Which villa resort with children?

[Chrislovesdisney]

My dds will be 6.5 and 3.5 at time of travel next August, and we are doing a very quick 4-day trip with one day in each park (just to highlight the princess and Disney jr stuff and my dh loves AK...we will be back in the future for a longer, more in-depth trip...). I’ll have to initially book at OKW as that’s where my parents’ home dvc resort is for these particular set of points (I’m using their banked points). I’m trying to use as little of their points as possible and we are staying in a studio. At the 7 month out mark, I can try to change resorts to one the kids may like better. I don’t want to go for GF or Poly b/c the points are a little high. Assuming there’s, availability, which of the following do you think my girls would like, but would also be convenient for a short summer trip?

BWV/BCV (proximity to 2 of 4 parks, and boardwalk is fun)
Kidani (animals!)
WL (new to me, don’t know anything about)
BLT (monorail convenience)
Or, just stay at OKW

 

[Ksquared]

I think all the resorts offer something different. Our first DVC stay was at OKW. It's a lovely resort and we had a good time there; however, I feel like the location does not give you any advantages like being on a monorail resort or walking to a park. Rooms at OKW are a little bigger and the studio has 2 queen beds. We recently stayed at BC this past Christmas - we loved Stormalong Bay pool and we walked to Epcot and took boat to HS so the location can't be beat. Our next stay will be at Boardwalk and I've always wanted to stay there so I can't wait. Location benefits are same as BC and I've heard good things about Boardwalk Bakery so I'm looking forward to grabbing breakfast there a few days. We stayed at BLT one time and being able to walk to Magic Kingdom is wonderful. Also, hopping the monorail if you don't want to walk to great too, although I felt it was a bit of a hike getting from the DVC tower all the way over to the monorail. We spent 2 nights at AKL-Jambo and we were in a savannah studio and really enjoyed waking up and seeing the animals or sitting on the balcony at night and looking at them. Great options for quick service or sit down meals at AKL. I've always wanted to stay at WL but have yet to do so...beautiful resort and you can take a boat to MK. Like I said, each resort has it's advantages/disadvantages. Decide what's important to you esp in August and go from there. Is it a great pool, good onsite options for food or walking distance to at least one park. Once you decide what's important to you, then you can decide where to stay. You are only staying 4 days and going to each park once so location etc. may not even be in the equation.

 

[Hopefully]

My dds will be 6.5 and 3.5 at time of travel next August, and we are doing a very quick 4-day trip with one day in each park (just to highlight the princess and Disney jr stuff and my dh loves AK...we will be back in the future for a longer, more in-depth trip...). I’ll have to initially book at OKW as that’s where my parents’ home dvc resort is for these particular set of points (I’m using their banked points). I’m trying to use as little of their points as possible and we are staying in a studio. At the 7 month out mark, I can try to change resorts to one the kids may like better. I don’t want to go for GF or Poly b/c the points are a little high. Assuming there’s, availability, which of the following do you think my girls would like, but would also be convenient for a short summer trip?

BWV/BCV (proximity to 2 of 4 parks, and boardwalk is fun)
Kidani (animals!)
WL (new to me, don’t know anything about)
BLT (monorail convenience)
Or, just stay at OKW

I’m confused. You said in another post you wouldn’t stay in a DVC Villa other than OKW because of the “ couch beds”. Did you change your mind

 

[Disneylovingmomof2]

I’d do BLT—walk to MK, Chef Mickeys right there, monorail access to TTC and you can see the fireworks from there if you have to have an early night.

 

[Marionnette]

My dds will be 6.5 and 3.5 at time of travel next August, and we are doing a very quick 4-day trip with one day in each park (just to highlight the princess and Disney jr stuff and my dh loves AK...we will be back in the future for a longer, more in-depth trip...). I’ll have to initially book at OKW as that’s where my parents’ home dvc resort is for these particular set of points (I’m using their banked points). I’m trying to use as little of their points as possible and we are staying in a studio. At the 7 month out mark, I can try to change resorts to one the kids may like better. I don’t want to go for GF or Poly b/c the points are a little high. Assuming there’s, availability, which of the following do you think my girls would like, but would also be convenient for a short summer trip?

BWV/BCV (proximity to 2 of 4 parks, and boardwalk is fun)
Kidani (animals!)
WL (new to me, don’t know anything about)
BLT (monorail convenience)
Or, just stay at OKW

In all honesty, I think you should just accept whatever is available (and within your point limits) when the 7-month window opens. August is not a high-demand time for DVC but studios are always a hard to get reservation, especially at BWV and BCV. You may end up choosing between keeping OKW or switching to SSR.

Just to give you an idea of the booking patterns for DVC studios, here's an excellent resource:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...-studios-1-bedrooms-june-2018-update.3689931/

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

I’m confused. You said in another post you wouldn’t stay in a DVC Villa other than OKW because of the “ couch beds”. Did you change your mind

Don’t think that was me

 

[Hopefully]

Don’t think that was me

Yes you’re right my error, I am so sorry.
It was @Childs1stTime2Disney

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

In all honesty, I think you should just accept whatever is available (and within your point limits) when the 7-month window opens. August is not a high-demand time for DVC but studios are always a hard to get reservation, especially at BWV and BCV. You may end up choosing between keeping OKW or switching to SSR.

