Wilderness Lodge vs Beach Club?

[flinkerfrosch]

So you are set with moving around, so I won't comment on that portion -- you mainly want thoughts on WL vs. Poly and also add an extra day to BC portion, right? I think you said you have a car, but it's extremely nice to use easy WDW transportation when you can. You will LOVE that about BC -- being able to walk to Epcot and HS is wonderful. Go at your own pace, no waiting in lines, no parking. Personally, I'd add the extra day to your BC portion because of this ease factor and also because I think there is a lot more to do around the Epcot resort area. You can even walk to mini golf, enjoy the boardwalk, lots to do.

We personally loved SAB when our kids were toddlers because of the exclusive section with shallow water and sand everywhere. However, you mentioned your 6 yr old can swim like a 15 yr old, so as parents you will most likely have to split up if the 6 yr old wants to go to other sections of SAB. As long as you're prepared for that. We have twins so we never had to deal with splitting up as we always stayed together.

At WL, you can easily boat to MK. And, yes, it does remind me of Great Wolf Lodge to a certain degree. The theming is very rustic and cozy. However, you mentioned Poly being your first choice and I do have to say that a reason we love Poly is because we can watch Wishes right from there. If you have a TPV, it's heavenly watching right from your balcony/patio. And I think your boys would love the monorail to MK. Both WL and Poly are great, but given the choice we'd probably pick Poly due to monorail and watching Wishes, plus we love 'Ohana and Kona, and the new rooms at Poly are extremely nice and much larger than rooms at WL. But WL is very, very cozy and nice, so if you decide to stay with that I highly doubt you'd be disappointed.

Hope I helped and didn't make things worse...

Yes, we are set in the "moving around" part. I was just undecided on whether to stay 4 nights or 5 nights at BC.
I really appreciate all your info in regards to the BC, WL and the Poly! It has been very helpful

I guess I keep second guessing myself because all the resorts are unknown to me, and I'm worried I will pick the wrong ones, and once I get there I will say "oh, I wish I picked the Poly or WL or so on.." I am a indecisive person to begin with, so planning this trip has been so fun, but a lot of work as well.

I only picked the BC cause of the pool. Honestly, if it didn't have SAB, I would have picked a different resort. The pool is HUGE in my resort descision, and its so hard to deny my kids of such an awesome pool..lol But..since reading your post and others, I didn't realize all the other great stuff to do around the BC area (other then DHS and Epcot) because I've been so focused on pools.

I'm going to look into the Poly a bit more because I really didn't give it a whole lot of thought due to the construction, but it seems the construction is very minimal, and may not be an issue.

Thank-you for taking the time to give me all that wonderful and helpful info, I really appreciate it!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

What would I do? First of all, we love the water parks. Since you're staying for such a long time and your kids love pools, I'd do Typhoon Lagoon twice and Blizard Beach once. I'd change resorts only once. I'd spend 7 nights at the BC - great pool and then 8 nights at the Poly. Great pool as well and best resort at WDW IMO,to end a great vacation. AKL and WL are very nice facilities, but they're unfortunately out in the middle of freaking nowhere.

We LOVE water parks, so I will keep your suggestions in mind I have a feeling out of all the parks, my boys are going to say the Water parks were there favorite's..(And the BC pool) haha
Unfortunatley, I can't do much changing around. I've rented points for AKL, and have already paid for it, so I'm staying at AKL for the 1st 6 nights, but we are very excited about it!
We could stay at 1 other resort the rest of the stay, and I've thought about that, but I can't do it! I want to experience the other 2 as well.
I didn't know WL was "out of the way" I thought it was very close to everything?
I am now considering the Poly over WL, but have to figure things out.
I've read soooo many wonderful things about WL, and the Poly too, so its a hard choice!
WL is apparently the #1 resort on WDW property (or at least that's what I've been told)
Trip advisor rates WL very high on the list and the Poly is quite a ways away from WL- rating wise.
I know to take trip advisor with a grain of salt, but I still do follow it to a certain extent.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

We are doing almost the same split stay in December.

