Best resort for January?

[Camno's Mama]

Hey everyone! I'm so excited to be in the (very early) planning stages for Disney again! My dh is running the Goofy in 2013, so we are going to take the older kids out of school for a week to plan a trip around that. This is something that he's always wanted to try, and what better place to try it?

A little history...In 2009, he ran just the marathon and we stayed at Pop Century. We made the mistake of not making the most of the warm days, and coming back for swimming and staying out later at night. The parks were pretty cold for my (then) 3 and 5-year-olds at night. So, we ended up chilling in the room or at the food court at night. By the end of the week, we were very ready to go home because we'd done everything that we wanted to do given the temps. And we spent way too much time just sitting around avoiding the cold. I said "never again will we go in January".

So, lessons I learned...1. bring more layers. I thought I brought enough. I didn't. And we're from the Chicago area, so I know what I'm doing. I just thought we'd be tougher. 2. Pick a hotel with more stuff to do if we decide to come back at night due to the weather. OR Get a car for more offsite choices and less standing in line in the cold OR do the dining plan and book reservations for dinner. 3. Make the most of the good weather when or if we have it.

Around the time of the marathon and half, I will probably be on my own with my kids a bit. They will be 2 (almost 3), 7 and 9. My dh will need to rest, and I'm good with that. I take them a lot of places by myself, and don't get overwhelmed with that kind of stuff.

Our budget won't allow for a deluxe...maybe if we're really really lucky we could swing WL or AKL, but that would be pretty surprising.

So, where would you stay? I know that we all prefer staying onsite on this board, but would offsite be better to give us more space and options for less money? How would you plan for this trip to avoid the mistakes that we made last time?

I know that some of you are big fans of the January/February time period. What do you do to plan?

 

[jimandami]

I would rent points and stay in at least a 1 BR at one of the DVC resorts. January is very low as far as points required, so if you rented for $10/point, you would probably get a deluxe for the price of a mod. Plus, you would have a full kitchen, washer/dryer, etc...We are doing the Marathon Relay this year and we rented points for a studio at BWV for 7 nights for just over $1000, which is less than $200/night. As far as which to choose, that really depends on how much you want to spend and availability. For the marathon, it would be great for your DH if you were at BLT because he could use the monorail to get to Epcot and wouldn't have to get up quite as early. Plus, you would be in a great location as far as proximity to MK (it's a 10 minute walk at most) and ability to take the monorail to Epcot. However, BLT requires more points than the other DVC resorts (it is probably our favorite though). We have also stayed at AKV, BWV, and BCV on rented points and we enjoyed them all. OKW and SSR are the cheapest as far as points, but are a bit farther from most of the parks than the others. However, they are still very nice, deluxe resorts.

 

[Camno's Mama]

I hadn't even thought of doing that!

When can I start shopping around for that? They book a year out, correct?

 

[jimandami]

There is a DVC section on this board and there is a rent/trade forum that has great information threads at the top, as well as DVC members who are looking to rent out their points. There is also a website called dvcrequest.com (you will see links at the top of the page), which has a lot of great information and is a business that basically matches owners and renters, but costs a bit more per point than renting through a private owner. DVC owners who have points at the resort you would like may make reservations 11 months in advance, while members who own at other resorts may make them 7 months in advance. Definitely read through the FAQ on the DVC point rental section because although it is a great economical way to stay at a deluxe resort, point rental is not without risk and you need to understand exactly what you are getting. Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[MMrules]

If you can get a good discount then I would suggest either WL or AKL b/c they are so cozy. I also like them b/c to get to your room you arent walking outside like at the moderates. The standard room views are the cheapest for those resorts. Both resorts have lots of activities for children so you would be able to do a lot there on your own.

Fort wilderness has the cabins which may offer more room.

As for moderates I have only stayed at Caribbean Beach and loved it. The kids can play on the beach sand, there are playgrounds and the kiddie pool is great (weather permitting).

However, Port Orleans Riverside would be great b/c it is the smallest moderate there is. They also have a boat to DTD.

I am a DVC member and have heard great things about renting points through Dave on the DVC boards. Good luck!

 

[MMrules]

I hadn't even thought of doing that!

When can I start shopping around for that? They book a year out, correct?

I would try looking at the rules on the renting section to make sure you don't blow your opportunity to book. For your home resort (lets say they own points at Beach Club) you get to book at 11 months. Otherwise you can't switch to the resort you want til 7 months out. So I would decide what resort you want and see if there is any rentals available for the 11 month mark to ensure you get it. THey will also say how much it will be per point. Sad to say 2013 points aren't up yet.

Boardwalk and Beach club would be your best options if you want close proximity to Epcot. Also the 1 BR is for 4 people plus one child under the age of 3 in a pack and play so you should be all set.

 

[PrincessSuzanne]

We haven't made our trip just yet, but I also suggest you rent DVC points. DH and I are staying in a 1 BR at BWV in January for 4 nights and it is really pretty inexpensive. We qualify for the Military discount, but renting points was cheaper for the same room, and it was so easy to do.