Fav 1-2 bdr for a resort only stay?

[jo-jo]

You can always make a request to be closer to the lobby at either AKL location - when possible, they'll usually oblige for you. But with a room request or not, checking in early and talking with a CM about it can sometimes help with regard to room location - especially if you can be flexible with which floor you'd like. As with most things at Disney, it never hurts to ask!

Several years ago we had a savanna view right next to pool. At 2 pm, we were told it was the last 2 bedroom available.

 

[Jayunit09]

Basing my answer solely on where we have stayed so far as new members (all 2 bedrooms)

1. VGF - The Room is just unbelievable, huge and gorgeous. It was chilly the days we stayed there so only used the pool a little, but it was great for my young girls.

2. AKV - We had the Savannah view, wouldn't stayed there without it going forward. This is probably my vote for a resort only stay, but the room is no comparison to VGF until it gets a makeover. The third bathroom was amazing and we actually used it as a bedroom for my toddler who was still in a crib. The splash pad at kidani is unbeatable.

3. BLT - Since this is resort only, would be bottom of the list no matter which resorts I would add. Pool was meh. It was a one and done for our family even when going to the parks.

 

[nw6675]

I'll put in a pitch for the VGF original building. Not like I'm biased since it's our original and most-loved resort.

Those villas are gorgeous, IMO. We just returned home from a week in a 1 br. They're among the larger 1brs of all. So spacious and comfortable, much more so than a studio if you have kids.

We've toured the 2br and Grand there. Those are simply posh beyond words. The Grand Villa has a separate media room which would be terrific for kids to watch their videos/tv while adults amuse themselves otherwise .

The GF has at least 4 restaurants currently open (besides V&A's), along with room service to VGF with a somewhat limited menu. There are 4 shops--Mickey Mercantile, Sandy Cove Gift Shop, Curiouser Clothiers and Basin White--for more shopping variety than the other DVC resorts offer.

Plus, you can easily hop onto the monorail to go explore the Contemporary and Polynesian with a pleasant boat ride from the MK boat dock to Wilderness Lodge.

I do agree that WL would be an excellent choice for the not-very-Disney-hectic feeling. I'd book a Boulder Ridge villa, though. Anywhere close to the WL lobby can be quite noisy if you're in a Copper Creek one. Also, the CC ones (except the Cabins) are converted WL rooms with an odd floorplan, I think.

We very much enjoyed a brief stay in a BRV 1 br once. Even considered buying a small BR resale, it was so relaxing staying there.

Your posts always make me even more excited for our Nov/Dec trip. 7 nights in a 1br at VGF. We are staying at BR and RIV the first 5 nights and saved the best for last.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Our favorite resort only stay would be at OKW, if we had the building we had last year, #54. Very far from HH, but right across from a leisure pool, next to the walking path to DS, or just a nice place to walk. And DH loved the golf course view. We could sit at the table inside and get a nice view of the golf course outside. And I always say that the OKW balconies are the best-so huge. You can sit outside eating a full meal.

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I always have to laugh at the 'favorites' posts out here. It's been less than 2 days for the post, and I'm pretty sure we've had a vote for just about every DVC 1/2-BR option at WDW!! We all have favorites and least favorites based on experience, preferences, and memories!

 

[Her Dotness]

Your posts always make me even more excited for our Nov/Dec trip.

Awwww, gee. So happy to hear from a fan.

7 nights in a 1br at VGF. We are staying at BR and RIV the first 5 nights and saved the best for last.

The best indeed! Enjoy. I know you will.

 

[disneyfan123]

Grand Floridian rooms are amazing, and it's a great resort only place to stay because of the dining, shopping, and transportation options/proximity to other resorts.

Although, honestly, if I'm doing a resort only DVC stay, it's at Aulani! No better DVC resort than that.

 

[Her Dotness]

Grand Floridian rooms are amazing, and it's a great resort only place to stay because of the dining, shopping, and transportation options/proximity to other resorts.

Yup, yup, yup. Heartily agreed.

Although, honestly, if I'm doing a resort only DVC stay, it's at Aulani! No better DVC resort than that.

Not for us. We're among the rare humans with no taste who hated Hawaii.

It'd take more than a DVC comped stay, much less one on our points, to get us to think of staying there.

More room for those like you who love it, huh?

 

[beccasmom]

We’re somewhat biased, but the OKW units are huge and the two-bedroom is my personal favorite. Lots of room to spread out. We enjoy taking the watercraft to Disney Springs, very relaxing. Olivia’s is a great spot for all meals (breakfast is my favorite).

BLT is a good choice as well, especially for the extra bathroom. The proximity to the CR and its restaurants is a nice perk and the monorail makes it easy to check out the other resorts. The BLT pool is no great shakes IMHO though - too small and not especially exciting in any way for kids. It has always felt like kind of an afterthought to me.

BRV is wonderful and it’s incredibly easy to get caught up in the atmosphere. It was recently renovated (we get to check out the two-bedroom unit in person in August ). We like the eateries, especially Geyser Point which is fun no matter what time of day you visit. Quieter at lunch, when it is easier to linger a bit. And the main WL lobby is gorgeous, a do-not-miss.

We enjoy the Riviera too, but have only so far stayed in a studio; we are booked in a one-bedroom in November. We enjoy the restaurants and generally just the vibe of the resort. I was underwhelmed by it before we stayed there and now I am a big fan. The lobby is compact and not a huge expanse, but the fun part for me is that I’ve met a lot of other folks waiting for their rooms; it’s conducive to fun chats and trading Disney/DVC stories with other guests.

There are lots of other wonderful alternatives; I’ve only listed the resorts where we’ve spent a lot of time. Have fun!

 

[kristenrice]

If you don't have a car, I think you could make a case for BLT because it has the extra bathroom and you are an easy walking distance to the MK bus station which gives you access to ALL of the resorts. That gives you "easy" (free) transportation to other resorts for dining and entertaiment options, or just resort-hopping in general.

If you do have a car, I would say AKV-Kidani, because you can park closer to the end (if you get stuck down there) and you can conserve points if you opt for a standard view. Even without a savanna view room, there are plenty of places to enjoy the views that the resort has to offer. The community hall has a lot of fun activities and the pool (and pool bar) is a great place to kick back and chill. If you want a little change of pace, you can hop the internal shuttle over to Jambo House and hang out over there for the day.

 

[pineapplepalms]

For resort only, I’d pick SSR Congress Park area. Easy walking access to DS, with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and things to do. Nice Community Hall, walking/biking paths, playground, spa hopefully again one day, plenty of pools…

If only considering which room is the best, I’d probably choose RIV. I like the layout, the Murphy bed, the tub, and the art. Plus the restaurants are good, my kids love the splash pad, the view of the Skyliner is fun, and there are plenty of resort activities as well.