Best DVC resort for a family of 6

[Pickles516]

Hey y’all, I have a question for anyone that may be kind enough to share their thoughts.

My family consists of My wife and I, and our 4 kids(currently 8, 6, 3, and 11mos). We will be traveling to WDW in 2023, most likely by renting DVC points. In addition to a vacation, this is going to be a feeler/scouting trip to see if DVC purchase is something we may be interested in. My question is as follows:

Studios seem to mostly sleep 5 + a baby, though that’d be crowded, especially including a crib for the baby(this isn’t a huge deal for the 2023 trip, but will obvisually become more of an issue with each passing year). Then, for some reason that makes no sense to me, 1 bedrooms accommodate 4 + a possible 5th in some rooms if they bring their own bedding. Then the jump is to a two bedroom for up to 8 people. Now obviously, if we need a two bedroom each trip, that a big chunk of points we’d have to pick up. Are there any resorts that could accommodate up to six in a one bedroom or have some other more cost effective way of getting us in there? I wouldn’t want to start planning a budget to purchase DVC and then not have the ability to accommodate us all (I’m basing my thinking off the weekly rate on the current point charts).
Any input would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

 

[JETSDAD]

Once the youngest turns 3 your only option will be 2-3BR or multiple rooms. Poly has studios that connect but then you also don't get a kitchen, laundry, etc.

 

[Epcot Forever Forever]

Hey y’all, I have a question for anyone that may be kind enough to share their thoughts.

My family consists of My wife and I, and our 4 kids(currently 8, 6, 3, and 11mos). We will be traveling to WDW in 2023, most likely by renting DVC points. In addition to a vacation, this is going to be a feeler/scouting trip to see if DVC purchase is something we may be interested in. My question is as follows:

Studios seem to mostly sleep 5 + a baby, though that’d be crowded, especially including a crib for the baby(this isn’t a huge deal for the 2023 trip, but will obvisually become more of an issue with each passing year). Then, for some reason that makes no sense to me, 1 bedrooms accommodate 4 + a possible 5th in some rooms if they bring their own bedding. Then the jump is to a two bedroom for up to 8 people. Now obviously, if we need a two bedroom each trip, that a big chunk of points we’d have to pick up. Are there any resorts that could accommodate up to six in a one bedroom or have some other more cost effective way of getting us in there? I wouldn’t want to start planning a budget to purchase DVC and then not have the ability to accommodate us all (I’m basing my thinking off the weekly rate on the current point charts).
Any input would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

There are 1BRs that sleep 5 and studios that sleep 4, it just varies by resort. SSR is an example of one that is like that. But once you get to 6 it’s a 2BR or a specialty unit (Treehouse, Cabin, Bungalow, Grand Villa), or 2 studios (but depending on the point chart that may not be fewer points than a 2BR)

Disney has been shifting point charts around a lot recently. I’d buy 20% more points than you think you need if you like to travel in the fall or early winter.

 

[Brian Noble]

We're an empty-nest couple, but before the (two) kids flew the coop, we considered a 2BR more or less the minimum. We tried a 1BR once, on our first trip. Even though it was within the unit's occupancy, it was...sub-optimal.

The advantage of a 2BR for a family is that no one needs to sleep in the living room. That means that night owls or early birds have a place they can be without disturbing folks who are sleeping. Or, folks who want to take a nap are able to without everyone else having to tip-toe around. Even if DVC allowed you to put six in a 1BR for some reason, it would feel awfully cramped.

The only alternative to that with a party of six (over-three-year-olds) is two studios. But, the difference in points from two studios to a 2BR is pretty modest in most resorts, and in exchange you have that extra living room, a kitchen, etc. We like it so much that we kept to 1BRs for the two of us.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Many DVC members like to squeeze as many nights as they can out of their points. I'd rather go fewer nights and be comfortable.

You're going to need a 2BR or two Studios. In most cases, two Studios will be cheaper. I'd go two Studios if you wouldn't use the kitchen, or 2BR if you would. My wife and I like a king bed so we'll be in 2BRs most trips with a family of 5.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

The only alternative to that with a party of six (over-three-year-olds) is two studios. But, the difference in points from two studios to a 2BR is pretty modest in most resorts, and in exchange you have that extra living room, a kitchen, etc.

And let me elaborate on what that "etc." really is:

In-unit Washer and Dryer.

