5 in a Deluxe Studio

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

I know from your original post you want Beach Club or Boardwalk for proximity to HS and Epcot...but have you considered a Poly studio? I think you would enjoy the space in there more!

Price difference for our number of days puts us out of our budget Thanks for the idea, though!!

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Is it frowned upon to leave the strollers on the balcony overnight with a rain cover over them just in case?

Interesting idea, haven't the slightest. Anyone else?

 

[CMNJ]

I’m not sure if it is allowed but I can’t imagine a double jogging stroller fitting on a studio balcony at BWV-they aren’t that large. Perhaps if it was folded up it would fit leaning against the wall or railing but certainly not open. We stay at BWV as a family of 3 (using the sofa bed). We tend to pack heavy and have never had a problem with our suitcases or our stroller (a larger size umbrella type) fitting in the entry space. However, with luggage, a double size jogging stroller plus an umbrella stroller I really think you may have to collapse both strollers inside the room every day to have everything fit. We have seen many people leave double jogging strollers outside of their studios at the Poly (and sometimes other resorts too). I’m always shocked that they leave extremely expensive strollers outside overnight and can only assume they can’t fit them in their studios.

 

[cmwade77]

Personally, I think if you did 5 on a cruise, then you know how to handle your luggage and space very well and shouldn't have a problem with 5 in a studio that is over double that size.

This won't be true for everyone, but again you did it on a cruise, you can do it in a studio and you will be more comfortable than on the cruise. Also remember there is onsite laundry faciliities. In a studio they won't be in the room, but honestly I find I prefer using the laundry facil5, as I can use two or more washers and dryers at once (assuming it isn't busy, I wouldn't do it if others needed them or if it used all of the available washers and dryers) and get the laundry done faster.

 

[crazylady]

We stayed in a Boardwalk studio with 4. Two were tweens. It was really tight. We did have to put the coffee table in front of the lock off door with the couch pillows on it at night. One suitcase we kept closed next to the master bed and we used it as a bedside table. One suitcase was in the closet opened on the luggage rack. One suitcase was closed in the back of the closed. There was a little shelf next to the front door and we kept a rolling carry-on under the shelf. I believe you could park a stroller in the entrance hallway but you'd have to close the double stroller up. I'd suggest only bringing the double stroller and having the kids take turns who gets to walk. Also worth noting is that while the closet is ample, you can only get to half of it easily. It has a sliding door that would not work for over the door hanging things. We stayed 4 nights, I do not think I would want to be that cramped for longer than that.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

However, with luggage, a double size jogging stroller plus an umbrella stroller I really think you may have to collapse both strollers inside the room every day to have everything fit.

We stayed in a Boardwalk studio with 4. Two were tweens. It was really tight. We did have to put the coffee table in front of the lock off door with the couch pillows on it at night. One suitcase we kept closed next to the master bed and we used it as a bedside table. One suitcase was in the closet opened on the luggage rack. One suitcase was closed in the back of the closed. There was a little shelf next to the front door and we kept a rolling carry-on under the shelf. I believe you could park a stroller in the entrance hallway but you'd have to close the double stroller up. I'd suggest only bringing the double stroller and having the kids take turns who gets to walk. Also worth noting is that while the closet is ample, you can only get to half of it easily. It has a sliding door that would not work for over the door hanging things. We stayed 4 nights, I do not think I would want to be that cramped for longer than that.

I was never even thinking that I'd be able to keep the strollers open. I was worried if there would be room for them folded, so the fact that you're even considering a scenario where they could stay open makes me feel better! It's possible that I'm imagining this space as much smaller than it actually is.

I keep going back and forth on the 2nd stroller. While we won't need it 90% of the time, I really think I'm going to want it for that walk to and from the parks from the hotel/bus. All of the night entertainment is after their bed time, so if I want to try to see any of the fireworks, I need to be realistic about the fact that I'll have very tired children getting out of the parks on those nights. We're going to get the smallest umbrella we can that can hold their weight (they're only 31-33lb right now, so something that goes up to 40 will be fine). We are planning on using it to get in and out of the park but otherwise keep it folded attached to the double jogger handle throughout the day.

The closet door won't work for door hanging things, but the bathroom door could, right? Regardless, the more spacious of the hanging things I have are actually designed to go in the closet, either on a hanger or over the top railing, not over the door.

 

[lahobbs4]

We are attempting this over Thanksgiving with our kids (10, 8, 5) at Beach Club Villas. Honestly, even when we are home we still end up in the same room most of the time so I assume this won't bother us too much! We will only have 1 stroller, and it may end up on the balcony if it's in our way.

The location and amenities are hard to pass up at these resorts! We have tried value, but being the last bus at the parks (usually) plus walking even more after the parks to get to our building was just too much with little ones. Good luck with whatever you choose!

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

Well, I took the plunge. We're doing DVC points rental for a Boardwalk studio. If it gets too stuffy, I'll just have to go walk along the lake.

