4 adults + 1 year old in a studio?

[robinb]

This thread made me decide this morning to switch from a BLT studio to a 1 bedroom at Kidani for January because we will be 4 adults and a 9 month old. I'd been worried about the space with a studio too and this thread was the deciding factor in changing my mind. I had to buy 8 one time use points but I think we will all be happier.

Thanks for posting this question

Heather, you made the right choice. The BLT studios are TINY! Our family of 3 was cramped.

 

[DebbieB]

No, No, NO! YOU get the bedroom and the in-laws get the fold out. Your points, you get the master bedroom.

Nothing wrong with being curteous to the parent in-laws, they haven't been on a vacation in 34 years. If it was brother or sister in-law or other relatives/friends, I would agree.

 

[Pirate4Ever]

This thread made me decide this morning to switch from a BLT studio to a 1 bedroom at Kidani for January because we will be 4 adults and a 9 month old. I'd been worried about the space with a studio too and this thread was the deciding factor in changing my mind. I had to buy 8 one time use points but I think we will all be happier.

Thanks for posting this question

I'm glad my dilemma has helped you out as well! Its funny how something sounds so reasonable in your head for a long time, but once you put it out there, you realize how nuts you were for even considering it. When I posted this question last night, I was convinced that what we were doing would be no big deal. But after hearing everyone's thoughts and really, REALLY thinking about the possibility of cramming us all in a studio, I realize how crazy an idea it really was.

The advice here is priceless- I had NO idea about the funky bathroom door situation at OKW. Very important to know!

 

[castleri]

Loving all the input- thank you all very much!



So since you've all been so helpful tonight, I have 1 last question: what order would you put these 1 bdr villas in for 2 Disney Vets, 2 Disney Rookies, and 1 beautiful 1 year old girl? Can't book until 7 month window for 7 days end of July- beginning of August:

-Kidani (or AKL - standard view for either)
-SSR
-OKW
-Boardwalk (standard view)

Kidani standard view
OKW
SSR
BWV
Jambo AKV

With the 1 BR you have the advantage of the Washer Dryer in the room and a full kitchen for breakfast and maybe snacks in the evening. If the ILs will babysit one night so you and your wife could go out for a couple of hours it is easier with a 1 BR than 2 studios.

 

[DisneyHeather]

I'm glad my dilemma has helped you out as well! Its funny how something sounds so reasonable in your head for a long time, but once you put it out there, you realize how nuts you were for even considering it. When I posted this question last night, I was convinced that what we were doing would be no big deal. But after hearing everyone's thoughts and really, REALLY thinking about the possibility of cramming us all in a studio, I realize how crazy an idea it really was.

The advice here is priceless- I had NO idea about the funky bathroom door situation at OKW. Very important to know!

Yeah I agree I'd been thinking about it for awhile too. And now knowing we'll have a full kitchen and can do dinner or better breakfasts than just cereal and have two bathrooms I wonder why I ever thought a studio would work with so many adults.

I'm keeping my studio at VGC for next June but that will be two adults and two kids so that should be fine.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

My concern is obviously space. Will it be too crowded to move around in the morning? We're not planning on spending hours and hours in the room, but will probably be back for naps in the afternoon. Hopefully your one year old will be on your schedule, if not good luck!

If you haven't done it, am I crazy for considering it? Or am I worrying about nothing? Crazy, yes. I woudn't, certainly not with a one year old and not for 7 long days, you should worry!

The fact that you are on these boards asking the question shows that you had concerns . I would book a one bedroom at the very least (for me a 2br )so that everyone could be somewhat comfortable and have a bit of privacy. In my case, I prefer to have shorter, more comfortable stays but to each his own! 5 in a studio for 7 days, for me, can't do it, I'd stay home, all kidding aside! I snore, my son talks in his sleep, 10 year old grinds her teeth, Disney toilets have the loudest flushes heard around the world, may as well put me in the looney bin!

We just returned from Kidani, and the extra bathroom is is a great addition.

P.S. Ist vacation in 34 years, even if they are your in-laws, give em a break, if you still book a studio, give them the option of sleeping in the car!

We were 6 and just returned from a stay at Kidani, a 2 bedroom (everyone got their own bed, sleeper chair, great) and having 3, yes count them 3 bathrooms was fantastic! 3 adults, 2 14 year old boys and a 10 year old girl, we needed 3 bathrooms!

 

[bethy]

First vacation in 34 years, I would get them their own studio. Pay cash if you have to.

Ditto to this.

Unlike many DVC'ers we are not space snobs (meant fondly, not with a mean spirit). For example we just spent 4 nights in a VGC studio with our 3 young children and it was great. We stay in hotels all the time and so are cozy and fine sharing a room with our kids - it's actually fun like a slumber party b/c it's different from home.

