Shadow Ridge vs Desert Springs II with Kids

[TravelTime]

I am looking at staying at one of these over Thanksgiving. These are the two with availability. Between Shadow Ridge and Desert Springs II, which would be most kid friendly? How are the pools? At Shadow Ridge, are the pools walking distance? Are all the pools heated? How do the resorts and rooms compare overall between these two resorts?

 

[BJRSanDiego]

Shadow Ridge has a kiddy water slide. But other than that they are fairly similar. Both have a number of pools and splash pads. I don't think that you can really go wrong with either

I think that there is a minimum age for the SR water slide, and I don't know the age of your children, so I don't know if having a water slide would be a benefit or not.

 

[davidvel]

I am looking at staying at one of these over Thanksgiving. These are the two with availability. Between Shadow Ridge and Desert Springs II, which would be most kid friendly? How are the pools? At Shadow Ridge, are the pools walking distance? Are all the pools heated? How do the resorts and rooms compare overall between these two resorts?

We have owned at Shadow Ridge for over 15 years. Our kids grew up there and learned to swim in the pools. We feel it is superior for kids of all ages to Desert Springs. Here is a link to resort map (note villages are reserved separately from Enclaves which are shown in green on the map.)

Pool G has the small water slide and adjacent to the kid's club (Mirage.) Pool E used to be the adult pool. . . . Best units for access to these pools are buildings 1000-1500. These also were just refurbished/remodeled. 1600, 1700 and 2400 are also good if you have youngers and plan to be at the Mirage a bit, depending on remodel schedule (I'd be surprised if they are remodeling over Thanksgiving.)

 

[TravelTime]

Does anyone have a resort map for a resort map for Desert Springs II? Which would be the best buildings for visiting with kids?

@dioxide45 I saw your videos but would like to ask which resort overall would you recommend with kids who are are 9 and almost 13? They like pools and they love the kids‚ activities at all the MVCs.

We will be there over Thanksgiving this year so I am assuming there might be a few more kids than usual at both resorts but wondering which one might be a better fit for their ages. We are currently booked at DSII but I could re-book to SR. I think SR also has availability.

 

[dioxide45]

There is a link to resort maps for all the properties in the Marriott Vacation Club Timeshare Weeks FAQ & Guide sticky.

As for my opinion on the best resort for kids, I would suggest Marriott's Shadow Ridge. More modern and seems to have more activities. The pools are generally more "resort like".