1br or 2 studios?

[jnsolomon]

For about the same money, I can pay cash through Disney for a 1BR theme park view at BLT or 2 standard rooms at Wilderness Lodge(not technically a studio) The party consists of myself, my wife, DD3, DS1, MIL, and FIL. If I went with the Wilderness Lodge option, we would still stay at BLT the first night.

PROS for BLT option
Can walk to MK and monorail to EPCOT
Have washer and dryer, and would use the kitchen somewhat
Have excellent view of Wishes, especially since I probably won't keep the kids out too late.
Would have the living room
We are thinking of buying at BLT so this would be a good chance to preview
Zero entry pool


PROS for WL
Adults would have more privacy

We get along great with my in-laws and I don't think it will be an issue to stay in close quarters. My kids spend a lot of time with them. My wife and I would be on the sofabed, but from most reports I expect it to be fairly comfortable. Essentially I am leaning very much toward the BLT option as we would still have at least semi-private sleeping arrangements. (unlike staying in a single hotel room with two queen beds). It has been many years since we have been to Disney and we stayed offsite then. I am hoping someone with more experience can chime in. Thanks in advance.

 

[Chuck S]

Only you and your inlaws can really answer the question as to how comfortable you'd be, and any privacy issues.

I think depends upon the length of your vacation, too.

Even the best of friends occasionally need a little time away from each other. On the other hand, the convenience of the washer/dryer in a 1 bedroom for the young'uns may outweigh the privacy concerns.

 

[Disneypubgal]

For about the same money, I can pay cash through Disney for a 1BR theme park view at BLT or 2 standard rooms at Wilderness Lodge(not technically a studio) The party consists of myself, my wife, DD3, DS1, MIL, and FIL. If I went with the Wilderness Lodge option, we would still stay at BLT the first night.

PROS for BLT option
Can walk to MK and monorail to EPCOT
Have washer and dryer, and would use the kitchen somewhat
Have excellent view of Wishes, especially since I probably won't keep the kids out too late.
Would have the living room
We are thinking of buying at BLT so this would be a good chance to preview
Zero entry pool


PROS for WL
Adults would have more privacy

We get along great with my in-laws and I don't think it will be an issue to stay in close quarters. My kids spend a lot of time with them. My wife and I would be on the sofabed, but from most reports I expect it to be fairly comfortable. Essentially I am leaning very much toward the BLT option as we would still have at least semi-private sleeping arrangements. (unlike staying in a single hotel room with two queen beds). It has been many years since we have been to Disney and we stayed offsite then. I am hoping someone with more experience can chime in. Thanks in advance.

You don't mention how long you will be going for!!!!

 

[jnsolomon]

You don't mention how long you will be going for!!!!

Sorry I left that part out, obviously this is an important consideration. Anyway, we are staying eight nights

 

[mecllap]

Depending on how long you're staying, sounds like BLT would be the better option -- especially with two toddlers (lots less stroller folding) -- just for the laundry and kitchen. (Not sure "an excellent view of Wishes" is guaranteed with a theme park view -- that may vary from unit to unit).

WL would give you daily housekeeping, which BLT will not, if that matters. But, for me, the kitchen (snacks, leftovers, breakfast, beverages, etc. -- even if you don't cook full meals) and laundry would tilt the scales to BLT (and staying there more than one night would give you a better feel for it for the future).

 

[Sandisw]

Have you priced out the 2 bedroom? Is it that much more? My only concern would be that you and your DW are in the living room, the common space shared with the kitchen. Will that cause any level of discomfort if your in-laws wake up earlier than you and decide to make coffee, etc.?

Personally, I would opt for the 2 hotel rooms or try to upgrade to the 2 bedroom.

Good luck!

 

[Claire L]

At least the BLT 1 bed has two bathrooms so that eases problems that may have occured in other 1 beds. Either way with 2 bedrooms at WL or the 1 bed at BLT there would be no 'communal meeting' area, at least with the 1 bed you would not have to worry about being far apart.

