best resort for family of 7

[Canadian Mom]

Planning a trip in 2009 to WDW and want opinions on which resort will accommodate us the best. Not in terms of space but rather activities and atmosphere. I like the VWL but the BWV seem like they might have more to interest everyone. The ages of our kids will be 7, 11, 14, 16 and 20. Really appreciate any and all input.

[glypnirsgirl]

I think that Boardwalk is an excellent choice for a family of 7. There is lots to do at the resort itself. And both Epcot and DHS are within walking distance. For a family of such diverse ages, I lbelieve that it would be helpful to have the older kids be able to go off and explore on their own.

Elaine

[JimP]

I was going to say the same thing... at the risk of being labeled a "BWV Bigot" (which I am) :)

/Jim

[tomandrobin]

Whatever resort you choose, make sure you reserve a dedicated 2 bedroom unit.

Our kids are older (15,17 & 22) and prefer SSR because its so close to DTD.

[greenban]

Hmmmmm......

Yes and No.

Perhaps it would be best to ask each member their 2 favorite theme parks, 2 favorite restaurants, their two favorite activities and their favorite resort, and chart the results.

Why so much work? At least in my 'weird' case, my kids constantly suprise me (15, 12 & 7). OKW is hands down their favorite resor, closely followed by AKV. They hated VWL.

They like MK and DQ the most, and their favorite activity is swimming!

So for our next stay,well probably be breaking in BCV.

Your guests are older, so EPCOT may have more appeal, and the nightlife on the Boardwalk is great fun as well.

So whithout research, I'd agree BWV, but you may want to do the analysis!

-Tony

[Mary]

I agree that you should check what they are considering. They constantly surprise us with their decisions. I recently wanted to buy bw points and my daughter mentioned how much she doesn't like bw because she doesn't like their pool slide. She loves vwl and okw (our original). I always ask for opinions before I do something and weigh answers--no answers are also great as I don't want to listen to the whining if they are not happy with my choice--they could have had input and chose not to. Good Luck! Mary

[vwl mom]

At least in my 'weird' case, my kids constantly suprise me (15, 12 & 7). ...They hated VWL.


-Tony

Do you mind giving some details of why they hate VWL? (Not looking to bash any resort, especially my home resort, but my kids are close in age to yours and I'm looking at adding-on, maybe at VWL and maybe not.) Thanks!

[greenban]

Do you mind giving some details of why they hate VWL? (Not looking to bash any resort, especially my home resort, but my kids are close in age to yours and I'm looking at adding-on, maybe at VWL and maybe not.) Thanks!

They hated everything I love about it!

The theming was too dark and old for them.

The resort was too quite and secluded for them.

It is the weekest child friendly pool, IMHO.

In short everything that makes it a romantic,relaxing get-a-way for adults they hated.

Yet they loved AKV, which is as heavily themed, but AKV has a much nicer pool area, and the best CS restaurant on site (Mara, or something).

And wait till Kidani's Pool comes on line,

-Tony

[vwl mom]

Thanks!

[robinb]

I would recommend BCV for all the proximity reasons noted about BWV, plus Storm Along Bay for the younger kids ... assuming that your 7-year can swim well enough to enjoy the slide.

[Deb & Bill]

With a group of seven, OKW makes a lot of sense. You get two real queen sized beds, one king sized bed and one queen sleeper sofa. The bathrooms are much larger (do you have girls or boys?) and the dedicated two bedroom has an extra vanity outside the second bathroom.

A large dining room table, large porch with a full sized table and four chairs.

You are just a short boatride away from DTD for the older kids, plus not that far from TL.

If you plan on spending any time at all at the resort, OKW is the best for larger families.

And it's great for smaller ones, too. We'll be there in about 10 days.