With 4 kids, having that is amazeballs.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

It's been covered that you're going to need a 2BR within a couple of years or else 2 connecting studios which only exist at PVB unless you and your spouse are willing to split up between the rooms and each take a couple of kids with each of you. So I'm going to assume 2BR or PVB if 2 connecting studios is ok. The connecting isn't guaranteed but there have been very few reports of that not happening.

Now there are resorts where a 2BR will require less points than 2 studios at PVB. Consistently you'll find that at some of the earlier resorts - OKW, SSR and AKV. BWV standard view too but I would have a difficult time recommending that as there are only 2BR lockoffs there and the standard view books up quickly much of the year.

 

[suebeelin]

Would a 1Bd Easy to get at BLT work?
king, queen sleeper couch, single bed chair sleeper ( sleeps 5)
2 full baths, kitchen, laundry
900sq ft
Easy access walking to MK
Otherwise 2 studios for 6ppl

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Would a 1Bd Easy to get at BLT work?
king, queen sleeper couch, single bed chair sleeper ( sleeps 5)
2 full baths, kitchen, laundry
900sq ft
Easy access walking to MK
Otherwise 2 studios for 6ppl

Only until the youngest turns 3.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

As everyone above said, long term you're looking at 2br or two studios.

I just wanted to chime in to caution you about trying a 5 person studio now when you can technically fit 5 plus baby. Given the ages, you're taking about trying to fit a crib *and* a double stroller, which is going to be crazy tight. We did BWV with 5 and a double stroller and it was cramped. I wouldn't want to throw a crib into that mix, unless you're putting it in a walkway and then folding it up every morning.

 

[Brian Noble]

In-unit Washer and Dryer.

Agreed. It doesn't seem like this should be such a big thing. After all, the studios have access to free laundry, right? But, the ability to throw a load into the washer and forget it on the way to the parks is under-appreciated.

 

[Chuck S]

Agreed. It doesn't seem like this should be such a big thing. After all, the studios have access to free laundry, right? But, the ability to throw a load into the washer and forget it on the way to the parks is under-appreciated.

Yes it is, which is why I've gotten to the point of booking a one bedroom unit, even for solo trips, though I usually do travel with friends.

 

[cbyrne1174]

Hey y’all, I have a question for anyone that may be kind enough to share their thoughts.

My family consists of My wife and I, and our 4 kids(currently 8, 6, 3, and 11mos). We will be traveling to WDW in 2023, most likely by renting DVC points. In addition to a vacation, this is going to be a feeler/scouting trip to see if DVC purchase is something we may be interested in. My question is as follows:

Studios seem to mostly sleep 5 + a baby, though that’d be crowded, especially including a crib for the baby(this isn’t a huge deal for the 2023 trip, but will obvisually become more of an issue with each passing year). Then, for some reason that makes no sense to me, 1 bedrooms accommodate 4 + a possible 5th in some rooms if they bring their own bedding. Then the jump is to a two bedroom for up to 8 people. Now obviously, if we need a two bedroom each trip, that a big chunk of points we’d have to pick up. Are there any resorts that could accommodate up to six in a one bedroom or have some other more cost effective way of getting us in there? I wouldn’t want to start planning a budget to purchase DVC and then not have the ability to accommodate us all (I’m basing my thinking off the weekly rate on the current point charts).
Any input would be greatly appreciated - thanks!

Here is some budget friendly "thinking outside of the box" advice:

Buy enough DVC points to splurge in a 2 bedroom every other/every third trip and rotate between systems each year. For example, Marriott is currently expanding the World Center pool to include a water park (resort will soon have 6 slides + lazy river) and the resort is LITERALLY right outside the WDW gates. They have 2 and 3 bedroom units (Royal Palms, Sabal Palms and Imperial Palms) that are easy to get via an interval international trade. Marriott has quite a few other resorts in Orlando as well. I bought an every other year Grande Vista 2 bedroom deed for about $1800 last July and annual dues on it are $738. I can use the week, trade the week in interval international for $154, or split the lock off into 2 units and trade both units and pay a few extra upgrade fees to get 2 weeks in a two bedroom for about $1100/week.

