Hypothetically - How likely am I to get a BWV or BCV Studio early August for 9 nights?

[Dean]

Well, here's my specific case...

I am looking at DVC (rental or resale) as a potential method to get us into a resort in the Boardwalk area without adding significant cost versus our previous go-to resort, Port Orleans Riverside. We fit just fine in the Alligator Bayou rooms there that holds 5 (two queens and the flip down Murphy bed). The DVC studios are similar size (maybe slightly larger in sq ft), but we would lose the proper queen bed to be replaced with a full size pull out sofa. I think the kids would be just fine with that though. The Murphy bed is pretty much identical to POR, so that's a wash.

It's primarily about location: The look and the feel of the Boardwalk/Beach Club area and the proximity to Epcot and HS. Anything larger than a studio, and the cost of the room explodes upward and doesn't make sense for us.

Dan

IMO the bedding is a big issue. I personally wouldn't do less than a 1 BR for 5 unless one were possibly in a pack n play though I know some do. In reality you're going to be close to having to go to a 2 BR before too much longer. That might mean going for the cheaper options over location is needed to make it work but BWV standard view will help cut the costs and the 1 BR with a second bath and sleeping for 5 (AKV Kidani & BLT) will help you reasonably stretch this for a while. DVC likely won't save you money and will actually cost you money until you can't or won't do the single moderate room but it will potentially give you more value if you give it a chance. Otherwise I'd personally likely stay off property to get the larger room options rather than squeeze into the smaller room and the reality is I have at times and been just as happy. I'd agree with Crisi that your trips will change. It might be you'd have less as they age out or it might be they'll bring others with you and you'll need more space.

 

[DisneyFive]

Yeah, definitely a limited number of years before the kids (now 15, 13, and 10) outgrow a fold out and Murphy bed. For now they wouldn't mind it at all, especially if we were staying in the Beach Club / Boardwalk area.

The thought of having to move all of the way up to a two bedroom villa just for a family of five makes DVC completely non economical versus standard WDW resorts.

Dan

 

[Dean]

Yeah, definitely a limited number of years before the kids (now 15, 13, and 10) outgrow a fold out and Murphy bed. For now they wouldn't mind it at all, especially if we were staying in the Beach Club / Boardwalk area.

The thought of having to move all of the way up to a two bedroom villa just for a family of five makes DVC completely non economical versus standard WDW resorts.

Dan

You may want to consider renting rather than buying in this situation.

 

[DisneyFive]

You may want to consider renting rather than buying in this situation.

Completely agree, and where I'm heading now. Thanks again all for the input.

Dan

 

[4luv2cdisney]

Yeah, definitely a limited number of years before the kids (now 15, 13, and 10) outgrow a fold out and Murphy bed. For now they wouldn't mind it at all, especially if we were staying in the Beach Club / Boardwalk area.

The thought of having to move all of the way up to a two bedroom villa just for a family of five makes DVC completely non economical versus standard WDW resorts.

Dan

When you are no longer comfortable in a single room at POR, what will you do? I would think there is little difference between 1 studio at BWV and 1 room at POR. Technically, BWV has more square footage, but some is lost to the kitchenette, but then you have a balcony for someone to escape to and can fold up the sofa giving back a little floor space.

My point is, once you decide what you will do when one room no longer accommodates you (2 rooms @ POR? 2 rooms at a value? AOA or ASMU suite?), you can fairly compare the costs.

I get that there are no long term guarantees on the kids traveling with you. Our solution was to buy a minimum #points - points that will get DH and I a studio every year long term, but with some banking and borrowing and praying for standard studios, will get us 2 studios for the next few trips (5-6 years). We happen to looooooove POR, so we may throw in a cash trip there in between as well. We can reevaluate after that.

 

[lovesdumbo]

I own at BWV but our family of 5 has only stayed there once in a 2BR. We have enjoyed our stays at Kidani and BLT in a 1BR for 5 - both with 2 bathrooms.

I purchased when my kids were 13, 11 & 9 after 10 family trips and honestly I purchased too late. We only took 2 more family trips (one was split BWV/AKV) after the purchase. I still go so I'm still enjoying my purchase but I can see where it would become a burden to some.