Chuck S or Anyone who may know this

[Wendybird55]

Hi Everyone,

I mentioned Chuck S in my header because he seemed to have a good sense of busy booking times for DVC.

This is my first time using DVC points (a firend who can't use theirs is kind enough to let us use them).

I would like to go to Disney Aug 31 - Sept 5. I would like a 2-bedroom suite and my first choice is Boardwalk Standard view (dont' have enough point for preferred). Second choice is OKW (because that's the only other resort I can get 2-bedroom with points I have).

How busy is DVC at that time? What do you think my chances are for getting my first choice or a 2-bedroom? I can use the points in different ways and am curious how many options I should give my friend when she books for me - so if one is unavailable she can move on to the next option. I read here that many people split up their stay between different resports. I don't know if that's by choice or necessity. I would prefer not to change rooms during my stay.

Also do you kow how much the extra charge is if you want maid service every night? And how often is maid service without paying extra?

Thanks Alot!
Wendy

 

[Chuck S]

Many schools throughout the Southern US will already be back in session, so it is a relatively easy time to book. I think you have a good chance to get Boardwalk, but maybe not standard view, as those go quickly. But you may get lucky as Food & Wine won't start until later in September. OKW and SSR will have the most availability, due to the size of the resorts.

Are you looking for a dedicated 2bdrm or a lock-off unit? BWV offers ONLY lock-offs, which is a studio plus the connecting 1 bedroom unit, OKW has both dedicated and lock-off units, plus all OKW 2 bedrooms (dedicated AND lock-offs) will have 2 queen beds in the 2nd bedroom. BWV will have a queen bed and full sleeper sofa.

Personally, we don't change rooms during our stay. I just don't want to have to pack and unpack twice.

Since you are staying less than 8 nights, you will not get a full housekeeping during your stay. You will get trash & towel service on day 4 (check-in is day 1). All they will do is change the towels and empty the trash, not vacuuming or fresh sheets. Additonal service prices are below:

Pay As You Play
With Pay As You Play service, you'll be provided with the following amenities free of charge at the start of your stay. After that, you may purchase more for the following fees:

Toiletries Package, $5.00 - 1 facial soap, 1 bath soap, 1 shampoo, 1 conditioner, 1 shower gel
Coffee Package, $3.00 - 1 package of coffee, 8 sugars, 8 creamers, 8 artificial sweeteners
Towel Package, $6.00 - 4 bath towels, 2 hand towels, 4 washcloths, 1 bath mat
Laundry Detergent (only in One-, Two-, and Three-bedroom Vacation Homes), $1.00 - 1 box

Additional Full Cleaning Rates:
Studio/Inn Room - $30.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $45.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $60.00 per day requested
Three-Bedroom - $75.00 per day requested


Additional Trash & Towel Rates:
Studio/Inn Room - $15.00 per day requested
One-Bedroom - $20.00 per day requested
Two-Bedroom - $25.00 per day requested
Three-Bedroom - $35.00 per day requested

Have a great trip.

 

[Wendybird55]

Thanks for all the info Chuck - it's very helpful.

Me, my husband son and sister will be going. We thought a 2-bedroom will be good for privacy (having our own rooms and bathrooms), but we can still be together and my sis can help out with out son. So I don't think it will make a difference if it was a lock off or not. Though I think a non-lock off would be a nicer room.

From all I've been reading and researching - I think OKW 2Bedroom (non lock off) will be a nicer room to stay in.
The appealing factor of BW is location (I've stayed at the hotel many times). However I know the vaction villas are located in a different area...

Are the vacation villas as convenient as the rooms are to the boat launch and walking to EPCOT and the other hotels? Is it closer or further away? Do you use the same main enterance of Boardwalk to check in and such for DVC as well or is there a seperate entrance?

I'm just wondering if the convenience of BW is the same for vacation villas as it is for the hotel? That's a big decision factor as to which is first choice BW or OKW?

Another question about housekeeping. My only concern is trash. I like the idea of DVC because my son will be 23 months when we go and I have a kitchen for snacks and such for him. So if I throw out food products into the trash can I'm afraid of odors. Is there somewhere where guests can empty their trash cans if they want? Also, I'm assuming the trash cans in DVC villas are bigger than the little waste baskets in the regular Disney hotel rooms and that you get an ample amoutn of towels to begin with. As far as the little soaps and such - I always bring my own anyway.