I also own Wyndham. If you buy a Grand Desert deed off Ebay, the most expensive week for a 2 bedroom deluxe at Bonnet creek will set you back $1250 (224,000 points), making it a cheaper option than Marriott. Bonnet Creek has awesome pools and lazy rivers. I am also currently in the process of buying some DVC points (DVC was actually at the bottom of my list to add because it's the least economical). I have never bought retail in any system. My experience is this:

1. Wyndham is the easiest to buy resale (no ROFR and low buy in cost)
2. Marriott is the second easiest (moderate buyin costs, fast ROFR on legacy weeks and they almost NEVER exercise it on weeks)
3. DVC is the most annoying to buy resale (high buy in cost and ROFR takes a while)

If you buy Wyndham or Marriott resale, you're not tied to WDW when your kids are grown. Use your points/weeks to go to Maui, St Thomas, Aruba etc. Marriott and Wyndham are better for giving you an actual lifetime of vacations. Most people in the DVC bubble are oblivious to the other options that are out there in Orlando. My kids actually PREFER Bonnet Creek over some of the DVC resorts. They like the lazy river and view of the Epcot fireworks.

Do your research in each system before making up your mind, because you will have to pay for a 2 bedroom in each system and DVC costs at least double the other systems.

 

[karen4546]

With a growing family, I would definitely look at staying in a 2br. We bought DVC because room prices are steadily rising and it sort of locks us in to discounted rooms.

If you can plan in advance then DVC is worth considering. If you choose last minute trips then DVC is not for you.

We bought into AKV because Jambo House is our favorite resort. May 2019, we bought 100 pts and a couple of months later added on another 25 points.

A standard 2br at AKV is great. Now that there is a borrowing restriction, we will need to add on again.

We have been fortunate to use our points on: value 2br for 5 nights, Polynesian Lakeview for 4 nights, Copper Creek alt. studio for 5 nights, Riviera Tower studio for 5 nights, Club level studio for 5 nights, Boardwalk GV studio for 4 nights, value studio for 5 nights, and our "welcome home" was two Beach Club villas studios for 5 nights.

Like I said though, we must buy more points after we finish the remodel on our house.

 

[Donna M]

Our favorite is OKW. The living is very large and something to really consider with 4 young children. There are 2 couches which come in handy when watching tv. The other resorts have a couch and chair and much less floor space.

You are buying this for the future too; your kids will 13, 11, 8 and 6 in just 5 years. I wouldn´t want 2 studios for that crew. Space is king. To us DVC was not staying in a hotel room for a week; it´s staying in comfort.

 

[Lumpy1106]

Family of 5 here. We have comfortably stayed in a 1 br @ BLT and BWV. For THIS trip, renting points, I would recommend that. You can get a real feel for having a kitchen and the laundry at your easy disposal that way. Be aware, BWV requires you to bring your own bedding for the 5th. My kids don't like sharing the sleeper sofa so we brought an air mattress and a camping cot. That worked great - plenty of room. BLT 1 br has 2 bathrooms - really missed that on our BWV stay. As your kids get older that will put you in a 2br. Disney will not allow you to put a 5th in CCV and BRV so you'd have to opt for the 2br if you want to stay there.

If you just want to stay cash somewhere, I HIGHLY recommend the AoA 1 br suites (has 2 bathrooms!). We loved staying there and those will sleep 6. No laundry and no real kitchen though...

 

[JETSDAD]

Family of 5 here. We have comfortably stayed in a 1 br @ BLT and BWV. For THIS trip, renting points, I would recommend that. You can get a real feel for having a kitchen and the laundry at your easy disposal that way. Be aware, BWV requires you to bring your own bedding for the 5th. My kids don't like sharing the sleeper sofa so we brought an air mattress and a camping cot. That worked great - plenty of room. BLT 1 br has 2 bathrooms - really missed that on our BWV stay. As your kids get older that will put you in a 2br. Disney will not allow you to put a 5th in CCV and BRV so you'd have to opt for the 2br if you want to stay there.

If you just want to stay cash somewhere, I HIGHLY recommend the AoA 1 br suites (has 2 bathrooms!). We loved staying there and those will sleep 6. No laundry and no real kitchen though...

BRV would allow a 5th in a 1BR but would be the same as BWV for bedding. CCV has the hard cap of 4.

 

[AliceIn]

When the kids get to high school age, resorts with extra bathrooms is a huge feature. Connecting Poly studios give you 4 showers. Two bedrooms at AKV Kidani and BLT have 3 full bathrooms. We have stayed at the Poly with a family of 5 and it was really not a problem. The teens loved it because they could head out on their own to Magic Kingdom and Epcot and not worry about buses.

 

[Mle8308]

BRV would allow a 5th in a 1BR but would be the same as BWV for bedding. CCV has the hard cap of 4.

BRV Studio will also sleep 5, though tight (has the twin Murphy/drop down bed).

 

[Pickles516]

Thank you all so much for the guidance. It seems that if we buy in my options are either “have more money” or “go less often” which honestly aren’t the worst things to hear.