Best Resort Option for Large/Mixed Age Group

[astronautika]

Hi everyone...looking for some opinions! We're going to WDW in December 2018, planning to rent DVC points. We will have my family of four (kids will be 8 and 5) plus two sets of grandparents. Two of the grandparents will have some mobility issues, will likely need to take breaks and may need to rent a scooter. We will be doing 3 separate studios, as everyone wants their own space. In our price range we're considering these options:
- Copper Creak
- Boulder Ridge
- BLT Standard
- Beach Club
- Boardwalk Standard
- Animal Kingdom Lodge Standard/Savanna

Slightly over price range, but possible: Poly Standard

We're going for 6 nights/seven days in early December, so crowds will be low. Which would you recommend and why?

Thanks!

 

[VAfamily1998]

Well, all of the studios you mention only have one "real" bed, a Queen. Then they also have a double sleeper sofa, and some have an additional pull down bed (BCV, BWV, Boulder Ridge.) How does your family feel about your kids sharing one sofa bed? That might narrow it down a bit.

 

[megs1313]

if you rent scooters, you cannot beat being able to go back and forth between MK and contemporary without transferring. that would get my vote. WL's options would be right behind.

 

[astronautika]

I'm thinking the kids will be so tired that this won't be an issue. But, we may also pack one of our fold up cots if need be.

I think being on the monorail path could be a big asset since grandparents could get back to the resort easily. But, I think they'd love the theming at Wilderness Lodge (plus I love the newness of Copper Creek). And, everyone would be amazed by AKL Savanna, but transportation seems like a big downside there.

Lastly, I love the Epcot resorts, but the mobility issues seem not to be a great fit there...if they decide they don't want a scooter.

 

[astronautika]

if you rent scooters, you cannot beat being able to go back and forth between MK and contemporary without transferring. that would get my vote. WL's options would be right behind.

How long is the path from MK to BLT? How well does the monorail handle scooters?

 

[Hopefully]

Hi everyone...looking for some opinions! We're going to WDW in December 2018, planning to rent DVC points. We will have my family of four (kids will be 8 and 5) plus two sets of grandparents. Two of the grandparents will have some mobility issues, will likely need to take breaks and may need to rent a scooter. We will be doing 3 separate studios, as everyone wants their own space. In our price range we're considering these options:
- Copper Creak
- Boulder Ridge
- BLT Standard
- Beach Club
- Boardwalk Standard
- Animal Kingdom Lodge Standard/Savanna

Slightly over price range, but possible: Poly Standard

We're going for 6 nights/seven days in early December, so crowds will be low. Which would you recommend and why?

Thanks!

Are you DVC Owners? If not, renting 3 Studios in early December anywhere is not likely. DVC high season is from early October through mid January and has nothing to do with Disney seasons.

 

[megs1313]

I think being on the monorail path could be a big asset since grandparents could get back to the resort easily. But, I think they'd love the theming at Wilderness Lodge (plus I love the newness of Copper Creek). And, everyone would be amazed by AKL Savanna, but transportation seems like a big downside there.

given your details, I would say a monorail or boat launch (to MK) resort is your best bet. the walk to CR is about a half mile, IIRC. it's not bad at all and with scooters would be nothing. If you're not going to get scooters, I'd do one of the WL DVCs. The Christmas decorations there cannot be beat and the boat launch is a very convenient way back and forth to MK. i wouldn't do AKL without a car of your own if you are wanting to go back and forth during the day.

of course, all of this is subject to availability and my guess is CC or BR are going to be more likely to be available.....that's just a guess, though.

 

[astronautika]

Are you DVC Owners? If not, renting 3 Studios in early December anywhere is not likely. DVC high season is from early October through mid January and has nothing to do with Disney seasons.

Thanks for the feedback. Nonetheless, it certainly doesn't hurt to try.

 

[RajunCajun]

I don't think renting DVC points would be out of the realm of possibility at that time of year. You might need to budge a bit (i.e. 2br villa with one set of grandparents). I haven't done either but if I may. I LOVE AKL. Transportation length is an often cited issue but it's my all time favorite resort at Christmas time, it appeals to all age groups and the best resort dining options. Copper Creek for the newness as others have mentioned.

