9 people at BLT - WWYD?

[las710]

We are thinking about planning a family trip with my in-laws. If everyone joined us, we would have 7 adults and two children (ages 7 & 5). It would be 3 adult couples (us, my husband's parents, and his 32-yo brother and girlfriend), his single 30-yo brother and our 2 kids.

We have enough points to get three studios OR one 2-bedroom villa at BLT for four nights.

When we have stayed at BLT on our own, we have always gotten a 1-bd villa and it has been really nice to have the full kitchen and the extra space. With this size group, it would be nice to have the kitchen and dining area (do breakfast together in the mornings and maybe pizza one night) but I am worried that it may be too close for comfort with everyone in the same space.

We stayed in a 2-bd at AKL once with only 5 of us (3 adults and 2 toddlers) and it was great -- but are the rooms big enough to accommodate 9 comfortably for that length of time?

And I do like my in-laws, but I've never vacationed with them (they've never actually been on vacation like this before, so it's a special treat).

Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[Kidanifan08]

I would probably vote for 3 studios, even though they may be all over the resort. Based on the make-up of your group, I just can't imagine who would sleep where. Would the in-laws be comfortable sharing a room with you/DH or the brother/GF? Do you put the inlaws in the master, you/DH share the second BR with bro/GF and the kids and single bro in the LR? I think it would get a little crowded and uncomfortable, but at least you would have 3 full bathrooms. I would personally not give up the King bed if I was the one paying for the lodging.

If you do go the 3 studio route, you may consider a choosing a different resort. The studios at BLT are very small and the price point is a little higher than the other resorts.

Tough decision . . . good luck!

ETA: you could also consider a GV at OKW. They come fairly cheap, by DVC GV standards. If you are shy a few points, perhaps borrowing and/or purchasing 24 points at the 7 month mark would close the gap for you.

 

[RevKjb]

We are thinking about planning a family trip with my in-laws. If everyone joined us, we would have 7 adults and two children (ages 7 & 5). It would be 3 adult couples (us, my husband's parents, and his 32-yo brother and girlfriend), his single 30-yo brother and our 2 kids.

We have enough points to get three studios OR one 2-bedroom villa at BLT for four nights.

When we have stayed at BLT on our own, we have always gotten a 1-bd villa and it has been really nice to have the full kitchen and the extra space. With this size group, it would be nice to have the kitchen and dining area (do breakfast together in the mornings and maybe pizza one night) but I am worried that it may be too close for comfort with everyone in the same space.

We stayed in a 2-bd at AKL once with only 5 of us (3 adults and 2 toddlers) and it was great -- but are the rooms big enough to accommodate 9 comfortably for that length of time?

And I do like my in-laws, but I've never vacationed with them (they've never actually been on vacation like this before, so it's a special treat).

Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks.

With 9 folks, I'd recommend the THV at SSR. Lots of room. 3 bedrooms, pull out double in the living room as well as a sleeper chair. Well worth the points for the room!

 

[Pakey]

As the owner and having taken extended family on several vacations, get the studios!!!

7 adults in a 2 bedroom (or a THV) is too many. The only time we've been happy rooming together is in a grand villa. Otherwise, we prefer the studios. The two bedrooms just aren't big enough.

 

[Dean]

I'd consider other resorts such that I could get a 2 BR plus a studio. If you decide to go with one 2 BR, make sure you get the dedicated 2 BR so you have 2 queens in the second BR. For the one unit I think it comes down to who would share the BR, who was on the pullout and whether they'd be comfortable with the arrangements.

 

[cvjw]

We've stayed in a dedicated 2 bedroom at BLT with 7 people before (4 adults and 3 kids) - and it was filled to capacity. I would not recommend the BLT 2 bedroom for as many people as you are vacationing with - especially with the sleeping arrangements in the 2nd bedroom. For our family, it would be very awkward sharing a bedroom (and bathroom) with the inlaws or a girlfriend.

I would try and stay at a resort where you could get a 1 bedroom (for your family), and 2 studios for the inlaws/single brother and the brother/girlfriend. If you had a 1 bedroom, you would still have a place to gather for communal meals.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'd consider other resorts such that I could get a 2 BR plus a studio. If you decide to go with one 2 BR, make sure you get the dedicated 2 BR so you have 2 queens in the second BR. For the one unit I think it comes down to who would share the BR, who was on the pullout and whether they'd be comfortable with the arrangements.

That was going to be my answer as well. I'd get a 2 bedroom at OKW and add a separate studio. That way each couple has their own room and bathroom, but you still have the full kitchen. Heck, depending on the time of year, you can almost get an OKW GV for what a 2 bedroom at BLT costs. We are doing an OKW GV for 4 people in December. All of us are adults, but DH and I are the only couple. Adult "kids" each need their own bedroom and bathroom, and we'll really be able to "stretch out" with 4 bathrooms in the OKW GV.

 

[ToddyLu]

My parents and MIL always get their own studio separate from DH and I. I do this for their privacy and I can tell you they do not mind. I have vacationed with my MIL on my own several times were we have shared a room and it was great. But it wasn't at Disney (because DH is always with me there) nor for longer than 3-4 nights. She loves me but at the 4 night we are both ready for more privacy.

My parents can't keep their hands off each other....so I try not to even go there....ewwww! They definitely get their own room with a reminder to shut the curtains at AKV savanna rooms( due to video survellience of animals).

 

[Deb & Bill]

You say you like the one bedroom at BLT for just your family. Then you need to add five more adults into basically the space of the second bedroom. Yikes!

Try a DVC that requires a lot fewer points than BLT and get multiple studios. A GV at OKW might be nice, but will it be available at seven months out? Depending on when you plan to go, maybe not. Maybe a two bedroom at OKW for your family and MIL/FIL and another studio for the extra three.

Are you sure that by the time vacation time comes around, all nine of you will be going? It would be a real bummer if you booked all these spaces and then someone (or two) decided not to go. Are you purchasing park admission for everyone, too, or are they getting their own?

 

[dianeschlicht]

When is your trip planned? If it's on one of the more moderate point times, I'd really press for OKW GV or 2 bedroom and studio.