Help planning for Dec 2006

[Susieab]

My husband and I are planning a family vacation for Christmas (Dec 17-21st or 22nd) next year. It is a combination, be at Disney for Christmas/Extended family vacation/and Master's graduation for me. So we are trying to get as many people to go as possible. This is the guest list as now:

My family: Myself, DH, DD 7, DS 5.
My brother and his family which includes him, DW, DS 2, DS 8, DS 7
My father and his wife
My SIL and her husband (no kids)

So all told right now we have 8 adults and 4 kids plus 1 under 3.

The big question, we are members at BCV and SS. I would like to initially book at BCV but not sure if I should book 2 2bedrooms or 1 2 bedroom and 1 studio, etc. I know I have to book by the day so I am trying to get my act together. In the end I would like to try and get a grand villa at OKW for all of us to stay together. Not really interested in SSR because of the extra points costs and my love for BCV and OKW.

Anyone else done this before and have advice for me? Everyone gets along fairly well although the grandparents will want a little privacy and the SIL/husband don't know the rest of my family very well, very outgoing couple though.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Figment2]

Having traveled with large groups, I would suggest a 1BR for you and your family, a 2BR for your brother and his family and your sister & BIL and finally a studio for your Dad and wife.

That gives everyone a bit of privacy. I stayed in a BWV 2 BR with 7 friends. Knowing what I do now, I'd probably do two 1 BR's. We were only there for 5 days and everyone got on everyone elses nerves (and we are all the best of friends).

Cyn

 

[canwegosoon]

I would think you might want a 2- 2brm at BCV...This way at least all families had their own "room" unlike a stuido where someone would have to share(or having you or you brother with the 4 persons taking a stuido). 2 washers and lots of room. (but we always stay in stuidos) I guess banking and borrowing is not an issue for you.

I think the best thing would be the GV at OKW...but would book BCV at 11 months just incase. You might really want to spend a little time and decide about food plan VS. DDE vs. doing it on your own. I hope you have a fantastic trip...I am trying to get it together for Dec 24-29th 06 myself. But I can not spring for other family members unless I go earlier in the month, and then the school thing is an issue.
It really depends on how your family gets along..my family-no way, but my cousins family have done the GV several times.
My second choice would be GV at SSR..then 3rd choice is 2-2brm at BCV...but that is up to you.

 

[Susieab]

Thanks for the info. and the advice. I think that I am going to book by the day at BCV and do a studio/1 bedroom/2 bedroom so that I can keep everyone happy. Plus that way if someone backs out soon I can cancel their room but still have my ressie. Then at the 7 month mark I am going to try to get the GV at OKW. I think this may be the best plan for now.

My question is related to the dining plans. Is there an explanation somewhere of what is actually available to DVC bookings now? I have heard lots of talk on the boards about the DDE not being available so I haven't checked into it very much. A way to compare would be great....is that available somewhere?

Thanks!

 

[CarolMN]

Thanks for the info. and the advice. I think that I am going to book by the day at BCV and do a studio/1 bedroom/2 bedroom so that I can keep everyone happy. Plus that way if someone backs out soon I can cancel their room but still have my ressie. Then at the 7 month mark I am going to try to get the GV at OKW. I think this may be the best plan for now.

Have you thought about trading reservations with an OKW owner so that you can book the GV at or near the 11 month mark? BCV is very popular - there might be a few OKW owners out there who would like to stay at BCV and have the 11 month booking advantage when they do. If the GV reservation uses more than the OKW owner needs for BCV, you could just transfer the difference to the OKW owner's account.

My question is related to the dining plans. Is there an explanation somewhere of what is actually available to DVC bookings now? I have heard lots of talk on the boards about the DDE not being available so I haven't checked into it very much. A way to compare would be great....is that available somewhere?

Thanks!

There is quite a bit of info now on the DVC Members' Website. You'll see it after you log on.

Best wishes -

 

[Susieab]

I have thought about that. I even posted something on the rent/trade board since I thought that was the appropriate board for it. So far I haven't gotten a response. Any other ideas on how to get the word out? It would definitely be something that I am interested in.