Help me choose!

[have2getaway]

It will be me, DH, and 4 kids. We are looking at either 2 studios at the Poly (connecting) or a 2 BR at either BLT or WL? We want to be close to the MK. We LOVE the Poly, but may not be able to secure the points needed for our trip in Jan., so...I'm wondering if I should just keep trying for 2 studios or try for a 2 BR. I'm concerned our kids will be disappointed going from the Poly to anywhere else, but having not stayed anywhere else, I really don't know. Our sons are 15, 7, 7, 7.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

connecting rooms cannot be guaranteed so I would go with a 2 bedroom. Plus that way you get a washer/dryer and full kitchen. With 4 kids those might be nice benefits.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Are you willing to split up the adults in the very small (ie very unlikely) event that you didn't get connecting studios? They are not guaranteed even though very likely to receive.

I always have a hard time imagining kids being terribly disappointed to be anywhere at WDW. Once most people stay in the larger villas they hate to go back to studios. BLT would give you 3 full bathrooms and it also means you can walk to MK if you wish.

 

[Uncranky Donald]

Ohhh IMHO I think BLT 2 bedroom for sure! With that many children at those ages you'll get 3 bathrooms and a walk or monorail to MK. You're looking at 40(WKD) & 48 (WKEnd) points a night either way and that's Lakeview for both Poly and BLT....soooo why not choose more space and potties Wilderness will save you a few points and IS my favorite but coming from the Poly it may seem a little "dark" to your family, not everyone's taste...plus, no 3rd bathroom. Happy Planning!!!!

 

[have2getaway]

Are you willing to split up the adults in the very small (ie very unlikely) event that you didn't get connecting studios? They are not guaranteed even though very likely to receive.

I always have a hard time imagining kids being terribly disappointed to be anywhere at WDW. Once most people stay in the larger villas they hate to go back to studios. BLT would give you 3 full bathrooms and it also means you can walk to MK if you wish.

No, and I'm definitely concerned it could happen, even though I suspect it will not!

 

[have2getaway]

Ohhh IMHO I think BLT 2 bedroom for sure! With that many children at those ages you'll get 3 bathrooms and a walk or monorail to MK. You're looking at 40(WKD) & 48 (WKEnd) points a night either way and that's Lakeview for both Poly and BLT....soooo why not choose more space and potties Wilderness will save you a few points and IS my favorite but coming from the Poly it may seem a little "dark" to your family, not everyone's taste...plus, no 3rd bathroom. Happy Planning!!!!

My husband LOVES the WL. We had dinner at Artist Point on our trip in Jan. and he really enjoyed the restaraunt and resort. My only issue with the WL is going from access to the monorail and close proximity to MK to having to take a boat or bus everywhere. We really liked being on the monorail at the Poly. Plus, we are going in Jan. and quickly discovered last month that the boat can get very chilly at that time of year.

I was also worried about how remote the villas seem at the resort? Are they as far from the ferry as they appear? The new ones by the water look really nice, but I'm sure they will be more expensive than the other 2 bedroom villas at WL.

My one concern about BLT and WL are the balconies. Can anyone offer feedback on this? We have 3 rather hyper 7 year old boys (picture the 3 red headed triplets from Brave - except with brown hair). Anyway, I don't want to be stressed my entire vacation about them falling off.

 

[Dean]

It will be me, DH, and 4 kids. We are looking at either 2 studios at the Poly (connecting) or a 2 BR at either BLT or WL? We want to be close to the MK. We LOVE the Poly, but may not be able to secure the points needed for our trip in Jan., so...I'm wondering if I should just keep trying for 2 studios or try for a 2 BR. I'm concerned our kids will be disappointed going from the Poly to anywhere else, but having not stayed anywhere else, I really don't know. Our sons are 15, 7, 7, 7.

I'd do the 2 BR likely at BRV but I wouldn't be overly concerned about not getting connecting rooms if you request it and have the 2 studios for the same dates.

 

[kniquy]

I would shoot for a 2BR just to easy any worry of not being together. As for the 7 yo's and the balcony -- I have only stayed at SSR with the balcony. I would imagine that they would have to be super crazy and acting out to fall over the balcony. I guess you just can't keep your eyes off them, but my guess is at 7 yo they should be able to heed your warnings that they will be severely injured or die if they fool around out there. If you expect them to be that crazy in the room i would be worried about them in the park and getting lost. When we went with our twins one particually liked to get distracted by something and get separated from us. We told them if they don't see us to stay put and we will back track to find them, of course it happened and we lost one but he did as we they were told and stayed put. I guess with 3 (2 adults and the 15 yo) you could each take one to keep an eye on in the park as well as someone always watching them in the room. .

