WL, BWI or new Riviera?

[DisneyMomma930]

Hi all! We got back from our last trip in August. We ended up at AoA because we needed the space and the family suite was perfect. But we realized we missed a lot by not being in a mod or deluxe. Hubby needs a gym and I need better transportation and restaurant options. On our last night we did Storybook Dining and explored the WL resort and fell in love. It’s gorgeous! I loved the pool area and the lobby was breathtaking. I am looking to book for next August 2020 and we definitely need a deluxe resort with a fitness center and definitely at least a one bedroom suite. I was looking at the new Riviera resort but because it’s not open yet there aren’t any reviews. I am just going by what I see on the website. They do have a fitness center and the gondola system so that opens up options for transportation. But I did love the fact that the wilderness Lodge has boat access to Magic Kingdom. We did that at night after dinner and it was awesome seeing the fireworks from the boat. Then I also wondered about the boardwalk Inn because of the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood studios. And we’ve never been to the boardwalk area either. So I’m just looking for recommendations on which resort you would recommend and why. There are two adults and we have three kids ages 16, 10, then I also wondered about the boardwalk in because of the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood studios. And we’ve never been to the boardwalk area either. So I’m just looking for recommendations on which resort you would recommend and why. It’s us 2 adults and we have three kids ages 16, 10, 3. Thank you in advance!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Hi all! We got back from our last trip in August. We ended up at AoA because we needed the space and the family suite was perfect. But we realized we missed a lot by not being in a mod or deluxe. Hubby needs a gym and I need better transportation and restaurant options. On our last night we did Storybook Dining and explored the WL resort and fell in love. It’s gorgeous! I loved the pool area and the lobby was breathtaking. I am looking to book for next August 2020 and we definitely need a deluxe resort with a fitness center and definitely at least a one bedroom suite. I was looking at the new Riviera resort but because it’s not open yet there aren’t any reviews. I am just going by what I see on the website. They do have a fitness center and the gondola system so that opens up options for transportation. But I did love the fact that the wilderness Lodge has boat access to Magic Kingdom. We did that at night after dinner and it was awesome seeing the fireworks from the boat. Then I also wondered about the boardwalk Inn because of the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood studios. And we’ve never been to the boardwalk area either. So I’m just looking for recommendations on which resort you would recommend and why. There are two adults and we have three kids ages 16, 10, then I also wondered about the boardwalk in because of the proximity to Epcot and Hollywood studios. And we’ve never been to the boardwalk area either. So I’m just looking for recommendations on which resort you would recommend and why. It’s us 2 adults and we have three kids ages 16, 10, 3. Thank you in advance!

As you mention, Riviera is a bit of an unknown at this point as it hasn't opened yet. Perhaps keep an eye on these boards for reviews once it opens in December.

Keep in mind, a standard room at WL only sleeps 4 (plus one child under 3, which wouldn't work in your case), so, if you want to stay at WL, you would need to look for a deluxe CL room (which sleeps 6) or look at the 2-bedroom villas at CCV or studios or 2-bedroom villas at BRV. CCV and BRV are the deluxe villa resorts that are located at WL and share all amenities with the resort. I love WL. I think it's gorgeous. That being said, if you are planning on swimming, your older kids may get bored pretty quickly as the pool area and slide are quite small. Your younger child would probably have a blast, however, on the splash pad. WL is also great for transportation to MK. To the other parks, not so much.

The good news with BWI (and BC or YC those interest you at all), is all 5 of you can fit in a standard room at any of those resorts, so, may very likely price out less than rooms that you would fit in at WL, CCV or BRV. BWI has a fun pool, IMHO. YC/BC has a great pool complex. You may want to find some resort overviews on youtube to get a better sense of what these resorts have to offer. BWI, BC and YC all have walking/boat/skyliner access to both EP and DHS.

With a family of 5 with older children, I personally, would lean toward BWI, YC or BC and, as I said, keep an eye on Riviera to see what kind of reviews it gets. I have a feeling you will get the biggest bang for your buck at BWI, YC or BC.

 

[SG131]

If you want a one bedroom unit that will limit your choices tremendously. Animal Kingdom Lodge, Bay Lake Tower and Rivera are the only one-bedroom units that sleep 5. Of those 3 I would pick bay lake due to proximity to Magic Kingdom. Are you planning to rent DVC points or book directly through disney? If you plan on renting points you would be able to book at AKL and BLT now through someone who owns at one of those resorts. You could book Rivera through an owner, but chances of finding points to rent there are slim since the resort is so new. You would most likely have to wait until the 7 month booking period. I think Old Key West may also sleep 5 now that it has been renovated, but I'm not sure.