Boardwalk Villas/Boardwalk or Poly-HELP???

[FairyDust2008]

I'm trying to decide now to make reservations this weekend to book our 1st family trip to WDW and we have narrowed it down to Boarwalk but aren't sure about the villas or just the normal Boardwalk? We like the space offered in the villas. We aren't DVC members so does this make any difference or do we just book normally on Disney online like a normal room and do we get daily housekeeping? Also, we love the Poly too. I forgot to put in the title that AKL was on our list too. So, basically it is down to the Boardwalk, AKL or Poly. We are trying to make a decision so we can book now that hubby has cleared me with the dates "officially" for vacation. I'm so excited that I can't stand it, LOL Any input would greatly be appreciated. THANKS A BUNCH ALL. You have been a great help in our search.

 

[happymommy]

That depends.

How many of you are there? If you have kids, the villa gives much needed space, a washer/dryer, and a full kitchen.

What do you plan on doing during this trip? Do you want to explore Epcot and MGM more, or if you have little kids, Magic Kingdom a bit more?

I don't think AKL is the best for your FIRST visit, as it's a bit removed from the rest of the world. Don't get me wrong, I loved 2 out of my 3 stays there. But we had already been numerous times, and I wanted to try something different (the first time w/o DH).

I've been as a kid, before we had kids a few times, and with my kids since DD was 2 (she's almost 9). If you want to PM me, I'd love to give you any advice I could.

Of course, the first time we brought both kids, we stayed at the BWV in a 1br villa for 10 days. That was really perfect! We could push them in the stroller to Epcot, then from there take the monorail to MK. We love Epcot the best. The kids loved it all, they just went along with anything at that age. You can book directly through Disney - I prefer to use the phone. You do get daily housekeeping and they'll bring you any extra towels etc that you need. It was great!

 

[DVC Mike]

We like the space offered in the villas. We aren't DVC members so does this make any difference or do we just book normally on Disney online like a normal room and do we get daily housekeeping?

If you book a villa through Disney, you do get daily housekeeping.

 

[LSchrow]

just a consideration:
you can rent points from a DVC owner, for significantly less than than through CRO.
there are risks (minimal, but still there), & you do not get daily housekeeping (for an 8 day: 1 trash & towel, & 1 full housekeeping. they switched the T&T day & full day last time we went, so i'm not saying which day is which ).
you can also add the DDP (at an additional cost, paid at front desk) without any ticket requirement.
go to the DVC rent/trade board, & carefully read the stickey that explains "it all".
hth

 

[MomWDW]

ITA renting points is much cheaper then going through Disney. We did it here and rented through the rent forum here on the Dis a few years back. It worked out great!

 

[DVC Mike]

just a consideration:
you can rent points from a DVC owner, for significantly less than than through CRO.
there are risks (minimal, but still there)

You can certainly save a lot of money on great accommodations in a “Disney Deluxe Villa Resort” (Disney Vacation Club) by renting a reservation direct from a DVC member rather than making the reservation with WDW reservations (aka CRO).

However, please be sure and educate yourself on how "renting points" is very different from a regular hotel reservation.

See: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1669863

 

[wilda]

We've done AKL and BWI. AKL is a great resort for unwinding after a long day at the parks. It is somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle, very relaxing.

BWI is more centrally located and offers more flexibility in restaurant choices and is super convenient to Epcot and DS. I do think the BWI's pool beats the pool at AKL. They are two completely different resorts, it really depends on what you are looking for.