Which Villa do you recommend

[princessap]

We are planning a trip for 2013, postponed due to our new arrival coming in June!
So kids will be 4, 6 and 15 months at time of travel.
My DH says this will be our last trip to Disney for a while as he isn't a fan of going to the same place every year
I have convinced him to stay onsite this time for the first time!! YAHOO!!!
he does have one condition....he wants a villa! I told him the price and he said it is fine...so now which villa resort does everyone recommend??
I was leaning towards AK for the kids and I love the look of BLT but not so much for the kids...what would everyone recommend??
Thanks in advance!

 

[lsenquiz]

We love BWV. You can walk to two of the 4 parks which means you do not have to fold your stroller up if you have a sleeping little one. I love the atmosphere at night as you walk along the boardwalk. If you are planning to stay in a villa then you should consider renting points. We have done this for the past 8 years and it significantly reduces the cost of the room.

 

[twinboysmom]

I honestly love all the dvc resorts so I think that no matter which one you choose you will have a fantastic stay.

In my opinion, the best option for your group would be BLT. Having a 5-10 minute walk to magic kingdom to me is priceless. It will probably cost you the most of any stay so be prepared to spend a bit more. Also easy monorail access to Epcot. As far as your children, yes it is a bit "contemporary" but most families seem to enjoy it. The view of MK is fantastic.

We stayed in AK Kidani when I was pregnant and with our traveling partner family who had 2 young children. The pool area is fantastic and the kids loved it. They would look at the animals for a little while but the excitement of being able to see them frequently wore off quick. The adults enjoyed it more than the kids. I see complaints about the bus service here but I found it to be great (and I hate the buses). The only issue is that the counter service restaurant is at Jambo house. They do have some dvc villas at Jambo but I have not stayed there.

BWV is my least favorite dvc resort. I don't care for the clown pool but that is just me. I also didn't enjoy the lack of CS options but I would stay here again for location when my boys are older (we are still in the MK stage). BCV has a fantastic pool area but it is large, crowded, and can be difficult to keep your eyes on the children. Also the CS options are poor (IMO) but it is a quick walk to Epcot.

I also enjoy SSR and OKW. Of the two, I would choose SSR over OKW. SSR has two themed pools and multiple quiet pools, an easy walk to DTD. I like these resorts for people who have cars (SSR is our home resort and we always drive).

I wouod agree with renting points. I am thinking you are wanting to go in September? Options are good this month. Points are low for units. Hope is helps. Ask more questions of needed. Would be glad to offer up more help.

 

[tink_n_pooh]

Please consider renting points rather than paying disney prices for the DVC villas

That being said, the only DVC resort that I don't like is AKV. It's far from everything (except AK of course but you still have to take a bus to get there). The hallways are ridiculously long and in our experience, the bus service was slow and crowded. With 3 little ones I would prefer a resort with more different transportation options and quicker rides than those from AKV

BWV and BCV are 2 of our favorites. The location is wonderful, both Epcot and DHS are just a short walk or boat ride away. MK is either bus or walk thru Epcot to take the monorail to TTC. AK is bus and so is DTD. The buses at the boardwalk area resorts can take awhile since they share buses but you only need to use them for 2 parks.

SSR is another favorite. It is new and seems to be one of the most up to date resorts. You can walk or take a boat to DTD. All parks are via bus but I have found the buses here to be some of the most efficient.

OKW is nice as well, very laid back. Transportation options the same as SSR.

WLV transporation is to the MK via boat (not a bad ride at all) and all other parks via bus. The last time we stayed at WL I believe they shared buses with some of the other MK area resorts but I could be mistaken on this, we were only there for a few days and we also had a rental car.

BLT we have not stayed at yet. Staying that close to MK is wonderful, it's just a short walk into the park. Other transportation options are bus (shared) or monorail to TTC then switch to the other monorail to get to Epcot.

You may want to check out the DVC resorts board for more info on each resort.

 

[chalee94]

if you are spending the bulk of your trip at the MK, AKV will be a long trip to that park. BLT or VWL are much better located for young kids going to the MK.

 

[princessap]

I honestly love all the dvc resorts so I think that no matter which one you choose you will have a fantastic stay.

In my opinion, the best option for your group would be BLT. Having a 5-10 minute walk to magic kingdom to me is priceless. It will probably cost you the most of any stay so be prepared to spend a bit more. Also easy monorail access to Epcot. As far as your children, yes it is a bit "contemporary" but most families seem to enjoy it. The view of MK is fantastic.

We stayed in AK Kidani when I was pregnant and with our traveling partner family who had 2 young children. The pool area is fantastic and the kids loved it. They would look at the animals for a little while but the excitement of being able to see them frequently wore off quick. The adults enjoyed it more than the kids. I see complaints about the bus service here but I found it to be great (and I hate the buses). The only issue is that the counter service restaurant is at Jambo house. They do have some dvc villas at Jambo but I have not stayed there.

