Sleeper Sofa Comforts Questions/Sleeping Logistics

[yekcoh_99]

We just became DVC members and are trying to figure logistics for our first multi-family trip with extended family members. How comfortable are the sleeper sofa's? We will most likely be staying at either BCV or AK. Not sure if there's any difference between the two hotels' sofas, how comfortable they are, do you feel the bar on your back, etc? Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

I also have a "Host" question. I'm just wondering what the popular opinion/practice is on host etiquette when dividing up the rooms/beds in these situations. We're probably doing a 2 bedroom for 9 people (3 are toddlers). Do any of you take the sleeper sofa's so your guests can have the better accommodations? Or do some of you feel they're already getting a free hotel, so they can sleep on the sleeper sofa? We're probably looking at 2 sleeper sofa's. We're already planning on giving up our master bed for my mom who's in her 70's and my sister could sleep with her. I have another sister and her husband (who has a bad back). I was thinking on giving up the other bed to them and taking the sofa, but am getting some push back from my spouse. I just thought it would be the nice thing to do...but am I being too nice??? My back isn't the greatest either.... The other option is to do 3 studios so all of us have beds, but then we won't be together and more importantly, we won't have the larger rooms, the kitchen and washer/dryer.

Thanks in advance for your 2 cents.

[Deb & Bill]

First rule of DVC, the member always gets the master bedroom with the king sized bed.

My son has slept on the BCV sleeper sofa several times and he found it very comfortable. The newer sleeper sofas that DVC has installed don't have a bar that you can feel under you back.

Nine people in at two bedroom villa that isn't OKW will be tight. If you can afford an extra studio, get that for your Mom and sister. Also at OKW, you are guaranteed two queen beds in the second bedroom.

[quirty30]

What she said (see above.) I just returned from BLT with my kids and MIL and that master bedroom was MINE!!!!

I would add that sleeper sofas are best for kids or smaller adults - definitely not good for taller and/or heavier adults - that may factor into your decision.

[mecllap]

We were at SSR in June and my tall DD reported that the sleeper sofa (the "old" kind) was horrible. She got a couple of egg crate pads from mousekeeping which helped. If I'm expecting somewhat iffy sleeping conditions, I take along my own twin-size mattress pad (even flying). DGS used an inflatable twin-size mattress and sleeping bag. It sounds like you have potential for dealing with extra stress -- making sure you, and your guests, get adequate sleep is essential. That's a lot of people in one unit.

[robinb]

I also agree with getting another studio if you can. You can give the people in the studio (your mom and sister) keys to the 2BR so you have one big place to hang out. Then, you get the master bedroom, the other sister and hubby gets the studio side of the 2BR and the kids sleep where ever they fit.

I gave up my master bedroom once so my in-laws could have it and my BIL's family could have the other bedroom. We slept on the couch. It was okay ... but we never felt like we had our own "space". I learned my lesson and I won't do it again. I also put my sister and BIL on the couch once and felt like the common area was their bedroom ... because it was! Their stuff was everywhere.

So, now we try to keep the living room clear of sleepers unless it's just us three and my DD sleeps out there but all her stuff is in the bedroom.

[MiaSRN62]

for short stays (2-3 days max), my teens will be ok with the sleeper sofas. Not our longer 5-7 night stays though. I won't sleep on them. I've tried SSR, OKW, VWl, BWV, AKV (and HH) so far. I wouldn't feel truly comfortable or rested sleeping on them. I think best for younger kids....or with adults, for shorter stays.........

This is why we prefer OKW studios for longer stays....two real beds means no unhappy campers in my family.
Maria

[4Pluto]

I'lll try this again (I must have timed out typing in a response):

My extended family would rather share a villa, even if crowded, than be separated for the trip. So M/D get the MBR, B, SIL, N5 and N3 get the second bedroom and I (Member) sleep in the living room. It works for us, but here are some observations:

1. Check for Number of Bathrooms. AKV Kidani and BLT have 3 bathrooms. I believe the rest of the resorts have 2. That means you get your own bathroom accessible from the living room and a place to keep some of your stuff.

2. Check out the Unit Size. OKW wins this category hands down. The living room is big enough for 2 sofas, a real dining room table with 4 chairs, and lots of space (plus balconies). You can sleep here and feel like you are not monopolizing the entire living room. Also, the full size laundry machines and separate laundry room (not closet) give you even more space (e.g., for changing clothes).

3. Check for bathroom access. Only the higher number OKW units have access from the living room to the bathroom, otherwise, you have to go through someone's bedroom to use the bathroom. Check OKW threads for the exact number.

4. Check for closet space. VWL has a closet in the front hall where you can hang your clothes. SSR does not (just a chest that looks like a coffee table space).

5. Check for privacy. The living room is not private. However, in AKV Jambo, the master bedroom and master bath are separated by a hallway with no door, so that to get from the bedroom to the bath, your guests may want robes.

6. Sleeper sofas. I am a big guy, so sleepers are not my first choice. OKW was an older type, with a thin mattress and bars that you could feel, but worse, it sagged which hurts my back. Frankly, I was happier sleeping on the sofa unopened. VWL was an old style sleeper but with a thicker mattress. AKV was a new mattress and pretty comfortable.

Hope that helps (if this duplicates my first attempt, feel free to ignore).

[MiaSRN62]

OKW was an older type, with a thin mattress and bars that you could feel, but worse, it sagged which hurts my back.

4Pluto....OKW has been replacing their sleeper sofas over the past couple years....I thought they had all been replaced with the new style by this time. My last two stays at OKW 2 bedrooms, both stays had the new style (no more bars) type sleepers.


Maria

[sullymoscow]

Will the sleeper sofa in the studios fit 2 kids (9 and 6) or one adult and one kid? I am beginning to think we may need a one bedroom....

Thanks

[robinb]

Originally Posted by sullymoscow

Will the sleeper sofa in the studios fit 2 kids (9 and 6) or one adult and one kid? I am beginning to think we may need a one bedroom....

Thanks

Studios have a queen sized bed and a full sized pull out sofa. The sofa is the same size as the beds in all Value resorts and most Moderates. It's 6" narrower than the queen size bed in the studio but could easily accommodate 2 kids, 1 kid and 1 adult or even 2 adults.

[Pakey]

We have done 6 adults in a 2br and at OKW, SSR and BCV. It's tolerable at OKW but impossible at the other resorts. Add 3 toddlers to that mix and I don't see anyone enjoying the resort portion of the vacation. IMO, there's not much point in doing it because there is no room for everyone to sit together, which kind of defeats the purpose. Now we do the separate studios and everyone is much happier having their own space, their own privacy. Our last trip, I had 5 studios and everyone agreed it was the best time ever.

Under no circumstances would I ever sleep on the sleeper sofa while giving up a nice bed for non-members.

[ToddyLu]

I would do 3 studios and us the community hall or rockers on the AKV porch for meetings. DH and I have our own studio this trip and we got a studio fro my MIL and BIL to share. Three of us are pooh sized and we just need the space. A 2 br with a studio is also a great idea...getting the laundry and space.....for the expense of a trip to WDW I think you will all be happier.

[4Pluto]

Originally Posted by MiaSRN62

4Pluto....OKW has been replacing their sleeper sofas over the past couple years....I thought they had all been replaced with the new style by this time. My last two stays at OKW 2 bedrooms, both stays had the new style (no more bars) type sleepers.


Maria

All the more reason to love OKW. I was in a Turtle Pond 2BR last October and had the slingbed. Mind you, everyone loved the resort and I'd do it again in a heartbeat, but a new style sleeper would be awesome.