Just to give you an idea of the booking patterns for DVC studios, here's an excellent resource:
https://www.disboards.com/threads/p...-studios-1-bedrooms-june-2018-update.3689931/

Thank you. I’ve ready through that amazing spreadsheet a few times. I really had my heart set on boardwalk and was almost going to pay for the Inn there before my parents offered their points to me, and free lodging is too good to pass up! I love OKW but my girls may not find an appeal. I’m just trying to put a heirarchy of choices in an order because I do plan on waitlisting the whopping 2 choices and checking back frequently for what’s available, and let’s say I do get Kidani - is that perfect enough or should I still keep trying for BWV? Would my girls actually love kidani a whole lot more than BWV and I should leave it at that and move on? That’s why I want to pick brains here to see what others’ thoughts are on what may be the “best” place to stay! And yes, there’s a good chance nothing may be available but I just want to know because should something open I have to jump on it. And being that I have summers off and have no time once the school years start, I’m doing all my brain picking now!!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

My first choice would be BCV, second BWV. August is HOT and the closer you can be to the parks, the better. You can't get closer to EP than BCV, plus the pool is amazing! You will also have the boat launch to DHS. You can also walk over to the Boardwalk in the evenings (or hop back into EP!)

BLT is fine for walking to MK (and the monorail), but I find the other resort amenities lacking at CR. WL is gorgeous and the villas there are very nice. I would probably make this my third choice (the boat to MK is lovely). Kidani is very nice, but it's going to be a trek to 3 out of the 4 parks in the heat of August, yuck.

 

[leebee]

We liked OKW a whole lot, especially having 2 queen beds instead of one bed and a sofa bed, like all the other DVC studios. We enjoyed taking the boat ride down to Disney Springs and back; we didn't actually GO to DS, just did the boat ride. We've also stayed at BWV and loved it, but that was because we were there for Food & Wine. My favorite DVC rental, though, was AKV. I love Jambo House, love having the animals right outside the balcony (asked for partial savanna view and got it), love the fire pit, the story telling, the food, the pool (bar). We've been to BCV and I have to say, we didn't love it and especially didn't love StormAlong Bay. It's big, the sand gave us rashes on our feet, it's crowded... just didn't love it. WE also don't choose to walk to either Epcot or Hollywood Studios when we stay on the Boardwalk; no sense adding more walking and blisters to our already worn out feet, but we do use the boats while there. I like them much better than the bus (no option on that for Epcot, though), but they are smaller, don't hold as many people, don't run as frequently as I'd like, etc... and you still have to take the bus to MK and AK.

I'd say, stay with OKW for space/comfort, and if you are going to change, try for Jambo or Kidani at AKL.

 

[gillep]

Thank you. I’ve ready through that amazing spreadsheet a few times. I really had my heart set on boardwalk and was almost going to pay for the Inn there before my parents offered their points to me, and free lodging is too good to pass up! I love OKW but my girls may not find an appeal. I’m just trying to put a heirarchy of choices in an order because I do plan on waitlisting the whopping 2 choices and checking back frequently for what’s available, and let’s say I do get Kidani - is that perfect enough or should I still keep trying for BWV? Would my girls actually love kidani a whole lot more than BWV and I should leave it at that and move on? That’s why I want to pick brains here to see what others’ thoughts are on what may be the “best” place to stay! And yes, there’s a good chance nothing may be available but I just want to know because should something open I have to jump on it. And being that I have summers off and have no time once the school years start, I’m doing all my brain picking now!!

I personally don't like BWV that much, and don't prefer to stay there, but it is very popular on the Dis and people love it so you likely can't go wrong. How much time do you plan on spending at each of the parks? We stay at BCV and walk to Epcot a lot, but we are hanging out at the different lounges and bars, how many times do you see yourself walking there or walking/boating to DHS? Do you plan on a lot of resort and pool time? If so, I would, personally, stick with Kidani for the animal viewing and the pool. Keep in mind that you can use the pool at Kidani (which also has the children's water play area) and you can use the pool at Jambo. Kidani doesn't have a QS but Sanaa serves QS breakfast in the mornings which is a really nice option.

 

[Jfsag123]

My kids are 10 and 8, but we’ve been staying in studio villas with DVC point rentals since they were 6 and 4. We’ve stayed at BLT twice, BCV twice, and we’re at AKV Jambo for the first time right now. My 10 year old daughter is all about BCV. She loves Stormalong Bay and the easy access to two parks. My 8 year old son’s favorite is BLT. He loves the atmosphere, the walk to MK, the monorail, and the community hall.

We checked into AKV yesterday and both of my kids went nuts. They are in love with this resort because of all of the activities and, of course, the animals! Both of them say that their favs are still BCV and BLT (I think because of nostalgia at this point), but are already asking when we can come back to AKV. So, not helpful, but maybe a good sign that the kids will love wherever you end up!

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Jjsag123, that’s so helpful!

