Does staying in a WL Villa really save that much on food?

[Dis2times]

We're stuck between VWL and POR. There is a slight chance we'll go value and just get one extra room for relaxing or for those who want to stay up late. (It's a group of 9.)

Budget is an issue. We're going Nov/Dec, so parks will close early, so we could conceivably eat breakfast and dinner at the Villa.

Of course, they cost so much more. I've seen reports of getting $330 a night with codes. With a good rate, will it really save us money and sanity over a value?

Planning my wedding was easier.

 

[golfgal]

I know what you mean about planning, it is very confusing! If you check out http://www.allearsnet.com/index.html and go to the dinning section, they have all the menus and prices for the Disney rest's. What I did was look over the menu's, select meals we were likely to order and price those out. I then figured out how much over the course of a day we would spend and got a "budget" for food (I was trying to figure out if it was worth the dining package or not for our family). See if your food budget is more/less then the add'l cost for the room and go from there.

 

[jel0511]

Unless one in your group is under the age of 3, you won't be able to get a room at VWL, since their largest villa is a 2 bedroom, which only holds 8 people. Can it be a significant savings? Yes, if you eat in, but hey, I'm on vacation, I don't cook!!! Also, AP/code rates for any villa are scarce, but trying to get one for a 2 bedroom will probably be next to impossible. Will it save you sanity over the value, IMO no. Especially if you get 3 rooms at the value. Hey,I own at VWL and BWV and LOVE DVC to death, but the 2 bedrooms at VWL are just studions and a one bedroom joined together. There is really only seating for about 5 people to eat at the same time, and all those people in the living room, will feel VERY crowded after awhile. I'd never stay in a 2 bedroom unit with 7 other people, you'd have to PAY me to do it. IMO, 6 is probably the largest number I'd have in a 2 bedroom, and if I had more than that, I'd either book another room, or try to get a Grand Villa, which sleep 12.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

Room Type: Value Regular Peak Holiday
Studio $ 279 $ 314 $ 379 $ 434
1 - Bedroom Villa $ 380 $ 425 $ 515 $ 560
2 - Bedroom Villa* $ 535 $ 690 $ 835 $ 985
While the answer to your question would be yes, staying at a Villa can save you $$$ on your food budget, I'm not sure about your room cost? $330.

Maybe for a one-bedroom, but with a group your size you would need a 2-bedroom they sleep 8+one infant under the age of three. A one-bedroom sleeps 4+one infant under the age of three.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dis2times]

Yes, we'll have an 18 month old with us.

 

[Dis2times]

Thanks everyone! That's exactly the kind of information I'm looking for! I had the impression they were a bit more spacious. It sounds like we'd be better off getting a value with a lounge room when the rates get really low (we're going value season, I think) and then we have all the space we need.

As far as cooking, my dad loves to cook and he would probably be doing the parks less and relaxing at the villa.

Another option is to get a cabin at FW and a campsite. DH really would love to camp out, and we could have the kids in the cabin with my parents and siblings. If we got rained out, we could always run for cover in their cabin.

Glad we're planning ahead!!!!!

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I stay in the 2-bedrooms all the time with eight and love them I feel that there is plenty of room for everyone. At the VWL they have both dedicated and non-dedicated rooms with the two bedroom meaning you can get a 2-bedroom with two queen size beds in the second room (dedicated) or you can get a one-bedroom with studio attached with one queen size bed and a pull-out queen sofa the studio also has a mini-kitchen in it (non-dedicted).
In a two-bedroom you will also have three TV's so all the children can watch the Disney Channels while the adults can watch other programs.

While most of the Villas have a dinning table that will seat four they also have a counter that will seat three to four (extra chairs can be used from the second bedroom) There are also several Villas that have a larger dinning room area with a full size table for six.

We take pre-planned meals and some pre-cooked (frozen) items, while at Disney we will have one meal a day at one of our favorite restaurants, then have the other two meals at the Villa. With that many people just one breakfast can save you over $100.00. Most meals I take can be put together in 15 min...Honey Baked Ham, with potato salad and baked beans made at home just before we leave. Spaghetti sauce made at home then frozen...just add a quick salad, cook the noodles and warm up some garlic bread. Left over ham can be used for sandwiches or breakfast...ect..ect.

No matter which you choose have a MAGICAL TRIP.

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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~STUDIO ~~~~~ONE-BEDROOM VILLA~~~TWO-BEDROOM VILLA~~~~~

Also wanted to add you will have a full size washer and dryer in the villas.

