Which resort to just relax at?

[tinkerbellmom1]

Please don't flame me, but our family will be flying out to Disney World next year to take a couple of cruises. We own DVC at SSR. We've been there, we didn't have a good experience, we don't love it. We're thinking of trying other resorts where we could just check in, stay a couple of days and just relax by a lovely pool.

Which resort would be the best to just kick back at and why?

 

[Candace]

OKW has several quiet pools, as well as the main pool, and I think they are all great. To me, OKW is a relaxing resort, but if you want more of a hotel atmosphere, I also love BCV's quiet pool and the villa pool at WL. Not much help, huh? OKW was the original DVC, and where I bought my first points. It just says "Relaxation" to me and truly feels like you are 'away from it all".

 

[DonnaL]

Personally, for relaxation I think VWL or AKV would be best......depending on the time of year. We own at VWL and there really isn't anything more relaxing on a cool January evening than to sit in the lobby (either the WL lobby or the VWL lobby) with a book and a glass of wine or a hot chocolate. However, that said, DH and I spent a very relaxing few days celebrating our anniversary this past May at AKV. We did nothing but relax around the pool with a few beverages from the pool bar during the day, had a very relaxing breakfast one morning at Boma, had dinner one evening at the Poly Kona Cafe......and watched the Wishes fireworks from the Poly beach afterwards......didn't go into a park at all during the three days we were there. Another very relaxing place is Vero Beach.......relax either on the beach or at the pool. We really enjoyed a few days there also during the same vacation. The only thing about Vero there really isn't a whole lot to do in the evening without driving quite a distance.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

For me, I've rank ordered:

1a) SSR - Sorry you didn't enjoy your stay here. For relaxation, though, it's my #1 spot. Congress Park is my favorite. The view of DTD from the quiet pool is just amazing.

1b) OKW - While both SSR and OKW will seem private, if you're looking for a more remote feel, OKW has more established landscaping, and has more spacious rooms. Balconies are also HUGE compared to the other DVC resorts. This resort competes in my heart for the #1 spot!

2) VWL - Simply beautiful. Feels remote, but so close to tons of things (Contemporary, monorail, MK, etc.). When we stayed at the villas, though the DVC portion was completely booked, the villas seemed empty. We had the quiet pool to ourselves several evenings (maybe 2 or 3 other families at the most). Now, 1a and 1b have some competition!

http://s307.photobucket.com/albums/nn320/simmerb/Wilderness Lodge/

3) AKL - Beautiful and relaxing. Only ranks where it does due to its proximity to other things. The darker woods and colors in the rooms seem relaxing to me. This is true of VWL, too.

4) BWV, BCV - In the middle of things. Loved my stay there, and will definitely be back. Just not where I would choose to stay to kick back and relax.

BWV Pool from our Room - Great Pool/Fun for Kids

5) CRV - Based on the pics, I think this is going to be more like BWV/BCV. The room colors are brighter, and it's high-rise style will seem less relaxing...at least to me anyway! Hard to say, though, until you stay there.

 

[adminjedi]

If you are looking for a relaxing pool, it has to be big enough. We feel the Springs at SSR is too small. We LOVE AKL, but the pool isn't all that big and the slide is more of a kid slide. The best over all, IMO, is BCV - the best all around for relaxing, or entertainment. It is big enough, it has enough seating, the slide is great for all ages, the setting is beautiful and relaxed. And, you're close to all of the great food options of all the hotels and EPCOT!

If you won't be pool side, BCV is still wonderful. AKL is amazing, just to sit on your balcony and read a book while you watch the animals - such a unique experience, no where else like it.

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

For me, I've rank ordered:

1a) SSR - Sorry you didn't enjoy your stay here. For relaxation, though, it's my #1 spot. Congress Park is my favorite. The view of DTD from the quiet pool is just amazing.

Thank you for showing me this! When we were there, the Congress Park pool was the closest pool to us (we were in The Paddock I think it was called-the buildings farthest away from the main buildings and pools). We did spend a few hours in that pool and enjoyed the quiet nature of it. Our problem wasn't with the facility or the accomodations, it was with the staff. I'd be afraid of my family's reaction if I told them we were staying there again. There might be a mommy mutiny.

 

[twinklebug]

VWL. The pool is amazing (with 2 hot tubs), as is the lobby, which in my opinion the best part of which is the "spring" which flows from inside all the way down into the pool, with ducklings along the way. The villas pool is also very nice with it's own hot tub and springs. You can catch an easy boat ride or walk over to Ft Wilderness through the pathway (about a mile long) where they have numerous relaxing outdoor activites (fishing, campfre / movies, horses etc) VWL is my favorite resort hands down as it is a retreat unto itself.

