best studio rooms??

[gatorgirl2]

I am taking my two boys and one of my son's friends to Disney May 27-June1, 2008 (wanted to wait until school was out but want to beat the summer rush). This willl be our 10th trip to Disney and my sons (now teens) never tire of the place. If we don't go once a year they go through "Disney Withdrawal".

Anyway, we are looking at renting points at one of the DVC resorts. Having calculated it many different ways, it seems the most economical way to upgrade to a luxury resort. Here's my question--are there any differences in the space or quality of the studios from resort to resort? Am I just getting a glorified moderate resort-style room or do the studios offer something more? After a hectic day at Disney, we like to relax most nights at Epcot Showcase dining at one of the countries, so a studio at Boardwalk or Beach Club probably makes the most sense. Input appreciated.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Other than OKW studios, all the other DVC studios are about the same (except for furnishing colors, styles). OKW has two queen beds in the studio. All others have one queen bed and one double sleeper sofa.

A studio isn't really much more than a hotel room, except that you don't get a day bed and you do get a microwave oven. We seldom stay in studios and prefer the one bedroom.

If you plan to rent a DVC reservation from a member for the end of May, you might be out of luck or at least limited in your choice. Members start making their reservations 11 months out and you are now only 3 and a half months out. You have a Fri and Sat night in your range of days. Points for those days are nearly double or more than double those of Sun-Thur nights.

If you do decide to rent a DVC reservation, make sure you know the rules. The member owns the reservation until you check in. You cannot confirm it with Disney until maybe a day or two out and then you have to call the hotel directly. There have been some reports of the hotel declining to do this. Member Services will not accept any calls from you if you are not the member who owns the reservation.

You probably won't be able to change or cancel the reservation once you make it or get any kind of refund. If you do get lucky and get a reservation, you will undoubtly have to pay it in full almost immediately. The member may require cash and might not accept Paypal.

On the DVC Rent/Trade Board, there are multiple threads at the top of the page that you need to read before you post your request.

 

[iluveeyore]

Visit www.dvcfriends.com and see the 360 degree tour of each resort room. OKW has more square footage than the other studios, but it has two beds instead of a bed and pullout couch, which is nice to sit and relax in your room. All studios have a nice patio to sit out and enjoy the beautiful resort surroundings - our favourites for this are OkW first and Saratoga Springs second. Our teenage boys love OKW the most for the pool and all the activities at and around Community Hall. Also enjoy the boat ride to DTD. Saratoga is their second favourite for proximity to DTD and Disney Quest, which they frequent.
The studios are more than glorified hotel rooms because you get a nice kitchenette with a mini fridge, microwave, sink, coffee maker, toaster and disposable plates/cutlery with glasses and mugs as well. The bathrooms at OKW are large, with lots of storage under the vanity. All the resort studios are beautiful.
As for renting, we have friends that have rented with no problems. You can even ask a member for references if they've rented before. They will call for availability for your dates before you commit to purchasing the points as well.
We will be at AKV from May 26-June1, and at OKW from June 1-June 6 - have a great trip!