Hi Jessica,
Welcome back to the Disney Parks Moms Panel!
Stormalong Bay at
Disney's Beach Club Villas is arguably one of the most amazing pool areas throughout the entire Walt Disney World Resort, and you are going to have a BLAST! Enjoy floating down the lazy river, playing in the sand-bottomed pool, and channeling your inner pirate as you sail down a super fun waterslide. When my family stayed at Disney's Beach Club Villas, we did the same thing that you are planning to do. We arrived early in the morning and enjoyed the pool until our room was ready, and then after we checked in, we got cleaned up and headed out for a fun dinner together.
You'll be happy to know that there are complimentary lockers available for your use while you enjoy relaxing and playing at the pool. Feel free to ask at the front desk when you arrive and the Cast Members there will be happy to get one set up for you. They are similar in size to the lockers at the theme parks and should be large enough to store your clothing and your valuables, but yes, you're exactly right that it would be best to leave your suitcases with Bell Services.
After playing at Stormalong Bay and working up an appetite, I highly encourage you to enjoy a dinner at
Beaches & Cream Soda Shop. It's one of my family's favorite restaurants. Their grilled cheese sandwich is amazing, and I'd definitely encourage you to save room for a Kitchen Sink. Mmm...so yummy!
Please let us know if you have any other questions as you're preparing for your trip, Jessica. I hope you have a truly magical vacation!
Missy