 

[DenLo]

Is it frowned upon to leave the strollers on the balcony overnight with a rain cover over them just in case?

It would violate the rules and regulations. Nothing is to be added to balcony including your wet swimsuits.

Personally, I think if you did 5 on a cruise, then you know how to handle your luggage and space very well and shouldn't have a problem with 5 in a studio that is over double that size.

This won't be true for everyne, but again you did it on a cruise, you can do it in a studio and you will be more comfortable than on the cruise. Also remember there is onsite laundry faciliities. In a studio they won't be in the room, but honestly I find I prefer using the laundry facil5, as I can use two or more washers and dryers at once (assuming it isn't busy, I wouldn't do it if others needed them or if it used all of the available washers and dryers) and get the laundry done faster.

Isn't a family room on a Disney ship larger than a regular cabin? Most of the normal sized cabins only sleep 3 or 4, you need to book a "family" category to have five in a cabin.

DVC adheres to fire codes diligently, if a fifth person would block the path to the exit in an emergency they don't allow it. That is why Copper Creek doesn't allow 5 in a studio, the room is just too narrow.

I would think any DVC studio that allows five you would be able to find room for a stroller either near the entrance to the room or near the connecting door to the attached 1BR. But since you booked BWV, I would ask the owner to request a dedicated studio for your family. Those studios seem to be roomier.

 

[LauraLea]

I would just check the stroller with Bell Services each evening. Tip the bellman a buck every morning when you pick it up.

Laura

 

[AdamsMum]

The closet in the entry way would probably hold 2 folded strollers. I never hang anything up anyway. Or as another poster said you could prop one of them up in the entry way. The way it's built, it wouldn't be blocking the door unless it falls over. Two adults, 3 kids, I'm thinking you have a double stroller and a single rather than 3 singles? I guess some of those very large strollers would be a problem.

As far as I'm concerned ( I'm completely outside your stage of life), walking distance to the parks is totally worth a little inconvenience in sleeping arrangements. You'll notice the difference when you don't have to wait with thousands of other people, and struggle to get your strollers on the bus after the fireworks. Also if you use the friendships you can keep roll your strollers on with sleeping kids in them. I realize it's only for those 2 parks, but it seems more like a vacation to me to have that option. You might also consider renting points from one of the sponsors in this board Davids, its cheaper than booking directly from Disney. Good luck with your decision.

** I see you are already renting from an owner.
***Also BWV studios are a little over 400 sq. ft. not your cruise experience of 216 sq. ft.

 

[Marionnette]

***Also BWV studios are a little over 400 sq. ft. not your cruise experience of 216 sq. ft.

BWV studios are 359 sq. ft. Still bigger than a stateroom but then, staterooms do not have kitchenettes that occupy part of that 359 sq ft. nor do they typically have full-size bathrooms.

 

[Drewferin]

Last year we stayed in a GF deluxe studio with kids 11, 9, 7 and we didn't have any issues. I'm not sure how GF square footage compares to other resort studios though...

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

[QUOTE="DenLo, post: 59413063, member: 241032"
Isn't a family room on a Disney ship larger than a regular cabin? Most of the normal sized cabins only sleep 3 or 4, you need to book a "family" category to have five in a cabin. [/QUOTE]

It was actually NCL. They have a Murphy that comes from the ceiling to essentially become the top of a bunk bed, with a sofa converting to a double bed as the bottom bunk.

There was maybe a foot and a half of clearance to walk around with the sofa pulled into a bed.

 

[kboo]

You might be able to park the double stroller right inside the door to the hallway. There's a small alcove there. Just make sure that it doesn't block a safe egress from the room in the event of an emergency.

I think you will be fine. We stayed last summer in a BCV studio (not exactly the same, I get it) with 2 little kids (not triplets) and a double city mini (rented) and a folding umbrella stroller. We used the umbrella stroller while flying, but the double stroller while at the parks. We have also stayed like that in a 2D room at the Dolphin with a crib. There is *usually* some room near the door that you can use to store the double stroller. While at the Swolphin, we folded it; at BCV there was enough room to leave it open at the lockoff door. Because BWV has the lockoff door near the patio, I can't tell from the video if there's room at the entrance. Another place to store it would be at the lockoff door; at most you'd have to fold up the murphy bed to roll it out. And that's only if you decide not to store it folded up at the entrance.

Personally, I think if you did 5 on a cruise, then you know how to handle your luggage and space very well and shouldn't have a problem with 5 in a studio that is over double that size.

This won't be true for everyone, but again you did it on a cruise, you can do it in a studio and you will be more comfortable than on the cruise. Also remember there is onsite laundry faciliities. In a studio they won't be in the room, but honestly I find I prefer using the laundry facil5, as I can use two or more washers and dryers at once (assuming it isn't busy, I wouldn't do it if others needed them or if it used all of the available washers and dryers) and get the laundry done faster.

^^^This - we were in a BCV studio after a cruise and it felt so spacious! Our situation was a bit different because we had a crib and our older daughter slept in the Murphy bed, although you'll have both the sofa and crib opened up.