 

[jimmytammy]

2 Bed would be my choice. Lots of room. If you go to VWL, you get 2 baths, BLT has 3 baths. Either would be a great choice. BLT is a 10 min walk to MK, plus options of hopping on monorail to get to more restaurants at POLY and GF. Boat to WL or FW. Lots of amenities at Contemporary just a short walk away. VWL, close to my heart, is a great choice too. I love the ambiance of the place. The theming is best on property IMO. And when I return from a long day at parks, relaxing at VWL, well it doesn't get any better!
So, not staying at POLY, I understand, you get set on where you like to stay, but once you branch out, and try others, well, you get the best all DVC has to offer.

 

[Uncranky Donald]

My husband LOVES the WL. We had dinner at Artist Point on our trip in Jan. and he really enjoyed the restaraunt and resort. My only issue with the WL is going from access to the monorail and close proximity to MK to having to take a boat or bus everywhere. We really liked being on the monorail at the Poly. Plus, we are going in Jan. and quickly discovered last month that the boat can get very chilly at that time of year.

I was also worried about how remote the villas seem at the resort? Are they as far from the ferry as they appear? The new ones by the water look really nice, but I'm sure they will be more expensive than the other 2 bedroom villas at WL.

My one concern about BLT and WL are the balconies. Can anyone offer feedback on this? We have 3 rather hyper 7 year old boys (picture the 3 red headed triplets from Brave - except with brown hair). Anyway, I don't want to be stressed my entire vacation about them falling off.

Isn't Artist Point amazing??!!! It's my favorite restaurant in WDW You brought up a great point that I've never had to think about as I've never stayed at VWL during Jan/Feb so I don't know what that boat ride will be like. It was fine in March through May but I've been to WDW on NYE and yes, that may be one frigid ride!

The villas are a bit of a hike from the boat dock if you are going through the hotel, but if you are walking around the backside through the pool area its not really that far..maybe 5 minutes. WL in general is not very spread out, but you can get a room at the end of a wing in the villas, but thats possible with any resort. Best part is the Villas are closet to the bus stops!!

As for the balcony, I was with my almost 2 year old niece and 4 year old nephew on the 7th floor of BLT last trip in a 2 bedroom and they are energetic. It felt a wee bit scary at times because the balconies and general feel of the resort is very open and bright. I do feel more secure with the balconies at VWL only because they are not very high up and they just seem more sturdy and secure. Again, all of this is just my opinion.

And yes, those new cabins will most likely go for the same points as the Poly bungalows, aka, you have to trade your soul for one

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

My husband LOVES the WL. We had dinner at Artist Point on our trip in Jan. and he really enjoyed the restaraunt and resort. My only issue with the WL is going from access to the monorail and close proximity to MK to having to take a boat or bus everywhere. We really liked being on the monorail at the Poly. Plus, we are going in Jan. and quickly discovered last month that the boat can get very chilly at that time of year.

I was also worried about how remote the villas seem at the resort? Are they as far from the ferry as they appear? The new ones by the water look really nice, but I'm sure they will be more expensive than the other 2 bedroom villas at WL.

My one concern about BLT and WL are the balconies. Can anyone offer feedback on this? We have 3 rather hyper 7 year old boys (picture the 3 red headed triplets from Brave - except with brown hair). Anyway, I don't want to be stressed my entire vacation about them falling off.

There also is the best bus service ever to MK from WL/VWL. The bus stop is very close to the Villas and the MK bus has you there in under 5 minutes. We use that just as much or maybe even more than the boat.

BLT balconies are some of the larger ones - very consistent in size. The railing barrier is concrete part way up with the metal finishing off the top. VWL only goes 2 stories higher than PVB so if you're ok with balconies there I'd think VWL should be fine but you can always request ground floor/low floor at any resort.

 

[have2getaway]

2 Bed would be my choice. Lots of room. If you go to VWL, you get 2 baths, BLT has 3 baths. Either would be a great choice. BLT is a 10 min walk to MK, plus options of hopping on monorail to get to more restaurants at POLY and GF. Boat to WL or FW. Lots of amenities at Contemporary just a short walk away. VWL, close to my heart, is a great choice too. I love the ambiance of the place. The theming is best on property IMO. And when I return from a long day at parks, relaxing at VWL, well it doesn't get any better!
So, not staying at POLY, I understand, you get set on where you like to stay, but once you branch out, and try others, well, you get the best all DVC has to offer.

