Adult only trip to check out all resorts, what are the must dos? And other tips.

[tx911]

Yep. We got extra lucky last time and got our room as soon as we arrived at the resort at 7am. I know we wont be that lucky again. We should be fine with no room from 11-4 the following day, but we always hope for a room ready earlier text.

You have a resort now in VDH where your desired room type is difficult even at 11 months, is that correct?
Are you sure you want another situation where that is the case (BWV)?
Maybe you will love CCV or fall in love with Riviera when you go.

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

Right now Im leaning BWV unless CCV blows me away and I keep it

My vote is keep CCV AND buy BWV [per my signature]

 

[Sprinkles&Sprints]

You have a resort now in VDH where your desired room type is difficult even at 11 months, is that correct?
Are you sure you want another situation where that is the case (BWV)?
Maybe you will love CCV or fall in love with Riviera when you go.

I can’t remember where I mentioned this before but THIS is the only reason I am debating selling BWV. I bought it to secure BW view (or by some miracle resort view) at 11 months for a specific week in March and it has been beyond challenging/frustrating to do so. Meanwhile I’ve had no issue at all using CCV points at 7 months for P/G for that same week. I guess there’s always the chance that my 7 month luck will run out, but until it does the math isn’t as strong in favor of BWV.

 

[sethschroeder]

You should easily be able to get to all the resorts. I would visit the ones you dont even want as well though because you never know what your decisions might be at 7 months sometime or even a last second you need to move your trip.

• MK -> walk to VGF -> walk to POLY -> boat to MK -> boat to CCV/BRV and back -> walk to BLT -> monorail to TTC -> monorail to Epcot (note that VGF/POLY you would be walking to the TTC to get to Epcot likely)
• Walk out of Epcot World showcase and walk around lake (BCV/BWV) -> boat to HS -> skyliner to CBR -> skyliner to RIV -> skyliner to Epcot world showcase
• AK -> bus to AKV-J -> walk to AKV-K -> bus to Disney Springs -> walk to SSR -> walk to OKW (this might not be allowed now so double check) -> boat back to OKW (if its running) otherwise Bus to Epcot or MK

The reason you want to do "loops" IMO is you can get a better idea of different modes of transportation, how far things are away, and you can take in the sights.

For Adult things? I mean most things in WDW can be done with kids. Its just really what you personally would do or not do with them tagging along. Really the only adult only things would be V+A or the new Geo 88 lounge starting in June.

Monorail or Epcot crawls?
Food they don't like so you skip?
Rides they don't like so you skip?

 

[sethschroeder]

Right now Im leaning BWV unless CCV blows me away and I keep it

When would you travel to WDW? If its the summer I think you likely could get BWV/BCV especially if you want a 1BR.

CCV is an amazing resort. We didnt buy there because its essentially like staying at one of the resorts in our area with the outdoors vibe and when we go to Disney we want it to feel like Disney not like we went down the road.

 

[tx911]

I can’t remember where I mentioned this before but THIS is the only reason I am debating selling BWV. I bought it to secure BW view (or by some miracle resort view) at 11 months for a specific week in March and it has been beyond challenging/frustrating to do so. Meanwhile I’ve had no issue at all using CCV points at 7 months for P/G for that same week. I guess there’s always the chance that my 7 month luck will run out, but until it does the math isn’t as strong in favor of BWV.

That’s holding me back too. Of course, it’s not October yet.

 

[eticketplease]

You should easily be able to get to all the resorts. I would visit the ones you dont even want as well though because you never know what your decisions might be at 7 months sometime or even a last second you need to move your trip.

• MK -> walk to VGF -> walk to POLY -> boat to MK -> boat to CCV/BRV and back -> walk to BLT -> monorail to TTC -> monorail to Epcot (note that VGF/POLY you would be walking to the TTC to get to Epcot likely)
• Walk out of Epcot World showcase and walk around lake (BCV/BWV) -> boat to HS -> skyliner to CBR -> skyliner to RIV -> skyliner to Epcot world showcase
• AK -> bus to AKV-J -> walk to AKV-K -> bus to Disney Springs -> walk to SSR -> walk to OKW (this might not be allowed now so double check) -> boat back to OKW (if its running) otherwise Bus to Epcot or MK

The reason you want to do "loops" IMO is you can get a better idea of different modes of transportation, how far things are away, and you can take in the sights.

For Adult things? I mean most things in WDW can be done with kids. Its just really what you personally would do or not do with them tagging along. Really the only adult only things would be V+A or the new Geo 88 lounge starting in June.

Monorail or Epcot crawls?
Food they don't like so you skip?
Rides they don't like so you skip?

And without parks I thought @VGCgroupie was going to lose out on steps!!

Personal Trainer @sethschroeder to the rescue!!

 

[VGCgroupie]

You have a resort now in VDH where your desired room type is difficult even at 11 months, is that correct?
Are you sure you want another situation where that is the case (BWV)?
Maybe you will love CCV or fall in love with Riviera when you go.

