best DVC resort for large family trip

[tjcj]

We have a big family trip set for June 09. There are 23 of us split up between 6 families (we are all real close). Anyway we currently have ressies at our home resort (SSR) for a GV and 2, 2 bedrooms with Grandstand requested.

Our 7 month mark comes up next Saturday and we have been thinking about the possibility of the other resorts. BWVs is at the top of the list with the location and transportation options.

So what resort is the best for a big family group such as ours, and what do you think the possibilities are at the 7 month mark for June?

P.S. I know we are crazy to set up a large trip such as this... but this will be our 3rd big family trip and each one so far has been just great

 

[surfer_ed]

 

[DVC Mike]

I would think you would be able to get BWV.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

BWV would be an awesome place for a big get-together. A lot of dining options between the BW, the other resorts, and of course Epcot. But if you have your heart set on a GV, don't you think they'd be reserved for June? You could always try. We LOVED the GV at BWV!

 

[Deb & Bill]

With a larger group, OKW is my choice. We've had family and friends with us on occasion and the two bedroom at OKW was roomy and we never felt like we were ont top of each other. Plus the porch is great.

 

[LIFERBABE]

I would look at the makeup of my family to decide. Do you have some newbies that will think everything is expensive? Is everyone going to stick together and visit the parks as a group? Will everyone have the DDP?

The more variables, the more I would pick SSR. SSR is closer to affordable food options, has counter service, self refillable mug stations and DTD. While we enjoy BWV, some in my family would not appreciate the expensive food options and many of them were not used to the heat and chose not to do the parks.

We had a Grand Villa and 9 studios at SSR and we had a great time. Think about late at night when you want to gather or swim after the parks.

Just some things to think about. I had alot of variables in my group, and did not want anyone complaining but if your group is accustomed to doing things the same, then they will enjoy whatever you decide.

 

[tjcj]

I would look at the makeup of my family to decide. Do you have some newbies that will think everything is expensive? Is everyone going to stick together and visit the parks as a group? Will everyone have the DDP?

The more variables, the more I would pick SSR. SSR is closer to affordable food options, has counter service, self refillable mug stations and DTD. While we enjoy BWV, some in my family would not appreciate the expensive food options and many of them were not used to the heat and chose not to do the parks.

We had a Grand Villa and 9 studios at SSR and we had a great time. Think about late at night when you want to gather or swim after the parks.

Just some things to think about. I had alot of variables in my group, and did not want anyone complaining but if your group is accustomed to doing things the same, then they will enjoy whatever you decide.

Thanks for the input, we had not given the food options that much thought yet. I know with the GV we plan on doing a few dinners in the villa, and having breakfast items available for all.

As far as doing things together we tend to start the trip all hanging together going to parks and after a few days the group breaks up and starts doing separate things.

We had a BWV GV for our last big family trip (one of the two level ones). I was hooked on our first night sitting on the balcony having a drink and watching fireworks from both wishes and illuminations
Hard to beat that!!

 

[Dean]

Every group is different, your point availability is also a consideration as is how much togetherness you want vs privacy. OKW will be much less points and due to the larger units and set up of the second BR and studios, likely more functional as well. But I'd only do that if you have at least one or two vehicles. You may also want to consider 2 BR units instead of the GV and possibly some studios rather than just larger units as this gives you more flexibility on unit assignments as well as if some cancel. Again, it depends on the makeup of each component of the group. Without a car, BWV & BCV may be better locations, esp if MK isn't a large part of the plans. VWL would be a good option for MK. Other than OKW, the kitchens will be smaller, units will be smaller and studios/second BR will have the single queen plus pull out for most units potentially available at 7 months out. You will not have much of a chance at the GV at BWV.

One option, esp for a OKW, is for a single 2 BR or two with multiple studios. You can get everyone a key to the 2 BR so they have access to the kitchen facilities.

 

[msabol01]

Dean,

I am planning a large family trip as well, 1-2 bedroom and 3 Studios. So, would I be able to get an extra key (1 for each studio) so they have access to our kitchen? Or are we limited to the max occupancy of the room for keys?

We will have 4 adults and 2 children in the 2 bedroom so we would by 2 shy of max occupancy. This would leave us short 1 key (2 keys for remaining occupancy).

BTW, we are staying at AKL so would that bump our occupancy to 9 and all works out?

 

[Dean]

Dean,

I am planning a large family trip as well, 1-2 bedroom and 3 Studios. So, would I be able to get an extra key (1 for each studio) so they have access to our kitchen? Or are we limited to the max occupancy of the room for keys?

We will have 4 adults and 2 children in the 2 bedroom so we would by 2 shy of max occupancy. This would leave us short 1 key (2 keys for remaining occupancy).

BTW, we are staying at AKL so would that bump our occupancy to 9 and all works out?

I have not had problems, others have reported the same experience. Just make sure they do not have charging on them. Even with the DDP, if you tell them why they should be able to work it out.

 

[msabol01]

Wow you are fast. Thanks for the info. One last question, do you tell MS or the cast member at check-in?

Thanks again!

 

[hematite153]

I'd choose SSR for a large group. We brought my DW's whole family last year and started out by switching away from SSR because we thought they'd be interested in all of the other features. But, we ended up back at SSR at the last minute and everyone loved it. It really worked out well and people with many different preferences said that they thought it had been the perfect resort choice.

 

[Dean]

Wow you are fast. Thanks for the info. One last question, do you tell MS or the cast member at check-in?

Thanks again!

You would do this at check in. If they give you any roadblocks, you could add others in the group to the room if you're not over the occupancy limit they will allow, usually 1 over the official for a 2 or 3 BR. We take a Sharpie to write on the cards so we can tell them apart. One thing I don't know, which we've done at other non DVC resorts, is whether they will code one key for multiple rooms. MS won't be involved, I wouldn't even mention it to them as it's often not a good idea to confuse people when timeshares are concerned.