Advice on potentially staying at DVC resort for first time

[Shaft41]

I first posted this thread in the regular Disney Resorts board, but it was suggested I post on the DVC board as well. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

We are a veteran Disney family, but, since we are a family of 7 with 5 kids, our stays on property have been limited to POR, Cabins at FW, and Pop. The last two trips we've made we stayed off property, since we needed more space as the kids got older, as well as budgetary considerations, since my wife and I are both teachers and don't make bank.

For my youngest's graduation trip next summer, she, naturally, wants to go back to WDW for the first time since 2021. We have the opportunity to rent DVC points from a family friend, and, with this savings, we are looking to go back on property, and maybe stay in a deluxe resort we never could afford otherwise, as she is giving us a good deal on renting the points. We started looking at our options after she told us what seemed to be available, but I would love feedback from people who have actually stayed there.

It looks like only 3 of our kids will go with us next summer, so there will be 5 of us. My daughters are 22 and 17 and son is 20, so full-grown. We were looking at studio rooms at BW, BC, WL, GF and Riviera. 1-bedrooms at places like AKL, SS, and OKW would give us a little more space and a kitchen, but the sleeping arrangements don't seem a ton better with only one "real" bed and a sofa bad and sleeper chair, so I'm not sure it's worth the extra money, since we will be spending little time in the rooms other than to sleep.

I assume my son, who's 6'4" like I am, would not fit on the pull-down twin bed in a studio, as I'm guessing it's shorter than it even looks in pictures. One of my daughters probably could. My kids probably wouldn't love the idea of all sleeping in the same room, in case of parental snoring, but they might be willing to suck it up to stay in a deluxe. They get along really well, so I don't think the lack of space would lead to conflict. We liked that it appeared the studios at GF and Riviera had two showers (and Poly too?), while the other studios seemed to have one. The Riviera being on the Skyliner seems solid, but the GF being so close to MK is a plus as well.

Any advice for first-time DVC point renters new to the world of Deluxeness? Unfortunately, going up to a 2-bedroom is going to be out of our price range, so that's not an option. Thanks!

 

[Mle8308]

You got some good responses on the other thread. One thing to also consider. If you are going this coming summer, the 11 month booking window is already open. I think you mentioned your friend owns at OKW. They can book there for you now and any of the other resorts at 7 months (as long as their points qualify for all DVC resorts). It might be a little more difficult as far as what is left at the 7 month mark depending on the number of nights you want and the dates. A 1BR at OKW or SS should not be a problem. Studios could be at the more popular resorts. Unless you are going to stay at OKW, you are going to have to wait and see what is still available when it comes to the 7 month mark. As people suggested in the other thread, 2 studios might work better and BRV will be way too small for 5 adults.

 

[Shaft41]

You got some good responses on the other thread. One thing to also consider. If you are going this coming summer, the 11 month booking window is already open. I think you mentioned your friend owns at OKW. They can book there for you now and any of the other resorts at 7 months (as long as their points qualify for all DVC resorts). It might be a little more difficult as far as what is left at the 7 month mark depending on the number of nights you want and the dates. A 1BR at OKW or SS should not be a problem. Studios could be at the more popular resorts. Unless you are going to stay at OKW, you are going to have to wait and see what is still available when it comes to the 7 month mark. As people suggested in the other thread, 2 studios might work better and BRV will be way too small for 5 adults.

Thank you. I knew about the 11 and 7 months, and we are going right at the beginning of June, so the 7 month mark is coming up here soon. She told us the availability she saw earlier this week but I realize it could change by the start of November.

 

[Mle8308]

Thank you. I knew about the 11 and 7 months, and we are going right at the beginning of June, so the 7 month mark is coming up here soon. She told us the availability she saw earlier this week but I realize it could change by the start of November.

Wishing you all the best! Even if you are cramped, you are with family and that is what's most important!

 

[Gizmo74]

I first posted this thread in the regular Disney Resorts board, but it was suggested I post on the DVC board as well. Thanks in advance for any thoughts.

We are a veteran Disney family, but, since we are a family of 7 with 5 kids, our stays on property have been limited to POR, Cabins at FW, and Pop. The last two trips we've made we stayed off property, since we needed more space as the kids got older, as well as budgetary considerations, since my wife and I are both teachers and don't make bank.