Going back to renting - I would budget for the next studio up. So if you want value, bank on getting the next one or two up. Secondly, why is DVC a mandate if everyone is getting their own space? It would be a lot of stress trying to orchestrate that. Put a quote in for what you want and then try and get a 1 bedroom at somewhere like AKL and then two standard rooms at the same resort.

 

[astronautika]

I don't think renting DVC points would be out of the realm of possibility at that time of year. You might need to budge a bit (i.e. 2br villa with one set of grandparents). I haven't done either but if I may. I LOVE AKL. Transportation length is an often cited issue but it's my all time favorite resort at Christmas time, it appeals to all age groups and the best resort dining options. Copper Creek for the newness as others have mentioned.

Going back to renting - I would budget for the next studio up. So if you want value, bank on getting the next one or two up. Secondly, why is DVC a mandate if everyone is getting their own space? It would be a lot of stress trying to orchestrate that. Put a quote in for what you want and then try and get a 1 bedroom at somewhere like AKL and then two standard rooms at the same resort.

AKL is tempting. I know my dad and kids would love it! Cost is the main factor for not booking rooms outright at a Deluxe. If we end up not being able to rent, we'll probably end up at Coronado.

 

[Babsy]

In your situation with two young children and grand parents with mobility issues, I would be looking for the easiest, most convenient option. That would be BLT, IMO. Walking to/from the MK is wonderful! Also you are on the monorail for going to the other MK resorts for dining or just visiting.

If you are planning to rent in Dec, you need to look into that ASAP in Jan to try and get booked at the 11 month window. Availability may be an issue as to where you will stay, so have your options ranked in advance in terms of preference and be as flexible as possible with dates. Dec is a busy time of year to try to rent, but it can be done - good luck!!

I think that all your listed choices are good, so wherever you get your bookings will be awesome! AKL does have only bus transportation, but it is a beautiful resort with fabulous dining options! I just returned from a split stay there and am returning for part of a split stay again in January. Buses may not be quite as convenient as the monorail or walking, but they work just fine and the drivers are excellent at getting scooters situated on board for guests. You will have to use buses for some theme parks regardless of where you opt to stay.

BTW, CSR is fabulous so if the rentals do not work out you will have a wonderful place to stay in this resort!

 

[astronautika]

Thanks! I'm definitely planning to have our info to the broker in askance of our 11 month mark to hopefully increase our chances.

I like having options. And, in the end, we'll be happy with any of these (or CSR)! I have my preferences, but am definitely flexible.

 

[mkh531]

I am not a fan of contemporary at all except for mobility issues, in which case it can't be beat. It's not as well themed as other resorts (the pool, while perfectly nice, has no pizzazz), but your kids will be happy anywhere at Disney, and the same can't be said for the grandparents. Book contemporary.

 

[kmdrago1783]

Hi everyone...looking for some opinions! We're going to WDW in December 2018, planning to rent DVC points. We will have my family of four (kids will be 8 and 5) plus two sets of grandparents. Two of the grandparents will have some mobility issues, will likely need to take breaks and may need to rent a scooter. We will be doing 3 separate studios, as everyone wants their own space. In our price range we're considering these options:
- Copper Creak
- Boulder Ridge
- BLT Standard
- Beach Club
- Boardwalk Standard
- Animal Kingdom Lodge Standard/Savanna

Slightly over price range, but possible: Poly Standard

We're going for 6 nights/seven days in early December, so crowds will be low. Which would you recommend and why?

Thanks!

We are renting at BLT this February-- we saved a bundle by renting points! It's so convenient to be 5 minutes walking distance from MK and on the monorail route. It's also my husband's favorite resort.

 

[SharonZ]

I agree with the responses above. Just make sure you are aware of what renting DVC points entails. It most likely involves most of the payment (if not all), in advance with little to no chance of changes/cancellations. I would especially make sure both of the grandparents are aware of this.

 

[Deb & Bill]

BLT studios are extremely small. Getting standard will be a real trick for Dec if you can't get a BLT owner to book your stay right at 11 months out. Same with standard at BWV, except the studios are a bit larger at BWV. If you get anything at all at BLT, plan on getting Lake View which will require more points. Thus, higher cost to you. Getting Copper Creek will depend on how many villas are declared into DVC inventory. They won't be declared until they sell enough DVC contracts at CCR. It might be easier booking it for cash since there should be lots of builder inventory yet at that time.

Out of your list, AKV, either category may be easier to book. But you need to decide do you want Jambo House or Kidani Village?