So, it really comes down to whether the atmosphere and theming at the VWL are more important than the extra bathroom and close proximity to MK and Epcot we would get at the BLT? Has anyone not like BLT because of theming? It really didn't do anything for my husband and I, but I could see our kids loving it.

We also considered 2 BR at all the other resorts. There seems to be pluses for all of them so I'm not sure how you decide? BC and BW seem nice if you like going to HS and Epcot, and Pool at BC seems nice, but last Jan. we only had one day we could even use the pool at the Poly. OKW and SSR seem good for visits frequent visits to Disney Springs. AKL look gorgeous, but I feel that would be too remote for us. It's been more of a process of elimination, which I'm not sure is the best approach to picking a place to stay for a week.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

So, it really comes down to whether the atmosphere and theming at the VWL are more important than the extra bathroom and close proximity to MK and Epcot we would get at the BLT? Has anyone not like BLT because of theming? It really didn't do anything for my husband and I, but I could see our kids loving it.

We also considered 2 BR at all the other resorts. There seems to be pluses for all of them so I'm not sure how you decide? BC and BW seem nice if you like going to HS and Epcot, and Pool at BC seems nice, but last Jan. we only had one day we could even use the pool at the Poly. OKW and SSR seem good for visits frequent visits to Disney Springs. AKL look gorgeous, but I feel that would be too remote for us. It's been more of a process of elimination, which I'm not sure is the best approach to picking a place to stay for a week.

I like to say that we haven't met a DVC resort that we didn't like. We move around to all of them because of that. Where we stay usually depends a lot on what our main concentration may be for that trip but sometimes it's just where I feel like staying next! Or once I see what is open at 7 months that seems appealing to move from a home resort. Epcot and DHS centric - usually means BWV but sometimes BCV if it's available. For trips in April, May or June I seem to gravitate to AKV. We love the animals and with the dedicated buses the transportation is very acceptable to us. For Fall and Christmas with lots of MK and Epcot time I usually want one of the MK resorts or else an Epcot resort. We're not big DS people but every now and then throw in an SSR or OKW trip because we like the laid back atmosphere and then we take in DS.

I'd still recommend a 2BR but for which one just go with what appeals most. I think I recall you had a thread that indicated you were considering buying? If so then I'd recommend staying at whatever resort you were considering a purchase.

 

[have2getaway]

I like to say that we haven't met a DVC resort that we didn't like. We move around to all of them because of that. Where we stay usually depends a lot on what our main concentration may be for that trip but sometimes it's just where I feel like staying next! Or once I see what is open at 7 months that seems appealing to move from a home resort. Epcot and DHS centric - usually means BWV but sometimes BCV if it's available. For trips in April, May or June I seem to gravitate to AKV. We love the animals and with the dedicated buses the transportation is very acceptable to us. For Fall and Christmas with lots of MK and Epcot time I usually want one of the MK resorts or else an Epcot resort. We're not big DS people but every now and then throw in an SSR or OKW trip because we like the laid back atmosphere and then we take in DS.

I'd still recommend a 2BR but for which one just go with what appeals most. I think I recall you had a thread that indicated you were considering buying? If so then I'd recommend staying at whatever resort you were considering a purchase.

Yes, we are considering buying, but definitely want to take our time. But, as I said before, even with trying to be really economical, this trip is still going to be like $6-$8k, depending on how many days we go to the park and dining. I don't want to keep spending this amount of money every year if we could buy DVC and pay less. My biggest concern is that my son will graduate in three years, and will he even want to come back? I also have the same concerns about my younger boys and DH. Right now, they are at the age where they have the "Disney Bug", but that could change. We have looked at Disney Sea (very appealing), Paris Disneyland, Disneyland California, and Adventures by Disney. My husband's biggest dream is to do an Alaskan cruise one day when the boys have grown.

My oldest son went to Disney and Universal with his Dad this Jan. We did see him a little bit during our stay, but not nearly enough. He mentioned really wanting to be on the monorail when he goes back to Disney with us. And, we wanted to try to check out Universal for a day, but don't have our heart set on it. DH didn't seem as interested initially for a visit so soon, but I have caught him watching clips of the new "Avatar" area and checking out AKL savannah view. He's an avid outdoorsmen and loves animals. (I had casually mentioned that AKL was one of the most affordable options there). As well, our kids just received a little money from their NaNa for Valentine's Day and when she asked what they want to do with their money, they said "Go back to Disney". Lol, it's $7 she sent them--she sends the amount of their age on holidays, more for bday. I told them to save their money for when we go back. We watched a YouTube clip of the Boardwalk and one of our sons said "We didn't get to see that". It's just so hard. There's so much to do, and not nearly enough time to do it all. They really only had about one day at the pool at the poly. We had way too many ADR's scheduled. Lesson learned this trip. He have already done most of the big restaraunts so we only plan to go the ones we couldn't fit in before.