Amenities may vary, but most accommodations include the following:
Studios Rooms
Wet bar, mini-refrigerator, microwave oven, coffee maker, linens, and a start-up supply of bath soap, towels, shampoo, and coffee. Also included are tissues, paper towels, paper plates, plastic silverware, and dishwashing detergent.
One & Two-Bedroom Vacation Homes
Linens, towels, washer and dryer, master suite with a whirlpool tub, a full kitchen with major appliances, dishware, dishwashing supplies, and a start-up supply of bath soap, shampoo, laundry detergent, and coffee

 

[DisneyArk]

We stayed in a studio at VWL during November. We really enjoyed having the kitchen because at night the kids were tired and just wanted to relax and swim. We ate very simple meals and made sure the kids ate some healthy food.

If your dad is planning to spend a lot of time at the resort then I would not recommend staying at the All-Stars. My kids love ASMo, but in my opinion it's not relaxing. The Wilderness Lodge is a wonderful place to relax and the villas have a wonderful common room with sofas, game tables and rocking chairs. It's great! Plus the main lobby is incredible.

Camping also sounds like a fun idea, but we haven't tried that yet!

Good luck!!

 

[Dis2times]

Let me also add that we are very, very familiar with each other in this group. We lived with my parents for two weeks over the summer with our two kids, plus my older brother, teenaged brother, and little sister (12.) So we've done close quarters before.

If we didn't have the entire world of Disney surrounding us, I might hesistate more to get a villa, but it's not like we won't have a place to escape to if we get crowded, lol!

I'll add one last note. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but my dad had prostate cancer as well as a number of complications and his health is questionable. He has not had a vacation in well over 15 years, works close to 365 a year, and to be perfectly honest, this could very possibly be his last vacation. As in ever. I don't want to think of it as a "final vacation" because it isn't about that...it's about the anniversary. But I do want to make sure it is as special as it can be.

I was just looking at POR again and it does provide a bit of what I liked about WL. Looks like it is definetely more relaxing and serene than the All Stars, yet still has stuff to do.

Thanks for the tips!

Lisa

 

[Dis2times]

Let me also add that we are very, very familiar with each other in this group. We lived with my parents for two weeks over the summer with our two kids, plus my older brother, teenaged brother, and little sister (12.) So we've done close quarters before.

If we didn't have the entire world of Disney surrounding us, I might hesistate more to get a villa, but it's not like we won't have a place to escape to if we get crowded, lol!

I'll add one last note. Not to be a Debbie Downer, but my dad had prostate cancer as well as a number of complications and his health is questionable. He has not had a vacation in well over 15 years, works close to 365 a year, and to be perfectly honest, this could very possibly be his last vacation. As in ever. I don't want to think of it as a "final vacation" because it isn't about that...it's about the anniversary. But I do want to make sure it is as special as it can be.

I was just looking at POR again and it does provide a bit of what I liked about WL. Looks like it is definetely more relaxing and serene than the All Stars, yet still has stuff to do.

Thanks for the tips!

Lisa

That would be my parents' 35 anniversary.

 

[kda]

If you're considering POR vs. a 2 BR villa, did you consider Old Key West? Those villas are HUGE compared to all the others. The 1 BR is over 1000 square feet, and the 2 BR has an additinal bedroom with 2 queen beds (as opposed to 1 queen and a pullout sofa). It's incredibly relaxing there, just like POR and VWL, and the rooms are very light and airy. The main pool now has a slide. The living room has a sleep sofa and a loveseat, plus a chair and ottoman, and the table seats 4, plus the table on the balcony/deck that seats 4. The rates are less than VWL and the other villas.

Also, did you consider renting points from a DVC member? Depending on the days of the week (w/e's are most expensive when renting points), you could probably save a lot. Check the rent/trade board under DVC. Of course, you won't get the ease of the Disney cancellation policies, so there's pros and cons associated with renting.

Early November (Food and Wine Festival) and December (all the holiday events) can be very busy times for DVC properties. If you're booking through CRO, that's a different inventory of rooms and you may have a little more availability. Since OKW has so many units, there's probably a much better chance of getting a room there than VWL, which is the smallest. Don't know that you'll be able to get a discount on a 2 BR. Might be a better chance if you were getting a 1 BR and a separate studio and requesting they be nearby.

Good luck in your decision --- great choices!

 

[dreamflight99]

We LOVE the villas! We have never stayed in the VWL, but visit Disney's Vero Beach each summer. We are not DVC members, and try to obtain discounted rates using Birnbaum's etc. Most of the time, they are not available in the summer months, *(as they are scooped up so quickly by others). I phoned yesterday, and the only BB discount was on the big two-story house/COTTAGE (Which was a VERY tempting deal...@$495 per eve!). It's probably comparable to the Grand Villa @ WL. Since the 1BR rents for nearly this amount...this seems to be a great deal.

We love the convenience mentioned by MAGICinMYHEART, such as laundry facilities in the villa, jacuzzi tub, full kitchen, etc. There are only three of us, but the amenities provided make for the most relaxing and enjoyable experience. With 9 persons in your party, I would definitely think a Villa would prove more accommodating than three value rooms, or even POR. It's the most beautiful setting, very serene and cathartic.