But I would not share a room with another adult couple. Pretty much ever. And if this is their first vacation in 34 years (holy. cow.) then they really, really deserve their own space to truly RELAX. It would be soooo worth it. If you love your IL's as much as I love mine then I personally would even give up the following year at WDW to make that happen for them.

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

I would strongly consider the 1 BR. Four adults and an infant in a studio for 7 days is a lot. Maybe alter your trip and stay only Sunday through Thursday nights to save points. I think it would be well worth it. Also, after a few nights the sleeper sofas are not too comfortable. We borrow from our next UY a lot and so far we are still able to take 2+ trips per year. If you can get a value room at AK, those usually have the lowest points. Good luck...

 

[bethy]

No, No, NO! YOU get the bedroom and the in-laws get the fold out. Your points, you get the master bedroom.

For our family this would be true with most guests. But not for our beloved parents or IL's who are getting on in years. I would want them to be able to get away for breaks from our family and our kids. Plus it's just a respect thing - they are our elders and therefore get the private bedroom. Plus, in this case: 34. YEARS.

That said, I would aim for two seperate studios instead. My IL's and parents are very helpful with our 3 children but at the end of the day they need a break and our family enjoys some down time with just us. I handle my 3 kids just fine at home alone all day and so with my DH in the picture on vacation I'm already getting way more help than usual. And if I wanted someone to help with the kids so I could get privacy with my DH then I'd need more space between us all than just being in the other room.

 

[daisyduck123]

But I would not share a room with another adult couple. Pretty much ever.

This. I get along great with my in-laws, but everyone needs their privacy. And sharing a bathroom with them? Not gonna happen ever.

 

[bethy]

One more thing, borrowing from next year's points won't necessarily preclude you from vacationing next year. Just borrow again from teh following years' points. We do it all the time and then once in a while take a year off and vacation somewhere else to catch up again. Or we rent points. No biggie.

 

[Anthony1971]

what are the ages...
AK--both sides-- has a lot to do if they do not go to the parks everday -- and likely they will not-- but both can be a lot of walking when they go to the parks.
SSR and OKW you can request a room near a bus stop both--OKW near HH has a greta boat ride.. SSR DTD is very close and easy for them to go to. Both have nice grounds.
BWV I would stay away from it is a lot of walking or you will be taking a very very slow boat to close places... I also always felt sort of trapped if I was not going to the parks very very slow to DTD nothing doing on the BW in the day.
OKW, SSR and AK have always been hits with me for the older folks-- but they did complian about the walk at AK
BW never again with Older people

 

[Disney Princess]

I think you made the right choice! Normally I suggest two studios so that people truly have their own space, but I think you'll enjoy the 1 BR.

I think the 1BR will be better than two studios for a couple of reasons:
1) The W/D will be a huge blessing with a 1 yo.
2) You'll have the full kitchen if you want to prepare meals to save money/time.
3) The in-laws will be around to help with the baby if you need.


Having given my opinion, I definitely would put Kidani at the top of the list - for the bathrooms alone. I think having the extra bathroom makes things soooooo much easier. I think as large as the resort is, you shouldn't have a problem getting a 1 BR there in SOME view.

My second choice would be BLT - again for the bathroom. I know it wasn't on your list, but that bathroom is so handy.

From there, the other 1 BR are basically the same (layout wise). I'd pick for theme or location. Whatever appeals to your group most.

Enjoy the trip!!

 

[madelyn]

Didn't see that anyone mentioned the HUGE laundry room at OKW. The pack n play could actually fit in there and the door closed in case the baby went to sleep earlier than the adults in the living room. I have read people who say a twin sized air mattress can fit in that laundry room! We have stayed in a 1 bedroom at OKW and both times have requested the bathroom access through the laundry room (that could be a problem if baby slept in there though). The 2 bathrooms at Kidani are great too though.

 

[BabsBunny]

Don't feel bad. Sometimes I get a futz in the brain and fail to look outside of the box which leaves me in a "what were you thinking?" moment.

I would say go with the AKV Kidani standard.

1. As you've mentioned, the kitchen saves a lot of money. And honestly, sometimes you just don't feel like eating out three meals a day.
2. The extra bathroom is priceless. Especially when everyone is trying to get ready to hit the parks in the morning.
3. I think your parents will love the atmosphere. It's so nice to go downstairs in that public room and sit outside or inside and watch the animals.

Also, if you are concerned about how many points it's going to run you, you might want to consider 5 or 6 nights and cut off a Friday or Saturday night.

Have a great time.

 

[Sammie]

I agree with Kindani, the extra bathroom will really make things easier on everyone.

 

[Pirate4Ever]

One more thing, borrowing from next year's points won't necessarily preclude you from vacationing next year. Just borrow again from teh following years' points. We do it all the time and then once in a while take a year off and vacation somewhere else to catch up again. Or we rent points. No biggie.

