getting ready to book, please help a newbie

[3kidz4dis]

I am getting ready to book my vacation at SS at the 11 month window. I am foreseeing more difficulty getting into other resorts in the future so for this year I would like to try 2 places. DH doesn't want the hassle and wants just one. So here are my questions:

1. Our family loves pools, waterslides ect. but we have a 4, 6,8 year old so I was thinking to skip BCV since some of the water slides may be too big for them and thought about going to BWV. Is this correct thinking that maybe we should wait until next time for BCV?

2. Easter is late this year so we would like to go the week before or the week after. Am I able to put in both of those requests, and if so, does anyone know which week is busier and if "spring break" will be over?

3. I hear people talking about going to the parks the first day they arrive. I was wondering how that was possible if the earliest you would get to the parks with a flight would be 1-2:00. Is it really worth the price of a ticket for 1/2 day? I guess that is my same question with using the points for the same reason. Is it worth it to stay at a cheapo hotel the first night.

4. I know I have asked this before but I want to move 1/2 way with 3 nights in BWV and 3 nights in OKW. DH says no way, not worth the hassle, I asked you all before and it doesn't sound like a big deal to move. Has anyone had a really negative experience with moving 1/2 way.

5. Which is the better way to reserve, via phone or on line?

6. If we get a afternoon flight, do the resorts have a place for you to keep your luggage, or does "magic express" take care of it for you?

Thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate it!

 

[paulh]

Point 1 dont think there will be a prob with BCV pool as there is more things for younger children outher than the big slide and the slide at BWV is a fast and rougth ride

Point 2 disney is busy at most times of year we decide on when its warmer but you would have more chance of getting in before easter

Point 3 a park first day for us we would never be able to do it as flying from uk we get to resort 7pm and we usaly book that night on cash at a value resort(its become our family treadition we always have a large pizza with double peporonie and double cacuin chicken plus a 6 pack for me) and we can check in at a reasonable time at a DVC resort the next day

Point 4 we go for 2 weeks at a time and we have stayed at 4 resorts sometimes including going to HH tip from DW pack a suitcase for each resort so lees time packing and unpacking

Point 5 phone always as you get comformation straight away

Point 6 not an issue for us as we are well on our way to airport midday

Paulh

 

[dianeschlicht]

I am getting ready to book my vacation at SS at the 11 month window. I am foreseeing more difficulty getting into other resorts in the future so for this year I would like to try 2 places. DH doesn't want the hassle and wants just one. So here are my questions:

1. Our family loves pools, waterslides ect. but we have a 4, 6,8 year old so I was thinking to skip BCV since some of the water slides may be too big for them and thought about going to BWV. Is this correct thinking that maybe we should wait until next time for BCV?

2. Easter is late this year so we would like to go the week before or the week after. Am I able to put in both of those requests, and if so, does anyone know which week is busier and if "spring break" will be over?

3. I hear people talking about going to the parks the first day they arrive. I was wondering how that was possible if the earliest you would get to the parks with a flight would be 1-2:00. Is it really worth the price of a ticket for 1/2 day? I guess that is my same question with using the points for the same reason. Is it worth it to stay at a cheapo hotel the first night.

4. I know I have asked this before but I want to move 1/2 way with 3 nights in BWV and 3 nights in OKW. DH says no way, not worth the hassle, I asked you all before and it doesn't sound like a big deal to move. Has anyone had a really negative experience with moving 1/2 way.

5. Which is the better way to reserve, via phone or on line?

6. If we get a afternoon flight, do the resorts have a place for you to keep your luggage, or does "magic express" take care of it for you?

Thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate it!

1. Only you could know how your kids will react to the different slides, but I think both would be about the same. Only SSR and OKW and VWL have slides that are not so big.

2. I would think after would be better, since it will be after Easter and before the Flower and Garden festival.

3. Because we go at least once a year and sometimes more, we always have an AP. That way, we don't feel we are wasting a day by going for just an afternoon and evening. If you are going to be taking an annual trip, just skewing it by a week earlier the next year, you get two trips on an AP, and that makes it a pretty good ticket price per day.

4. We have only moved once, and it was only after 2 nights. It was not a big hassle, but it was just the two of us and no kids in tow. I have to agree with your DH that it will be a bit of a hassle with kids. Plan on pretty much wasting half a day of your vacation for the move. Packing and unpacking are not my favorite things to do!

5.I prefer phone so I can talk one on one with a real person.

6. All the DVC resorts have bell services for keeping your luggage. No experience yet with Maigical Express.

 

[CarolMN]

I am getting ready to book my vacation at SS at the 11 month window. I am foreseeing more difficulty getting into other resorts in the future so for this year I would like to try 2 places. DH doesn't want the hassle and wants just one. So here are my questions:

1. Our family loves pools, waterslides ect. but we have a 4, 6,8 year old so I was thinking to skip BCV since some of the water slides may be too big for them and thought about going to BWV. Is this correct thinking that maybe we should wait until next time for BCV?

It's tougher to keep an eye on children at BCV (it's so largewith lots of different areas). Unless they all want to swim in the same area all the time, go with BWV. The slide there will keep your two older ones happy and there is a good kiddie pool if your youngest needs one. The activities at Community Hall are fun for the kids, too. My 8 and 4 year old nephews loved the place. No comparable place at BCV, but OKW has one.

2. Easter is late this year so we would like to go the week before or the week after. Am I able to put in both of those requests, and if so, does anyone know which week is busier and if "spring break" will be over?

Both weeks will be peak season and very busy. Choose another week if you can. If not, it probably won't make much difference.

You can book whatever is available - subject to the number of points you have. As long as you don't want a standard view of a Boardwalk view, you shouldn't have trouble getting either week at either BCV or BWV at the 7 month window.

3. I hear people talking about going to the parks the first day they arrive. I was wondering how that was possible if the earliest you would get to the parks with a flight would be 1-2:00. Is it really worth the price of a ticket for 1/2 day? I guess that is my same question with using the points for the same reason. Is it worth it to stay at a cheapo hotel the first night.

We don't go to the parks the first day unless we have APs - we also usually get in mid afternoon. There's lots to see and do at the resort and the Boardwalk area. Bet your kids will want to go swimming as often as you are willing to let them, anyway, LOL. Spending first night off site is just your choice. We don't do it unless we are spending a few days visiting non-WDW attractions in the Orlando area and have a car.

4. I know I have asked this before but I want to move 1/2 way with 3 nights in BWV and 3 nights in OKW. DH says no way, not worth the hassle, I asked you all before and it doesn't sound like a big deal to move. Has anyone had a really negative experience with moving 1/2 way.

I wouldn't want to be without a room between 11 and 4 with 3 young children. Since you are considering staying the first night off site, that's another vote against it. Best reason not to split is that your DH is against it. Why chance something going "less than perfect" and having him upset with you. There's plenty to keep you occupied at either BCV, BWV or OKW.

5. Which is the better way to reserve, via phone or on line?

Phone! Especially if you are booking a peak time.

6. If we get a afternoon flight, do the resorts have a place for you to keep your luggage, or does "magic express" take care of it for you?

You're covered either way. My understanding of ME is that luggage will be brought to your room. If yo don't use ME, you can store things with Bell Services and call them to bring it up when your room is ready.

Thanks so much in advance. I really appreciate it!

You're welcome. Most of what I posted is JMHO. YMMV.

Best wishes -