For my youngest's graduation trip next summer, she, naturally, wants to go back to WDW for the first time since 2021. We have the opportunity to rent DVC points from a family friend, and, with this savings, we are looking to go back on property, and maybe stay in a deluxe resort we never could afford otherwise, as she is giving us a good deal on renting the points. We started looking at our options after she told us what seemed to be available, but I would love feedback from people who have actually stayed there.

It looks like only 3 of our kids will go with us next summer, so there will be 5 of us. My daughters are 22 and 17 and son is 20, so full-grown. We were looking at studio rooms at BW, BC, WL, GF and Riviera. 1-bedrooms at places like AKL, SS, and OKW would give us a little more space and a kitchen, but the sleeping arrangements don't seem a ton better with only one "real" bed and a sofa bad and sleeper chair, so I'm not sure it's worth the extra money, since we will be spending little time in the rooms other than to sleep.

I assume my son, who's 6'4" like I am, would not fit on the pull-down twin bed in a studio, as I'm guessing it's shorter than it even looks in pictures. One of my daughters probably could. My kids probably wouldn't love the idea of all sleeping in the same room, in case of parental snoring, but they might be willing to suck it up to stay in a deluxe. They get along really well, so I don't think the lack of space would lead to conflict. We liked that it appeared the studios at GF and Riviera had two showers (and Poly too?), while the other studios seemed to have one. The Riviera being on the Skyliner seems solid, but the GF being so close to MK is a plus as well.

Any advice for first-time DVC point renters new to the world of Deluxeness? Unfortunately, going up to a 2-bedroom is going to be out of our price range, so that's not an option. Thanks!

I didn't read the other thread but some of the studios you mention (BC & WL) only sleep 4. We are family of 4 and always try to get a any studio that will sleep 5. My son and I were at BLT this week and stayed in a studio that only slept 4 and it felt really small.

 

[BarlowFamily]

Going with the choices you've listed... I like the Poly studio for the extra bathroom space, proximity to MK and tropical vacation vibe. The SSR one bedroom would also be great. The bathroom is huge and divided up, plus full kitchen and laundry in the room AND disney springs is just across the way. If transportation is no issue this is such a great pick. I know you've stayed in the cabins at FW before, but I'd be tempted to rent a new DVC cabin, give the kids the bedroom, and give mom and dad the living room pull-down (i find the murphy beds really comfortable at disney). Sounds like itsgoing to be a great trip! Enjoy the planning!

 

[drusba]

(I have not read the other thread so do not know if what I provide here has not already been mentioned.)

If you can go the 1BR route, then, with your family, the best resorts in relation to room choice would be AKV KIdani, AKV Jambo, Bay Lake Tower, and OKW.

You mention that those taller than 6 feet likely cannot fit in the Murphy bed in the studios (and many 1BRs) that pulls out of a cabinet in a number of the resorts, and you are correct in that assumption. About 5'10" is the max height for those.

However, Kidani, Jambo, BLT and OKW don't have that cabinet Murphy in the living room of the 1BR. Instead, they have a large pull-out chair that pulls out to a near twin-size bed that can hold someone over 6- feet tall. Thus, you get the king in the bedroom, a queen pull-out bed in the living room, and that pull-out chair in the living room. Moreover, the 1BRs in Kidani, BLT and OKW are larger than the 1BRs in a number of other resorts, such as BRV, BCV, BWV, SSR, and CCV (Jambo is more comparable in size to those)

Kidani and BLT also have 2 bathrooms in the 1BR, a master bathroom and then one serving the living room area. Kidani would also give you the best chance of booking the lower point-cost standard view. 1BRs tend to fill later than other rooms and, if you get one at Kidani, you could have the member you are renting from put in a request for a room near the Pumba elevator. Such requests are not guaranteed, but if you were to get that request you would in fact have a direct savanna view of the Pembe savanna.

Though the Jambo 1BR has only one bathroom and is smaller than Kidani, its standard view 1BRs have a chance of being available at 7-months out, and more than half the standard view rooms at Jambo actually have savanna view. If you get a Jambo standard view room, you should have the member request for your room to be on the Kudo Trail side of the building, because all the standard views on that side have a view of the Sunset Savanna.