Right now I'm just torn between staying at a monorail resort (Poly/BLT) for my older and younger boys, and getting a dedicated 2 bedroom where nearly everyone will have a bed, and reserving at WL, AKL (for DH) or BCV or BWV for proximity to Epcot/HS and a different experience. I'm trying to convince myself that even if we don't stay at the Boardwalk, we will make the time this trip to go over and see it. What's hard is my older son loves Epcot and HS, but the younger boys like MK and HS. But, everyone is excited to see the new Avatar at Animal Kingdom. I've eliminated OKW and SSR. We only went to DS one day, and that was plenty for us. So, that still leaves 6 resorts to pick from.

I have already submitted a rental form with David's DVC rentals to rent 2 connecting studios. We are on an extremely long waiting list for the studios and may never secure them. I was told that the resorts with the shortest wait and most likely to secure are WL, but can anyone shed any light on which resort I will be most likely to secure at just under 11 months out? If the Polynesian is unlikely, I don't want to end up without a 2 br.

Also, can we still go to the DVC presentation at the Poly if we are staying at a different resort? It seems silly for us to go back to the poly even though we love it so much, if we don't think we're going to buy there.

 

[Dean]

Yes, we are considering buying, but definitely want to take our time. But, as I said before, even with trying to be really economical this trip is still going to be like $6-$8k, depending on how many days we go to the park and dining. I don't want to keep spending this amount of money every year if we could buy DVC and pay less. My biggest concern is that my son will graduate in three years, and will he even want to come back? I also have the same concerns about my younger boys and DH. Right now, they are at the age where they have the "Disney Bug", but that could change. We have looked at Disney Sea (very appealing), Paris Disneyland, Disneyland California, and Adventures by Disney. My husband's biggest dream is to do an Alaskan cruise one day when the boys have grown.

My oldest son went to Disney and Universal with his Dad this Jan. We did see him a little bit during our stay, but not nearly enough. He mentioned really wanting to be on the monorail when he goes back to Disney with us. And, we wanted to try to check out Universal for a day, but don't have our heart set on it. DH didn't seem as interested initially for a visit so soon, but I have caught him watching clips of the new "Avatar" area and checking out AKL savannah view. He's an avid outdoorsmen and loves animals. (I had casually mentioned that AKL was one of the most affordable options there). As well, our kids just received a little money from their NaNa for Valentine's Day and when she asked what they want to do with their money, they said "Go back to Disney". Lol, it's $7 she sent them--she sends the amount of their age on holidays, more for bday. I told them to save their money for when we go back. We watched a YouTube clip of the Boardwalk and one of our sons said "We didn't get to see that". It's just so hard. There's so much to do, and not nearly enough time to do it all. They really only had about one day at the pool at the poly. We had way too many ADR's scheduled. Lesson learned this trip. He have already done most of the big restaraunts so we only plan to go the ones we couldn't fit in before.

Right now I'm just torn between staying at a monorail resort (Poly/BLT) for my older and younger boys, and getting a dedicated 2 bedroom where nearly everyone will have a bed, and reserving at WL, AKL (for DH) or BCV or BWV for proximity to Epcot/HS and a different experience. I'm trying to convince myself that even if we don't stay at the Boardwalk, we will make the time this trip to go over and see it. What's hard is my older son loves Epcot and HS, but the younger boys like MK and HS. But, everyone is excited to see the new Avatar at Animal Kingdom. I've eliminated OKW and SSR. We only went to DS one day, and that was plenty for us. So, that still leaves 6 resorts to pick from.

I have already submitted a rental form with David's DVC rentals to rent purchase 2 connecting studios. We are on an extremely long waiting list for, and may never secure. I was told that the resorts with the shortest wait and most likely to secure are WL, but can anyone shed any light on which resort I will be most likely to secure at just under 11 months out? If the Polynesian is unlikely, I don't want to end up with nothing.

Also, can we still go to the DVC presentation at the Poly if we are staying at a different resort? It seems silly for us to go back to the poly even though we love it so much, if we don't think we're going to buy there.

In all likelihood you will spend more owning DVC than not owning. However, you will likely get more value for your money doing so. I'd likely do the tour just to round out your education but go in with no plans to buy retail. As for planning for kids as they age, some will opt out either due to lack of interest or other commitments, some will want to go and take friends, so it would go both ways on your points. Certainly plan for resale and don't buy to use points for those non DVC options you mentioned.