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

[chainkid]

Boy just because you stay together in a grand villa doesn't mean you have to stay together during the whole day. We always go our seperate ways in several small groups...some play golf, some go to the parks, others are into sleeping late after a late night at DTD. WE NEVER TRY TO STAY TOGETHER. We meet up at planned times for dinner and even then very rarely all eat together as we have different tastes. You usually have a mch better plan if you set what you want to do and if some want to join you...good if not so what its your vacation . Just the down time around the resort is usually fun when it isn't scripted. many times we were going to go to a park but ended up chatting all morning with our friends over a leisurely breakfast. This is my idea of a vacation. After having a family vacation almost ruin by studios that were at opposite ends of the resorts which made getting together a real pain, I swear by the Grand Villa. People really do love just hanging out there...its that nice.

 

[ClarabelleCow]

Our group consists of 9, myself, DH, DD and DS, Sister, BIL, DN, and our parents. Last year we got a 2 bedroom at OKW and a studio for my parents, they loved it. Not to say they weren't happy not to be with the grandkids, but hey, I know they can be overwhelming at times! Next year 2005, we are going to do it again, this time for 9 days, and do a 2 bedroom at VWL, and my parents will do a studio or maybe even stay in the lodge, they seem to want to be alone!!!(Hmm, wonder why!), (actually, dad doesnt sleep well at night, so I think he feels better if they are alone!!) OKW was awsome because of the size of the rooms, but for us, we like the more "hotel" feel of VWL.

 

[joepoe]

Originally posted by 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).

ISorry 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>

If we invite people along, they go along with what I want, and what I think is best. They are MY points. You make it too democratic with people who may not know any better, you are asking for trouble. JMHO.

 

[Coach Rick]

Having just returned from our trip with 11 of us in total, I can honestly say that our arrangement of a 2BR for us 5, and a studio for DM and DD, and another for DSis and her family worked out awesome. I love my family dearly, but having seperate units was perfect, so much so that DSis, and DD both have bought their own contracts for all our future trips. And we are planning on making it a yearly thing from here on out. It was great to get together, and then go on our seperate ways at the end of the day.

 

[gracelrm]

This summer we were at VWL with 2 - 2BR and 1 studio for 18 people. This gave us plenty of room and the family with the baby took the studio for the "quiet". We asked for dedicated 2 BRs in order to have two beds in the second bedroom. I hate the idea of people having to sleep on the pull-out couch. If I had it to do over again - I would have requested Lock-offs and not worried about everyone's comfort quite so much! I believe having the two doors to the hallway would have been better as far as the comings and goings at different times of the day and night. Also, a tip I learned from the really smart people who post on this board - when depending on family - it might be best to book all but one unit with points and the last unit with cash. That way if family cancels at the last minute, you let go of the cash unit and haven't tied up points. It was suggested to have all who are coming as your guests be responsible for the cash ressie. I wish I had learned that before I wound up with points in a holding account.

 

[chainkid]

I guess it all depends on the age differences in your group. I took the grandparents in their 80's last year and well never again. The only trips I enjoy with them is when it is a private trip where it is all about them and their wishes. Then we have a great time but will never bring them with large extended family groups because they get very ornery if everyone doesn't do things there way, and they are bad news for great grandchildren. So I guess in that instance seperate might be better. But in our group now we only have two kids 10 & 12 and the rest are 20-55 so everyone is well behaved EXCEPT ON THE DRINK AROUND THE WORLD NIGHT but that's another story. So if its mainly young and young at heart then I think a GV works really well for family who likes to go their seperate ways during the day but still interact at other times. But like someone says you are at Disney how bad can it really be.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Several good points here by rocketriter:

Don't try to impress. If that's your goal, your trip will turn into a never-ending (and rarely-succeeding) attempt to impress and please everyone.

WDW is stressful. It is a world of wonder and magic, true - but it's also a land of sensory-overload and physical over-extertion, particularly for first-timers. Some folks (like DW and I) need a quiet corner to relax and even take an afternoon nap.

chainkid: I'm not sure I agree that all it takes is being "young at heart" to make family togetherness work. While the commercials show multi-gen families all happy and excited to be at the MK before it opens, the truth is that some people in your group will be up.and.atom ::hee:: at 6 AM, brewing coffee and toasting bagels, while others will want to roll out of bed at 9 or 10 and wonder what's for lunch - or complain about all that noise at 6 AM. And I totally disagree with the "it's Disney, how bad can it be" philosophy. I've seen friends and family (not mine, thankfully) self-destruct, with shouting, profanity and tears, right in the middle of the Magic Kingdom.

To the OP - provide some separation. You can always get together; "Meet at so-and-so's room at 6 PM and we'll go out for dinner", but it's hard to give people space when they're all in one unit, GV or not.

IMHO - YMMV