BWV is my least favorite dvc resort. I don't care for the clown pool but that is just me. I also didn't enjoy the lack of CS options but I would stay here again for location when my boys are older (we are still in the MK stage). BCV has a fantastic pool area but it is large, crowded, and can be difficult to keep your eyes on the children. Also the CS options are poor (IMO) but it is a quick walk to Epcot.

I also enjoy SSR and OKW. Of the two, I would choose SSR over OKW. SSR has two themed pools and multiple quiet pools, an easy walk to DTD. I like these resorts for people who have cars (SSR is our home resort and we always drive).

I wouod agree with renting points. I am thinking you are wanting to go in September? Options are good this month. Points are low for units. Hope is helps. Ask more questions of needed. Would be glad to offer up more help.

a

Thanks for the advice! Yes we are thinking September. Who do u usually rent from?? i am thinking it will be the cheapest way to do it.
I would be okay in a room but dh is really pushing the villa idea so i am going to go with it.

any help would be great

 

[princessap]

if you are spending the bulk of your trip at the MK, AKV will be a long trip to that park. BLT or VWL are much better located for young kids going to the MK.

I like the look of BLT but have heard it isnt kid friendly and it doesnt have a zero entry pool which will be important with a toddler i think.

WL has no appeal to me being from Canada. It reminds me of great wolf lodge actually. But i keep reading great reviews about it so maybe I should give it a chance

 

[princessap]

We love BWV. You can walk to two of the 4 parks which means you do not have to fold your stroller up if you have a sleeping little one. I love the atmosphere at night as you walk along the boardwalk. If you are planning to stay in a villa then you should consider renting points. We have done this for the past 8 years and it significantly reduces the cost of the room.

do u mind me asking who u rent from??

 

[twinboysmom]

a

Thanks for the advice! Yes we are thinking September. Who do u usually rent from?? i am thinking it will be the cheapest way to do it.
I would be okay in a room but dh is really pushing the villa idea so i am going to go with it.

any help would be great

We don't rent points. We have owned dvc for about 10 years now. I think you will like the villa, assuming you are referring to a 1 bedroom or larger unit. The washer and dryer and kitchen are great for young children.

I would recommend starting with dvcrequest.com

 

[Elise79]

I like the look of BLT but have heard it isnt kid friendly and it doesnt have a zero entry pool which will be important with a toddler i think.

WL has no appeal to me being from Canada. It reminds me of great wolf lodge actually. But i keep reading great reviews about it so maybe I should give it a chance

BLT has a zero entry pool We have been there 4 times with DD as a toddler and she loves it.

TBH you can not beat walking to MK with a stroller and having the monorail to Epcot means no folding of strollers for the 2 main parks. We always rent a car so can't comment on the buses.

We just got back from OKW and loved it but it is easier now DD is a bit older and can get on the buses without being carried plus again we had a car.

 

[kappyfamily]

just got back 2 days ago from a split stay at AKV Jambo and BLT (both 2 bedrooms). We LOVED both of them. The convenience and location of BLT was amazing for MK/Epcot and glad we stayed there at the beginning of our 8 days at Disney. AK was perfect for winding down the trip the last 3 nights and just enjoying the resort and AK park. Both are VERY different. We are more "modern" style in our house so we were very drawn to BLT.

But AK made you really feel like you were on vacation. I also personally would not do Kidani even though it is pretty. I struggled quite a bit on which one I would choose, Kidani or Jambo and am so glad I went with Jambo. Everything is just right there for you.

have fun!

 

[princessap]

just got back 2 days ago from a split stay at AKV Jambo and BLT (both 2 bedrooms). We LOVED both of them. The convenience and location of BLT was amazing for MK/Epcot and glad we stayed there at the beginning of our 8 days at Disney. AK was perfect for winding down the trip the last 3 nights and just enjoying the resort and AK park. Both are VERY different. We are more "modern" style in our house so we were very drawn to BLT.

But AK made you really feel like you were on vacation. I also personally would not do Kidani even though it is pretty. I struggled quite a bit on which one I would choose, Kidani or Jambo and am so glad I went with Jambo. Everything is just right there for you.

have fun!

I am sooo glad you replied...your trip is exactly what I would love to do! My youngest loves animals and every time we look at anything disney she wants to stay at AK and my dream place is BLT.

Can I ask who you booked with?? I am looking into renting points or perhaps convincing my inlaws to let us use their intrawest membership to book the units!!

After reading these boards I was convinced to stay at Kidani because of the better kids pool, playground etc. What make you like Jambo better??

thanks so much!!
Do you mind me asking what the 8 days cost you? I am stunned DH agreed to stay onsite as we usually stay at Bonnet Creek...think I am going to need to do some more convincing when he sees the price!

