grand villa... which one?

[pmaurer74]

Hello I have between 260-400 points. I would rather not go to the 400 point range but we may be doing a big family trip December 2016 for 5 nights or I can easily get 3 studios instead. Wanted to do VWL but I was worried about the construction next December and possibly giving a bad impression to my family that has never been. Which grand villa would you suggest? I was interested I think in BWV or AKV but I saw that OKW and tree house had fewer points. Which would you bring new-to-Disney family members? are grand villas impossible to get at the 7 month mark? VWL is our home resort.

 

[Donna M]

I've heard BWV is very difficult because there are only 6 or so. I didn't think VWL had any GV, but it is beautiful at Christmas time. We have stayed at OKW, AKV(Jambo) and SSR. Space wise, OKW is huge. We love it there. I didn't care for SSR and that's our home resort; we love the resort though. Jambo's GV was fantastic because of the pool table, animals and it's also very large, but the GV is located at the end of a very, very, very long hallway. It was quite a pain with groceries.
If you end up not getting a GV, I would suggest getting at least a one bedroom so you have a kitchen and laundry available to your group. Check out different combinations of points, like studio and 2 one bedrooms, or a two bedroom with a studio.

To impress my guests, I would probably try for AK Jambo's. But being me, I'd do the least amount of points and get OKW, which I really like anyway.

 

[disneynutz]

If you really want to put on the dog with a impressive, clean, new GV, VGF is your best bet if you can afford it and get a reservation.

Bill

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

8 of us stayed in a Treehouse last April and loved it. I thought 3 bedrooms for those small amount of points was a steal. Booked 6 nights at 7 months, then added a night a few weeks later, then added another night a few weeks after that - no waitlisting needed.

 

[drusba]

From the point range you provide, I suspect you are focusing on a trip sometime during the first two weeks of Dec, when points are at their lowest. Be aware the first week of Dec is the highest DVC demand week of the year at WDW and the second week of Dec is a close second tied with Chrustmas week. Your chances of getting a BWV GV for five consecutive nights at 7 months out during that time are zero, for an AKV or OKW GV slim, for an SSR treehouse less than 10%. Even the SSR GV has a risk of being gone some of the nights. You also mention three studios. You are likely to have trouble getting three studios for five nights in a row at 7 months out at all resorts other than SSR, and possibly OKW and Kidani, and there is a risk you could even have problems with OKW and Kidani. VWL is also usually gone by 7 months out for that time of year but there might be a possibility otherwise because many will want to avoid it during the massive construction that will be taking place. Nevertheless, to assure you get three studios, I woul reserve it at 11 months out and then see if any change is possbile if you want other than SSR at 7 months out.

 

[pmaurer74]

I guess I was wrong about the number of people. There would be 8 in one family and 6 in another so looks like I will have to think of a way to get that many people together! My DH thinks I am crazy but Iw as thinking of getting a small 100 point contract and use three years worth of points.

 

[pmaurer74]

how many people does the GV at AKL sleep, it says 12 but I count spaces for 14 people.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

how many people does the GV at AKL sleep, it says 12 but I count spaces for 14 people.

It is 12. The "bed" configs just allow for sleeping arrangement flexibility. Rather than buying another contract because of this trip I'd recommend looking at a point transfer from someone instead. Or rent a reservation for the room or the nights that you don't have points for.

 

[lovewdwdvc]

What about a treehouse and a studio? Not so sure about your crowd but in many families some group may want the privacy of a studio.

 

[Halle]

There aren't any studios near the Treehouse Villas so that combo may not be a good alternative.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Don't forget that the treehouses have two bedrooms with one queen bed each and the third with a set of bunks (not twin sized mattresses).

But if you are going early Dec, you really need to book your home resort and go from there at seven months out if you can get it.