4 nights at BCV and 3 nights at WLV

These are our 2 favorite resorts and they are both great for different reasons. The BC/YC pool is by far the biggest selling point for us and it is truly above and beyond the pools at the other resorts. If you are like most families I know, the pool plays a major part in the vacation as a whole. The other great benefits of staying in the Epcot resort area is the close proximity to Epcot for dining and also having the Boardwalk area for dining and nightime activities. The whole area is pretty lively into the evening vs the somewhat peaceful WL and AKL.
I think WL is just awesome from the first time you walk through the front door. No other resort gives you that same sense of awe when you arrive. The theme and attention to detail is in every square inch of that resort. Its very nice to be close to MK and also close to Fort Wilderness. There are a bunch of activities and shows right around the corner that most people dont take advantage of. We like spending a part of the day wandering around the campground on bikes you can rent at WL or going to the campfire, hoop dee doo or the backyard barbecue. At the end of the day, the WL winds down and gives you a chance to relax.
I dont want to take away anything from AKL but I just dont get the same enjoyment from that resort. I do however disagree with people posting that AK has a lack of things to do or its not a 2 day park. AK and AKL are two different things. AK has a ton of things to do if you take the time to enjoy it. Its not the place you run from ride to ride. But if you walk, take in the animals and shows, and jump on a ride in between, its a great place. Everest, Dinosaur, Kali River, Kilamanjaro Safari, Tough to be a Bug, Lion King, Jungle Trek, etc. All very enjoyable.
At the end of the day, being that its your first time, you are going to be amazed by anything you end up choosing. We are all somewhat jaded because of the amount of times we have all been there. The only thing I would caution is trying to do too much in one day. You are staying for a pretty long time so balance your days with going to the park, coming back for a swim, maybe a nap, dinner, and going back to the park or and activity in the evening.

Have a great time!

You hit the nail right on the head!

Yes, we picked BC because of the pool. Its such a huge deciding factor when we book any resort or hotel.
WL does sound amazing with all the activities to do there, and being able to bike over to FW sounds so fun too!
We are actually doing the MBYBBQ and MNSSHP.
We are doing AKL and then was thinking WL, but I wonder if its too much "lodge" or too much of the same thing/resort that the Poly may be a good switch up as some other OP's have mentioned.
AKL I cannot change, but WL I can if I decided.
As for AK, I believe my boys will LOVE this park and we will take our time exploring it, and see it all! Thank-you for your guide through the park. Its so confusing trying to figure out 4 parks + 2 waterparks, making ADR's and picking resorts..lol
My DH won't take Disney anymore cause I'm driving him crazy..haha
He says "tell me where we're staying on the day we leave, this way it can't be changed" lol..he's got a point there!
I really do appreciate you taking the time to give me some great advice and details of the resorts/parks. You and everyone else on this board are amazing and very helpful!

 

[Fivesacharm]

Here's my 2 cents. Your kids are pretty young so i am not sure how well they swim. SAB at the BC/YC made me super nervous when my kids were young. It is very spread out, and in my opinion hard to keep an eye on your kids. So I would not have opted for the extra nights at the BC for that reason when my kids were young.

Really good point here. We stayed at Beach Club this past July. We've stayed at many VC resorts but we chose BCV this time because we wanted to try out the pool.

And it is an awesome pool. There's a lazy river, several hot tubs, a really cool pirate ship slide (and a smaller slide for little ones) and part of the pool is sand bottomed (which the kids think is so cool). Of all the resorts we've stayed at (and there been many) BC was definitely our favorite.

However, keep in mind that the pool is very very spread out and keeping track of younger kids can be hard.

 

[DJFan88]

You hit the nail right on the head!

We are doing AKL and then was thinking WL, but I wonder if its too much "lodge" or too much of the same thing/resort that the Poly may be a good switch up as some other OP's have mentioned.


My DH won't take Disney anymore cause I'm driving him crazy..haha
He says "tell me where we're staying on the day we leave, this way it can't be changed" lol..he's got a point there!

