Best rentals for a family

[potential renter]

I am interested in renting a week at WDW. We have a family of 5. The kids are 14, 12, and 8. I haven't rented before from disney although I do own 2 marriott TS weeks on Hilton Head so, in general, I think I know how things work with regard to TS.

What properties are the most preferred? I don't know much about the disney properties, and have never stayed on site before.

I assume that once I figure out where we want to go, all I have to do is post a request on the Rental board for our 2 or 3 most preferred properties for the week we would like. Is that correct?

PR

 

[dianeschlicht]

DVC is not a "week only" timeshare. It is a point system, so you need to decide which resort you are most interested in and what size unit you will want or need.

With 5 people, you are proabably going to want to either consider AKV or BLT because at those two resorts you will have a choice of a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom unit that will still have the number of beds you need. If it was me, I'd probably go for a 2 bedroom for the comfort level.

If you are planning to see all 4 Disney parks, WHICH DVC resort isn't so improtant, because the Disney transportation system is fantastic! If you plan on spending most of your time at a specific park or two, then the location could be more of a concern. BLT and VWL are closest to the Magic Kingdom, while BWV and BCV are closest to Epcot (and some say the Studios, but that's a different discussion). AKV is closest to Animal Kingdom, and is reallythe only one that is near that park. SSR and OKW are close to both Downtown Disney and Epcot (OKW used to be listed as an Epcot resort before BWV was built). You need to go to the Disney site or this one and research each of the resorts to learn which you are most comfortable with. If you are thinking of dates either side of Easter week, you are already pretty late for looking now. Most of those would be reserved at the 11 month booking window, and some of the smaller resorts are probably already booked up. Also, be aware that it will also be a high point season, and will cost more than going during a lower point season. You can check out the "point charts" at the top of the page here to see the seasons.

Since you own timeshares, you might also see if they trade through RCI and are a possible trade draw for Disney Vacation Club resorts.