Advice....

[LoveforDisney10]

Trying to decide on a DVC villa.

2 adults, 2 kids (6,3) Dec 5-Dec 12, 2015. Main park will be MK.

My thoughts are VWL, (but heard rooms are dark, but awesome lobby especially at Christmas), AKL, Savannah view (I know kids would love the animals, but it would so far from MK), BLT (monorail would be a big plus).

5 park days with hoppers and the other days would be resort/DTD days, if that helps.

Thank you in advance!

 

[Dawn68PA]

One-vote for AKL. My kids at that age loved the animals. There are lots of kids activities there and the pool is huge! Especially if you are having a few resorts days I would stay here-there's nothing like having animals outside your balcony!

 

[chalee94]

My thoughts are VWL, (but heard rooms are dark, but awesome lobby especially at Christmas), AKL, Savannah view (I know kids would love the animals, but it would so far from MK), BLT (monorail would be a big plus).

be aware that that is THE busiest period for DVC bookings.

if you are a DVC member, book your home resort at 11 months out. try to change at 7 months if you have the option but make sure you don't lose what you already have.

if you are renting, try to set up the rental prior to the 11 month booking window opening. sometimes david and other brokers will have limited options.

my first choice would be BLT, then VWL. i love AKV (try for jambo house if the first 2 resorts aren't available) but it is a long way from the MK for a MK-focused trip.

 

[LoveforDisney10]

The distance is a concern for me (AK to MK). Thinking maybe save that for when the kids are older and won't be asking "how much longer".

 

[LoveforDisney10]

I am on the look out to find someone to rent from. If anyone recommends someone from the board, please share!

January is day month to book.

Thank you!

 

[amym2]

We just stayed at AKV- Kidani and the bus service to the MK was excellent! It was 20min door to door. The bus service was wonderful to all of the parks, with the exception of one evening coming back from DHS. It was even better than when we stayed at WL because the buses there share with other resorts (GF, Poly, FW, etc). We didn't get a savannah view but requested a room close to the lobby and had a 2min walk to the buses. We wouldn't hesitate to stay at AKV again.

That said, if you really do plan to spend most of your time at MK, I'd think BLT would be the most obvious choice. But if you can't get it, go for AKV.

 

[JessLCH]

We just stayed at AKV- Kidani and the bus service to the MK was excellent! It was 20min door to door. The bus service was wonderful to all of the parks, with the exception of one evening coming back from DHS. It was even better than when we stayed at WL because the buses there share with other resorts (GF, Poly, FW, etc). We didn't get a savannah view but requested a room close to the lobby and had a 2min walk to the buses. We wouldn't hesitate to stay at AKV again.

That said, if you really do plan to spend most of your time at MK, I'd think BLT would be the most obvious choice. But if you can't get it, go for AKV.

I own at BLT and VWL and love them both, and can't beat the proximity to MK, but I stayed at AK Kidani and completely agree that the buses were EXCELLENT...best bus transportation we've had, so don't let the transportation totally scare you away. The ability to walk to MK from BLT cannot be beat though. These are 3 of my favorite properties. have fun deciding.

 

[cantoine]

Our first DVC stay was at BLT. It was one of our worst stays at Disney. Yes it was very close to MK, however it was more like an apartment to us than a resort. Where it is convenient to MK for guest staying there remember it is also convenient to guest at Magic Kingdom. Everything you will need (food, shopping, monorail, resturants, lounges, recreation) is at the contemporary and that gets very very busy. It was more like a mad house than anything else. (We traveled the second week of June). We bought DVC on that same trip at AKL-Kidani. Traveled back in september for labor day weekend. Stayed in a savanna view room. It was amazing. Nothing compared. Nothing. Not even walking to Magic Kingdom. It is quiet, unique, friendly, relaxing. The resturants are great, the activities are awesome. The pool; omg in my families opinion way better than BLT. We went to Magic Kingdom for MNSSHP. The bus ride was great, and there was plenty of seats. We took the time to do some disney travia and explain the rules to our kids. Going back to the resort was not bad either. When the kids got into the PJ's my 5 year old daughter and I went on our balcony and watch a family of giraffes eat from the tree right out side our window. And she fell asleep on my chest. Those are memories that will last forever. So worth a 20 min bus ride

 

[LoveforDisney10]

When the kids got into the PJ's my 5 year old daughter and I went on our balcony and watch a family of giraffes eat from the tree right out side our window. And she fell asleep on my chest. Those are memories that will last forever. So worth a 20 min bus ride

I teared up and envisioned me with my daughter! Thank you for sharing. That IS what Disney is all about. Making memories for your family. We went last year and she talks Disney every single day!

Thank you all for going into detail about the bus ride. For some reason, other folks are making it sound awful.

 

[DreamerWDW]

I would choose VWL's hands down for the atmosphere of the resort and location. MK is very easy to get to. Next would be BLT for walking to MK, but at Christmas I'd still choose VWL.

 

[mrsp1030]

Our two favorite resorts are AKL and VWL. Both are amazing during the holidays and absolutely stunning. VWL just completed a renovation of their rooms also. We are trying VGF this year but our kids already asked when they can stay with the animals again!

 

[jillgunter]

We love Wilderness Lodge. Haven't stayed in the villas but loved the inn. Can't beat the boat to MK and Contrmporary. That would be my vote.

 

[bbn1122]

We stayed at WL not the villas before we were DVC members back in 2006 and when my boys were younger (12, 9 and 7).... We loved it and I picked because of the Christmas Decor more than anything.....the lobby the wood....giant Christmas tree the garland.....the boat ride was very funny to MK. It a great place during the holidays.

We now are DVC owners and our home resort is BLT.....we love it yes it a high rise and more modern, however you can not beat the setting on. Bay. Lake....beautiful....the monorail going by views of Space Mountain and the castle....the convenience to MK. Also, you are a monorail ride away from GF....which as spectacular decorations for the holidays...plus giant ginger bread house. You are also a monorail ride to TTC...boat ride to WL and Ft Wilderness...it such a great location.

We stayed at AKL back in 2011 and enjoyed our stay we did not do the parks that time, it was prior to a cruise. It is dark....the animals are fun....but not my families favorite resort.

Good luck with your decision and planning...