I havent tried to book VDH at 11 months for larger rooms. My VDH was bought for mainly spontaneous trips in a studio for just 3 of us or if its all 6 of us going we could do 2 studios and get by. But the goal is to book our trips with all of us at VGC in a 2 bedroom and keep VDH primarily for spontaneous trips and for 1 nighters for special after hours events.

I am not allowed to like RIV because I don't want anymore points at resorts that are restricted when sold.

 

[VGCgroupie]

You should easily be able to get to all the resorts. I would visit the ones you dont even want as well though because you never know what your decisions might be at 7 months sometime or even a last second you need to move your trip.

• MK -> walk to VGF -> walk to POLY -> boat to MK -> boat to CCV/BRV and back -> walk to BLT -> monorail to TTC -> monorail to Epcot (note that VGF/POLY you would be walking to the TTC to get to Epcot likely)
• Walk out of Epcot World showcase and walk around lake (BCV/BWV) -> boat to HS -> skyliner to CBR -> skyliner to RIV -> skyliner to Epcot world showcase
• AK -> bus to AKV-J -> walk to AKV-K -> bus to Disney Springs -> walk to SSR -> walk to OKW (this might not be allowed now so double check) -> boat back to OKW (if its running) otherwise Bus to Epcot or MK

The reason you want to do "loops" IMO is you can get a better idea of different modes of transportation, how far things are away, and you can take in the sights.

For Adult things? I mean most things in WDW can be done with kids. Its just really what you personally would do or not do with them tagging along. Really the only adult only things would be V+A or the new Geo 88 lounge starting in June.

Monorail or Epcot crawls?
Food they don't like so you skip?
Rides they don't like so you skip?

Thank you for this, I really dont know my way around and this is very helpful.

Things that normally we wouldn't stop and take time for since when we have my son with us its LLMP return times and go go go to try and get all the rides in. And also things that are geared more towards something an adult would like over a kid.

When would you travel to WDW? If its the summer I think you likely could get BWV/BCV especially if you want a 1BR.

CCV is an amazing resort. We didnt buy there because its essentially like staying at one of the resorts in our area with the outdoors vibe and when we go to Disney we want it to feel like Disney not like we went down the road.

If I bought BWV it would be for trips February (presidents day/valentines weekend) or 2nd week of April

 

[sethschroeder]

Thank you for this, I really dont know my way around and this is very helpful.

Disney app you can plot it in where you want to go and Google Maps is really good as well.

Its very easy to get around with the Disney app though I find and does a good job showing you were to walk. You can always ask a random person and normally get pointed in the right direction as well.

And also things that are geared more towards something an adult would like over a kid.

I am thinking lounges likely, World Showcase shops possibly, and shows like the Presidents or Pavilions (China/US/ect) possibly. Possibly even grab something from the quick services at all the resorts and split it as well? You can see what their menus are like then and space.

BWV in Feb or April I am not sure as much how that works out. Especially a holiday in February. We never travel to WDW during that time of year so never paid attention.

 

[HyperspaceMountainPilot]

I got zero sleep last time, not even 2 minutes, I took a nap before leaving for the airport which could've played a part and I had my kid so I was paying attention to him and his comfort. When we flew back from Hawaii on the Red Eye, I probably got 2 hours sleep during the 6.5 hour flight, I am not a sleep anywhere type person. DH sleeps the moment his butt hits the seat on any flight. Id say 60% visit resorts 40% fun getaway. I suggested getting a room for the night we are flying but DH said no which I was surprised by but then again he has no issue sleeping on planes

I am nowhere near as spoiled as @AstroBlasters (said with love!) about not having a room but this sounds insanely rough. I would seriously, seriously urge you to consider a cheap hotel by MCO or somewhere between MCO and WDW (I suspect you can find something decent for less than $150) and try to get at least 3 hours of sleep horizontally before you try to tackle all the resorts. If you’re not rope dropping, there’s not too much to do before 10AM anyway unless you’re determined by do breakfast/brunches all three days…but you could probably get a 11AM brunch somewhere anyway.

Thank you for this, I really dont know my way around and this is very helpful.

Things that normally we wouldn't stop and take time for since when we have my son with us its LLMP return times and go go go to try and get all the rides in. And also things that are geared more towards something an adult would like over a kid.

If I bought BWV it would be for trips February (presidents day/valentines weekend) or 2nd week of April

I think the circle visions are worth doing once (and Living with the Land (EP) is great if you haven’t done it yet). Carousel of progress (MK) is worth doing at least once, and maybe a good place to sit and snooze if you try to do it all after a redeye without sleeping.

Maybe we should crowdsource a list of ideal places for @VGCgroupie to sleep in the parks/resorts on Saturday. I’ve heard BRV has some great options but I’ve never been there.

 

[VGCgroupie]

I am nowhere near as spoiled as @AstroBlasters (said with love!) about not having a room but this sounds insanely rough. I would seriously, seriously urge you to consider a cheap hotel by MCO or somewhere between MCO and WDW (I suspect you can find something decent for less than $150) and try to get at least 3 hours of sleep horizontally before you try to tackle all the resorts. If you’re not rope dropping, there’s not too much to do before 10AM anyway unless you’re determined by do breakfast/brunches all three days…but you could probably get a 11AM brunch somewhere anyway.