The OKW 1BRs have only one bathroom but they are very large. With BLT, it is unlikely the standard view 1BR will be open at 7-months out, but if you get lake view and request high floor, you will likely have very good views from the room. You can also walk to MK from BLT.

 

[Genie+]

One all-around good option is BLT 1BR. Lakeview should be wide open, but standard view is possible (depending on June dates) and would save 5 points a night. There’s a few things working in favor here. To start, it costs less than 2 studios yet is larger than 2 studios. It has 2 full bathrooms (the only other 1BRs at WDW like that are AKL-Kidani or the upcoming Poly Tower). With 5 people 2 showers is great, but 2 toilets even better The sleeping is king in the bedroom, then pullout sofa (for 2ppl) and pullout chair. That part is a bit of a compromise - people seem to like murphy beds better. I think younger adults can roll with easier though, even if 6’4” hopefully no creaky joints or the like yet. It’s so much fun staying right there on 7 Seas Lagoon with 5 minute walk to MK, all the amenities of Contemporary plus easy access to the nearby resorts (Poly, VGF, etc). Pointwise this is close to the cost of other great options: VGF and RIV which are a little larger, CCV is quite a bit smaller… but the 2nd toilet at BLT is a deal changer imho. It’s not a fun way to start each day when everybody’s trying to get ready while sharing one bathroom. If the kids might be sleeping in maybe it doesn’t matter but something worth considering for making a choice.

Kidani 1BR Savannah View is such a unique experience. It’s very similar to BLT as far as sleeping and 2 baths. The one downside is such a big resort can be inconvenient depending on room location. One stay we were so far from the pool and lobby. And taking buses everywhere. It can feel far removed from WDW. I love this resort but for a different kind of stay.

The next down would be 2 studios. Gives up the kitchen, maybe spend less points, better sleeping arrangements and 2 bathrooms. That time of year, 2 standard rooms at Poly would be my first choice. Direct monorail to EP and 4 different ways to get to MK. This is honestly my favorite all around resort - even after we bought VGF! Connecting rooms are usually hard to come by at WDW, but Poly Longhouses and VGF resort studios are pretty much ALL connecting rooms, so much easier getting that request granted.

If you go the MK resort route I highly suggest taking a look at renting a private pontoon one morning or afternoon. It’s around $60 complete for first ~45 minutes, which is enough to drive around all of the lagoon and Bay Lake. It’s a hidden gem. The pontoon are huge, gorgeous, super easy to use, have awesome sound system and make incredible memories. Anyone over 18 with ID can drive.

 

[Sandisw]

I definitely think going with the 1 bedroom at AKV, OKW, or BLT will work the best because od the reasons mentioned already.

 

[meekey7197]

I didn't read the other thread but some of the studios you mention (BC & WL) only sleep 4. We are family of 4 and always try to get an any studio that will sleep 5. My son and I were at BLT this week and stayed in a studio that only slept 4 and it felt really small.

Beach Club and Wilderness lodge sleep 5 in a studio

 

[🍀TwinsMom]

I vote for any 1B. You can do laundry and pack less, and any extra space and privacy are welcome at those ages.

 

[foodiddiedoo]

Just to add that BLT is undergoing refurbishment, so there’s a decent chance that there will be a Murphy bed pull down replacing the sofa bed style fold out bed after the refurb. They started end of October and it’s slated to go through most of next year but there’s a decent chance a lot of the 1 Bedrooms will be finished with the refurb by next June.

 

[Willow Ufgood]

Beach Club and WildernessLodge BRV sleep 5 in a studio

 Copper Creek studios inside the Wilderness Lodge sleep 4. Boulder Ridge studios (located in the DVC building on WL property) sleep 5.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Don't know if this has been answered but I can give you my "family of 5" insight;

Studios - we've outgrown them. In DVC I think all the ones you listed do allow 5, but not sure about that. Laundry facilities for studios are included, but are in a separate laundry room. 1BR and 2BR you get washer and dryer in the room which is a big plus

1BR - BLT and AKV both sleep 5 and have enough beds. BWV, BCV and I believe OKW and SSR all allow 5 people but you'll have to bring bedding for the 5th. We prefer BLT because the 1BRs also have 2 bathrooms which is so much nicer than you can imagine when you are trying to get everyone ready in the morning