Claire

 

[Deb & Bill]

The BLT one bedroom, while it sleeps five (plus the one under the age of three), will be terribly crowded. Four adults, two small children are too many for this small space. The space in this villa isn't much different from the other one bedroom villas (other than OKW). We had three adults and one pre-teen in a SSR one bedroom (we had tried to get a two bedroom and the waitlist never came through) and we were uncomfortable.

Two separate families, no matter how good you get along, need their own space. Get a two bedroom.

If you go with two studios, there is no guarantee that they will be close to each other. The BLT studios are wierd. The kitchenette and bathroom sink are in the same space. Poor design to make it all fit in the small space allocated.

 

[5forDiz]

Guessing this is going to be somewhere in $3 - 4 thousand range just for accommodations part of this trip?(or maybe even more depending upon what time of year you're planning to travel)......I'd seriously think about putting that $ towards purchasing DVC membership even if it means postponing trip for a bit especially since your kids are quite young, owning DVC would take care of your accommodations expense in upcoming years.

 

[jnsolomon]

The BLT one bedroom, while it sleeps five (plus the one under the age of three), will be terribly crowded. Four adults, two small children are too many for this small space. The space in this villa isn't much different from the other one bedroom villas (other than OKW). We had three adults and one pre-teen in a SSR one bedroom (we had tried to get a two bedroom and the waitlist never came through) and we were uncomfortable.

Two separate families, no matter how good you get along, need their own space. Get a two bedroom.

Definitely would love a 2br, but while during October points-wise, it is "only" 73 points to upgrade from 1br to 2br, CRO wants an aditional $2500 for that type of upgrade. Definitely can't pay cash for a 2br. If I had gotten my ducks in a row a few months ago, I would have rented enough points for the 2br. Since a 2br really isn't an option, may need to look more at two hotel rooms instead. Thanks

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would go with the BLT 1 bedroom. I haven't stayed in one of course, but I really like the way the models look and can't wait to stay there. I'm not sure that I would "go" with your sleeping arrangements. See how large the master bedroom is, maybe you'll be able to fit the pack and play for your youngest in there or somehow use the master bath to accomodate your whole family (you would need a sleeping bag or something for your 3 year old) and give the living room to your in laws.

Having that extra bathroom off the living room makes me think the 1 bedroom would be fine for you. I know that would be my choice....even as a DMiL (I really want to stay at BLT!)! (This is coming from someone who absolutely loves the Wilderness Lodge, it is far and away my favorite on site property.)

Bobbi

 

[jnsolomon]

Guessing this is going to be somewhere in $3 - 4 thousand range just for accommodations part of this trip?(or maybe even more depending upon what time of year you're planning to travel)......I'd seriously think about putting that $ towards purchasing DVC membership even if it means postponing trip for a bit especially since your kids are quite young, owning DVC would take care of your accommodations expense in upcoming years.

Hmm...Definitely a good thought. I am paying about $3400 for a 1br and the point cost would be 287. When looking at all the costs associated with a contract (contract cost, mf's, time value of money), I figure I would be paying roughly $8 per point per year to buy DVC. Thus if I was a member I would be paying 287 x 8= $2296 for a week stay, saving about $1100. If I bought a 300 point contract now, I would have saved $1100 or $3.66 per point. That is a nice little savings, but for me, probably not enough to make me want to buy ahead of time, sight unseen, having only been to the World once ten years ago. Do you think I am looking at these numbers correctly?

To take it one step further, if I wanted a 2br Lakeview, CRO's discounted price is $5662 including tax, while the points for same stay would be 313. Doing the same math, a member pays $2504, or saves $3158 , which on a 320 point contract equates to about a $10 per point discount. That really makes me pause. Decisions, decisions.

Thanks

 

[PKWallaby]

You said: " If I went with the Wilderness Lodge option, we would still stay at BLT the first night."

I say: "If you stay at BLT the first night, you will not want to leave...."

