Best DVC resort for a family of 6

[Nabas]

Since there are 6 of you with 1 under the age of 2, I suggest starting with a one-bedroom at either Bay Lake Tower or Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kidani Village.

Both give you 3 sleeping surfaces and 2 bathrooms. By going with a 1-bedroom on your first stay when you rent points, it will save you a considerable sum but still allows you to evaluate all other aspects of the hotel.

BLT generally is much more expensive but this puts your family within walking distance of the Magic Kingdom.

Kidani’s pool is better (BLT’s pool is too small) and gets you close to animals.

We have 4 children and as they got older, we then switched to 2 bedroom villas, particularly at these 2 DVCs since BLT and Kidani gave us 3 bathrooms! 3 bathrooms is really helpful when all 6 of you are getting ready in the morning.

 

[MICKIMINI]

Why not start off with a loaded contract at the resort you desire which will get you off to a good start and then add on with another contract down the road? The longer you wait, the more it will cost. You need a 2 BR. Squeezing family in a small room isn't much of a vacation. Make a plan to budget your purchase and find a few things you can give up or cut back on.

Don't give up before you even start. Only you know what you can afford and what you spend on accommodations now. This is a long term proposition with big upfront costs but once you get past that you are just paying MF's. Good luck!

 

[robinb]

I would recommend that you rent your DVC points at the resort that you think will be the one for you. If you are between two resorts, rent points at both of them. I would also recommend that you book at least a 1BR for your next trip (unless one of your picks is the Polynesian). That will allow you to experience the living room, the full kitchen and washer/dryer.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

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.

I'd also add that you can do it in the unit, with the kids there, without having to deal with supervision issues, or having to haul laundry and keep track of two kids up a hallway.

Anything that eases supervision is a plus in my book.

 

[Epcot Forever Forever]

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.

I would also take a look at just booking the regular way the All Star Music family suites. I can hear you already thinking “all stars?” But they’re honestly really well done, having just been redesigned over the last 2 years. They have 3 real queen beds and 2 bathrooms, as well as a full size fridge and a microwave, so most of a DVC room.

 

[cbyrne1174]

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.

Go on Timeshare User Group to learn about the other systems that are much more economical. That's where Wyndham and Marriott owners mostly post. I plan on only ever using my DVC points for 1-2 nights in a studio at a time because it's so painfully pricey compared to the other Orlando options. The only reason I have DVC points is because I live an hour away. I wouldn't buy in if I was further away. The cost difference is too disproportional to the quality difference.

My 6 year old doesn't even know that Bonnet Creek isn't owned and operated by Disney because you can literally see the Skyliner from the pool and half the times I book a presidential unit, I have an Epcot fireworks view. The 1400 square foot 2 bedroom presidential unit also costs about the same as the 350 square foot DVC studio.

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