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

I personally don't like BWV that much, and don't prefer to stay there, but it is very popular on the Dis and people love it so you likely can't go wrong. How much time do you plan on spending at each of the parks? We stay at BCV and walk to Epcot a lot, but we are hanging out at the different lounges and bars, how many times do you see yourself walking there or walking/boating to DHS? Do you plan on a lot of resort and pool time? If so, I would, personally, stick with Kidani for the animal viewing and the pool. Keep in mind that you can use the pool at Kidani (which also has the children's water play area) and you can use the pool at Jambo. Kidani doesn't have a QS but Sanaa serves QS breakfast in the mornings which is a really nice option.

Good points! I’m expecting we will be at the parks at rope drop, and being that they are currently afraid of fireworks and being that we won’t have any rest days in between, we will probably power through and stay in the parks until late afternoon/early evening and then head back to the resort. So we won’t be having full blocks of time for the resort amenities and a way to entertain the girls but an hour or two on either side of dinner (and maybe dinner, depending which park. Epcot we’d stay for dinner, dhs probably not, you get the drift...). Thanks!

 

[MomOTwins]

I would recommend WL or AKL. WL because of proximity to MK, and fun theme-ing, and they will likely really enjoy the antics at WCC and there are rumors of a character meal coming there. AKL because the animals are so fun at that age. Plus, that BWV creepy clown pool is the stuff of nightmares, so if you decide on an Epcot resort, then for sure get BCV instead.

 

[Marionnette]

Thank you. I’ve ready through that amazing spreadsheet a few times. I really had my heart set on boardwalk and was almost going to pay for the Inn there before my parents offered their points to me, and free lodging is too good to pass up! I love OKW but my girls may not find an appeal. I’m just trying to put a heirarchy of choices in an order because I do plan on waitlisting the whopping 2 choices and checking back frequently for what’s available, and let’s say I do get Kidani - is that perfect enough or should I still keep trying for BWV? Would my girls actually love kidani a whole lot more than BWV and I should leave it at that and move on? That’s why I want to pick brains here to see what others’ thoughts are on what may be the “best” place to stay! And yes, there’s a good chance nothing may be available but I just want to know because should something open I have to jump on it. And being that I have summers off and have no time once the school years start, I’m doing all my brain picking now!!

In that case, in order of preference:
Kidani - nice splash and play area and the animals are a huge wow factor. Drawback would be that it is not walkable to any park.
BWV - best pool slide of all that you listed and and easy walk to both Epcot and HS. Downside would be the l-o-n-g hallways, scary clown pool and lack of in-resort dining (you have to go outside to the boardwalk for any food except for a continental breakfast that is available in the lounge).
BCV - awesome pool, close to Epcot. Drawbacks would be that the views are just so-so and the sightlines at the pool are not good. This can be very nerve-wracking when you have very young kids.
BLT - walk to the MK. Drawbacks would be very small studios and a rather uninspired pool area.

 

[gillep]

Good points! I’m expecting we will be at the parks at rope drop, and being that they are currently afraid of fireworks and being that we won’t have any rest days in between, we will probably power through and stay in the parks until late afternoon/early evening and then head back to the resort. So we won’t be having full blocks of time for the resort amenities and a way to entertain the girls but an hour or two on either side of dinner (and maybe dinner, depending which park. Epcot we’d stay for dinner, dhs probably not, you get the drift...). Thanks!

OK. To me, it sounds like BWV may fit this trip a little better. As much as I love the food at AKL/V I don't think that I could do dinner there most/every night, and BWV will give you more options in that department since you can eat at the Boardwalk places, or the restaurants at Y&BC, or the Swan and Dolphin. You can also hang out on the boardwalk in the evening with the girls as they usually have some entertainment there or go to the sandy beach area near The Beach Club. Good luck deciding.

 

[chalee94]

I don’t want to go for GF or Poly b/c the points are a little high. Assuming there’s, availability...

If you are pricing BLT and BWV for the cheaper standard villas, that is much tougher as owners tend to book those in their preference period. Value villas at Jambo House are also tough but standard view at Kidani is usually more workable.

But if you are unusually lucky and availability works out...

With small children, BLT is my vote as many tend to spend more time at MK and being a short walk away is invaluable. The monorail gets you to the other monorail resorts for dining or the TTC so you can switch monorails to go to Epcot...but the monorail is not a big selling point for me.

BWV is also great if you can pull it...

 

[FSU Girl]

Bay Lake Tower. It's my favorite DVC resort and I've stayed there with kids. It's really nice being able to watch the Magic Kingdom fireworks from your balcony with the kids. They won't have anyone blocking their view, you can put them right to bed a moment after they end instead of fighting crowds and I just like those rooms the best. You can also walk to Magic Kingdom (only resort besides Contemporary which is the same resort sort of) and you can take the monorail to Epcot so you'd only need the bus twice.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

You guys are so awesome and making so many points I never would have thought of on my own. Exactly what I was looking for. I know I may very well not have options, but so helpful IF I do, to help decide which is best for my family. Especially given the constraints of a short trip! Thank you!