 

[princessap]

BLT has a zero entry pool We have been there 4 times with DD as a toddler and she loves it.

TBH you can not beat walking to MK with a stroller and having the monorail to Epcot means no folding of strollers for the 2 main parks. We always rent a car so can't comment on the buses.

We just got back from OKW and loved it but it is easier now DD is a bit older and can get on the buses without being carried plus again we had a car.

Thanks for clarifying the zero entry pool...I was informed that by a CM

Is there lots to do at BLT for kids??

I am hoping to rent points to make it a bit cheaper for us!

 

[Greysword]

With kids in that age range and being a "one last time blowout" stay, I would recommend Bay Lake Tower. You will likely be spending a significant amount of time in the Magic Kingdom (more than EPCOT or DHS), so it is great for the location.

BLT is also in the heart of Disney (being a part of the Contemporary Resort), so your views will be of the MK, Poly, GF, the monorail, and Bay Lake which is very Disney World. You'll also get the electric water pageant each night. I would recommend any MK resort for first-time or "once in a lifetime" visitor, which this includes.

Staying in a villa may actually work out best for you, if you are the Disney fan in the family. Your DH may enjoy the DVC resort enough to decide to buy-in, since it is a timeshare and can be used at other locations (through trade out with RCI). If this happens, you may just be returning more than he thinks .

I want to address the renting option, though. Since the villas are a part of the Disney vacation Club, they are timeshares. While Disney owns some of the points, most are owned by general citizens. Renting would be to purchase your stay through an owner instead of Disney Reservations. The big advantage of this a significant cost savings. The disadvantage would be dealing with a third party for the reservation and a few limitations not found through CRO. Personally if money isn't a concern and this is a "last one for a long while" type vacation at WDW, then I suggest using Disney reservations instead of renting. If you would like to explore the rental option, there is a dedicated board in the DVC area of the DIS. Members in the other DVC boards are also willing to help answer questions.

As a final note, I wouldn't see this as bummer, but instead make it a chance to branch out. Maybe your DH is willing to visit Southern California, which could include a visit to Disneyland. maybe your family makes a pact to visit all of the Disney location around the world, spending time in Paris (and subsequently Britain), Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Hawaii. Maybe you stay at the DVC resorts in Hilton Head, SC or Vero Beach, FL. You could do a couple Adventures by Disney in some different locations. Lots of opportunities to do a "Disney vacation" without being in Orlando. This could hold you over for a few years until DH decides to go back.

 

[lsenquiz]

do u mind me asking who u rent from??

I will send you a PM.

 

[princessap]

With kids in that age range and being a "one last time blowout" stay, I would recommend Bay Lake Tower. You will likely be spending a significant amount of time in the Magic Kingdom (more than EPCOT or DHS), so it is great for the location.

BLT is also in the heart of Disney (being a part of the Contemporary Resort), so your views will be of the MK, Poly, GF, the monorail, and Bay Lake which is very Disney World. You'll also get the electric water pageant each night. I would recommend any MK resort for first-time or "once in a lifetime" visitor, which this includes.

Staying in a villa may actually work out best for you, if you are the Disney fan in the family. Your DH may enjoy the DVC resort enough to decide to buy-in, since it is a timeshare and can be used at other locations (through trade out with RCI). If this happens, you may just be returning more than he thinks .

I want to address the renting option, though. Since the villas are a part of the Disney vacation Club, they are timeshares. While Disney owns some of the points, most are owned by general citizens. Renting would be to purchase your stay through an owner instead of Disney Reservations. The big advantage of this a significant cost savings. The disadvantage would be dealing with a third party for the reservation and a few limitations not found through CRO. Personally if money isn't a concern and this is a "last one for a long while" type vacation at WDW, then I suggest using Disney reservations instead of renting. If you would like to explore the rental option, there is a dedicated board in the DVC area of the DIS. Members in the other DVC boards are also willing to help answer questions.

As a final note, I wouldn't see this as bummer, but instead make it a chance to branch out. Maybe your DH is willing to visit Southern California, which could include a visit to Disneyland. maybe your family makes a pact to visit all of the Disney location around the world, spending time in Paris (and subsequently Britain), Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Hawaii. Maybe you stay at the DVC resorts in Hilton Head, SC or Vero Beach, FL. You could do a couple Adventures by Disney in some different locations. Lots of opportunities to do a "Disney vacation" without being in Orlando. This could hold you over for a few years until DH decides to go back.

Thanks for your insight!! I cannot wait!!
I love the look of BLT but am concerned that there isn't enough for the kids to do there? Is there lots to do for them there??
I do like the convenience of walking to MK as I am sure we will be there lots!

