BLT studio vs CR room

[luckyman_apd]

I need some advice for my brother. We are traveling in November with my family and my mother. Originally my brother was going to take his family as well, but they changed their minds. Now they have changed their minds back and are considering going again.

They have NO IDEA that we are DVC members. They are the judge mental types, and they think it's not worth the money (yet they rent from DVC members about every two years......go figure)

Anyway, through their DVC member friend, they found out the hard way (tried to warn them months ago about availability) that everything except SSR is booked up. They like to get a 2 bedroom even though they are a family of 4, renting a 2 br at BLT is usually not a whole lot more than a standard contemporary room.

Well now they are considering just booking room at the contemporary. Just wondering how much different a studio at BLT is compared to a standard CR room? Through Disney, you can still book a studio at the BLT and with my 25% dvc discount, it ends up being cheaper than a standard CR room. Opinions/thoughts on either? Their children are 5 and 8 and are grown out of nap times. They are similar to us in that they like the proximity to the parks (which is why they are turning down SSR. I like SSR, but not for a 3-4 day trip where we hit the parks heavily).

Just looking for a straight up comparison on the studio vs the CR room.

 

[psac]

Have not stayed in the BLT Studio, but have repeatedly read that it is VERY small, and not good for more than 2-3 people. Unless they REALLY need the kitchenette, the CR Room would likely be better.

 

[twinklebug]

From the pics I've seen of the CR rooms, they're much larger than the BLT studios. My 2 teens and I stayed 2 nights in a BLT studio just to try it. It was as crowded, but I spent most of my room time sleeping or on the balcony breathing in the FL air so it was more than bearable. If we stay there again for a longer trip with the same # people it'll be in a 1br or larger.

If they're spending the money anyway why not try the CR? I know I'd love to!

 

[Carrie in AZ]

CR lover here! Loooooove it so much!! Love everything about the rooms, especially the spacious bathroom. I would go for the CR room -- two real beds, large bathroom, neat glass desk area, amazing views if they are in the Tower, the list goes on and on!

Are you all planning on swimming together, though? It's my understanding that CR guests cannot swim at BLT. If you all want to swim together at BLT, then they should stay at BLT.

Good luck!

 

[Muhlenberg]

I've stayed at both. The CR rooms are about 100 sq. ft. bigger than the BLT studio. If my memory serves me correctly, there is a small fridge in the CR room. There probably isn't a microwave. The bathroom is much bigger than a BLT studio. And the living space is MUCH, MUCH bigger at CR. There are 2 queen beds, and a sofabed. Let me just say that when there were 3 of us in the BLT studio, we were practically tripping over each other. It was like "three's a crowd." Or, I felt like the "third man out." Very awkward.

If they're not used to having a kitchen, and don't NEED the kitchenette, I'd go with CR.

 

[Deb & Bill]

CR rooms are very large. We stayed in the South Wing several years ago when they were in the process of tearing down the North Wing where BLT now stands. We had two queen beds and a day bed. The bathroom was very large and we had plenty of space.

The BLT studio is the smallest of all the studios and really isn't suitable for more than a couple or a couple with a small child. Most of the available space in the BLT studio is in the hallway to the living space and the bathroom. The bathroom is pretty good sized (but it had to be to make that slider door work).

The 25% DVC discount would not be available on rooms through DRC, only through DVC, and it's not always available.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

I've stayed at both. The CR rooms are about 100 sq. ft. bigger than the BLT studio. If my memory serves me correctly, there is a small fridge in the CR room. There probably isn't a microwave. The bathroom is much bigger than a BLT studio. And the living space is MUCH, MUCH bigger at CR. There are 2 queen beds, and a sofabed. Let me just say that when there were 3 of us in the BLT studio, we were practically tripping over each other. It was like "three's a crowd." Or, I felt like the "third man out." Very awkward.

If they're not used to having a kitchen, and don't NEED the kitchenette, I'd go with CR.

I've stayed in both and would definitely choose the CR room for the group you are describing. 2 queen beds, small refrigerator, large bathroom, much larger living area and they will still have a sofa. No microwave and no table to eat at but it has a nice, big desk area.

 

[luckyman_apd]

Thanks everyone. They are considering NOT going in Nov again, and going in June when they can get the resort they want. I gotta tell you.....if feels good having the room they want, but can't get as the little brother

 

[spiceycat]

think also if you use the 25% discount you have to be in the room.

It is not like the annual pass discount - where you can reserve rooms for others.

besides the cost (rack rate) of a studio is so close to 1-bedroom - would go for it.