Would love to hear what you all think

[MICKEEP]

Need your help

Since the costs are relatively similar and that is not a factor, would you prefer to stay at The Wilderness Lodge or The Beach Club.

Family of four traveling in November with two teenage boys ages 13 and 14.

We have stayed at the WL before but have never been to the BC.

P.S. It will be the wife's 40th birthday

 

[Sandy Fisher]

Haven't stayed at either yet, but my choice would definitely be Beach Club. Mostly if not all because of the location!
Don't get me wrong, Disney transportation works just fine and we use it every trip. But our next stay will definitely be something within walking to Epcot.
I'm sure you'll get some feedback from people who have stayed at either or both of your choices.
Wish I were going!

 

[Trekker]

I have not stayed at either - but I've stayed at the Dolphin and the location is great - I vote for BC - easy walk to Epcot and a short boat ride to MGM

 

[DawnCt]

Absolutely the Beach Club. The rooms are nicer, the pool is wonderful, the location is better and there is a greater variety of restaurants that are an easy walk.

 

[DisneyKidds]

OK, I'll be the dissenting opinion. We love the WL.

Actually, the answer to the question depends on when you are going. If it is after Thanksgiving the WL wins hands down. Once the Christmas decorations are up the WL is incredible. It is wonderful any other time, but it is best during the Christmas season. WL does have boat access to the MK which is convenient. The quiet pool at the WL is soooo relaxing, including a big hot tub. There are more activities at the WL, the guyser is neat, and the lobby is incredible. So many comfortable places to sit and relax. Relaxation is what the WL is all about.

The BC is a great choices as well. While WL is tops for relaxation, BC is tops for non stop action, it is a very bustling resort. The location is tops, and with older kids it may be a big plus for you if they like Epcot and MGM more than the MK. You can walk to both Epcot and MGM, or take a boat. If you plan to spend more time at these parks than at the MK the BC is the better choice. The pool at the BC is the best on property. There are lots and lots of restaurants at the Epcot resorts, and the BW is right there. The rooms are a little larger at the BC.

Very tough choice. To be honest with you, we are going to try to stay at both on our trip the week after Thanksgiving - 5 nights at the VWL and 3 at the BCV. We split our stay between the CSR and WL last year and it was neat to see two different places. How many nights are you going? Just an idea.

Good luck deciding.

 

[MJames41]

I would choose both - go for a split, especially if it's after Thanksgiving. WL has fantastic decorations then, and Epcot can't be beat. Just my opinion.

 

[donaldlou]

I vote for the split stay too...we did a split stay this past March (Easter week no less) and it went off without a hitch. We too had older children, 1 teen and 1 preteen, so the packing was not a problem. It was like two separate vacations...so much fun. You got that first day of vacation feel in the middle of the trip!!

 

[Eeyore1954]

OK ... I am a dissenter, too. My vote is WL without a moment's hesitation. My DW and I have stayed at both and while YC/BC is wonderful -- love their service, love the decor, absolutely love the restaurants and easy access to EPCOT -- the WL is, for us at least, a little slice of heaven in the middle of the magic.

WL is Disney's best kept secret. It's in the middle of all the magic, but when you enter it, it's like being swept away to a Pacific Northwest lodge. The decor is outstanding and breathtaking. The rooms are wonderful. The restaurants are great.

We love WL because we can find little hideaways all through the resort when we want to just take a few moments to relax and rest amid the fun. The geyser is great; the pools are good (however, BC pools are better).

Like others have said, I'd definitely recommend a split, especially if this is your first time at both. WL has the great boat transport to the MK. However, if it were me -- I'd have to spend the entire trip at WL.

 

[Grumpy92]

If you are interested in Epcot & the Studios more then MK. If you want to swim in the best pool on property. I would choose the Beach Club. The resort is nice proximity to the above wonderful and you cannot beat their pool. I also think that the Epcot resort area has some of the best restaurants in close proximity. Now I love the WL, it is my favorite resort. Especially when I am really not going to the parks. Both of these resorts are great. I think you would enjoy trying a new one.

 

[MinnieGi]

I would stay at the BC just b/c you have already tried WL!

 

[MICKEEP]

Can someone explain how this split stay works, regarding your luggage.

If you do not have a car will disney transport your stuff from resort to resort?

 

[JerseyJanice]

Switching is easy. You check out and have Bell Services take your stuff. You tell them where it's going, and they give you a receipt. Sometime around 1:00 p.m., they'll move your luggage.

When you check into the next resort, you call Bell Services from your new room, and they bring it up.

Pro: You get to experience two different atmospheres in one trip. It's almost like taking two trips in one.

Con: You'll be paying Bell Services double tips. Also, you'll lose a chunk of your day getting settled in the new resort.

Frankly, I'd vote for the Beach Club in your situation since you haven't been there before. And your kids will probably love the pool. The only disadvantage I see in staying at the BC is the lack of a food court.

 

[zoey452]

You might enjoy two different resorts, but then you will lose some of your vacation time by switching. I found it to be a hassle, even with WDW taking over the luggage transport, esp. since you have to wait until 3 pm to check in.

I vote for Beach club. Bigger rooms! The teens will love the pool!

Others may have different experiences, opinions on this. You should do what you think is right for your family. Then you can post here and tell us how it went!

 

[bjakmom]

Our last stay was at BWI and my son (then 12) loved walking around the boardwalk and ESPN. The BC is a short walk from there, so because your boys are 13 and 14 and might enjoy spending some time together exploring that area, I'd choose giving BC a try- Also easy access to Epcot and MGM!

 

[thepoohbear]

A split is not a bad idea. We did that last time between BW and WL and it was great. We had the best of both worlds. If you can only pick one, I'd need to know who is going and what your interests are. WL has easy access to MK and the other MK resorts and I think it's great for small kids. The theming is amazing and I still feel my mouth drop whenever I step into that lobby. I think Y&BC would be better for teens, though.