Help With Picking a Split Stay Resort

[disneyfan123]

We are heading to WDW at the end of next January/early February for 9 nights. DW, DS (17) DD (11) and a friend and her daughter (6) will be joining us. We have a 2 bedroom at VGF booked for the latter part of the trip, but aren't sure where to go for the first 4 nights. We own at VGF (direct) and SSR (resale, can't use these points at Riviera); thoughts on a good place to stay? We have stayed at AKV, BWV, SSR and wouldn't mind something new. We need rooms that have 5 beds, have 184 SSR points at our disposal, and if necessary another 104 VGF points we could use. Options we are considering are

1) 2br preferred at SSR
2) Treehouse villas
3) GV OKW
4) 2br BLT
5) 2br AKL
6) 2br VGF for the whole trip

Our friends have never stayed at any of those resorts, so they would be new for them. My DW would like something close to the action (walkable to something, hence preferred view SSR), if possible. Where would you stay?

 

[jimmytammy]

Hey disneyfan123

One thing to consider, when you move from one resort to another, you basically lose a day at WDW. It doesn't really factor in as a "down day" because you have to get packed, be out by 11, go check in at other resort, etc. By the time all this is done, it can easily be 2pm. Not sure if WDW still does transfers of luggage, which is something to definitely consider. If so, this can make for a little more leisure of a day. Just food for thought. Believe me, I have done my fair share of resort hopping and its like starting over. Being in one place the whole trip can be so much more relaxing.

So if you are still in the camp of different resorts, here is my 2 cents worth:

Never stayed at VGF but the close proximity to MK is a definite plus. So I would maybe rule out BLT, don't get me wrong, I love BLT, but you already have the advantage of staying near MK, plus the monorail can zip you to Contemporary for a visit to BLT.

AKL is a bit remote, though it's a beautiful resort as you already know. Maybe being off the beaten path a bit would hinder your guests from enjoying themselves as much, where closer to the action would afford them the luxury of going it alone if they so choose.

Treehouse villas still a bit remote, though a brisk walk will get you to DS in a few minutes.

OKW, love this resort! Its so peaceful and relaxing, the most laid back vibe on property, IMO. A boat ride to DS is nice too.

So this leaves SSR as the choice remaining. As you know, the proximity to DS is awesome, and your guests might like this for nightlife or more choices for dining. This would be my choice if you choose to resort hop between here and VGF

 

[Genie+]

I‘d probably just keep the whole trip 2BR VGF. With a car I’d consider AKV if trying another resort mattered. The few split stays we have done mixed EP and MK resorts. That’s our preference to make packing up and resettlIng worth it.

 

[aka Charles]

I like the treehouses, but your best bet will be the OKW Grand Villa.
You will love all the extra space.
Almost twice the size of some 2 bedrooms.
It has 5 real beds, plus the sleeper sofa.
Most of all, it has FOUR bathrooms!
That can save SO Much time in the mornings.
If possible, book one "Near Hospitality House" as it will be easier to get to the boats to Disney Springs, the buses, and most of the OKW activities.

Have a Great Trip!
.

 

[disneyfan123]

I like the treehouses, but your best bet will be the OKW Grand Villa.
You will love all the extra space.
Almost twice the size of some 2 bedrooms.
It has 5 real beds, plus the sleeper sofa.
Most of all, it has FOUR bathrooms!
That can save SO Much time in the mornings.
If possible, book one "Near Hospitality House" as it will be easier to get to the boats to Disney Springs, the buses, and most of the OKW activities.

Have a Great Trip!
.

That would be my pick; not sure when we would have a need for a GV anytime in the not-too-distant future, so it would be nice to knock it off the list and try it out.

 

[zavandor]

If you have a car, I'd try the THV.
If you don't, then avoid them, transfer to the parks via bus is time consuming.
I don't think it's easy to get a GV at OKW at 7 months.

 

[trublulgc]

I'd stick with VGF for the stay - think you'll be sad with the trade at those other options.

 

[starry_solo]

Right now, book the SSR since you have the 11 month priority. Then see if you can trade it for BCV or BLT.

 

[disneyfan123]

I'd stick with VGF for the stay - think you'll be sad with the trade at those other options.

Thinking of this, but we'd need to use SSR points for 2 nights so we might not be able to swing it. We're booked for a standard view and that may not be available at the 7 month mark.