For those who've done group DVC trips, One big unit vs. Separate Studios?

[disneyberry]

<font face="times" size="+0">Trying to continue discussions with extended family about a big trip. I haven't approached this issue with them yet, but I'm torn about the 2bdrm vs. 2 studios (or GV vs. 3 studios) issue.

For one, these are people who are a bit skeptical about WDW in general. Also, they've never really stayed on property (except at the All-Stars once a very long time ago).

I kind of think a GV or even 2bdrm will make them more impressed with DVC. Whereas studios will be more like a "hotel room", so they might not think too much of DVC if they stayed in studios. Also, having one central unit will promote togetherness. Then again, maybe too much togetherness is bad? But the point of the whole trip is to be together as one big family for once in a very long time. Argh, see I just keep going back and forth.

Also this trip is important to me and DBF because it could be a way for us to "sell" how great a family reunion destination WDW can be, <i>if done right.</i> Also, it'd be nice if they were impressed with DVC, not that they think we're crazy right now for having bought DVC, but it'd be nice if they at least sort of "got it".

Sorry for the long post. Got lots on my mind tonight. How did you make a decision about your own big group trip?

TIA for any feedback!</font>

 

[Deep-Thots]

I think a lot of it depends on how the families mix, and the level of comfort your relatives would have in sharing space. For example, my side of the family would have no problem sharing space with anyone. We're just kind of that way. But DH's side of the family would probably have some issues about sharing bedrooms with non-immediate family members.

So, if privacy is an issue, you can go for the studios, aware that of all the DVC units, they are most like deluxe hotel rooms.

If privacy is not an issue, go for the 2BR or GV, which are both impressive and awesome.

You could also try a compromise, if necessary, going for a 2BR and a studio -- a "combo," if you will.

Don't feel all that badly if you decide to do studios. You can always go down to DTD and take the family for a walkthrough of SSR's larger model units, the luxuriousness of which certainly should impress them: "See, this is what's available through DVC!!!"

Sorry if I haven't provided clarification, but I really think it depends on your family.

Good luck in making your decision!!!!

 

[JudyS]

Hi, Disneyberry!

I can't even *get* my extended family to go to Disney with me. I had hoped that buying DVC would encourage my family to vacation together, but nope. Oh well. More trips for me, I guess.

For your trip, you could do a little of each -- start off in just studios, which would save you points over the weekend. Then, for the last few days of the trip (preferably on weeknights when the point cost is lower) you could do a two-bedroom or GV. Your family would get the "wow" factor of trying out the full kitchen, jacuzzi, etc., without spending so many days together that they got on each other's nerves. If some of your family doesn't like the idea of moving, they could stay in the same studio for the whole trip, and the studio could be part of a two-bedroom for the last few days.

 

[MdmMim]

Next year, I'm going to host a family get-together for 9 of us. I'm going to reserve a 2-bedroom and 2 studios. We have a few strong personalities in the group, so I want everyone to have their space. I had thought about a GV, but it would be stressful if we had nowhere to escape. For us, this will work out great.

I'm going to have 4 people in the 2-bedroom, using the LR/Kitchen as a hospitality room, where we can all hang out.

Think about how your family interacts and then decide.

Happy planning!

 

[Reginak]

I was concerned about the same things for my family trip in January. I have reserved a BWV GV for the third week in January. I decided on the GV because when I looked at the floor plans I realized that it was really three studios (one extra fancy!) linked a large family gathering area with cooking facilities. If any of us want some privacy we can still retire to our room.

The only change that I am considering is starting our week in a two bedroom and one studio for the first three nights at the VWL so that they can experience two different resorts. (Plus, I can stretch the points a bit.)


Regina

 

[sandieb]

the absolute deciding factor is the number and ages of the kids. We have taken DVC vacations with our children and grandchildren, and I split the families into two units. We used the 2br for food preparation, although both dinners we cooked and ate at the pool (BVC quiet pool) on the grills provided. Too many kids in one unit can be overwelming...even if you love them with all your heart! Sandie

 

[puffkin]

Get a 2br lock off. That way you can have togetherness time, and if it gets to much you can just shut the door to the studio.

Also, for a large group that hasn't been to Disney, I would try to avoid moving around during the trip. We have been having a similar discussion and our families do not want to hear anything about moving. I kind of agree. A trip to WDW can be overwhelming to first-timers or those who haven't been in a while, so I would stay in one place.

 

[AInWonderland]

I am in the process of starting to plan a trip for DH's family to go with us in 2006. There will be 34 in all ( two under 3). I am hoping to get 1 GV and 5 studios. That way we can all be near each other but meet maybe for one or two meals at the GV. What do you think?

 

[spiceycat]

my family does not get along that well.

so I would go with a 1-bedroom for you - so you can wow them and everyone can meet in your livingroom.

studios for everyone else!

that way if they cancel you are out the studio - not the more expensive GV.

it depends upon how close they are - we do better further apart - and I mean further - this last trip before they cancelled on me - they were gonna be a separate resort....

 

[twinmomplus2new]

Spiceycats's answere is exactly what I would have told you.
I always travel with a larger group, even when i don't intend to it winds up that way. Myself and my kids are in a 1 bedroom everyone else is in studios not connected to me...

I will be more than happy to have everyone in my unit to hang out. I even will take everyones laundry and gladly do it for them and have it ready the next am. But, I need my space at night. I may just be sitting there folding everyones laundry but It will be quiet!

