1 or 2 Bedroom

[Stitch1404]

My parents are DVC members, and they always take the whole family with them when they travel. They have invited my sister and I to take our little ones to Disney next year and they will use their points for our accomodations. My first question is: are my sister and I crazy to go alone? Neither of our husbands would be joining. It would be myself (22) and my DD6 and DS1 and my sister (27) and her DD4 and DS1. So 2 adults and 4 kids under the age of 7. I think we can handle it, but I'm not entirely convinced.

My second question is what size accomodation we should get. Even though there are 6 of us I guess we would be allowed in a 1 bedroom since two of the kids are under three, but I think it would be a little too close and not really enough beds. Also, does anyone have any suggestions as to sleeping arrangements in either a 1 or 2 bedroom? I don't want to use more of my parent's points than I need to, but I also don't want to be packed into a room that is too small for us. I have stayed in both 1 and 2 bedrooms before so I know the layout, but I just can't decide which we need.

Regarding bedding, can we get bed rails for the beds? My niece tends to fall out of bed a lot and she has rails on her bed at home. Also, is there only one pack 'n play in the room? Would we be able to request a second so each of the boys could have their own?

Finally, what DVC property would you choose for us?

Sorry this is so long, but any help or answers to any of the questions would be appreciated!

 

[TinkGirl]

If your parents have the points, I would go for a two bedroom. I know young kids come with a lot of stuff. We are a family of five. Right now we are staying in one bedrooms, but we will soon move up to two. I can't imagine two cribs, toys, packs of diapers, etc. to deal with. Have a great time! I would've loved to do this with my sister. At least you both have young kids, so it's not like you're holding each other back.

 

[Chuck S]

I'm not sure 6 would be allowed in a one bedroom, but if MS does allow it, I still think it would be very cramped and uncomfortable. I very much recommend a two bedroom for your own comfort.

 

[twister]

4 children that age at Disney doesn't sound like a good time to me. Nothing sadder then to see a child at 7:00 pm in the parks, stressed out, being drug around in the heat to "have fun".

I would suggest a 2 bedroom, so that the adults can each have an area for their children for nap times. If possible try to book the BCV to take advantage of the SAB pool. Your children are the perfect age to spend a day at the pool while the moms just enjoy the afternoon.

IMO a child under 3 doesn't really enjoy the parks more then about 2-4 hours a day.

 

[DisFlan]

Definitely a 2 bedroom. You'll be glad you did. As has been mentioned, a whole day in a park is hard on very small kids. You'll be spending quite a bit of time in or around your villa, so you'll be glad you have the space of a 2-bedroom..

Yes, you can get bed rails - call housekeeping. There's one pak 'n play crib per villa, but I'm sure you can get another one.

You'll have to do some homework and decide which resort looks best for you as to pools, distance from parks, dining availability etc. They're all very nice, but some are closer to parks, some offer a wider dining variety, and some offer more elaborate pools. Be aware that if you're interested in the StormAlong Bay pool complex at Beach Club, you'll have to stay there to use it.

Have a good trip!


DisFlan

 

[dianeschlicht]

Get the 2 bedroom so each family can have their own space. I do agree that 4 small children with 2 adults does NOT sound like a vacation to me!

 

[DisFlan]

Get the 2 bedroom so each family can have their own space. I do agree that 4 small children with 2 adults does NOT sound like a vacation to me!

Well, no, it doesn't to me, either. But maybe stitch1404 and her sister have a LOT of energy. They'll need it. We only had one kid, and we waited until he was 6 - past the stroller and nap age. I needed a nap, but he didn't.

DisFlan

 

[JimMIA]

Whenever we consider this 1BR/2BR question, everybody always remembers the sleeping arrangements, space, etc. Don't forget that a two-bedroom is also a two-BATHROOM!

I'd go two bedroom or two studios.

 

[Stitch1404]

My sister and I are extremely, extremely close. I have only been out of my parent's house for 2 years (I'm 22) since I just got married (but that's another story!!). My sister moved out 5 years ago. Up until that point we shared a room from the time I was born. We are pretty much as close as I can see two sisters being. That said, I think this trip should be great. We are planning minimal park time. We want a vacation, not a comprehensive Disney theme park experience. We are planning to probably go to the parks for a few hours when they open (the kids don't sleep past 7) and then head to the pool. We will then have dinner either in the villa or somewhere out of a park. We want the kids to get to see the parks, but we also just want all the cousins to spend time together. They are all little water babies, so pool time will be great!

We are definitely going to do the two bedroom. Each family will have a room (including a bathroom!) and then when the kids are napping in the rooms we can be in the common room doing laundry, watching tv, etc. We also plan on using the childcare programs one night for sis and I to enjoy Epcot. Then another night we will use the sitter service for the boys and take the girls to the Magic Kingdom...this is all coming together!

Now I am just trying to decide between BCV and VWL. I initially though VWL since it is so convenient to Magic Kingdom which is where I am sure we will spend most of our time with the kids. But now I am leaning toward BCV in order to have Stormalong Bay. We will probably rent a car so I guess anywhere would be fine. Should I go with BCV or VWL? Also, what month would you suggest for low crowds and good swimming weather?

Thanks for all the advice so far!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Depending on WHEN you want to travel and how far ahead you can reserve it, availability might determin which resort you stay at. I do think with kids the ages of yours, I would opt for VWL this time to be close to MK.

 

[Stitch1404]

Depending on WHEN you want to travel and how far ahead you can reserve it, availability might determin which resort you stay at. I do think with kids the ages of yours, I would opt for VWL this time to be close to MK.

My parents have points at Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, and Beach Club Villas so they could reserve those 11 months out. I am not sure what kind of a chance we would have at VWL 7 months out. We are not sure when we want to go yet, I am thinking next May might be nice. That will give my parents time to book using the 11 month window at BCV and that way the kids will be older. Also, I am thinking it won't be too crowded and then if we want to try to switch to VWL at 7 months we might have a pretty good chance.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I agree that May should be an easier time. Happy booking and trip planning!

 

[NJOYURLIFE]

You should have a good time. It will be nice just being together. I am sure you already know how energenic your children are and can plan accordingly.