Hi Sarah and Steve!
You will be deciding between two of Disney's newest and most spectacular resorts! You simply can't go wrong no matter which you select.
If your children are young, I would opt for Bay Lake Tower. The Magic Kingdom theme park is a favorite among small children (and among Disney traditionalists like myself). And, since this is your first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort, I think nothing could be more magical than to stay at one of the gorgeous resorts on the monorail to the Magic Kingdom. Even though your lake view room may not afford you a view of the nightly fireworks over Cinderella castle from your private balcony, there are plenty of vantage points from this resort where you could watch this spectacular evening display. (Personally, I can't wait to watch the fireworks from the walkway between Disney's Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower.)
Let me qualify my comments in the previous paragraph, however, by saying that if anyone in your travel party is a huge fan of safari animals, then the better choice would be Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas. Although this stunning resort is more secluded than Bay Lake Tower, the access it affords to the animals on the resort savanna can't be replicated anywhere else. If you have a budding Jane Goodall or Richard Leakey in your family, then this is the resort for you! This resort also boasts some pretty spectacular pools!
Show the
online pictures of both resorts to your family and let them take a vote! Have fun making your decision.
Best wishes,
Jill