Again, thanks for the input and info. If I decide to buy into DVC, you guy should get part of the commission!!

Wendy

 

[Chuck S]

I haven't stayed at the Boardwalk, so I can't really answer about convenience of villas vs. regular rooms...but as you face the resort from the parking lot, the regular rooms are to the right of the lobby, the villas are to the left. So I'm guessing almost the same convenience.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I think getting standard view at BWV will be difficult unless your owner is very fast and calls right at 9 AM when MS opens. Standard rooms usually book up on the first day of availability, and you are talking about a holdiay weekend. We have done that time frame a couple of times, and the heat can be quite oppressive then. I think a 2 bedroom unit would be essential for comfort from the heat alone. BTW, we were once able to add an extra night at OKW for Labor Day within 24 hours of travel, so I know it IS possible!

 

[Chuck S]

Another question about housekeeping. My only concern is trash. I like the idea of DVC because my son will be 23 months when we go and I have a kitchen for snacks and such for him. So if I throw out food products into the trash can I'm afraid of odors. Is there somewhere where guests can empty their trash cans if they want? Also, I'm assuming the trash cans in DVC villas are bigger than the little waste baskets in the regular Disney hotel rooms and that you get an ample amoutn of towels to begin with. As far as the little soaps and such - I always bring my own anyway.

Again, thanks for the input and info. If I decide to buy into DVC, you guy should get part of the commission!!

Wendy

Again, I can't say where it is at BWV, but at OKW there is a small room with trash and recycle receptacles under one of the stairways on the ground floor of each building. You may have to look for it, as some building have several stairways. Each resort has a disposal area somewhere.

For a 2 bedroom unit, you'll get 8 bath towels, 4 hand towels, and 8 washcloths upon check-in and on T & T day. You'll also have a washer and dryer, so you could throw them n the washer in the morning, and pop them in to the dryer when you return from the parks.

At OKW there is a "kitchen" size waste basket in a kitchen cabinet, and small waste baskets in the bedrooms and bathrooms. Replacement bags should be under the bags curently in use.

 

[eliza61]

Hi Wendy,
Whenever we stay at any of the villas (our mission in life is to stay at each and every one) we generally take out the trash each morning on our way out to the parks. I have seen a door or two where people will tie up the bag and leave it in front of the door where housekeeping picks it up but usually we just run it down to the end of the hall. When I was at the BW they had a room at the end of the hall with waste cans you could drop your waste in. Really very easy.

IMO BW is definitely as convenient as the hotel. Here's my disclaimer though. I love the walk and I'm not a vacation commando so I'm never in a rush to get anywhere at Disney. Walking an extra yard is no big deal for me.

 

[Wendybird55]

Thank you everyone for your input - I really appreciate it. The more I think of the "maid service" the more I realize I really don't need it daily for a 6-day stay. I don't know about you, but I don't change my be linens at home every day. And washing towels is easy. It's good to know I can throw out the trash -

As far as OKW or BW - I guess I'll let fate decide that. I think the 2-bedroom dedicated at OKW will be a nicer room than locked-in 2 -bedroom at BW. But I'm sure both will be very nice. My husband hasn't been o Disney as many times as I have and he would like to try BW first - so I think that will be my first choice with OKW as 2nd and we'll see what happens. Plus I like the idea I'm in walking distance to the character breakfast at Cape May if I'm at BW.

Eliza - I agree with you - after being so many times to Disney I'm not in a rush to get around. That's what's so nice about repeat visits. This will be my son's first visit and he will be 23 months. So my focus is making it a fun visit for him. There's alot to do and see, but it can be overwhelming to a toddler and I would rather see the parks at his pace so he can enjoy it and not be overtired or cranky most of the time. This is why I'm really looking forward to trying a vacation villa because, usually I'm not in the room much when I'm on vacation, but I'm sure that will be different with my son.

Thanks again for all your input. I'm sure I'll have more questions after my friend makes the reservations. Hurry up Feb. 5th!

Wendy