DVC 1st Timer - Anniversary trip help

[MapleGirl]

Hi,
DH and I are planning an anniversary trip in January 2014 and also getting the Deluxe Dining Plan. We'll have a car so transportation isn't that big of a deal. I'm having a hard time picking a resort.

Any suggestions?

We want a resort that has plenty of dining options and a nice breakfast restaurant. A romantic resort would be nice.

Thanks!

 

[juncker]

Congratulations. Jan 2014 is still a long way off. Don't go crazy overplanning (I'm not one to follow my own recommendations on this one though).

I would suggest you try and get a BLT room. That feels 'romantic' to me. A MK view would be a big plus to make it even more memorable. I'm thinking BLT as it is on the monorail and would let you dine at any of the Polynesian, Grand Floridian, Contemporary (and even MK and EPCOT) restaurants easily. Driving your car, or taking a bus takes away some of the magic to me.

If being at BLT is too much into the action for you, I might suggest SSR. When we get to our room at SSR, I feel that we are taking a breather from all the Disney hoopla and it is so relaxing. Turf club is good, but the real benefit of SSR is the access to DTD and all their restaurants. If you really want to get crazy, get a Treehouse for just the two of you. No neighbors could be a plus for a romantic getaway.

 

[dvcterry]

Happy Anniversary. looking at your signature, i would guess that you like AKL. have you tried the CL? there are only a few rooms on club level. as a CL guest, you have an opportunity to take the sunrise safari. you may enjoy some of the food & drinks offered, even though you will be on DDP. you can always bring them back to your room. good restaurants on-site, although you mentioned you will be driving.

i feel that there are many good sides to all the resorts so it's really hard to choose. BWV is so close to many restaurants as well & you can take a romantic walk to Paris for pastries, sit in the garden or on a swing at the beach. there's a quiet pool too. you can go to Belle Vue Lounge at Boardwalk. you can ride a surrey bike during day and have fun at night along the boardwalk.

 

[MapleGirl]

Thanks. I was originally thinking AKL but now I am leaning towards the BWV. I like all the restaurants within walking distance. We probably won't spring for CL or special room locations. That is actually one of the reasons I'm moving away from the AKL.... although the standard rooms have a great point level, the Savannah rooms seem quite high. I'm sure they are more than worth it but for a lower cost we can be within walking distance of Epcot!

 

[DisneyRegulars]

We just did an anniversary trip to BWV and loved it. Being able to walk from epcot was great and a couple of times we took transportation back to epcot rather than our hotel so we could walk throughh the world and grab a beer. Yum!

 

[Missyrose]

Thanks. I was originally thinking AKL but now I am leaning towards the BWV. I like all the restaurants within walking distance. We probably won't spring for CL or special room locations. That is actually one of the reasons I'm moving away from the AKL.... although the standard rooms have a great point level, the Savannah rooms seem quite high. I'm sure they are more than worth it but for a lower cost we can be within walking distance of Epcot!

Are you talking about standard view at BWV? Those villas can be very difficult to get unless you own at BWV. But I agree, BWV or BLT would be great resorts that put you close to lots of yummy restaurants! Happy early anniversary.

 

[Dean]

Hi,
DH and I are planning an anniversary trip in January 2014 and also getting the Deluxe Dining Plan. We'll have a car so transportation isn't that big of a deal. I'm having a hard time picking a resort.

Any suggestions?

We want a resort that has plenty of dining options and a nice breakfast restaurant. A romantic resort would be nice.

Thanks!

I'm not sure if you're an owner or renting but either way, I think all the resorts are good choices other than SSR and OKW to a degree. After that it's personal preference. My list would be the following.

AKV Concierge but no Dining Plan
AKV Savannah
BWV Boardwalk
BLT Magic Kingdom View

Ignoring these specialty options, I'd say BWV, AKV, BLT, VWL & BCV in that order. You mentioned cost, to decrease costs I'd say BWV standard, AKV standard or value and BLT standard as the best compromises.

 

[com_op_2000]

Have you thought about a DCL?
DW and I have done our 15, 20, & 25th anniversaries on DCLs. Going on a 3/4 night cruise along with 3/4 nights at DVC resort can be a great combination trip.
Can be very romantic with ability to create alot of alone time to , etc.
As far as resorts go that meet your requirements BWV, SSR, and AKL-CL.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I would go with the Grand Floridian! It should be opened then!

 

[LSchrow]

another advantage with the BWVs is that you can book, and walk to, a lot of EPCOT restaurants. in addition, there are quite a few good restaurants at the BW/BC/YC resorts.
while the dining options at DHS aren't that great, there are quite a few there also - and again, within walking distance (or you can take the ferry).
i would definately book a BW view villa (it is only available on points, but i assume you either own DVC or are renting). note that the BW view rooms do book quickly, but there is nothing like watching much of illuminations (and parts of wishes) from your balcony.
there is a ton to do in the area, including jellyrolls, belle vue lounge, street performers, carny games, etc. i would suggest using the BWI pool however, as it is quieter and more romantic (we've found the "quiet pool" at the BWV to have gotten louder every year, with many more kids).

of course the GF villas would be wonderful also, if it is opened then

 

[BabsBunny]

If you are staying in a studio in January, the point differences shouldn't be too spread out.

DH and I stayed in a one-bedroom SV in March. Sitting on the balcony in the morning with coffee watching the animals eat their breakfast was pretty special. But, also be aware that in January it might be too chilly to get good use from your balcony.

But even with a standard view, the resort, IMO, is very romantic. Jiko is very nice, and I've heard great things about Sanaa.

While I've never stayed at BWV, I would think that would be a fun place for anniversary trip.