I've never stayed at either of these 2 but have visited them both. AK was beautiful and I liked the food court and we also ate at Boma. I've got to tell you I LOVED their gift shop. They had some unique items in there that were the theme that I like and didn't see elsewhere on the property.
I did feel like they both resembled each other in a way when you go in, however, like you are saying. I actually have to say I was underwhelmed with WL and it's food court. But that could be because I already saw AK. But I know there are some real benefits there, however, like the boat and I would definetly consider staying there myself for convenience, plus I think you can watch the electrical water parade from there, so that would be cool.
The BC is going to be cool too. Just think how happy you will be just being able to walk into Epcot and how that opens up a great evening for you, and if the kids get tired, no problem, just go back.

Oh, yeah, and tell DH "get used to it"! This will be going on for years!

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank-you!

I did have the Poly booked for the last 5 nights, but switched to WL cause of the construction. Do you think I should have stuck with the Poly?
Location wise WL and Poly are great! But amenities wise..is there a big difference? I do think my 6 year old would love the Poly pool better then WL, but the Poly pool seems much smaller then WL.

Yes, pools are very important in my decisions because my boys LOVE to swim!

We've been to Great Wolf Lodge many times, and I've heard WL is similar..is this true? Of course, minus the indoor water park portion...

You're welcome .

I agree that both the Poly and WL are great location wise. The Poly is on the monorail for MK, but the WL is a relaxing boat ride away. The Poly does have an edge over the WL in that the rooms are quite a bit larger and you can walk to the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail, but the WL is an awesome resort and I think you will have a great time there. The Poly pool is our favorite, but we also love the WL pool and wouldn't hesitate to stay at the WL again. We have also been to Great Wolf Lodge and I do think the WL is similar. With all of that said, I think your AKL/BC/WL split will make for a great vacation .

 

[flinkerfrosch]

Really good point here. We stayed at Beach Club this past July. We've stayed at many VC resorts but we chose BCV this time because we wanted to try out the pool.

And it is an awesome pool. There's a lazy river, several hot tubs, a really cool pirate ship slide (and a smaller slide for little ones) and part of the pool is sand bottomed (which the kids think is so cool). Of all the resorts we've stayed at (and there been many) BC was definitely our favorite.

However, keep in mind that the pool is very very spread out and keeping track of younger kids can be hard.

Thank-you!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

You're welcome .

I agree that both the Poly and WL are great location wise. The Poly is on the monorail for MK, but the WL is a relaxing boat ride away. The Poly does have an edge over the WL in that the rooms are quite a bit larger and you can walk to the TTC to catch the Epcot monorail, but the WL is an awesome resort and I think you will have a great time there. The Poly pool is our favorite, but we also love the WL pool and wouldn't hesitate to stay at the WL again. We have also been to Great Wolf Lodge and I do think the WL is similar. With all of that said, I think your AKL/BC/WL split will make for a great vacation .

Thank-you Mickeynut1!

I really appreciate all your info!

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I've never stayed at either of these 2 but have visited them both. AK was beautiful and I liked the food court and we also ate at Boma. I've got to tell you I LOVED their gift shop. They had some unique items in there that were the theme that I like and didn't see elsewhere on the property.
I did feel like they both resembled each other in a way when you go in, however, like you are saying. I actually have to say I was underwhelmed with WL and it's food court. But that could be because I already saw AK. But I know there are some real benefits there, however, like the boat and I would definetly consider staying there myself for convenience, plus I think you can watch the electrical water parade from there, so that would be cool.
The BC is going to be cool too. Just think how happy you will be just being able to walk into Epcot and how that opens up a great evening for you, and if the kids get tired, no problem, just go back.

Oh, yeah, and tell DH "get used to it"! This will be going on for years!

Hahahaha! I will tell DH for sure! (I acually meant to say "talk" not "take") but I figured you knew what I meant!
It will be great for sure to walk into Epcot and DHS!
We do have a breakfast ADR at Boma, and have also heard amazing reviews about it!
I'm really excited about all 3 resorts for very different reasons..
WL is great like you said to watch the Electrical Parade and fireworks! This is why I wanted to end with an MK resort
Thanks for the info and the support!!!

Cheers!!