Go with BLT...it's new, it's a one bedroom with a kitchen and 2 bathrooms...your family will make it work. You say you haven't been to WDW in 10 years? With a three and one year old, you better start making plans to keep going back (dvc, dvC, dVC, DVC!!)

PS, I agree with bobbiwoz: in-laws on the pullout, family in the master bedroom...I love my in-laws, but if I'm payin', they are on the couch!

 

[Disneypubgal]

Hmm...Definitely a good thought. I am paying about $3400 for a 1br and the point cost would be 287. When looking at all the costs associated with a contract (contract cost, mf's, time value of money), I figure I would be paying roughly $8 per point per year to buy DVC. Thus if I was a member I would be paying 287 x 8= $2296 for a week stay, saving about $1100. If I bought a 300 point contract now, I would have saved $1100 or $3.66 per point. That is a nice little savings, but for me, probably not enough to make me want to buy ahead of time, sight unseen, having only been to the World once ten years ago. Do you think I am looking at these numbers correctly?

To take it one step further, if I wanted a 2br Lakeview, CRO's discounted price is $5662 including tax, while the points for same stay would be 313. Doing the same math, a member pays $2504, or saves $3158 , which on a 320 point contract equates to about a $10 per point discount. That really makes me pause. Decisions, decisions.


hanks

If you bought DVC, why wouldn't you start with with a smaller contract and bank and borrow... And buy more pts later? This way you wouldn't have a lrge 300 pt contract which is harder to sell down the road... If you bought into DVC now they may be able to accomodate your room requirements for October... just my two cents...

 

[SCDizneyDawn]

I would like to point out that on cash stays you WILL get daily housekeeping.

Also, I do not think many rooms (if any) are availabe in October at BLT, so a DVC purchase may not help you for this year.

 

[DenLo]

For about the same money, I can pay cash through Disney for a 1BR theme park view at BLT or 2 standard rooms at Wilderness Lodge(not technically a studio) The party consists of myself, my wife, DD3, DS1, MIL, and FIL. If I went with the Wilderness Lodge option, we would still stay at BLT the first night.

PROS for BLT option
Can walk to MK and monorail to EPCOT
Have washer and dryer, and would use the kitchen somewhat
Have excellent view of Wishes, especially since I probably won't keep the kids out too late.
Would have the living room
We are thinking of buying at BLT so this would be a good chance to preview
Zero entry pool


PROS for WL
Adults would have more privacy

We get along great with my in-laws and I don't think it will be an issue to stay in close quarters. My kids spend a lot of time with them. My wife and I would be on the sofabed, but from most reports I expect it to be fairly comfortable. Essentially I am leaning very much toward the BLT option as we would still have at least semi-private sleeping arrangements. (unlike staying in a single hotel room with two queen beds). It has been many years since we have been to Disney and we stayed offsite then. I am hoping someone with more experience can chime in. Thanks in advance.

Have the in-laws ever spent 8 days with your family in a 1 BR suite before? Since you get along so well with the in-laws I'd worry that 8 days of togetherness might change that.

Also wondering how much room you'll have for the pack 'n play in the living room with the couch and chair made up into beds. Are we talking wall to wall furniture? That could be interesting with late night trips to the bathroom or to get a bottle. And since you plan on using the living room as a living room that means folding up everything each morning. Opening up the pack 'n play and chair bed for naps each noon. And everyone having to be quiet while the kids sleep.

But I do think being near Magic Kingdom would be best for your family. It's a shame you and the in-laws couldn't combine monies for a larger 2 BR, if one is still available.

As far as buying into DVC, we too had to see the World first again after many a year absence. Then we turned around and went again 3 months later! Both on cash. Couldn't turn down the Free day on your Birthday promo (used the Birthday Fast Passes). Actually we had purchased our BLT points a month before the June trip, but still couldn't use them since BLT has not opened yet.

Good luck on whatever decision you make. Perhaps you should ask the in-laws and your DW which one they would be more comfortable with?