I was never even thinking that I'd be able to keep the strollers open. I was worried if there would be room for them folded, so the fact that you're even considering a scenario where they could stay open makes me feel better! It's possible that I'm imagining this space as much smaller than it actually is.

I keep going back and forth on the 2nd stroller. While we won't need it 90% of the time, I really think I'm going to want it for that walk to and from the parks from the hotel/bus. All of the night entertainment is after their bed time, so if I want to try to see any of the fireworks, I need to be realistic about the fact that I'll have very tired children getting out of the parks on those nights. We're going to get the smallest umbrella we can that can hold their weight (they're only 31-33lb right now, so something that goes up to 40 will be fine). We are planning on using it to get in and out of the park but otherwise keep it folded attached to the double jogger handle throughout the day.

The closet door won't work for door hanging things, but the bathroom door could, right? Regardless, the more spacious of the hanging things I have are actually designed to go in the closet, either on a hanger or over the top railing, not over the door.

Last summer, we did 2 weeks of 3 days VGF studio-1weekDisney cruise-3days BCV studio. The BCV studio had more drawer space, I think. But I'm an unpack and stow everything person, and we were able to find room for everything. We packed about 4-5 days (max) worth of light and casual clothes for everyone, and planned on (and did) laundry. We did laundry on our last night at VGF, once on the cruise, and again at BCV. It was fine. Kids were limited to 2 pairs of shoes each, and for disposable things like snacks, sunscreen, diapers and wipes, we did an Amazon deliver to VGF rather than pack it all. We didn't store anything at WDW while on our cruise, so on the cruise we only had 1 small folding umbrella stroller. At BCV we stuck the crib by the sliding door and the big stroller at the entrance. The folding umbrella stroller lived in the closet by the bathroom, where we also hung a few hanging outfits. Our empty suitcases went in the space between the bed and the wall. (The VGF studio was ridiculous- we had enough space in the entry area to put the crib AND the double stroller (folded), we'd unfold the stroller in the hallway and load it up out there on our way out.

You're going to have a great time! Enjoy!

 

[kboo]

Also - you're not really supposed to leave the stroller on the balcony, but our stroller got caught in a ridiculous downpour while we were at dinner at Akershus. Our ponchos were in the bottom, as well as the raincover. In several inches of water. By the time we made our sodden way back to BCV, we had to turn the stroller upside down on the balcony to drain the water. We had a very big balcony that was well sheltered next to a jog in the building, but I *think* we left it outside overnight to try to dry it out as best as possible. that was better than letting it drip all night inside, and I'm sure DVC would have agreed with us!

(Lesson learned - always cover the stroller when leaving it for a while, even when it looks sunny! Especially in August)

 

[melser13]

We've stayed at BW in a studio with our 3 kids when they were 12, 10, and 6. We had no stroller at the time, but felt the room space was plenty. We had no problem with sleeping space, and honestly we still book studios and would not hesitate to stay there with our kids on our next trip when they are 14, 13, and 8!

 

[AdamsMum]

BWV studios are 359 sq. ft. Still bigger than a stateroom but then, staterooms do not have kitchenettes that occupy part of that 359 sq ft. nor do they typically have full-size bathrooms.

According to the Unofficial Guide they are 416. At any rate, I think they are roomy enough for people with small children who aren't spending that much time in the room. I wouldn't do it with 4 adults, even though it is allowed.

 

[Deb & Bill]

According to the Unofficial Guide they are 416. At any rate, I think they are roomy enough for people with small children who aren't spending that much time in the room. I wouldn't do it with 4 adults, even though it is allowed.

According to the Resource Board on the DVC Boards right here on the DIS, they are 359sq ft. I'd take that over the unofficial guide any day.

We had a BWV studio for one night while my husband did the Tower of Terror 10 Miler a few years ago before we moved to a one bedroom villa at OKW. We were sitting on the balcony when suddenly something ran down from the balcony above right on top of me. Seems the other guest decided dumping his watered down drink on the floor of the balcony right near the drain was the ideal thing to do. So it's not a good idea to use the balcony to dump water/liquid off something. Do that outside before you come in.

 

[AdamsMum]

According to the Resource Board on the DVC Boards right here on the DIS, they are 359sq ft. I'd take that over the unofficial guide any day.

We had a BWV studio for one night while my husband did the Tower of Terror 10 Miler a few years ago before we moved to a one bedroom villa at OKW. We were sitting on the balcony when suddenly something ran down from the balcony above right on top of me. Seems the other guest decided dumping his watered down drink on the floor of the balcony right near the drain was the ideal thing to do. So it's not a good idea to use the balcony to dump water/liquid off something. Do that outside before you come in.

That makes me mad. That's what the sink is for, duh! I live in a ground floor condo with a beautiful large patio and the number of cigarette butts I sweep up is ridiculous. Once I had a near full water bottle land right on my patio table as I was sitting there. But it doesn't matter where you go there will always be idiots.