 

[MissionMouse]

19 days and counting we will be in WDW, and can't wait!! I thought I had the trip FINALLY planned, organized etc..but I keep making changes!!
I can't help myself..lol

I need your help! It will be myself, DH, DS 6 and DS 3.

We are staying 6 nights at AKL, 4 nights BC and 5 nights WL.

My kids LOVE to swim, so I was thinking of doing 5 nights BC instead of 4(the 5th night just became available) and 4 nights WL instead of 5.

What would you do? This is our 1st time at WDW, so I have NO idea what to expect!

Thank-you!!!!

Cheers!

We have stayed at all the resort you will be staying at during your vacation. We have done spilt stays too - no problem. BC SAB is a major attraction and we found our girls asking to return to the resort to swim versus standing in lines for rides. The proxmity to Epcot combined with Park Hopper tickets let you take advantage of Epcot restaurants and nightly activities with a short 5-7 minute walk. If you have early morning breakfast planned and want to relax, just have the front door staff get you a taxi. We found it the best method from the BC. We would add an extra night at BC over WL. We would also prefer to stay at a monorail resort over WL too. We also avoid resort with construction and would not book PR if constuction was underway. Probably would pick CR Tower MK View for a unique vacation experience. It all comes down to personal preference.

Overall, resort locations add a level of convenience if their located in close proxmity to a park. If you like the pictures of a resort posted on this site you will most likely enjoy your stay unless you overplan (creating unrealistic expectations) or Disney didn't tell you about a closed pool, construction etc. So being on these boards usually makes you aware of things Disney doesn't tell you or want you to know. Keep a flexible plan and adjust to what the family wants to do,something you discover upon arrival or something you or others want to do again over other things on the "schedule." Have fun

 

[mickeynut1]

Thank-you Mickeynut1!

I really appreciate all your info!

You're welcome .

 

[Ofinn]

I think your vacation sounds great the way it is. I would choose more days at BC because it's my favorite, but that's just me. Is there availability to make any changes? The Epcot resorts are so booked up next month.

 

[flinkerfrosch]

I think your vacation sounds great the way it is. I would choose more days at BC because it's my favorite, but that's just me. Is there availability to make any changes? The Epcot resorts are so booked up next month.

Yes! I can add the extra night still! For awhile there was nothing, but over the last week it has come available.

Can you please tell me why its your fav resort? Just curious?

 

[flinkerfrosch]

You're welcome .

 

[flinkerfrosch]

We have stayed at all the resort you will be staying at during your vacation. We have done spilt stays too - no problem. BC SAB is a major attraction and we found our girls asking to return to the resort to swim versus standing in lines for rides. The proxmity to Epcot combined with Park Hopper tickets let you take advantage of Epcot restaurants and nightly activities with a short 5-7 minute walk. If you have early morning breakfast planned and want to relax, just have the front door staff get you a taxi. We found it the best method from the BC. We would add an extra night at BC over WL. We would also prefer to stay at a monorail resort over WL too. We also avoid resort with construction and would not book PR if constuction was underway. Probably would pick CR Tower MK View for a unique vacation experience. It all comes down to personal preference.

Overall, resort locations add a level of convenience if their located in close proxmity to a park. If you like the pictures of a resort posted on this site you will most likely enjoy your stay unless you overplan (creating unrealistic expectations) or Disney didn't tell you about a closed pool, construction etc. So being on these boards usually makes you aware of things Disney doesn't tell you or want you to know. Keep a flexible plan and adjust to what the family wants to do,something you discover upon arrival or something you or others want to do again over other things on the "schedule." Have fun

I think my boys will be doing the same thing asking to return to SAB to swim! I can't even begin to explain how they LOVE to swim, love waterslides, and just LOVE to be in any kind of water!
I really appreciate all your info as well! I never considered any other Monorail resorts because I've been so focused on the Poly and WL. I may just take a peek a CR.
You make a great point about this board! I've learned SO much over the last year of reading daily. I've learned so much that I ended up telling my Disney planner that I no longer needed her help cause I knew so much thanks to the Disboards, and people like you

I was just curious if you knew the answer to this..we were going to rent Sea Raycers. Would we be better to rent them from BC or WL/Ploy area?

Thanks again for everything!!