Which resort for young kids...

[princesses2]

I was trying to find some info on kid friendly resorts as I'm sure I've read them before but can't seem to find the info now. I'm planning to visit in early June, 2006 after Disney Wonder trip. My sis's family will be coming along and our kids will be 8,6, almost 4,2, and 1 1/2. I was ;ooking at 2 bedrooms at VWL and BWL. Though I own at SS, I feel I should be closer to MK b/c we'll probably spend most of our time there. I think. I'd like to find a place with a nice pool and easy/convenient location for us to come back for naps for the tots.

I'm also toying around the idea of going to Vero Beach instead of WDW. From the port, I think it's closer than WDW. Kids would love to just hang out at the beach.

I'd appreciate any advice since this will be my first trip ever to WDW so I really need lots of info.

 

[AmyBeth68]

I'd recommend VWL for the proximity to MK. The pools at this resort are fantastic, your kids would have loads of fun swimming there.

Another option is BCV because of the amazing water-park like area Stormalong Bay! Plus you have easy access to Epcot and MGM which both of my kids love as well (they are now 6 and 4).

But whatever you choose it will be wonderful because all of the WDW resorts are kid-friendly! Vero Beach is another great option. But definitely more of a relaxing laid-back atmosphere. It really depends on what your kids or you guys want to do post-cruise.

Good luck deciding!

 

[DVCLiz]

I'd second VWL. The boat access to the Magic Kingsom is soooo convenient!!! We love the Wilderness Lodge - the pool is loads of fun, we love the geyser! There is a nice little sandy play area (hesitate to call it a beach!) and boat and bike rental is easy and close. Food options are good as well. If you don't want the theme park part, though, decide whether you will have had enough beach time at Castaway Cay and enough sun time on the ship. It may be that you'll be "beached out" witht he cruise experience and be ready for a day or two at the parks!!!!

 

[gopherit]

With that mank kids and given the diversity in ages, go VWL.

We took our trio (then aged 2, 6, and 7) plus SIL and BIL and their almost 3 yr old with us to VWL. Everyone loved it! THe theming is awesome, good restaurants, and the pool was very managable (the slide is tame enough for the older kids, but not TOO tame! And the pool makes it managable for the whole family to at least be in proximity of each other.)

Don't get me wrong, BCV is great too. We've been there too (kids were 9, 8, 4, 4, and 8 mos). Again, some great restaurants, nice area, but just different. But while it puts you closer to EPCOT and MGM, it puts you further from MK. And while SAB is truly AWESOME -- it is also HUGE. And for kids at different swim levels, it's just very difficult to manage. THe entry for the big slide is over near the lake, while the exit of it is obviously in the pool -- unless someone has found a way to clone themselves, you will have to divide your adult party in order to adequately supervise the kiddos. Some families like splitting up and don't mind it one iota. My feeling is, I can do that at a water park, but at the resort pool, I want to relax a bit more, and that's not my cup of tea. We're holding off on SAB until our kids are a bit older and on more of the same page, swim-skills wise. For now, I prefer my peas in one pod (or pool), so to speak!

<a href='http://www.smileycentral.com/?partner=ZSzeb008_ZSzeb04242US' target='_blank'><img src='http://smileys.smileycentral.com/cat/18/18_4_102.gif' alt='Synchronized Swimming' border=0></a>

THe best thing is, either way, it's a win-win, they are both great resorts! But I'd give the nod for this trip to VWL -- JMHO.

 

[princesses2]

Thank you for the replies everyone. I was leaning toward VWL as well. The only thing is I'm not sure if I'll have enough points w/o borrowing. Also, how hard would it be to book 7 months out at VWL? My last question. Are there any other mode of transportation besides the boat? I and the kids would LOVE it but my poor DH gets motion sickness. He doesn't even like to sit on the passenger side of the car! Funny thing is when we did Disney Magic, he was fine. I think he only took medicine the first day and didn't even notice the difference when the medicine wore off. I think though the size of the boat made a difference.

 

[Alexander]

There are no busses to Magic Kingdom from the Wilderness Lodge, only the boat. There are only busses for the other parks.

My DH also gets very, very motion sick, planes are almost 100% out, and he cannot ever sit in the passenger or back seat of a car. However, he never has problems with the boats. In fact, we used to own one, and we often rent them from the VWL.

 

[spiceycat]

there is now surpose to be a bus to the MK from WL - it is new - the old t/t bus is now surpose to go to MK - go see chip n' dale post on it on the dis resort boards - it might have gotten moved to the transportation board - he posted it early this year.

since you are going shortly - please see about it and tell everyone!!!

 

[CapeCodFam]

IMO, all of WDW is kid friendly.

 

[gracelrm]

I'll add another vote for VWL. With kids the ages you have going, you will probably spend quite a bit of time at MK and to me there is nothing better than taking the stroller right onto the boat without having to fold it up (like on the busses). My youngest son nearly always falls asleep on the the boat ride back to VWL and then we can just stroll back to the room without a problem. He also usually falls asleep on the busses, but then always wakes up trying to get off the bus and get him to the room. My youngest also loves the quiet pool at VWL. I don't know why, but the stairs are perfect for him to play on (he's a bit scared of the water still). Also, if you tire of the parks, you're not too far from Fort Wilderness and the petting zoo or other activities over there. My DH has some motion sickness problems too, but he's never had any trouble with the launch from WL - but I remember reading there is a bus now too!