2x studios or 1x 2bdr?

[UK mum of 4]

We are planning a trip for next summer, 2A and 4C
We can stay 10 nights in a 2bed or 15 nights in 2 studios.
Has anyone ever split their family over 2 studios (1A in each room) ? Would you recommend it?
Thanks

 

[MinnieLee]

How old are the children?

If you split between two studios, I assume you are doing two children in one bed and one adult in the pull out. You could request that the two studios would be close in proximity but there is no guarantee.

In the two bedroom, you could all be together, have the living room and kitchen to hang out in. Also, the washing machine is right there. You would all be together in the morning to plan the day and get going at the same time without thinking about what stage the other room is at - who is awake, who is using the shower, etc.


It's a tough choice. Once they get older (high school, college, work, marriage) it really is hard getting everyone together for a family vacation. Take advantage of the time when you can.

 

[UK mum of 4]

How old are the children?

If you split between two studios, I assume you are doing two children in one bed and one adult in the pull out.

In the two bedroom, you could all be together, have the living room and kitchen to hang out in. Also, the washing machine is right there. You would all be together in the morning to plan the day and get going at the same time without thinking about what stage the other room is at - who is awake, who is using the shower, etc.

It's a tough choice. Once they get older (high school, college, work, marriage) it really is hard getting everyone together for a family vacation. Take advantage of the time when you can.

They are 2,4,7 and 9 so we would have to split the adults, having only stayed in hotel rooms before we're not sure how much we would use the living space but the washing machine would definitely be helpful. Just can't help thinking that 15 nights would be so much better than 10

 

[rlovew]

Only you can make this decision but remember that studios can't be connecting and even with a travel with on the reservations your studios may be on opposite sides of the resort- if this would be a burden or troubling for you - you may prefer less time with the studios. With one of your children at age 2 (if they are still 2 for the trip you would have the possibility of staying in a 1 bedroom at AKV (not value), OKW, or BLT since they all have the sleeper chairs and sleep 5 +1 under 3. Again you would have to think about the space. With children that age I wouldn't want to be across the resort from my spouse and I probably wouldn't want to feel like I was on a separate vacation but that is your decision.

 

[crisi]

I want to repeat what rlovew said - there are no connecting studios and you could end up on the other end of the resort from each other. Even at a small resort, you could end up on the first floor at VWL while your spouse and the remaining kids are on the fourth - at the other end of the building. At a place like SSR, it could be half a mile apart - or more.

 

[BestDadEver]

I would get a 2BR you get all the extras , and you get to hang with the whole family. Plus your rooms are likely to be quite far from each other .

 

[MinnieLee]

They are 2,4,7 and 9 so we would have to split the adults, having only stayed in hotel rooms before we're not sure how much we would use the living space but the washing machine would definitely be helpful. Just can't help thinking that 15 nights would be so much better than 10

In that case, I would take the two bedroom. You don't want "I want my Mommy/Daddy" in the middle of the night. It really would be like taking a vacation together but apart. What about a compromise of 12/13 nights in a two bedroom? With little ones those ages, you would use the living space. You could even save a bit by packing cereal, muffins, english muffins and pick up perishables when there. Might save a bit on dining where you can go the extra couple of days. Yes, the washing machine would come in handy. 15 nights would be fantastic but..........................

 

[backyardponder]

You haven't said what resort you are planning to stay at. Different resorts have significantly different point charts. For example, it takes a lot less points to stay at OKW than BLT.

Folks can give you better advise if they know your home resort and specific plans.

 

[LoveMickey]

I would get a 2BR you get all the extras , and you get to hang with the whole family. Plus your rooms are likely to be quite far from each other .

And the 2 bedroom units have much larger living areas. Our recent stays at Kidani and VWL, we had much more room in the 2nd bedroom than we've had in a studio.

Both places were dedicated 2 bedrooms, meaning no outside hall door in the second bedroom. Each of these had 2 queen size beds in the 2nd bedroom, own private bath and plenty of closet space.