Whatever you decide, I wish you a fabulous & memorable time with your entire family.

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

I was just looking at POR again and it does provide a bit of what I liked about WL. Looks like it is definetely more relaxing and serene than the All Stars, yet still has stuff to do.

Lisa,

Please visit the FAQ Thread for the Wilderness Lodge, on the first page second post I have posted information about the Lodge and all the activities that are available for the guest, if you are staying at the Villas you will be able to use all the facilities at both resorts. You will also have convenient transportation to the CR and Ft. Wilderness Campground, I have also listed the activities that will be available over at the campground. Just click on the link below and it will take you to the thread:

The NEW WL FAQ (Part 5) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

 

[Dis2times]

Lisa,

Please visit the FAQ Thread for the Wilderness Lodge, on the first page second post I have posted information about the Lodge and all the activities that are available for the guest, if you are staying at the Villas you will be able to use all the facilities at both resorts. You will also have convenient transportation to the CR and Ft. Wilderness Campground, I have also listed the activities that will be available over at the campground. Just click on the link below and it will take you to the thread:

The NEW WL FAQ (Part 5) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY!

Thanks Magic! I swear, if this vacation is half as wonderful as it sounds like it will be, I'm going to have major post-vacation depression when it is all over. (Then I can start planning the next one, lol!)

 

[Samsma]

I vote for a villa somewhere. We are a family of 4 and love the extra space, and the option of having a frozen pizza, bolonga sandwich, etc. No real cooking involved, but enough room for a gallon of milk, and cereal, snacks, etc. without trashing up a regular room. I would definitely think about OKW. Those are the largest Villas onsite I believe, and also the cheapest. We stayed in a one bedroom in 2001 and loved it. (full size washer and dryer for light packing) a backporch for your mom and dad to watch boats or people golfing, bunnies everywhere, and they just redid the pool and put in a slide. Try to get near the main building though, as the resort is huge. Good luck! (planning is 1/2 the fun for me). You also might want to request ground floor, as there are no elevators.

 

[TwingleMum]

OKW is the least point plus largest rooms of all the DVC resorts. It also just had its main pool redone with a fabulous slide. I second the suggestion of trying to rent from a member(I don't rent my points) Go to the DVC boards and use the points calculator to figure out all your options. Then go to the rent board and see if anyone can help you. Generally figure $10 a point. So if the points needed are 200 it would cost approx $2000. Good Luck

 

[jennypenny]

I think OKW is the best idea. It has the largest common area, is less expensive (no matter how you go, cash or rent points), and usually has the most availability. There's seating for everyone for meals and two people could cook at the same time (instead of 1 for WLV).

We love WLV, and stay there when it's just our family, but for large groups you can beat OKW.

 

[Alexander]

OKW has my vote as well! You can't really "cook" in the studios as there is only a microwave and small fridge, so a 1 or 2 bedroom villa is more likely to meet your needs.

Look into renting points. We have done it several times and always had great luck and met wonderful people.

 

[dreamflight99]

We had the pleasure of staying in OKW back in 1993. It was a special rate ($99 per eve for a 1BR villa), and we were there four eves! Wish those rates would return!! (LOL). The entire resort is so quiet and relaxing, we loved every moment.

I would be sure to check for other specials as well. When I phoned Disney's Vero Beach resort, she informed me of a current special which expires on 05/04/05. The rate is $159.00 for a two-bedroom villa, through the DISNEY VISA CARD program!! This is a phenomenal rate, and makes me want to fly there for a week, just to take advantage of it!!

So, keep checking the boards, etc. There are sometimes special rates offered for AAA, and AP holders, etc., for the Villas. I agree with everyone on here, you would be most comfy in a 2 BR Villa. Check out all the sites and photos of these locations (WL, and OKW) to choose which is best for your family. Have a great time planning!!

 

[cindy_k]

The space and the eating in makes the Villas very desirable.
We own at VWL. and we love it there.
However if you are interested in more space a 2 bedroom at Old Key West (also a Disney Resort) has almost the twice the space and its cheaper.

Old Key West
2-Bedroom Villa
$490
$575
$700
$805

Villas at Wilderness Lodge
2-Bedroom Villa
$555
$715
$865
$1015


Last bit of advice. In order to really save money eating in, don't shop at the store in Hotel. Go to a local Supermarket. There is a Winn-Dixie less than 10 minutes from Old Key West.
Map showing where Supermarket is from Old Key West:
http://cindykerns.objectis.net/regularevents/maptowinndixie/view

This site has the floor plans of Old Key West
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/ASP/costcalc.asp?resId=OKW&pageFunction=researcher

and here are the Villas at Wilderness Lodge
http://www.ourlaughingplace.com/ASP/costcalc.asp?resId=WLV&pageFunction=researcher

Have a good trip!
Cindy in NY