DVC one bedroom recommendations for 5?

[daisylovesdisney]

We're looking at returning to WDW this summer for our first trip since Covid started! The resort prices have REALLY gone up since our last trip. We can usually get a good deal in late August but the Disney resort prices still seem super high.

I'm looking at maybe renting points for a DVC stay instead. Any recommendations for DVC resorts that comfortably fit 5 in a one bedroom?

Thanks!

 

[Jfsag123]

Several will sleep 5, but not BCV, BWV, or either of the Wilderness Lodge DVCs. BLT and AKV Kidani villas will sleep 5 and have 2 bathrooms in the one bedrooms if that's important to you. We're also a family of 5 and we like to rent points, so I have been looking into this.

 

[Wendysofftoneverland]

We recently stayed in a 1 bedroom at Saratoga Springs that could have slept 5 (there are just 4 of us, so one of my kids had a big bed to herself). We had a great time there. Loved the pools and the easy access to Disney Springs. Bus transit to MK wasn't so bad.

 

[cvjw]

We’ve stayed in all the dvc 1 bedrooms. The only one I would put 5 in semi comfortably would be BLT. 2 bathrooms. Larger than the kidani 1 bedroom.

 

[drusba]

The BLT 1BR at 803 sq ft is actually a tad smaller than the AKV Kidani 1BR at 807 sq ft. The extra bed for a fifth is a twin size bed that pulls out from a large chair in the living room and both have two bathrooms (all other DVC resort 1BRs have one). The smaller AKV Jambo 1BR (710 sg ft) has the pull-out chair and only one bathroom. The larger OKW 1BR, 946 sq ft, has that sleeper chair but only one bathroom. A fifth sleeping space in a 1BR, consisting of a Murphy bed that is smaller than twin size which pulls down out of a cabinet in the living room, exists at VGF (942 sq ft), Riviera (813 sq ft), and SSR (714 sq ft). As long as you have a smaller adult or child sleeping on the cabinet bed, those would be OK.

For me, the extra bathroom at Kidani and BLT and that larger twin-sized chair bed makes either of those the ideal choice. A more important issue you may face is being able to get a room. DVC Members can begin reserving rooms at 11-months out for the resort they own, and 7-months out for others. The result of that schedule is that it is often difficult to get a room less than 7-months out, and August is only 5 months away. Summer is a more moderate DVC demand season than others and 1BRs often last longer than other rooms for making a reservation, but you still may have an issue, particularly if you wait any longer to try and reserve.

 

[RoseGold]

You’re last minute by DVC standards. You aren’t likely to get the 1BR BLT, which is ideal.

Kidani would work. VGF 1BR is very high on points so can be available sporadically. It’s a lovely large room that comfortably sleeps 5.

I just checked and Pop was $188 for my trip in late august. I was considering going cash instead of using points.

 

[Best Aunt]

PPs have described it, but I like to put it plainly: when you look at DVC occupancy, make sure you understand what the bed situation is.

There will only be 1 real bed, and you will be expected to have 2 people sleep in it.

Everything else is either a sleep sofa or a sleep chair or a bed that pulls out from the wall.

You will be expected to have 2 people in a sleep sofa.

If you are expecting lots of real beds, or if you are expecting everybody to have their own sleeping surface - it doesn't work that way.

Also keep in mind that when people talk about saving money by renting DVC points, they usually are comparing a non-discounted hotel room versus a studio in the same hotel. So make sure you look at the price for renting enough points for a 1-bedroom before you assume this will save you money.

 

[lovin'fl]

Saratoga will be your best bet due to availability. They have the murphy beds too which is very easy to set up. And you can walk to/from DS for a couple meals. We love SSR and book there a lot.

 

[wnielsen1]

We’ve stayed in all the dvc 1 bedrooms. The only one I would put 5 in semi comfortably would be BLT. 2 bathrooms. Larger than the kidani 1 bedroom.

That's actually not accurate based on the square footage provided by DVC. The rooms are nearly the same size (Kidani 807 sf; BLT 803 sf) and both have the extra bathroom. Kidani is also more likely to have availability for late summer.

 

[DeeBee3]

I would highly recommend the 1-bedroom at AKL Kidani. We were there in August. It was amazing. Really surprised me. The 2 bathrooms were amazing.

 

[DeeBee3]

Also, Kidani has a King bed in the main bedroom, a sofa pull out, and a chair bed. Now, if you have 5 adults, I would get 2 separate rooms (studios). If this is a mix of adults and kids, Kidani would be great. It was very spacious.

 

[DizneyLizzy]

One bedrooms require so many points relative to other DVC accommodations, but we (a family of four) love them so much for the extra space, kitchen, and laundry. Because they cost so many points, sometimes reserving a discounted one bedroom villa through Disney is less $ than renting points from a DVC owner.

Look into Old Key West. The one bedrooms are huge, and we love the layout compared to the other one bedroom villas. With 5 people, someone will have to sleep on the sleeper chair and two people on the pull out sofa.

 

[Sabine W.]

Given that cost is a concern, have you looked at the Family Suites in All-Star Music (recently renovated) or Art of Animation? Both would give you lots of space and 2 full bathrooms, plus ASM has a larger fridge and additional counter space

 

[Sharene0724]

I will throw another vote in for AK Kidani, the room is large and the pool areas between Kidani and Jambo are great. Down side is bus transport only, but if you are primarily looking at space and sleeping surfaces, Kidani is a great option for sure!

 

[suebeelin]

Proximity to a park is always a factor for me- with that, I would vote BLT. Huge space, easy to sleep 5, walk to MK.

if you’re willing to cram into a studio, then BWV.

not much availability during the summer for these two resorts. Good luck.

 

[suebeelin]

Proximity to a park is always a factor for me- with that, I would vote BLT. Huge space, easy to sleep 5, walk to MK.

if you’re willing to cram into a studio, then BWV.

not much availability during the summer for these two resorts. At 3-4 months away, dvc is starting to book up for every resort. Good luck.

 

[daisylovesdisney]

Thanks everyone, your tips are all very helpful! Will check out what's available and compare to AoA family suite. I appreciate all the info.