Calling on your opinions!

[ajf1007]

I know I'm a bit ahead of myself, but I'm looking at my 2012 vacation, which will be... me, my DH, my DB, DSIL, DN's (2 of them, then 3 and 5), my DBF and her family.

Now my plan is to get 3 studio's so each family has their own "place" and we're not all on top of each other. Also, everyone will do their own thing at their own schedule but there will be a few "organized" events... HOOP DEE DOO, etc.

My DBF and her family and my DH and I went together 2 years ago and had a great time, none of us were DVC'rs and we stayed at AKL (Jambo House) - loved it and that's what made DH and I's decision to DVC at AKV. My point is my DB and his family have never been to WDW so I'm really trying to do is make it as special as possible for them.

Sorry, I digress... anyway, now that you know the backround, I'd LOVE everyone's opinion on where to stay. There are 3 that I'm really considering.

#1 - Of course, AKV - Love, love, love my home!
#2 - VWL - always somewhere I'd love to stay!
#3 - BCV - the pool, the resort, it all looks so cool!

Looking for Pros/Cons - opinions, etc. I know the kids will love anywhere, it's WDW, who wouldn't - but I'm thinking of, location, attractions, rooms, restaurants, etc.

Thanks!

 

[pinnocchiosdad]

I would go with BCV for the kids. The adults will love the boardwalk. Why not try swinging at least one 1 BR. That way you will all have access to a washer and dryer as well as a "true full" livingroom for everyone to hang out in.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I need a little more information before I can give advice. What time of year are you thinking of? Since you own at AKV and you are talking about resorts you don't own, time of year could be very important.

My best advice is always to book your home resort at the 11 month window first, and then change at the 7 month window if anything is available.

For your group, I'd consider getting at least a 2 bedroom lock off plus a studio. That gives you the advantage of the common area, and you can have all of them join you in the common area any time you wish. Then you can also have the lock off keyed seperately so your other guests don't always have access to your space. I know it's cheaper point wise to reserve 3 studios, but I'd want the advantages of the laundry, Jacuzzi, and kitchen/living area to help everyone enjoy the trip more.

 

[ajf1007]

I would go with BCV for the kids. The adults will love the boardwalk. Why not try swinging at least one 1 BR. That way you will all have access to a washer and dryer as well as a "true full" livingroom for everyone to hang out in.

Would you pick BCV for the kids because of the pool? Location? Just curious. Unfortunately, if I need 3 rooms (there is a chance that my BF and her family won't go) I don't have enough points even with borrowing, to do that. Side note....must look at adding on! I'm working with 335 points. Now if she doesn't go, than I would definitely do a 2 bedroom.

I need a little more information before I can give advice. What time of year are you thinking of? Since you own at AKV and you are talking about resorts you don't own, time of year could be very important.

My best advice is always to book your home resort at the 11 month window first, and then change at the 7 month window if anything is available.

For your group, I'd consider getting at least a 2 bedroom lock off plus a studio. That gives you the advantage of the common area, and you can have all of them join you in the common area any time you wish. Then you can also have the lock off keyed seperately so your other guests don't always have access to your space. I know it's cheaper point wise to reserve 3 studios, but I'd want the advantages of the laundry, Jacuzzi, and kitchen/living area to help everyone enjoy the trip more.

We are looking at mid-late September. I agree, and my plan would be to book at AKV first. Unfortunately, I'm looking at 335 points so if all 3 families are going, than points wise, 3 studios is best. If only two families go, than I would do a 2 bedroom, without a doubt. I totally need to add-on! That solves everything! But, that is a year or two away.

 

[keishashadow]

just remember that the point charts can be re-allocatednot sure as to the length of ur planned trip

diane is right, book something (anything) @ 11 months to have a room @ the inn, then try to switch things around later

re the BF, i'd make sure she understands the need for you needing to book within the 11 month window & possibility of borrowing points or adding on to make this trip work & get her to commit ASAP. Most non-DVCers don't 'get' the hoops we happily jump thru

i'd guess than mid-sept before MNSSHP starts is one of the slowest times of the year @ DVC (vs FDP booked CRO)

have fun planning your trip!

 

[disneynutz]

Since this is DB's first trip, I would stick with what you know, AKV. AKV is larger than the other resorts on your list and you have a better chance of getting the view that you want.

