DVc 1st Timers and Refurbs

[writersblock]

Hi! Not new to Disney but have always stayed in the hotels. Planning on booking DVC for our trip next year, which is just before Halloween, prior to a cruise, and then a couple of days after the cruise, so two separate places.

However, I see that there are many refurbs with DVC atm, or some planned (meaning older rooms) for 2026. So now I’m not sure where to stay.

Current thoughts:

We would be after a studio. We are foodies and love signatures and table service but wanted to try restaurants we haven’t done before. We have done all at AKL, Tiffins, Le Cellier, Yachtsman, Cali Grill brunch back in the day. We also love lounges.

We primarily love MK and AK. We would have a vehicle. Stayed at Jambo twice before so leaning towards something new. Plus AK DVC is due for a refurb. We are planning on the 7 days being park heavy and also doing the Halloween party so proximity is important. So I was leaning towards Bay Lake but second guessing with the refurb. Other options are Boardwalk for Food & Wine proximity (but aren’t they refurb too?) as we enjoyed visiting recently and liked Trattoria, or Wilderness Lodge because of how much we love Jambo.

Other things of importance: a decent pool, beautiful theming, good customer service, feeling like it really is deluxe.

We are then staying two days after the cruise and not going into the parks. So priorities would be relaxation and food. So I was thinking either Poly for Trader Sam’s and Ohana (neither of which we have done) or Wilderness Lodge for the rest. I didn’t love Kona when we visited recently. Could always do AK again.

Thoughts?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

If you're there in October, the AKL-Kidani refurb appears to be starting around that time, but AKL-Jambo looks to be several months after - so you'd likely not encounter any refurb work going on at Jambo. But if you're not looking to return to Jambo, that won't matter. For us, we'd recommend Beach Club, but it's not on your list above! BC just completed a refurb last year, the rooms are great and have the new Murphy Beds, the pool is amazing, and the very easy access to EP and HS can't be beat. We also do AK a lot, and the drive or bus to AK from BC is very simple. Some restaurants in the area that we really enjoy are Amare (Swan Reserve), Blue Zoo, Yachtsman Steak House, Flying Fish, and even the fun char breakfast at Cape May Cafe. You're a Skyliner away from Topolino's, and a walk away from the World Showcase dining options. Good luck with your planning!

 

[eticketplease]

Hi! Not new to Disney but have always stayed in the hotels. Planning on booking DVC for our trip next year, which is just before Halloween, prior to a cruise, and then a couple of days after the cruise, so two separate places.

However, I see that there are many refurbs with DVC atm, or some planned (meaning older rooms) for 2026. So now I’m not sure where to stay.

Current thoughts:

We would be after a studio. We are foodies and love signatures and table service but wanted to try restaurants we haven’t done before. We have done all at AKL, Tiffins, Le Cellier, Yachtsman, Cali Grill brunch back in the day. We also love lounges.

We primarily love MK and AK. We would have a vehicle. Stayed at Jambo twice before so leaning towards something new. Plus AK DVC is due for a refurb. We are planning on the 7 days being park heavy and also doing the Halloween party so proximity is important. So I was leaning towards Bay Lake but second guessing with the refurb. Other options are Boardwalk for Food & Wine proximity (but aren’t they refurb too?) as we enjoyed visiting recently and liked Trattoria, or Wilderness Lodge because of how much we love Jambo.

Other things of importance: a decent pool, beautiful theming, good customer service, feeling like it really is deluxe.

We are then staying two days after the cruise and not going into the parks. So priorities would be relaxation and food. So I was thinking either Poly for Trader Sam’s and Ohana (neither of which we have done) or Wilderness Lodge for the rest. I didn’t love Kona when we visited recently. Could always do AK again.

Thoughts?

The majority if not all of Bay Lake should be done by the time you visit.
BWV refurb is complete right now.

As far as "a decent pool, beautiful theming" goes that does not apply to BLT imo.
We love BLT for its proximity to MK and the extra bathroom in the 1 bedroom but the pool and theming are not in the cards there. The theming of the refurbs are looking a lot better though.

I'm not sure how many people are in your party.

With the Halloween party and the fact that you have a car I would try to book a Poly longhouse studio as there are a lot more rooms to be able to 7 month into.
You can take your car and drive to AK instead of waiting on bus transportation.

You may want to book BCV or BWV on the last part of your trip as both have good pools and can access the entertainment of the boardwalk. If you have littles Community Hall at BWV is always a hit with arts & crafts.

 

[writersblock]

@eticketplease Thank you. There will be just two adults. I appreciate your comments regarding BLT.

 

[writersblock]

@thanxfornoticin BC is an interesting one. Why BC over BW? Most of what I have read seems to favour BW, and it’s generally cheaper. But I am definitely willing to consider!

 

[eticketplease]

BCV has Stormalong Bay Pool and it has a much shorter walk to Epcot (You are not doing parks this leg) and easier access to refill mugs (If you get one from the first part it will still be good as it lasts 14 days)

BWV will be a lot easier to get into esp with the pool garden rooms.
You can't really look at the standard rooms unless you own there so the point difference is not that much.
BWV you can walk to both Epcot & HS (again no parks if after the cruise)

They both allow you to take advantage of the entertainment of the boardwalk and take a boat ride and hop on the skyliner for a nice ride.

Have you looked at the availability charts?

https://www.dvchelp.com/page/boardwalk-villas-availability-charts
https://www.dvchelp.com/page/beach-club-villas-availability-charts