We had this epiphany last night when we realized that we are going to have to take a year off in the next 2-4 years when we have another little one. That made the 1 bdr decision a lot easier.

what are the ages...
AK--both sides-- has a lot to do if they do not go to the parks everday -- and likely they will not-- but both can be a lot of walking when they go to the parks.
SSR and OKW you can request a room near a bus stop both--OKW near HH has a greta boat ride.. SSR DTD is very close and easy for them to go to. Both have nice grounds.
BWV I would stay away from it is a lot of walking or you will be taking a very very slow boat to close places... I also always felt sort of trapped if I was not going to the parks very very slow to DTD nothing doing on the BW in the day.
OKW, SSR and AK have always been hits with me for the older folks-- but they did complian about the walk at AK
BW never again with Older people

DGPs are 53 and 54. Large, spread out resorts are no problem, but I agree that we probably want a room near a bus stop at SSR or OKW. We've stayed in the Grandstand area at SSR before and LOVED that it was the first bus stop. What is the first stop at OKW?

I think you made the right choice! Normally I suggest two studios so that people truly have their own space, but I think you'll enjoy the 1 BR.

I think the 1BR will be better than two studios for a couple of reasons:
1) The W/D will be a huge blessing with a 1 yo.
2) You'll have the full kitchen if you want to prepare meals to save money/time.
3) The in-laws will be around to help with the baby if you need.


Having given my opinion, I definitely would put Kidani at the top of the list - for the bathrooms alone. I think having the extra bathroom makes things soooooo much easier. I think as large as the resort is, you shouldn't have a problem getting a 1 BR there in SOME view.

My second choice would be BLT - again for the bathroom. I know it wasn't on your list, but that bathroom is so handy.

From there, the other 1 BR are basically the same (layout wise). I'd pick for theme or location. Whatever appeals to your group most.

Enjoy the trip!!

Love your analysis and I agree- while we're treating the DGP's to a trip we do have the ulterior motive of having some help with our DD. Someone brought up the idea of actually having them watch her while Mom and Dad escape for a few hours and that's exactly what we'd like to do one night.

Thanks for the input!

Don't feel bad. Sometimes I get a futz in the brain and fail to look outside of the box which leaves me in a "what were you thinking?" moment.

I would say go with the AKV Kidani standard.

1. As you've mentioned, the kitchen saves a lot of money. And honestly, sometimes you just don't feel like eating out three meals a day.
2. The extra bathroom is priceless. Especially when everyone is trying to get ready to hit the parks in the morning.
3. I think your parents will love the atmosphere. It's so nice to go downstairs in that public room and sit outside or inside and watch the animals.

Also, if you are concerned about how many points it's going to run you, you might want to consider 5 or 6 nights and cut off a Friday or Saturday night.

Have a great time.

Thanks! Also great points. I really think the 2nd bathroom is quite a big deal- my DW not so much. We stayed at Kidani, but didn't get to spend a lot of time actually enjoying the resort. We know that the DGP's would LOVE the grounds. I also like the pool area a lot, especially the kiddie area much more than the pictures I've seen at say, OKW. We also like the bus service here as it was the first AKL stop so we always got a seat on the bus. Our only concern is the distance from the parks.

 

[BabsBunny]

I say eh! what's another 10 minutes on the bus?

So now the next question we need to answer for you is where to go for dinner sans child. Back in 2003 (before we owned DVC), we stayed in a 3 bedroom 2.5 bath condo a few miles from WDW (for $500 for a week lol), and my in laws drove up and stayed a couple nights. Our kids were little, and it was such a treat to be able to have a quiet dinner at CG.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...DGPs are 53 and 54. Large, spread out resorts are no problem, but I agree that we probably want a room near a bus stop at SSR or OKW. ....

They are kids! No need to treat them like they are old people. They are far from old.

 

[quirty30]

Totally agree with the post about borrowing - I never have any qualms about borrowing points because eventually I won't need to - even if I get to the last year of my contract - then I'll have one less year of Disney trips when I'm like 95 years old!!!!

I think the 1BR at Kidani was a great choice. Your in-laws are very young grandparents and they can likely handle a long walk to the room if need be. And you'll really like having the full kitchen and washer/dryer with a little one. I stayed in a 1BR there last month with my 2 kids and we LOVED all the space and I LOVED having that big huge SPA-LIKE master bathroom all to myself. (For what it's worth, 1 bathroom for 4 adults would be a dealbreaker for me at ANY resort.)

The sleeper chairs and sofas at AKV are very comfortable. I've hung out in the living room with the kids close to bedtime and I actually fell asleep on one of them while watching TV. I think they have memory foam mattresses (sure felt like it anyway.)