Trust me after a day of touring the parks you will need your space.

 

[Paticake]

I have booked 3 studios and 1 2bdr. for our group of 14!!! Can't wait. Age 3 to 53! I'll be in the 2 bdr. with my brother's family which incudes the 3y.o. and a 6 y.o. They want to be able to put the kids to bed and be able to relax in the living room!

 

[EeyoreJMH]

We have an extended family trip coming up in October. Wheras in 2001 we booked a GV at OKW, this time around we decided to book 2 studios and a 1-bedroom at BWV. We figured it might be nice for everyone to have their own space (and patio/deck) and we plan on everyone meeting up in our 1- bedroom for breakfast, nighttime card games, laundry etc.

With the GV, we had plenty of space and loved the villa, but this time around DH and I are hoping for a little privacy. In the OKW GV, with the master bedroom on the 1st floor, you could pretty much hear everything going on in the kitchen, dining area, and laundry room (and vice versa )

 

[chainkid]

I can only speak about the BW Grand Villa so here goes. The three bedrooms in the unit are spaced with a large master bedroom and bath on one side with a huge living room and then kitchen dining combo at the other end. Couldn't hear anyone in the kitchen area if we tried. This is extremmely private for the owner. The other two bedrooms are each larger than a studio would be and have their own private entrance apart from the main entrance . The bedrooms have two Queen beds each as opposed to a queen and a pullout sofa. Each has its own private bathroom,closet , TV, phone and Balcony overlooking the Boardwalk. I've booked two hopefully side by side for 10days Nov 26th-Dec 5th. As long as each family doesn't have to share a bedroom with another family, this would be alot more wow and just as private as three studios. Advantages: you will all be in the same vicinity(not guaranteed if seperate studios. You have a large gathering place for get togethers. You have a quaranteed BW view. You don't have to sleep on the sofa bed in the studio. And if you have little ones they can sleep in the main living room on the sofa bed or if you bring an aerobed, there is a huge laundry room with sink that has the space to serve as a bedroom.

Disadvantage: Only if you have family you absolutely can't stand after 24 hrs, BUT I wouldn't take someone like that to start with even if it was family.

 

[spiceycat]

chainkid - someelse correct me if I am wrong - but I don't think any of the BWV GV are close to each other - I though I got told that they are 5 different area - there are only what 7 of them?

 

[JessetheCowgirl]

Originally posted by puffkin
Get a 2br lock off. That way you can have togetherness time, and if it gets to much you can just shut the door to the studio.

Also, for a large group that hasn't been to Disney, I would try to avoid moving around during the trip. We have been having a similar discussion and our families do not want to hear anything about moving. I kind of agree. A trip to WDW can be overwhelming to first-timers or those who haven't been in a while, so I would stay in one place.

 

[chainkid]

There are three Grand Villas on the fifth floor all fairly close to each other and two on the third floor that are near each other as well...don't know about the rest.

 

[chainkid]

There are seven in all, 5 one story and 2 two story. The two story GV are next to each other on the fifth/sixth floor combo in the pillar buiding, and the one story is on the corner of the village green on the fifth floor. The third floor ones are in the column area and only have a door or so which could be another unit or a utility closet between them.

 

[dianeschlicht]

The first time we took 11 with us, we stayed in a GV. Several of teh folks were VERY skeptical about taking a WDW trip, but they ended up being the ones who had a GREAT time! The GV seemed to help that along, because with all of the family groups together for meals and laundry and planning and evening fun, it was a much more successful trip. That was 5 years ago, and in October, the same group is going to do it again!

 

[dvcmomdeh]

Trying to continue discussions with extended family about a big trip. I haven't approached this issue with them yet, but I'm torn about the 2bdrm vs. 2 studios (or GV vs. 3 studios) issue. For one, these are people who are a bit skeptical about WDW in general. Also, they've never really stayed on property (except at the All-Stars once a very long time ago).

.... for one they will loose their skeptism once they walk in a Grand Villa


I kind of think a GV or even 2bdrm will make them more impressed with DVC. Whereas studios will be more like a "hotel room", so they might not think too much of DVC if they stayed in studios. Also, having one central unit will promote togetherness. Then again, maybe too much togetherness is bad? But the point of the whole trip is to be together as one big family for once in a very long time. Argh, see I just keep going back and forth.

....We have done both. Two years ago we had 3 inn rooms (13 people) . Last year I reserved a beach cottage (16 people)(basically a GV), this year 4 inn rooms (18 people), and next year we are back to a beach cottage (11 people). There was no difference for us except for the common room where we could meet at the end of the day and put our feet up and talk about what to do tomorrow. I still managed to get everyone to eat a few meals together in my inn room. Yep.. I fed 18 pancakes and eggs and bacon in my little old inn room. I love group meals. My husband says I'm sick.


If you have the points (assuming you are a member) or the cash I'd go with the Grand Villa. Kids can always sleep on air matresses Good luck with your decision. Heck you're going to Disney how can you make the wrong one.

 

[rocketriter]

I suggest that this is not all about trying to impress the family with DVC. It's all about arranging for everyone to have a good time on their trip. So I don't advise that you take the GV just because it's grand.

Take a look at the personalities involved, including the children, and decide if everyone can pal around together for the entire time. WDW is, in fact, a rather stressful place and you need to figure out if your people will destress better by getting together or by getting away from each other.

In my family we have a couple of people who insist on grabbing the steering wheel but don't have a map, so separate quarters would be best.