Can you help answer some questions?

[MiniVanMamman]

A friend of mine has been nice enough to give us some of her points for our 1st trip to Disney in November. We're calling this afternoon to check on availability (fingers crossed).

Since this is our first time and I'm trying to use as few of her points as possible, can you tell me the pros/cons of the following places? We have two girls, 5 & 7.

AK -Savanna View
VWL
OKW
SS
BWV
BCV

We would be staying in a studio - according to the brochure she gave me, all of the studios have one queen bed and a dbl sleeper sofa, except for OKW. How bad are the sleeper sofas? Uncomfortable? I will end up sleeping on it w/ my little one.

Also, we will most likely only hit AK and MK for parks so in terms of transportation to and from the resorts - how long will it take us to get back and forth from the MK and these hotels? I want it to be a fun experience, yet I'm grateful that it's FREE

This board has been extremely helpful, so thanks for you input.

 

[disneynutz]

You resort selection, if any, will be dependent upon what's available for your vacation dates.

This late there may not be any availability.

Good luck.

 

[MiniVanMamman]

disneynutz, I totally understand that, but I'd like to have as much info as possible, so if there are options, I make the best decision.

 

[eeyoresmom]

If available, I would chose 1. AKL (bus transportation is better than VWL IMO and animals are an attraction on their own for the little ones ) 2. VWL (easy transportation to MK) All of the DVC resorts have their pros and cons. The probability is high that SSR will have the most availability. The pools are great there for little ones, it has a good food court for a DVC resort and an excellent community hall. I think you'll be happy wherever you stay. Let us know what you book. BTW, if points savings is your main concern, OKW. BW standard view or AKL value would be the best choice...have fun planning

 

[chalee94]

Seriously, book as soon as possible. Any resort on disney property will be a great decision.

AKV -Savanna View:

If available, this would be my first choice (I can recommend jambo house but I'm sure the kidani building is great). African theming and giraffes outside the window make it unlike anything else. The pools are amazing. Boma is also a terrific place to eat. And if you’re lucky enough to be there when they put up the Christmas tree in the lobby in jambo house…even better.

The only downside is the buses to MK can take a while...

OKW: the best choice for saving pts and if you’d prefer 2 queen sized beds. Given the size of OKW, it’s also more likely for last minute reservations (and for a timeshare like DVC, 4 months out is “last minute.”) The boats to DTD are fun for kids if you are taking a day off from the parks.

SSR: more of a luxury feel than OKW’s laid back beach cottages, but it’s also a larger resort like OKW.

BCV: You can walk to epcot (DHS might be a bit far to walk for elementary schoolers). Stormalong bay is an amazing resort pool. The boardwalk is a lot of fun – jugglers and magicians and such to go along with good dining options. Christmas decorations are also pretty nifty here. (but this is a smaller resort and will most likely have been booked solid for several months already.)

BWV: similar to BCV but with a scary clown slide at the pool.

VWL: similar architecture to AKV but with a pacific northwest theme plus you can boat to the MK.

 

[MiniVanMamman]

Charles - thanks for all of the information; this is very helpful. I know it's late - I really think she goofed when she figured when she could book rooms outside of her main property - SS. I'm praying that we'll get something. If not, we'll do what we have to do to go that week.

 

[DebbieB]

Charles - thanks for all of the information; this is very helpful. I know it's late - I really think she goofed when she figured when she could book rooms outside of her main property - SS. I'm praying that we'll get something. If not, we'll do what we have to do to go that week.

November is within 7 months so she can book any DVC property.

 

[MiniVanMamman]

DebbieB - yes, but she told me we couldn't call until starting today (July). I could have booked in April. Could make a big difference in availability. KWIM? I'm thankful anyhow with the offer.