1) i've seen there are BBQ pits, are these for the use of any guests? we're renting points if that makes a difference
The barbeques are near the quiet pools...they are in the Grandstand, Paddock & Congress Park areas...the one at the Grandstand is under a covered gazebo off to the side of the pool...just walk up & use it; no one checks IDs, altho there's a sign at the pool saying the area is only for SSR guests...
2) is there a bar on site? roughly what time does it stay open til?
There's a really nice inside bar, called the Turf Club, just past Artist's Palette (the counter service/ gift shop)...it's just outside the restaurant...it's set up like a living room/family room, complete w/a pool table. There are also pool-side bars at both the main feature pool and at the Grandstand pool...
3) we'll be arriving using ME, whereabouts is the drop off in comparison to where you check in?
ME drops you off right in front of check-in...but there is not "regular" or "routine" transportation from check-in to your villa, and depending on where your villa is, it can be a trek...and for a first-time visitor, it's also horribly confusing trying to find your way (at least it was for me!)...once you have walked your first time from check-in to pool to your villa to your bus to DTD, you'll be fine, and will wonder how in the world you could have gotten so confused when you first arrived...It's absolutely what happened to me, and I've heard lots of others say the same thing... you might be able to hitch a ride to your villa from one of the bellhops (especially if you have luggage), and there's an internal bus that circulates thru the resort (the bus stop order is Grandstand, Carousel, Paddock, Congress Park, Springs and then to whatever park the bus is going; there's also a bus that just circulates thru SSR (doesn't go to a park)...
4)what time is the last boat back from DTD?
Don't know for sure, but would guess around midnight--
5) we'll be transferring to AKV after 8 nights, can disney transport my luggage over to there while i go to a park? if so how do i go about doing this?
Super simple...tell Bell Svcs the night before (or morning of) your transfer...they'll come pick up your luggage (tip opportunity #1), or you can bring your luggage to them (another tip opportunity #1)...then go about your day however you choose (when I've done it, I generally go to my new resort right away to get checked in, but you don't "have to")...Disney transports luggage between resorts between 1 and 3...so after that, when you get back to your new resort, call Bell Services & they'll deliver your luggage to your room (you do have to be present to receive it; they won't just drop it off)--that's tip opportunity #2...or, if you prefer, you can pick it up yourself (I've done that when Bell Svcs was backed up and I didn't want to wait for them to have time...it's still a tipping opportunity, tho, even if you pick it up yourself!)...
No charge (altho at $1/bag, the tipping can add up) for this service...it's very smooth and very convenient...
Have a GREAT time!
