Which Villa (resort) is better for 11 yo(s)

[KathVA]

We are planning a 2010 trip and would like to stay at DVC (hoping to rent points) anyway, we are trying to figure which place would be good for 11yo kids. We will be going during the summer so we will need a place that has a fun pool and fun things to do. We will probably come back during the afternoons for pool time and breaks.

thanks in advance!
Kath

 

[hellerjw]

If they like animals its hard to beat AKV. By 2010 the new Kidani addition should be complete along with the new water play area that will accompany it.

Hopefully by the time the AKV owner's 11 month booking window comes around (depending on your travel dates) they will allow bookings in the new Kidani building.

 

[lovinthemouse]

Our DD 11 loves Boardwalk pool. But last poster correct AKV will have awesome pool when finished. Good Luck

 

[thepops]

I agree AKV should be great for the kids

 

[TwingleMum]

I'm going to differ and say BCV. Storm a Long Bay is the best pool complex on property. Its a mini water park. Beaches & Cream is right next to the pool for great burgers and awesome sundaes. Plus it has a better location (IMHO) than AKL and I love AKL. AKL is very removed from everything , which is great if thats what you want but with an 11 yr old I don't think they want to be far from the action. BCV is a short walk or boat ride to EPCOT and a short boatride to DHS. These will probably be the 2 parks that an 11 yr old would want to spend the most time at. I would suggest you figure out which park you will be spending the majority of your time at and then pick the DVC resort closest. You could always split stay 4 nights at each resort.(BCV & AKV)

 

[jakenjess]

I polled my 10 and 12 year olds and they both agreed BWV. They love the pool, has a really fun slide, and it's right in the middle of the action. You can't beat the easy walk to Epcot, and it's also a nice walk to MGM.

 

[slp87]

When DD was 11 we split our stay between BCV & BWV. DD loves both equally. She loves SAB and the fun pool activities like water polo & volleyball. At BWV, she enjoys the community hall and being right at the nightime activities on the BW.

 

[KathVA]

When DD was 11 we split our stay between BCV & BWV. DD loves both equally. She loves SAB and the fun pool activities like water polo & volleyball. At BWV, she enjoys the community hall and being right at the nightime activities on the BW.

What is the deal with the BW activities? Is it really a BW? Can anyone go (if we are staying at the BC)?

Thanks
K

 

[KathVA]

I'm going to differ and say BCV. Storm a Long Bay is the best pool complex on property. Its a mini water park. Beaches & Cream is right next to the pool for great burgers and awesome sundaes. Plus it has a better location (IMHO) than AKL and I love AKL. AKL is very removed from everything , which is great if thats what you want but with an 11 yr old I don't think they want to be far from the action. BCV is a short walk or boat ride to EPCOT and a short boatride to DHS. These will probably be the 2 parks that an 11 yr old would want to spend the most time at. I would suggest you figure out which park you will be spending the majority of your time at and then pick the DVC resort closest. You could always split stay 4 nights at each resort.(BCV & AKV)

I think Epcot (More for my DD) and MK (my DS). He really isn't a Disney fan (did I just say that? ) He's not into the rides (except BS Goofy ride) and the car racing one. I mean an 8 yo that wouldn't go on IASW ... WTH? That's why I want a neat place that has a neat pool and things to do. I'm sure in a few years things might change for him and he'll be a bit more "adventureous". He did like the Star Wars ride (after we bribed him) but HATED the movie ride at MGM. I think I'm leaning towards the BC, the animals are great and all but I don't think at 11 my two kids would be all that into them. See them once... that's good enough

I'm just trying to also find a place that we can basically have "3" beds. I've heard that BC has two queen and a couch/day bed(?) that my DS can sleep on. I'm not sure if BCV has that, anyone?

 

[LSchrow]

2 nephews, & my 2 kids love the BWVs most (SAB is not conducive to actual swimming b/c of the crowds).
plus there is soooo much to do on the BW itself.

but no matter what you pick, remember there is always next time, & the time after that, & the time after that..........

each resort is a different experience ~ it's part of the fun exploring them all

 

[cslittle999]

What is the deal with the BW activities? Is it really a BW? Can anyone go (if we are staying at the BC)?

Thanks
K

It really is a boardwalk and anyone can watch the evening entertainment. It's a great way to spend an evening.

 

[starbox]

I'm just trying to also find a place that we can basically have "3" beds. I've heard that BC has two queen and a couch/day bed(?) that my DS can sleep on. I'm not sure if BCV has that, anyone?

In the world of DVC, you need a 1 bedroom standard or savanna-view @ AKV to get three "beds" big enough for 11 year olds - there's a king, a fold out couch, and a fold out chair.

DVC studios will have one queen and one fold-out couch (OKW has two queens).

DVC one bedrooms have one king and one fold-out couch.

Only AKV one bedrooms give you three separate "beds". At other DVCs you have to go to a two bedroom to sleep three parties in separate "beds".

 

[slp87]

What is the deal with the BW activities? Is it really a BW? Can anyone go (if we are staying at the BC)?

Yes, like cslittle999 said it is a boardwalk and anyone can go. And while we can go over there while staying at BCV, it's so nice to have it right at your doorstep. In the evenings there is lots of activity. We've seen a clown, magician, cowboy doing rope tricks, plus there are midway games, you can rent a surrey, and lots of yummy treats.

 

[cslittle999]

Audience participation is encouraged with many of the performances. This picture is from the last night of our August 2007 trip. I'm supposed to be tossing a banana piece into my mouth. I missed. The performer then distracted the audience and tossed the banana piece into the water.

On my next attempt the banana piece was on a skewer and was guided into my mouth. My family still laughs about it.