Most Studios (except OKW) would only have one bed and the couch.

Our 2nd bedroom (not dedicated) stay at BCV, had the kitchenette in the second bedroom and just one bed and a couch.

Each one could be closed off with it's own door for complete privacy.

Kidani also has the option of the sleeper chair in the living room area along with the sleeper sofa.

 

[Kidanifan08]

Based on your username, I am assuming you will be coming from the UK. I can see why you want to maximize your time at WDW. I do have to agree with others, that you probably should do the two bedroom to have the closeness and the amenities.

Other alternatives include rlovew's idea of one of the 1BR units that sleeps 5 + 1 under 3 (if your youngest will still fit that criteria). Then you could do 4-5 days in the 1BR followed by 8-10 days in a 2BR. You could also start in 2 studios for 2-3 nights (perhaps at VWL, which is smaller and close to MK) and then move to a 2BR. Or, you could do 3-4 nights on cash at AOA or a value and then move to the 2BR.

Enjoy planning!

 

[WilsonFlyer]

There is no comparison between a 2BR and a studio. Period. End of story.

 

[SpaceMountain77]

Although I am all about longer stays and maximizing points, I suspect that two studios would be very challenging for a family of 6 if they are not adjacent.

The only way I could see this working would be if you were able to book 2 value studios at AKV - Jambo House. You would have the assurance of knowing that both rooms would be on the same floor and there would be a good possibility that both would be down the same trail.

However, securing 2 value studios for 16 days would certainly require AKV ownership.

 

[MinnieLovesMickey12]

I would stay in a one bedroom at OKW. It sleeps 5 plus one under 3. It requires the lowest points of any of the DVC rooms. Then you could stay longer than 15 nights because a one bedroom takes less points than 2 studios.

 

[UK mum of 4]

Although I am all about longer stays and maximizing points, I suspect that two studios would be very challenging for a family of 6 if they are not adjacent.

The only way I could see this working would be if you were able to book 2 value studios at AKV - Jambo House. You would have the assurance of knowing that both rooms would be on the same floor and there would be a good possibility that both would be down the same trail.

However, securing 2 value studios for 16 days would certainly require AKV ownership.

We do have AKV ownership but I agree with you that securing 2x value studios could be hard

 

[UK mum of 4]

I would stay in a one bedroom at OKW. It sleeps 5 plus one under 3. It requires the lowest points of any of the DVC rooms. Then you could stay longer than 15 nights because a one bedroom takes less points than 2 studios.

Would I struggle to get a 1 bed at 7 months for next August?

 

[SpaceMountain77]

We do have AKV ownership but I agree with you that securing 2x value studios could be hard

Then you should definitely try! I think this option could work out.

 

[Pirate Granny]

I think you would be able to get one bedroom at OKW in August at 7 months.

 

[WilsonFlyer]

I would stay in a one bedroom at OKW. It sleeps 5 plus one under 3. It requires the lowest points of any of the DVC rooms. Then you could stay longer than 15 nights because a one bedroom takes less points than 2 studios.

That's actually a grand idea. Actually, I don't see why a 1BR at AKK wouldn't work out too.

 

[rlovew]

Would I struggle to get a 1 bed at 7 months for next August?

You should not have trouble getting it but since standard view studios at AKL also hold the same number you can always reserve that to begin with (you might do a night less to make the difference between points) and then switch at 7 months.

 

[pouncingpluto]

I think that the OKW 1-bedroom is a good idea except that I'm not sure if you can have 6 in it, even with one under 3. Someone in another thread was saying that with the one-bedrooms that sleep 5, the limit is just 5, not 5 + 1 under 3. I would check into that before planning on it.

Personally, I can't imagine 15 days in two studios with four kids. We use the kitchen and laundry too much, even with our one-and-only child. Have you looked at the point costs for a 2-bedroom at OKW? Or a value 2-bedroom at AKV? That would be so nice for you guys.