Grand Villas vs Two Bedroom

[MUDDOG]

I have been comparing points for the Grand Villas and the Two Bedrooms.I wanted to take a large group at the end of the year.My question is this.With the points being more for the Grand Villa is it worth it or would I be better off getting two Two bedrooms.More people are able to go but I am wondering if we can get rooms close together.Is there advantages of having the Grand Villas?

I would like to here some opinions or suggestions that others have done.

 

[goldilocks_63]

I went for 2 2BRs, because I think it will be too much togetherness for our families.

One room is me, DD, and hubby, with my GPs.

Other is brother, wife, and his family.

I think we'd drive ourselves nuts together for 9 days, so am seperating.

So I guess it depends, are these the type of people that you want to see every morning, parks, and at night? For us, about 3-4 hours a day is enough, before someone has a meltdown.

So I've requested that we put in the same building at OKW, and am hoping they will honor the request.


The other big consideration is the number of bathrooms. I think with a GV there are 3 ?, and with a 2-2br you have 4. (and more importantly, 2 Master beds, and 2 jucuzzi's).

So as impressive as the GV is, if you need some quiet downtime, I'd vote for 2 2BRs.

Goldi

 

[mikesmom]

You may not have to worry about a decision. If you mean at the end of THIS year, as in the last quarter of 2007, I would be something important that there are no GVs available.

 

[tiggercrew]

Another thing to consider is how do the individual families vacation. If you have some early risers in the group and some late risers it would be nice for them to be in separate units so that no one feels uncomfortable and they can enjoy themselves on vacation. Also, if any families have very young children they might appreciate a separate place so that their little ones could settle down without the additional activity in the villa.

I think the best thing to do is weigh all the options and even discuss with the others what they would prefer. Who knows, they may think being all together sounds really great or they may welcome the private time.

Good luck and enjoy your planning.

 

[BroganMc]

Is there advantages of having the Grand Villas?

I think the main advantage of a GV is a bigger communal area (i.e. living room and dining room). If you anticipate getting everyone together for an in-room meal, the GV would give you the best place for it. (OKW will give you a bigger table than most, while BCV tables are microscopic.)

Otherwise 2-bedroom units will give you more beds and bathrooms.

The main use, as explained to me, is for special occasions like celebrating a birthday, reunion, anniversary, graduation, etc. But some use OKW GVs to get a large family together and enjoy the low point cost and big rooms. For me, I could take my whole family down for less points in two bedrooms or studios, or just some of my family for a shorter stay in GV. The SSR GV has always fascinated me with that gorgeous dining room table and tall living room windows. I'm just too miserly to cough up my points for so short a stay.

 

[CarolMN]

You may not have to worry about a decision. If you mean at the end of THIS year, as in the last quarter of 2007, I would be something important that there are no GVs available.

I agree with mikesmom - there may not be any Grand Villas left for your dates. December is a popular time for DVC members to visit and most GVs book at the 11 month window for that time. I really doubt that there are any left at the BWV(there are only a total of 7) and I'd bet availability at OKW is very limited. Don't know about SSR. Which resort are you wanting to stay?

If you are serious about the GV, my advice is to call MS tomorrow and book one. You can always cancel it and book the 2 bedrooms later f you change your mind.

 

[drusba]

The issue may be more serious than above implies. If you are thinking of taking a large group at the end of this year, meaning Christmas week, you best be on the phone tomorrow to see if there is any availabilty at your home resort-- 2BRs or anything else. Same applies to first two weeks of December.

The benefit of GV is that they are large impressive units with a huge living/family room for get togethers. The benefit of two 2BRs is that the group can separate for extended periods. Some families consider the first important but many consider the second imperative.

 

[Dean]

For OKW it's less of an issue for the 2 BR because they have a larger kitchen. You can also get a 2 BR plus two studios for about the price of the 2 two BR units. Then give all access to the unit with keys that are non charging. That also gives you DDP options if you so choose.

 

[snowbunny]

The benefit of GV is that they are large impressive units with a huge living/family room for get togethers. The benefit of two 2BRs is that the group can separate for extended periods. Some families consider the first important but many consider the second imperative.

Right...we did a GV for our family reunion because we wanted a large gathering spot - the living room is truly huge. If we were two families, in laws and so forth, I'd go for two 2-BRs.

BTW we booked the GV at the 11-month window day by day as it was during a busy time (food and wine festival). As mentioned, you need to get on the phone to MS pronto and see if what you want is even available.

 

[MUDDOG]

Thanks for the replies.I am not to worried about getting the rooms as of yet.From what everyone says on here I just need to get the Two Bedrooms.We will not be doing any cooking or large meetings.I think I will go the cheaper way and everybody should be happy, for they want know the difference.
As for gettting the rooms I have never had a problem.I go the weekend before Thanksgiving and stay thru Thanksgiving Day.I will say over the last three years that whole week is becoming more crowded.After this year I may look into a different week.Any suggestions?

 

[Cruelladeville]

A grande villa is truly luxurious! There are 4 bathrooms at OKW, with a soaring ceiling, and lots of extra space--but there are none available in December. I booked day by day, and I am still on the waitlist for some of my nights. I also have a two bedroom booked, in case the GV doesn't come thru. If you have the points one year--not this year--get a GV.