DVC Rental Decision...WWYD?

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

My husband and I are planning a trip for the end of July. In order to stay financially responsible and allow for more trips, we usually stay at Pop; however, we decided to "upgrade" for this trip for our 10th anniversary. So, we were going to rent DVC points and finally decided on the Boardwalk Villas-Studio Standard. Well, wouldn't you know it, that room category is not available for our dates, but we were given a list of alternatives. Now, what to do?

Pay $448 more for a BWV-Studio Preferred room?
Switch to OKW for the same original price?
Switch to AKL for less?
Go back to Pop?

Besides Pop, we have stayed at ASMo, BCV, VWL, AKL, and the Dolphin in the past, so we have experience beyond Pop. We just do not see paying the difference to stay in a moderate.

WWYD?

 

[Hopefully]

Would pay the extra to stay at BWV for your anniversary

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Not surprised that BWV Standard Studio isn't available. It's very hard for BWV owners to book them consistently - there are only 15 dedicated, and 37 lock off in this category, which means AT MOST there are 52 that can be booked at any given time. And that assumes that none of the 37 lock offs (which are a studio + 1 BR = 2BR) aren't booked as 2BR units (the 37 lock off 2BRs are the only Standard 2BR units at BWV).

For an anniversary trip, I don't like the OKW studio configuration (2 Queens). I'd go to BWV Preferred, or AKL for the single queen + sofa bed configuration.

 

[Mynamewastaken]

BWV preferred. We loved it there and since it is your anniversary I would splurge

 

[GrumpyBelle]

If BWV is your dream and it is within your budget go for it. Personally, I like AKL--cost less/great them IMO. I would eliminate POP for this trip since it seems you are trying to upgrade a little for your anniversary.

 

[robndani]

I would either stick with BWV or AKL. Old Key West is lovely, too! Nice boat ride to Disney Springs... I'm no help. LOL

 

[buzznina]

You did not mention how many nights, so not sure how to break down the $448 extra, but if BWV is a place you want to stay and it's in your budget then stay there. I would have no issue saving $$ and staying at AKL another great resort.

 

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

It would be for 9 nights.

The biggest reason for choosing the BWV is location, location, location! Love being able to get to EPCOT and HS so easily! BCV are not available. Out of our other options, AKL and OKW, you have to take a us everywhere. And, when we stayed at AKL, our room was so far away from the lobby that the walk back took two elevators!

I would like to go with BWV, but $448 seems like it would go to use better elsewhere like dining. Which moderates would you recommend if we were to put them into consideration?

 

[disneyfan224]

I agree on what others are saying. Since you've never stayed at BW and it's for an anniversary I would go for that if the extra $$ isn't too out of reach

 

[sndral]

Be aware that the hallways @ BWVs can be very long - the preferred view villa we had last month was at the end near the Swalfin. We commented on our long hikes to/from the lobby that the hall felt very claustrophobic because the ceilings seemed so low & narrow, and that @ least AKL's halls (which we'd just spent 5 nights @) had lots of windows were we could look at animals as we walked to/from our villa. Otherwise BWV was nice & loved being so near to Epcot.
Did you look into a split stay - 4 days one place, 5 @ another? There might be more DVC availability as well.

 

[DPickering]

I looked at renting points for a stay in May. BWV and OKW were both available to book via Orbitz for less than renting points. Just something to check.

 

[HollywoodTowerHotel]

I looked at renting points for a stay in May. BWV and OKW were both available to book via Orbitz for less than renting points. Just something to check.

Were you able to use Magical Express?

 

[dansdad]

Were you able to use Magical Express?

If you are staying at a WDW owned resort you are able to use Magical Express no matter how or where you booked.

 

[hill6]

BWV is great with the access to DHS and Epcot by walking or boat. The view is gorgeous at night all light up. Very romantic.

 

[thisismyusername]

I looked at renting points for a stay in May. BWV and OKW were both available to book via Orbitz for less than renting points. Just something to check.

Thumbs up on this. Summer is one of the seasons where a good Disney discount (plus an Orbitz discount) is usually cheaper than renting points. Plus, you get daily maid service, and the ability to cancel the reservation.

 

[LisaCM614]

$448 is $448. But over 9 days that is slightly less than $50 a day - I would budget my meals so that I'm eating breakfast and/or lunch in the room so my same overall budget still works out. You're getting a studio so utilize the perks of the room! The location rocks. I wouldn't switch to AKL or OKW because you lose out on that awesome location. LOVE BWV - we're staying there again this summer!

 

[loves to dive]

I would check on the Orbitz discounts, if that doesn't work I would try Swan/Dolphin if you really want to stay in the Epcot area. You have to consider the resort fee and they don't have ME so you would have to get to and from the airport but you still might come out better. After that, I'd probably try a split stay if you really want an Epcot resort. Maybe a split with AKV and BWV.

 

[LaurenT]

I love AKL (it's my home resort) and if I could stay there AND save some money, it would be a no brainer for me. But, like I said, I love the african theme and could sit and stare at zebra and giraffe all day.

 

[arjones31]

Am I correct that you cannot purchase the dining plan through Orbitz reservations?

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Am I correct that you cannot purchase the dining plan through Orbitz reservations?

Yes.

But given that the Dining Plan is rarely a cost savings, the savings you get through Orbitz may well cover more dining.