I think the circle visions are worth doing once (and Living with the Land (EP) is great if you haven’t done it yet). Carousel of progress (MK) is worth doing at least once, and maybe a good place to sit and snooze if you try to do it all after a redeye without sleeping.

Maybe we should crowdsource a list of ideal places for @VGCgroupie to sleep in the parks/resorts on Saturday. I’ve heard BRV has some great options but I’ve never been there.

We did living with the land. My husband really wanted to do carousel of progress but we didn’t so thank you for reminding me about that one! My son has zero interest of going in there.

There is a room available but decided not to spend 15 points on it. Also considered staying at Swan since I have $150 off but we will probably just tough it out and complain about it.

 

[Lumpy1106]

My advice;
1) DON'T have a car. Do you want to see how easy it is to get around? You have to test it out. From BCV/BWV you'll want to walk to each park, take the boat to each park, and take the skyliner to DHS. Same goes for the monorail resorts. You think it's ultra convenient to take the monorail to EPCOT but in reality you have to switch at TTC and it's a long ride. Are you better off on a bus, and if so, are you OK with that? You also can't take the monorail to the skyliner without walking through EPCOT. Is that what you expected? Bus only to AKV, SSR and OKV - try it out. We hated it to all 3, others think it's fine.
2) Have meals as you normally would. QS at BCV/BWV is pretty bad - did you expect that? We arrived late and were left hungry - did not expect that! Hint: Best BWV/BCV QS is actually at Swolpin and it's an easy walk - but, we did not know that. QS for BLT is at Contemporary and we liked that one.
3) with some exceptions (BCV) you can pool hop if you are already DVC. Do that, at least enough to get a feel for the pool. Can you find a deck chair? Is it too loud or too quiet? Are there other options if it is too loud/crowded?
4) Go to the gift shops, gym, and other amenities. Ex. It took me a while to find the gym at BLT (in Contemporary) where we own and when I got there I hated it. BWV gym is great, as is Wilderness lodge. I like to go running in the early AM before the family wakes up - that's pretty dull at contemporary, pretty great at BWV and CCV. If that's your thing, check it out.

 

[Lumpy1106]

If you were doing a DVC presentation would you go to SSR or Epcot or ? Or is the super cool over the shoulder bag and swag not worth the time? Do you just sign up in person?

I am considering TOTWL on our BLT night since my kid doesn't really love fireworks anymore

For the tour; I don't think you get anything - could be wrong. We got money and ice cream at SSR years ago when we did it and I don't think you get either there anymore. We didn't get any swag then and I don't think that has changed.

We own at BLT (resale) and we've never been to TOTWL. They have direct-only, paid events there now. That's how they exclude resale owners. Otherwise I think our contract says we get access. Hasn't happened yet. You can watch fireworks from in front of Contemporary or from the beach at Poly. Those are your best outside the park options.

 

[VGCgroupie]

My advice;
1) DON'T have a car. Do you want to see how easy it is to get around? You have to test it out. From BCV/BWV you'll want to walk to each park, take the boat to each park, and take the skyliner to DHS. Same goes for the monorail resorts. You think it's ultra convenient to take the monorail to EPCOT but in reality you have to switch at TTC and it's a long ride. Are you better off on a bus, and if so, are you OK with that? You also can't take the monorail to the skyliner without walking through EPCOT. Is that what you expected? Bus only to AKV, SSR and OKV - try it out. We hated it to all 3, others think it's fine.
2) Have meals as you normally would. QS at BCV/BWV is pretty bad - did you expect that? We arrived late and were left hungry - did not expect that! Hint: Best BWV/BCV QS is actually at Swolpin and it's an easy walk - but, we did not know that. QS for BLT is at Contemporary and we liked that one.
3) with some exceptions (BCV) you can pool hop if you are already DVC. Do that, at least enough to get a feel for the pool. Can you find a deck chair? Is it too loud or too quiet? Are there other options if it is too loud/crowded?
4) Go to the gift shops, gym, and other amenities. Ex. It took me a while to find the gym at BLT (in Contemporary) where we own and when I got there I hated it. BWV gym is great, as is Wilderness lodge. I like to go running in the early AM before the family wakes up - that's pretty dull at contemporary, pretty great at BWV and CCV. If that's your thing, check it out.

We wont have a car and dont really plan to in our future trips. Yes this is what I want to experience when its just us, so when we all go as a family as a time crunched trip I will know what I like and what I hate. I loved BWV andI hated the bus ride from MK. Since I have never stayed at BLT and experienced it. I am looking to sell one contract possibly and replace it and I want to know what the best overall option is for us by visiting everywhere and learning what I love and hate about each.

 

[Girlstar30]

Is pool hopping allowed again?

 

[VGCgroupie]

Is pool hopping allowed again?

no

 

[Girlstar30]

no

Not sure i would do it but I'd like the option you never know lol