If you couldn't stay Beach Club, where would you stay?

[Shellyred8]

If BCV or BWV doesn't pan out, I would vote for CCV or BLT. CCV is a nice relaxing place to unwind at the end of the day. The whole resort area has a woodsy/nature feel that is nice to relax in. BLT has monorail access to MK, or you can walk.

 

[Best Aunt]

OP, not sure if you are aware that availability to book on points (seen at the DVC member website) is different from availability to book for cash (seen on the disney world website). You said you looked at the calendar re availability, and I’m not sure which one you saw.

 

[Simba's Mom]

ETA...last on my list would be Kidani...especially right now with a lot of it closed. The resort amenities are just too small for the size of the resort and it takes forever to get anywhere.

It's Jambo that has a lot closed. Kidani is virtually fully open. Actually I can't think of anything there that's closed.

 

[brockash]

It's Jambo that has a lot closed. Kidani is virtually fully open. Actually I can't think of anything there that's closed.

Lol...do they have counter service now (not sure if they ever do, but they should?) We stayed there in Oct. and there was no counter service at all (a few very select items at the packed pool.)

My point was that at AKL there's still a lot closed. Walking to Jambo for food would have been at least an option, just as we walked there for a pool with available chairs, however it was closed. The tiny gift shop at Kidani in our opinion is way tol small for the number of ppl they have staying there. There was always a line to get in the store, even just to refill your mug.

 

[Nabas]

Oooooh. That explains a lot. I wonder if we could have them look for 2 studios at BWV for us, instead of a 2 BR.

I took a look - no 2-bedrooms available at BWV for your dates (Jan 11-17). The Friday night you want is not available.

Here's what BWV looks like for the easiest class of room to book:





Here's what it looks like at BCV at the moment:

 

[Marionnette]

Oooooh. That explains a lot. I wonder if we could have them look for 2 studios at BWV for us, instead of a 2 BR.

If there are no 2BR villas available at BWV, then there are no studio available, either. Studios are the first type of room to book up up.

 

[mouschievous]

Thank you so much for all your help!! It really is helpful. As much as I research, I know I can't truly comprehend the size of WDW until we're there, and I certainly don't know everything there is to know about DVC. The calendar I've been checking is the one the rental company has available - it doesn't show us numbers of available rooms (thank you so much for posting that!!) but it does show if things are available or not, and if it's partial availability it shows which nights are available.

At this point I think we'll wait it out and if BCV books up before the 7 month mark, we'll try one of our backup choices. Based on your feedback, I think our backups would be BLT and CCV. CCV looks very much like a place my parents would like, and BLT seems like it'd be more conveniently located.

 

[jimmymc]

Bay Lake, Copper Creek, and Boulder Ridge are all great options. Since it's your first trip you'll probably want to spend a ton of time in the parks, and Bay Lake tower is the best for that. It's closer to Magic Kingdom than most resort rooms are to their bus stop. The only downside in my opinion is that the studio rooms are kind of small. Any other room and you're good, and even just 2 people in a studio is also good.

I would take Copper Creek over Boulder Ridge because the rooms are newer and located in the main building, which has all the dining and is closer to the boat and busses.

 

[Marionnette]

Thank you so much for all your help!! It really is helpful. As much as I research, I know I can't truly comprehend the size of WDW until we're there, and I certainly don't know everything there is to know about DVC. The calendar I've been checking is the one the rental company has available - it doesn't show us numbers of available rooms (thank you so much for posting that!!) but it does show if things are available or not, and if it's partial availability it shows which nights are available.

At this point I think we'll wait it out and if BCV books up before the 7 month mark, we'll try one of our backup choices. Based on your feedback, I think our backups would be BLT and CCV. CCV looks very much like a place my parents would like, and BLT seems like it'd be more conveniently located.

Those aren't the number of available rooms on the calendars that were posted by @Nabas. Those are the number of points per room. They are screenshots from the DVC member website. Even members cannot tell you if availability represents one room or 100 rooms. It only tells us if at least one is available to book. The brokers' availability calendars are not in real time (they're updated maybe 1X-2X daily). The members calendars are in real time.

