Help me decide......

[hygienejean]

In April 2004 my DH, DS(will be almost 4), DD (will be almost 2), and myself plus My sister,BIL, twin DN(will be 5), DM and last but not least my DF will be going to WDW. We had originally planned on booking the Poly for 7 nights.(Stayed there 2 times before and LOVE it!) I called yesterday and for 3 rooms, garden view the total was 8050!!!! Yikes! I know that renting points at either BWV or BCV would be much less for bigger rooms. (I have rented before) The problem is the location. The kids are all young and being near MK at that busy time of year does have it's pluses. On the other hand BCV has an awesome pool and also is close to Epcot and MGM. Can you all help me make my decision? I am willing to splurge if it is worth it. Any other ideas would be welcome. Thanks to all!!!!

 

[Simba's Mom]

I vote for BCV. For one thing, I think the home-away-from-home resorts are great for families. All have microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, and all but studios have washer/dryers. Stormalong Bay is great. Oh, yes-and BCV is my favorite of the Villas! Only drawback-although it is very convenient to Epcot, when I was there a few weeks ago, buses to MK were shared with several other resorts, making trips to MK rather inconvenient.

 

[susy]

Remember in a villa, you will be sharing a bathroom. I think it's still too early to book. So much can happen between now and then (someone may decide not to go, etc). Take some time to think about it before parting with any money.

 

[WDWguru]

Don't forget the Villas at Wilderness Lodge - those are also DVC property and available to rent from members. That'd solve everything. You'd be in the larger villa for the more affordable price and you'd be a short boat ride away from MK!

 

[WDWguru]

Originally posted by susy
Remember in a villa, you will be sharing a bathroom.

This is only true in a studio or 1-bedroom, but you already have more people than those will accomodate. A two-bedroom unit has two bathrooms - the master with both a whirlpool tub and separate shower, plus the regular type bathroom you find in the studio and deluxe resort rooms.

However, now that I count it appears you have nine people. The two bedrooms will only accomodate eight people. You could probably get a two bedroom and a studio or some combination to take care of everyone. You'll definitely have to get two rooms of some kind. (Studios and one bedrooms hold four people.) The VWL don't have grand villas (3 beds/baths and hold 12 people) but the chances of being able to rent points for those may be slim anyway. They're available at BWV and OKW.

 

[Gillian]

Are you planning to go around Easter? I think it's the 15th or 19th in 2004? If so, it's very possible that there won't be any discounts for that time, and you could get stuck paying peak rates. If you're going after the holiday you might have luck getting a code or AP special

The good thing is, you have a lot of time to save up! AAA discounts will probably be out in early Fall. They are usually 10-20% off. Other discounts come out a few months beforehand.

Other options - the Contemp wing rooms are cheaper but also large & conveniently located. The wilderness lodge is less money, and also close to the MK.

For a villa, with 9 people you'd have to go for 3 studios, or a studio + a 2 BR. Based on the 2003 point calculator, you wouldn't be saving anything over a regular room, if you can get a discount.

I wasn't impresed with the transportation at BCV, except to Epcot. It was fine for us, 2 adults & a 2 year old, but it might be a pain with a lot of kids.

I think that unless you're going during Easter, it might be a little early to worry about booking a room just yet

 

[vbfamily]

The odds of being able to use a code for that time of year are slim so renting pts from a DVC member is one option. I agree that renting at VWL would give you the closeness to MK that you desire. You can figure which combinations of rooms works best for you.

Have you considered staying in 2 Junior Suites in the Wilderness Lodge (the main lodge and not VWL) I think they each sleep 6-it looks like you have 10 people going. I don't know if this would be cheaper than 3 rooms at the Poly. I believe there are 2 queens in the br and a pull out sofa in the living room in each Junior Suite. It may be a good idea to check the rates for this. If you luck out, it would be cheaper than the Poly and you would still be close to MK.

Let us know what works out for you.

 

[vbfamily]

Just wanted to add...

I think they refer to the Junior Suite as a "Deluxe"

The CM's kept calling it a Junior Suite while we were there so..

Anyway, by the looks of the prices-if you booked to Deluxe Rooms at WL you would automatically save a lot of money than if you booked 3 rooms at the Poly.

 

[hygienejean]

Wow, thanks for all of the help everyone! When I told my DS about the Poly price she couldn't believe it! I think we are leaning toward renting a DVC property. In 4 months I am staying at BWV with my family. (renting) When I go in April 2004 we would need something like 487 points(approx) for a studio and a 2 bedroom. At 10 per point that is $4870, much less than the Poly. So I guess it is now between BCV and VWL. How is the transportation at VWL? Would BCV be a good location with young ones? Thanks for any input!!!!
Jean

 

[vbfamily]

Just curious..Did you check on the Deluxe rooms at WL-or do you prefer a villa because of the kitchen, etc.

 

[Gillian]

Deluxe rooms are $415 plus tax for Regular season, 2003 (2004 prices aren't actually out yet). Poly garden room is cheaper, $344.

But I don't really think 2 deluxe rooms is the best option for this group. It's basically 2 families and then 2 other adults. So if you put a family & the 2 "single" people in one room, 2 adults end up on the sofa bed, plus there is only 1 bathroom for 6 people. That's a lot of adults for 1 bathroom. The upside is that the other family doesn't even need a deluxe room, just a regular one.

BCV would be fun for little kids. They seem to like the sandy kids pool. There is a lot to do in the area (epcot, boardwalk). VWL has the boat to MK though, which is better than the BCV busses.

 

[brittsmum1998]

SAB at the BCV's can't be beat for the little ones. That zero entry pool and the sand are great. We always stay at the BWV's and we have a DD who is four. We usually do the bus to MK in the AM and after nap, rest, etc. we take off on the boat to either Epcot or MGM for supper. It has always worked out great in the past for our family having a child young like that. I wish you luck in your decision.