the walkway and security at the monorail. The 2nd bathroom is definitely a bonus as well and makes getting ready easier. I also loved that the pool was just a quick elevator ride and close to the building.

 

[5kidsmommy]

We have never stayed in the cabins at Fort Wilderness but we've stayed in our trailer there several times. I love the Fort. It's like a vacation within a vacation. Transportation in Fort Wilderness can be a little annoying at times. Lots of buses to get pretty much anywhere. We never rented a golf cart because we have too many kids but we were always close to a bus stop and always had a site close to the pool and store. It wasn't a big deal. The cabins though are further back. I would suggest renting a golf cart if waiting on the bus to get you to the boat or park buses will be a trouble. We have friends that love the cabins and always chose to stay there. I like that there are three beds in the room and one in the living room. Also the comfort stations are so nice. We loved being able to all go shower at once. It made getting ready super easy.

 

[lp199]

So I think we’re leaning towards BLT even though it doesn’t seem as nicely themed as some of the other resorts. I like the theming and look of the Villas at GF but it’s a lot pricier to say there.

Since it’s a first visit (haven’t been since I was a teenager) for our family, I think the park we would most likely want to visit twice is Magic Kingdom. But my boys are huge Star Wars fans so we will definitely be visiting HS as well as Epcot and AK.

Anyone have any thoughts on BLT vs BRV? Or even BCV? The theming looks nice at BRV but seems like the transportation to the parks is not as convenient? Also the one bedroom only accommodates four and I don’t know if adding a fifth person would make it uncomfortably tight. Same problem with BCV I guess but it too has a really nice theme.

Again I really appreciate everyone who has taken the time to respond!

 

[Karebear]

Hmmm that is a tough one. I have stayed at BLT and while I loved the villa itself and the walk to MK, I didn’t love anything else. The theme didn’t do much for me and getting to Epcot was a pain as you had to transfer monorails. Bus service to the other 2 parks was just ok.

The Epcot resort area is my favorite. You can easily walk or boat to 2 parks. You are centrally located so bus service to both AK and MK is good. My kids LOVE the pool at YC/BC. The downside for your family is that you would need to bring an air bed for your 5th person. While I have not done this at WDW, I know people who have rented rollaway beds from baby supply companies so maybe you could look into that. Have fun planning!

 

[Elsaalltheway]

There really is no theme unless you walk over to the contemporary. And yes, having to xfer at the mono rail can be a pain especially since you are joining the end of the line of others taking the monorail to the park and depending on the time of day you may have to wait as one or two go by. The largest studios are by far Poly, but I understand needing a one bedroom because of food restrictions, but I would have to say the rooms at BWV and BC are basically the same thing. With being at BWV, its lots of fun and within walking distance of HS and Epcot. The other busses are not too bad either. If you can do either one of these I would do these.