Friendly Advice, Please

[Figee17]

My husband and I are planninga family vacation for February of 2013 during the week of Presidents Day (bad timing, I know, but as a MA school teacher, its one of my only options). There will be 10 adults and 5 children (1.5, 2.5, 3, 4, and 8). We obviously want the most possible space but only have 515 points to use (I might be willing to pay a little if necessary). Currently, because we could book at the 11 month mark, we have reserved 2 treehouse villas. My husband really wants a grand villa and 2 bedroom at OKW I'm just not sure about the likelihood of that at the 7 month mark. I would be willing to pay the extra and get 2 two bedrooms and 1 one bedroom at BWV. We want most people to be in a bedroom and lots of space, but want it to feel like a family vacation and not be spread out ALL across a resort.
Any friendly advice??

Also taking our FIRST DVC vacation in July to Vero Beach (just DH, DS, and myself)

 

[Chuck S]

If you try to book right at the 7 month window, there may be a GV and 2 bdrm at OKW, but probably not near the Hospitality (main pool & check-in) area.

 

[ToddyLu]

I like the idea of the THV if they are next to each other. Maybe you could find someone willing to get a GV at OKW for you on the rent/trade board. A good friend of mine was able to book 3-2bedrooms and a studio for herself at AKV last year for a family trip. They all had space and time together and alone. I would do what I could and just roll with it. I think the only downside to a THV would be the amount of time you would spend using the transporation...but if you drove everywhere....then not so bad. I like the idea of having the six bedrooms for that many people. Very nice.

I am sure it will all work out. I am sorry I do not have any real advice for you but it sounds lovely.

 

[Moparlar]

2 Years ago we reserved 2 treehouses over New Years Eve and It was great. I would stay with the tree houses.

Larry

 

[Dean]

My husband and I are planninga family vacation for February of 2013 during the week of Presidents Day (bad timing, I know, but as a MA school teacher, its one of my only options). There will be 10 adults and 5 children (1.5, 2.5, 3, 4, and 8). We obviously want the most possible space but only have 515 points to use (I might be willing to pay a little if necessary). Currently, because we could book at the 11 month mark, we have reserved 2 treehouse villas. My husband really wants a grand villa and 2 bedroom at OKW I'm just not sure about the likelihood of that at the 7 month mark. I would be willing to pay the extra and get 2 two bedrooms and 1 one bedroom at BWV. We want most people to be in a bedroom and lots of space, but want it to feel like a family vacation and not be spread out ALL across a resort.
Any friendly advice??

Also taking our FIRST DVC vacation in July to Vero Beach (just DH, DS, and myself)

I'd do two 2BR and a studio over a GV and 2 BR but I think the THV option is fine. I'd guess that your chances of getting units close together (at least in door to door distance) are better for the 3 units elsewhere than the two THV being that close. There's really no wrong way to do this as long as you can fit everyone in appropriately. BWV might not be your best bet because ALL second BR and studios have a queen and pull out love seat. Just make the appropriate requests and don't ask for anything else except they be CLOSE together. For OKW I'd ask they be in the same building. For the rest I'd request same floor and close together.

 

[jekjones1558]

I don't know the best option but I would definitely take the kids' sleep needs into consideration. During our big family trips we found that it was harder to get naps done if the young ones were housed together, even in a big GV. That may not be the case in your group but thought I would raise the issue. We liked having a big gathering space but found it hard to get kids settled for naps and at night in the GV.

 

[KBoopaloo]

Without looking into the point calculations, I'll say that we took a trip with 15 people (also 10 adults and 5 kids, ages 2 to 14) in April 2011 and stayed in 2 2 bedrooms and 1 studio at Kidani and we loved it. I am not sure what your family breakdown is but we were split like this:

2 Bedroom # 1 - 2 Adults in Master, 2 Adults, 2 kids in 2nd bedroom (2 queen beds)

2 Bedroom # 2 - 2 Adults in Master, 2 Adults, 2 kids in 2nd bedroom (2 queen beds), 1 Adult on sofabed in living room

Studio - 1 Adult, 1 Kid

We found that having the 3rd bathroom in the 2 bedrooms was a giant help.

 

[Figee17]

Thank you so much for all of the advice. I know that whatever we go with, we will have a wonderful time!