We have stayed in CCV (same as BRV) and you'll need a 2BR for 5 people there. We enjoyed CCV immensely - but it's a lot of points for a 2BR

Another very nice option is the 1BR suites at AoA. Those have 2 bathrooms and bedding for 6. The Murphy bed in the dining area is MUCH more comfortable than a fold-out sofa.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

Don't know if this has been answered but I can give you my "family of 5" insight;

Studios - we've outgrown them. In DVC I think all the ones you listed do allow 5, but not sure about that. Laundry facilities for studios are included, but are in a separate laundry room. 1BR and 2BR you get washer and dryer in the room which is a big plus

1BR - BLT and AKV both sleep 5 and have enough beds. BWV, BCV and I believe OKW and SSR all allow 5 people but you'll have to bring bedding for the 5th. We prefer BLT because the 1BRs also have 2 bathrooms which is so much nicer than you can imagine when you are trying to get everyone ready in the morning

We have stayed in CCV (same as BRV) and you'll need a 2BR for 5 people there. We enjoyed CCV immensely - but it's a lot of points for a 2BR

Another very nice option is the 1BR suites at AoA. Those have 2 bathrooms and bedding for 6. The Murphy bed in the dining area is MUCH more comfortable than a fold-out sofa.

When we stayed in OKW and SSR 1 bedrooms, we were provided with bedding for the 5th sleeper (pulldown bed at SSR, sleeper chair at OKW). I could fit on the 5th sleeper at SSR (5'6"), but I didn't try the chair at OKW. Something we liked about OKW was the bigger table on the porch (seats 4 instead of just 2 chairs on the balcony) so it was nice to have that extra space. Some of the 1BD at OKW are set up so you have to go through the bedroom to get to the bathroom, so if you go with OKW, you may want to request one of the rooms with the additional door to the bathroom so the kids don't have to go through your bedroom all the time.

 

[bookbabe626]

As I outlined in more detail in your other thread, I’d do anyplace other than OKW or SSR. Yeah, they are technically deluxes, and the rooms themselves are great, but the sprawling layouts of the resorts give them more of a moderate feel when compared to the other DVC properties. For a bucket list trip that involves the dream of staying at a Deluxe, I just don’t feel like SSR or OKW is deluxe enough to tick off that dream adequately.

Go Kidani, I think, for a balance of good room size with deluxe feel. AKL isn’t the most conveniently located of resorts, but the rooms are good and the common space decor has such a wow factor, and there’s lots of great savanna viewing spots if you don’t have a view from the room itself.

 

[Annabell]

I would go for a 1BR because of the extra space. I think a studio is really cramped for 5 adults.

 

[kristenrice]

I would definitely get a 1BR at AKV-Kidani. The 2 full bathrooms for 5 adults is a game-changer. If you want to save points, book a standard view. There are plenty of places to watch the animals, and the OP said that they are basically only in the room to sleep. The in-room W/D is also a huge plus over a studio because it makes it so easy to do laundry (daily, if you're so inclined) which lets you pack much less. If you have your own car, there is parking under the building so you're not exposed to the elements. The bus transportation is not that outrageous. If you're used to the proximity of BLT to MK, or BWV to DHS, or BCV to Epcot, then yes, it will seem like AKV is a long ways from everything. In reality, the bus ride to the MK is no longer than walking from BWV to DHS.

 

[Lumpy1106]

When we stayed in OKW and SSR 1 bedrooms, we were provided with bedding for the 5th sleeper (pulldown bed at SSR, sleeper chair at OKW). I could fit on the 5th sleeper at SSR (5'6"), but I didn't try the chair at OKW. Something we liked about OKW was the bigger table on the porch (seats 4 instead of just 2 chairs on the balcony) so it was nice to have that extra space. Some of the 1BD at OKW are set up so you have to go through the bedroom to get to the bathroom, so if you go with OKW, you may want to request one of the rooms with the additional door to the bathroom so the kids don't have to go through your bedroom all the time.

Good point on the bathroom - had that problem at BWV. Kids didn't like SSR when we did the tour and the bus situation at both SSR and OKV didn't appeal to us so have not stayed there. That does open up some options now that we are not sure the two college age kids will join us. Thanks for the insight.