I would save the exploratory trips for the times when it is just your family. That way you can take all the time you want to check everything out without the pressure of having to entertain.

Bill

 

[ajf1007]

just remember that the point charts can be re-allocatednot sure as to the length of ur planned trip

diane is right, book something (anything) @ 11 months to have a room @ the inn, then try to switch things around later

re the BF, i'd make sure she understands the need for you needing to book within the 11 month window & possibility of borrowing points or adding on to make this trip work & get her to commit ASAP. Most non-DVCers don't 'get' the hoops we happily jump thru

i'd guess than mid-sept before MNSSHP starts is one of the slowest times of the year @ DVC (vs FDP booked CRO)

have fun planning your trip!

Absolutely, BF will commit either way by the 11month mark that is not a concern for me at all. We always go mid - late September, our favorite time of year, I just love it then. Thanks!

 

[ajf1007]

Since this is DB's first trip, I would stick with what you know, AKV. AKV is larger than the other resorts on your list and you have a better chance of getting the view that you want.

I would save the exploratory trips for the times when it is just your family. That way you can take all the time you want to check everything out without the pressure of having to entertain.

Bill

That's great advice! I did take Boardwalk off of the list because that's definitely somewhere that my DH and I want to try by ourselves. I do truly truly love AKV too, just trying to make sure I'm not missing anything.

 

[BeesKnees]

If you are taking people for the first time and if it turns out to be a rare treat for them I suggest staying closest to where you will spend the most time. With young kids that is most likely MK. You really don't want them wasting a lot of time on transportation. The advantage of VWL is that you are close to MK and close to a monorail that will give you many many restaurant choices and it is close to the Hoop-de-doo you mentioned.

BCV offers quick access to 2 parks and a multitude of nearby restaurants as well.

What we normally do is making it guest's choice. We get to go all the time so there is nowhere we wouldn't stay. We list the pros and cons of each location and let them look at pictures and information online. I will say that not one of them has ever picked AKV. VWL, BWV, and OKW are the top choices.

 

[disneychic]

Depending on how the point charts look for 2012, if they are similar to what 2010/2011 are I'd pick AKV--you'll save points. Or, try for a standard view at the Boardwalk -- typically less points than BCV, or VWL.

 

[DenLo]

Based on your DN's age, I'd say stay at BLT, a 10 minute walk to MK (the park for 3 and 5 year old) and a few minutes back to BLT via the monorail. But wow, the points per night is high and the studios are smaller (unless you are opting for a value AKV studio, then the BLT studio is pretty big). There are lots of restaurants at CR or any of the monorail resorts, and ferries to WL and Ft. Wilderness. The pool at BLT is good for kids, great slide. The kids really zoom around but slow down when entering the water and parents can easily keep an eye on kids. Whereas at SAB it's not that easy unless you are in the pool with them. So if you have older kids and younger, the older kids might be restricted to an area just so you can watch the little ones.

 

[ajf1007]

Based on your DN's age, I'd say stay at BLT, a 10 minute walk to MK (the park for 3 and 5 year old) and a few minutes back to BLT via the monorail. But wow, the points per night is high and the studios are smaller (unless you are opting for a value AKV studio, then the BLT studio is pretty big). There are lots of restaurants at CR or any of the monorail resorts, and ferries to WL and Ft. Wilderness. The pool at BLT is good for kids, great slide. The kids really zoom around but slow down when entering the water and parents can easily keep an eye on kids. Whereas at SAB it's not that easy unless you are in the pool with them. So if you have older kids and younger, the older kids might be restricted to an area just so you can watch the little ones.

Such good points! I do love the location of the BLT and I bet my brother and his family would love it there too. Your right the points are high and I do realize that they will fluctuate a bit more by 2012. If I did BLT, I would have to do 3 studios, standard view. And at AKV, I would also do the studios but with Savannah View (not the value). How much smaller are the studios at BLT versus AKV?

 

[ddoconnell]

Can I post my vote for OKW? They have large rooms and go for less points. The kids would love the big pool. It is a little farther away, but the theme is great! We have taken large groups several times and have stayed there had a wonderful time. The extra space is the best when you have a large group! Good luck with your planning!

 

[delaneyc52]

I will always vote BCV or BWV for their proximity to Epcot and the Studios. The pools are wonderful, the nightlife great, the view of fireworks superb!