Help me decide!!!!

[Mrs Hobbes]

We are planning on taking friends with us to Disney in either 1-30 September or 1-14 December next year. I know its an age away but I'm a planner

We have 502 points available which is basically enough to stay anywhere on property for 13 nights however we can not always afford the best view at every resort, BLT for instance we can only do a standard view.

Some details to help you pick our resort

We own at AKV.
There will be 7 of us in total, 4 adults and 3 children, 5,7 and 11.
We will be staying on property the whole time and not renting a car.
We expect to be at MK the most but will visit all parks.
We like to visit parks in the morning, head back to the resort in the afternoon to swim and out again in the evening.
We only do breakfast with groceries in our room the rest of the time we eat out at Quick Service locations our kids are picky eaters and really only go for the chicken strips, nuggets and hot dog type meals
We're coming from the UK and my friend and I tend to be heavy packers so closet space is important to us.
This is our friends first time to WDW and we really want to wow them and give them a treat

So thats us, where would you stay if it was you? I'm not going to say what our front running resorts are at the minute because I want to hear your unbiased opinions.

So help me plan

 

[dapod423]

WOW them with a Savannah view at your home resort!!! Having home resort advantage will help secure a reservation. From what I understand the first 2 weeks in December are REALLY popular with DVC members. So if you choose those dates the 11 month window will be needed to secure a "Wow" location.

Of course it's a little further out from the Magic Kingdom but you will be there for 13 days and will have plenty of time to see everything.

Hope you have a magical vacation!

 

[CleoPahd]

I agree with PP about AKV not only because of the view (which I think would be quite fantastic for your guests), but because of the extra bathrooms.

 

[WDWFERN]

I would consider booking at AK, your home resort, but then possibly trying to switch to BLT at exactly the 7 month mark. Because you mentioned you will have two families and not be renting a car, I think staying there with all its simple transportation options would be extremely helpful (Not only can you walk to the MK, where you said you would be spending quite a bit of time, but you can take the monorail to the Epcot, Poly and GF for other meals, boat to WL, or just walk to the MK bus stop to catch a bus to any of the other resorts to eat/take in the atmosphere of the other resorts). We did a 2 family trip there in Dec 2009 with 4 adults and 5 children, stayed in a 2 BR at BLT, and really felt that we had plenty of space. The third bathroom really helped with that. I expect the standard view might be difficult to get at the 7 month mark, since the lake views are usually easier to reserve, would your points work/would you consider maybe staying 11 days in a lake view if that were available? We just really found that the location convenience was helpful for a multi family trip and allowed us to change plans easily if need be based on everyone's energy/mood. But, of course, AK is so unique and spectacular with its views/setting that I am sure you will have a great time there as well! Happy planning, what a fun trip!

 

[RayRing]

I would vote for BLT (no matter what view your points dictate you get).

If MK is the Priority Park for you, then I would say "BLT"

We have enjoyed extended stays at BLT the last two years.

I have to tell you that the walk to and from the MK is delightfull. I never truely timed it, but I would guess that it was under 15 minutes (door to bag check).

And also because we had a nice long stay (not as long as you are planning), we didn't spend all day in the parks.

Our kids like the pool and BLT and the Contemporary. They also spent some time in the Activity Center, playing videa games and doing arts and crafts.

Also, we viewed Wishes and the special Christmas fireworks from the Top of BLT. It was Never crowded. The view is not as nice as being in the park, but the adults can enjoy a well deserved beverage while watching the fireworks, and after they end, the kids can be in bed about 5 minutes later. No crowds to navigate getting out of the park, no waiting for a buss or boat, just a quick elevator ride, and walk down the hall to your room.

We even tried something new last year, and had a Pizza delevered to the BLT, and the kids had Pizza for diner and watch a DVD (rented for free from the activity center)

 

[disneydenisel]

What a nice trip to plan!

I think you should definitely book your home resort and then decide if you want to try and switch at 7 months out. Then you will have a definite reservation!

December is a great time to go, and hard to book, because the points are much lower then. Remember that the weather in December can be very cold, so not necessarily pool weather. Your afternoon plans would need to be changed from pool time to something else.

If you go in September, then you can definitely take advantage of the pools!

 

[pamickey]

Why not do a split vacation? Book at AKL (which is probably my favorite), then at the 7-month mark, change the second half of the trip to BLT. The pool at AKL-Kidani is wonderful for families and has lots of activities. And the savanna views are amazing. Even if you have to have standard view, there are so many opportunities to watch the animals from various places (including the pool).

Bell Services will transfer all of your luggage to BLT for the second half of your trip. You just check out of AKL and leave for a park in the morning and stop at BLT to check in later in the day. The Bell Services staff at BLT will deliver your luggage to your room.

With so many points, you have different options with minimal inconvenience in transferring. Have a great time.

Terri

 

[dbs1228]

With 13 nights I would for SURE look into a split stay! Book AKV at the 11 months then see if you can switch to BLT at 7 months for 1/2 the trip. I would start at BLT (MK) and do more hours at the parks then take the 2nd half of vacation to kick back and enjoy the beautiful resort of AKV. BLT has plenty of closet, big laundry room with shelving and 3 full baths! Nothing beats the location to MK then BLT! If BLT is not available you may want to try VWL which is a very nice boat ride to MK and is close to the monorail. Just remember if you do a split stay the day of the move plan it to be a park day since you will probably not get into your room until 4. Good luck and enjoy!

 

[DenLo]

A standard view at BLT might be hard to get in early December at the 7 month mark. But location wise it would be a excellent choice. I think it has lots of wow factor, especially in a 2 BR.