I have already looked into a trip to San Diego and for sure will include disneyland in that trip, great minds think alike

Thanks so much!

Would you ever recommend a split stay between BLT and AK?

 

[princessap]

I will send you a PM.

Thanks...that would be great! and much appreciated!

 

[twinboysmom]

I personally wouldn't do a split stay. With the littles, I find it too hard. Loved it before they came though. Also, if you are renting points a split stay may prove more difficult to book. When you ask what does BLT have for young children, what specifically are you looking for? They are tied in with the CR so you have access to those activities. You can watch the fireworks from the resort, maybe your room, the electric water parade, the pools at both (at least my understanding) have games, movies by the pool (for sure at CR). You might want to ask this specific question under the dvc resorts section. There is also a BLT forum under dvxmsection as well that may provide you with information.

 

[OllieDannyandMe]

Thanks for your insight!! I cannot wait!!
I love the look of BLT but am concerned that there isn't enough for the kids to do there? Is there lots to do for them there??
I do like the convenience of walking to MK as I am sure we will be there lots!

I have already looked into a trip to San Diego and for sure will include disneyland in that trip, great minds think alike

Thanks so much!

Would you ever recommend a split stay between BLT and AK?

BLT and AKV are my two favorite villas, so I would DEFINITELY recommend a split stay.

AKV is actually my favorite. We requested a room close to the lobby in Kidani Village, and it was heavenly. We had a one bedroom with a view of the pool. I will post some pictures in a minute. We had no trouble with transportation, and we were there in August of 2011.

Our visit to BLT was in August of 2009. Disney artwork (FAB 5 and princesses) was in the halls and lobby, so it felt very Disney to me. The swimming pool at CR had a ceremony upon opening every morning. Our daughter, Eve, was five years old at the time, and she was chosen to put on the great big Mickey gloves and do a little dance with a few spins to start all of the fountains. She really believed she had Mickey's magical powers and had started the water flowing. She also opened the slide by being the first person to go down that morning, and she received a special certificate for her help. She loved it all! It was absolute magic.

I have heard that AKL does the same sort of thing with an opening ceremony in which rubber duckies (or a variety of rubber ducky-type animals) come rushing down the slide into the pool, and all of the children hunt for them in the water. The real life giraffes and zebras were the highlight of our Kidani Village stay. We could not get enough of them, and they were EVERYWHERE.

Both resorts have a children's activity center with arts and crafts and games. Both experiences were excellent. My daughter could have spent all day in either activity center and been totally happy. Also, both resorts had other things going on, for instance, at Kidani, children could make a wreath out of fresh greenery to feed to the giraffes.

If you stay at a Villa, you really do not need the theme parks to have a good vacation. We have been going to Disney every year lately, so we go to the park for a meal and to ride a couple of rides, but the majority of our vacation is spent at the resort. I think that is why I liked Kidani a little better. With the animals, we did not need to venture into those boiling hot parks all day long. We could hit them for a few hours in the morning or the evening and be PERFECTLY happy just hanging at the resort during the mid afternoon, when it was the heat of the day. I will say that the walkway to the Magic Kingdom from BLT was gold. After a long day at MK, the last thing you want to do is wait for a bus. And to be able to stroll back to our room in five minutes when everyone else was waiting an hour or more in line at two in the morning was AWESOME.

I will post some pictures, if I can find them. Let me know if I can answer any specific questions.

 

[Greysword]

Thanks for your insight!! I cannot wait!!
I love the look of BLT but am concerned that there isn't enough for the kids to do there? Is there lots to do for them there??
I do like the convenience of walking to MK as I am sure we will be there lots!

I have already looked into a trip to San Diego and for sure will include disneyland in that trip, great minds think alike

Thanks so much!

Would you ever recommend a split stay between BLT and AK?

Amy hit many great points regarding the activities. For me, the Contemporary is the quintessential Disney World hotel, and BLT is nothing more than an extension. BLT does have its own children's activity center in the lobby, and everything available to Contemporary guests are open for BLT guests, as well. Thus you can use either BLT or CR pools, shop, attend events, and other things at the resort. With Chef Mickey's and the monorail zooming through the concourse, it feels like WDW (especially if you have boys!).

Guests of both resorts can attend the movies on the beach events, as well. Also if there isn't enough, the Poly and GF are a short monorail trip away. If you want to visit the other resorts, a walk to MK's bus stops will grant you easy access.

As for split stays, I have not yet done one, so I wouldn't be a good source. I've also not stayed at AKV, thus I would deffer to my esteemed colleagues on the high and low points of that resort.

Either way, you'll have fun. If you want in-depth details on the activities at these resorts, I would suggest posting a thread on the DVC boards (resort or mousellaneous). There are lots of great experts on the ins and outs, and can probably provide a great insight into two options.