AKV is also very nice but we haven't spent any time at the pool as we were sick when we stayed there. At least I had the giraffes outside my room to keep me company when I was up at 3am

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

If you are looking for a relaxing pool, it has to be big enough. We feel the Springs at SSR is too small. We LOVE AKL, but the pool isn't all that big and the slide is more of a kid slide. The best over all, IMO, is BCV - the best all around for relaxing, or entertainment. It is big enough, it has enough seating, the slide is great for all ages, the setting is beautiful and relaxed. And, you're close to all of the great food options of all the hotels and EPCOT!

If you won't be pool side, BCV is still wonderful. AKL is amazing, just to sit on your balcony and read a book while you watch the animals - such a unique experience, no where else like it.

We'll be going in October and the hope is to be poolside with a cocktail watching our boys be teenagers together for what may be our last big family vacation before our oldest goes off to college. Kiddie slides won't do! It would be nice to be at a pool with food and a bar within serving distance.

 

[Buckeye Fan]

Thank you for showing me this! When we were there, the Congress Park pool was the closest pool to us (we were in The Paddock I think it was called-the buildings farthest away from the main buildings and pools). We did spend a few hours in that pool and enjoyed the quiet nature of it. Our problem wasn't with the facility or the accomodations, it was with the staff. I'd be afraid of my family's reaction if I told them we were staying there again. There might be a mommy mutiny.

I'm really sorry, and especially since this is your home resort. Our worst experience was at BWV, but just like you, we really loved the resort. The pool was awesome (especially for kids). Some report that the clown face scares little ones. I had to laugh, as I could have seen that happening when my 12 year old was little. He was a little wimp!

If you're truly looking for just a great pool, definitely try BCV. Though I wouldn't consider it relaxing, I think they have the best pool! My next favorite is either VWL or BWV. Too close to call for me.

Enjoy your upcoming trip!!!

 

[jdvm]

It's all very personal (and we like all of the DVC resorts) but we find Old Key West to be the most relaxing. When Susan and I want to sneak away from the kids, that's where we head. We like the door that opens to the outside instead of a hallway and the privacy that a lot of the balconies have because of the setting and lush landscaping at Old Key West. We also like the jacuzzi but that's not resort specific!
John

 

[FormrCastMbr]

We own at SSR but I just adore OKW! I find that you get a true resort/laid back feeling there. The landscaping is gorgeous and the rooms bigger...love that huge balcony!

 

[snowwhitemom]

OKW!!!!!! OKW!!!!!!!! OKW!!!!!!!!!!!! OKW!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

My choice is VWL for relaxation and resort hanging out.

I've been known to go on one of the boats that travels to FW and the Contempoary, just for the ride. If I want to drive my own little boat, I love to do that in Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon the best. If the weather is conducive, I like renting a bike and riding around Ft. Wilderness, or taking a walk over there. The Springs pool is so close to the villas and it's my favorite of all of the DVC villas pool. There are rocking chairs all over the resort, I'm happy to find one, either in the WL or VWL and read or just daydream.

Bobbi

 

[wulfekamp]

I know this isn't going to help much But. I think Vero is the most relaxing resort. I love them all veros the most relaxing.

 

[Granny]

We've stayed at most of the DVC on-site resorts and found that it was easy to kick back and relax at any of them. The quiet pool area at VWL, BCV, OKW and VWL were all good spots for hanging out.

I'd try a resort you haven't stayed at yet just to "sample" the other DVC resorts for this short trip. I'm in the camp that you really can't go wrong with any of them.

 

[Crisgw]

I would say AKV. I have never felt more relaxed! We absolutely LOVE this resort!

 

[cindymouse6]

I have stayed at all the DVC resorts and actually have done 3 cruises with pre stays at DVC. BCV was not relaxing... thought it would be... depending on the time of year... if school is out, will be loud.

OKW.... the pool is crowded with the new slide addition (main pool)

Wilderness and SSR are great... with no Mommy Mutiny (love that) to be had, I would choose the Wilderness lodge... GREAT outdoor bar... very relaxing.. great food at Artist Pointe.. water light parade.... love that. very nice rooms..

 

[DisDaydreamer]

If this is going to be in conjunction with a cruise you should consider Vero Beach.

 

[Disneypirate85]

We own at SSR we considered others but thought the kids would like it the most. That being said I don't know how relaxing it would be?
We really really LOVE BWV and will add on there soon but again its right in the middle of EPCOT and DHS with a pretty good pool for the kids.
I would have to recommend VWL for the most relaxing and is truelly a WONDERFULL resort to just walk around and relax in.

 

[tinkerbellmom1]

If this is going to be in conjunction with a cruise you should consider Vero Beach.

It is going to be our pre-cruise stay! Can you get DCL transfers from Vero Beach?