BLT or BCV? Family of 4

[hillview]

We are a family of 4 and have enjoyed the Poly for the last couple of years. We are considering a 1 br at either BLT or BCV. The kids are age 6 and 4 at time of travel (last week of January 2011). We like nice restaurants and tend to spend an extra day or 2 at MK. We will be there for 7 days. The kids go to bed at 8 or so when we travel.

First I have no idea on availability!
Pros for BLT -- we'd get a MK view and the monorail; we'd be able to see the fireworks when the kids go to bed and maybe DS1 would stay up to see them; walking to MK; how is the pool area?

Cons for BLT -- not sure the theme is great; no kids club (we'd use poly or other places)

Pros for BCV -- great restaurants in Epcot and area; Stormalong bay; kids club on property; seems like better theme?

TIA!

 

[dianeschlicht]

If you are spending more time at the MK, then the BLT might be best for you unless your kids are really into the pool and pool slide thing. Remember that January isn't necessarily going to be good pool weather anyway.

 

[CarolMN]

The 7 month window for January 2012 opened this past May. Availability, even for January may already be quite limited.

It is unlikley that any MK view (or standard view) rooms at BLT are left at this point. Lake view may still be available, though.

Both resorts are very nice. IMO, you can't go wrong with either one.

My advcie is to decide very quickly and get your reservation made.

 

[hillview]

If you are spending more time at the MK, then the BLT might be best for you unless your kids are really into the pool and pool slide thing. Remember that January isn't necessarily going to be good pool weather anyway.

Thanks I think you are correct!

The 7 month window for January 2012 opened this past May. Availability, even for January may already be quite limited.

It is unlikley that any MK view (or standard view) rooms at BLT are left at this point. Lake view may still be available, though.

Both resorts are very nice. IMO, you can't go wrong with either one.

My advcie is to decide very quickly and get your reservation made.

Eeeks. I looked at the availability thread
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=168
and assumed I might be ok. Eeeks.

 

[MerriH807]

We have stayed at both and love both for different reasons. When we couldn't decide for our upcoming trip, we decided on a split stay. Our BLT stay will focus on MK and we'll do ep and dhs during our bcv stay. It's our first split stay and my kids are the same ages as yours! I know it's a hard decision.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thanks I think you are correct!



Eeeks. I looked at the availability thread
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=168
and assumed I might be ok. Eeeks.

That's not accurate at all, since it depends on people reporting what they COULDN'T get when they called in. The best check is to call MS and even then the availability will change by the minute. If you are talking about the first week of January, I think it will be slim indeed to find much at BLT and likely nothing at BCV.

 

[hillview]

That's not accurate at all, since it depends on people reporting what they COULDN'T get when they called in. The best check is to call MS and even then the availability will change by the minute. If you are talking about the first week of January, I think it will be slim indeed to find much at BLT and likely nothing at BCV.

Thanks -- can I just call (not a member)? I was thinking of .......................

 

[rocketriter]

Stormalong Bay is wonderful for older kids, but there's no single place where parents can sit and keep an eye on the kids as they wander from one section of the pool to another. I recommend BLT for now (if available) and BCV (our favorite) when your kids are a little older.

 

[Hopefully]

Thanks -- can I just call (not a member)? I was thinking of ..............

No, You must be a member to call MS.
Your only choices at this point are to try to find a member who will rent you points for a January 2012 stay. Then that member would have to call MS and see if there is any availablitly.
Members book their home resort 11 months in advance and then all other resorts right at 7 months in advance. Availablity at the 2 resorts you mention will be very limitied
Disney does retain ownership a small percentage of points (2%) in each resort. These Villas are available through CRO to the general public. It is possible there is a Villa available for rent throughthe regular Disney reservations. But if you go this route you will pay way more than if you planned appropriately and were able to rent points from a member.
Good Luck

 

[Sandisw]

Thanks I think you are correct!



Eeeks. I looked at the availability thread
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=168
and assumed I might be ok. Eeeks.

That board is really only good to get an idea of trends for what might be difficult to reserve.

When you see "no reports", it is simply letting you know that there were no Dis members who have shared information about that night.

When you see a date listed, it tells you that someone called and could not book for that night.

However, DVC availability changes all the time and even a night that is listed could end up being available when someone calls--less likely, but possible.

As already mentioned, I think securing BLT MK view in January will be difficult, especially if your trip happens during the marathon or MLk weekend.

Good luck!

 

[BUDDYBEAR]

blt because it is so hard to get on bcv

 

[bobbiwoz]

I wouldn't plan on going to BCV in January and using SAB to a great degree. I've been to WDW in Januarys that have been downright cold, with ice on the boardwalk to the dock at the Cont.

So, I would pick the location I liked best for a January stay. I hope the one you pick is available!