If you choose September the weather might be more conducive for swimming. Last December was just too cold for me for swimming at WDW in December.

Otherwise, I like the idea of Kidani Village savanna view, that is an amazing view. But the points really can add for that option too.

A villa with a sleeper chair might be the way to go, it would give you more options for sleeping arrangements. That would mean AKV, BLT or OKW. Also OKW has larger villas and reasonable points per night.

If I was you I'd book your home resort at the 11 month mark and then at 7 months see what's available.

 

[laura-k]

With 13 nights I would for SURE look into a split stay! Book AKV at the 11 months then see if you can switch to BLT at 7 months for 1/2 the trip. I would start at BLT (MK) and do more hours at the parks then take the 2nd half of vacation to kick back and enjoy the beautiful resort of AKV. BLT has plenty of closet, big laundry room with shelving and 3 full baths! Nothing beats the location to MK then BLT! If BLT is not available you may want to try VWL which is a very nice boat ride to MK and is close to the monorail. Just remember if you do a split stay the day of the move plan it to be a park day since you will probably not get into your room until 4. Good luck and enjoy!

This would also be my choice !

 

[Mrs Hobbes]

Thanks everyone - you have given us food for thought we hadn't considered a split stay but your right it might be an idea. We wouldn't usually consider this as it seems like a lot of upheaval in the middle of your holiday and you have to pack and unpack again. However we are going to discuss it with our friends and see what their thoughts are.

We will definitely book at AKV with a Savannah view at 11mths and then make a decision about split stay or moving completely at the 7month window. Coming from the UK we have to book flights 11mths out so we always book our accommodation at the same time so we know we are guaranteed a room.

BLT - we love the look of and if the TOTWL is still available to DVC when we are booking it is a big draw. However I saw a video of a 2bed on youtube and thought it looked really cramped. I also have read about lots of wear and tear and the closet space looks small. There is also a lack of dining options for us at Contemporary although being on the monorail and close to the park discounts this to some extent.

AKV - we love our home resort but again Kidani has no counter service and unlike BLT this is not so close to other options. However the fact that we can afford a Savannah view, the extra toilet and the pool area are all big perks.

Other resorts we love VWL, this is a big draw for us we stayed here last year and LOVED it. It ticks all the boxes accept for we don't love the room decor as much as other resorts and the dining table is too small to do a big group breakfast. I also hated sharing our bus service with other resorts guess we got a bit spoilt when we stayed at Jambo before Kidani came along lol!

We have done a lot of research and I must admit I am also tempted by the size of the OKW resorts and BCV looked like a lovely option too with that amazing pool.

It is a hard decision but a nice decision to have to make lol

 

[mellormousee]

If space is an issue I would def pick OKW. We are going with another family in Aug. and are staying at OKW. We are staying for 11 days. Are you all staying in one room? You may want to get them there own 1 bedroom. When we go we get a 1BR and the other family gets there own. I don't know how close you all are but sometimes you need your own space.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I wouldn't pick a resort based on the pool for a December vacation. If your friends agree to a split stay, AKV savannah/BLT that is what I would do, and if they don't want to split, I would stay at AKV Kidani.

I understand about the small dining area at VWL, but for us, that would be our number 1 choice for a December vacation and second to that is BWV.

Bobbi

 

[Mrs Hobbes]

If space is an issue I would def pick OKW. We are going with another family in Aug. and are staying at OKW. We are staying for 11 days. Are you all staying in one room? You may want to get them there own 1 bedroom. When we go we get a 1BR and the other family gets there own. I don't know how close you all are but sometimes you need your own space.

Space isn't a huge issue, we like space but we stayed with another family in a 2bed Jambo before and it was fine. We get on really well with our friends so it won't be difficult for us to share for 2 weeks.

I wouldn't pick a resort based on the pool for a December vacation. If your friends agree to a split stay, AKV savannah/BLT that is what I would do, and if they don't want to split, I would stay at AKV Kidani.

I understand about the small dining area at VWL, but for us, that would be our number 1 choice for a December vacation and second to that is BWV.

Bobbi

Well coming from the UK it isn't as shocking for us to swim in December as you may think although I do prefer the weather in earlier in the year

If we decide to go in December I think VWL would be my first choice too, it ticks all the boxes for me and that lobby with the tree and the fire who wouldn't want that!! DOn't know if we'd get it at the 7month window though.

 

[dbs1228]

We were at WDW last Dec for 5 nights. The 1st 24 hours were nice in the 70's the next 4 days were COLD! In the mid 30's at night.

We stayed at BLT 2 bedroom twice and did not see the wear and tear I have heard about. I like the layout when traveling with others of the 2nd bedroom being on the other end of the villa. LOVED

 

[dbs1228]

We were at WDW last Dec for 5 nights. The 1st 24 hours were nice in the 70's the next 4 days were COLD! In the mid 30's at night.

We stayed at BLT 2 bedroom twice and did not see the wear and tear I have heard about. I like the layout when traveling with others of the 2nd bedroom being on the other end of the villa. LOVED the master shower. We stayed at AVK for 1 night, not long enough, again loved it! Have fun deciding!!

 

[akl-fan]

I would do a split stay. We also travel from the UK and usually stay for a fortnight. I would do AKV first ( I prefer Jambo for the CS option and fab Lobby). You can visit all the parks from there. Then move to BLT in your second week and concentrate on the MK.

Have a great time.

 

[Alan_BLT_2009]

This would also be my choice !

Me Too! (AKV Split w/ BLT)