 

[mouschievous]

Those aren't the number of available rooms on the calendars that were posted by @Nabas. Those are the number of points per room. They are screenshots from the DVC member website. Even members cannot tell you if availability represents one room or 100 rooms. It only tells us if at least one is available to book. The brokers' availability calendars are not in real time (they're updated maybe 1X-2X daily). The members calendars are in real time.

Thank you for explaining that

 

[SandyinMonterey]

In Jan 2020, we rented DVC points from a DVC rental company for a Sept 2020 trip to DLR. That was canceled, and we have until Sept 2022 to use the credit for our DVC rental.

The only time we can all go is Jan 2021. We put in for BCV because it seemed like one of the most conveniently located resorts, with being able to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. However, so far no one has said they will rent to us and I am getting nervous that no one will. We have the option of changing resorts in hopes that someone who has points for a different resort will rent to us. Currently, the other DVC options &p pricing for our dates is:

• BW isn't available during our trip.
• AKL Kidani has both Standard and Savannah view available. Standard is cheaper than BCV, Savannah is the same price
• AKL Jambo only has Standard available. $1400 less than BCV
• Bay Lake is available, Lake View is $800 more than BCV
• Boulder Ridge is $500 less
• Copper Creek is $500 less
• GF is $3500 more
• OKW is $1000 less
• Riviera Preferred room is available for $2000 more
• Saratoga Springs Standard ( $1000 less) and Preferred (same price as BCV) are also available.

Knowing that we won't have a car, we've never been to WDW before, and we chose BC for its location, what would you advise us to choose as our back up option?

(And if you're in the business of sending good vibes to strangers, we could use some. We can't move forward with planning this trip until we know we have a place to stay, and I can't stomach the thought of losing all that money that we have a in a credit because no one would rent their points).

I'm a DVC Member. We put some of points from WL up for rent (Boulder Ridge) and our points were snatched up quickly. I don't know how things works on the renters end so much, but you have until September 2022 so that is a lot of time. I think I just heard on DFB (Disney Food Blog) that both BCV and BW has opening dates. I will say from a DVC point of view as far as making reservations for your NON- HOME resort, that BCV is the hardest to get. Those that own there rarely stay anywhere else and I would imagine getting DVC rental is just as hard. In my 20 years of being in DVC, I've managed to get BCV once and that was only because it was a short trip, 4 days, and off season. Those 2 resorts are very popular because it's close to Epcot and HS and especially when there is a festival at Epcot, people like the proximity. And BCV is also very popular because of their pool. I enjoyed staying at BCV but I like my home resort better (Boulder Ridge). It's a beautiful resort and even though you're still in the Disney bubble, you feel a little transported away. It was more relaxing than BCV. If you give Boulder Ridge a try, I don't think you'll be disappointed. The boat to MK is a big plus for us. Good luck.

 

[NeedMoreMickey]

Have you thought about splitting up, getting a one bedroom and a studio? Maybe easier to find at BCV or BWV

 

[JayMass]

In Jan 2020, we rented DVC points from a DVC rental company for a Sept 2020 trip to DLR. That was canceled, and we have until Sept 2022 to use the credit for our DVC rental.

The only time we can all go is Jan 2021. We put in for BCV because it seemed like one of the most conveniently located resorts, with being able to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. However, so far no one has said they will rent to us and I am getting nervous that no one will. We have the option of changing resorts in hopes that someone who has points for a different resort will rent to us. Currently, the other DVC options &p pricing for our dates is:

• BW isn't available during our trip.
• AKL Kidani has both Standard and Savannah view available. Standard is cheaper than BCV, Savannah is the same price
• AKL Jambo only has Standard available. $1400 less than BCV
• Bay Lake is available, Lake View is $800 more than BCV
• Boulder Ridge is $500 less
• Copper Creek is $500 less
• GF is $3500 more
• OKW is $1000 less
• Riviera Preferred room is available for $2000 more
• Saratoga Springs Standard ( $1000 less) and Preferred (same price as BCV) are also available.

Knowing that we won't have a car, we've never been to WDW before, and we chose BC for its location, what would you advise us to choose as our back up option?

(And if you're in the business of sending good vibes to strangers, we could use some. We can't move forward with planning this trip until we know we have a place to stay, and I can't stomach the thought of losing all that money that we have a in a credit because no one would rent their points).

Let me preface by saying I've never stayed at a DVC resort but I have stayed on the resort hotel side of a few places.

I would go Bay Lake if $800 more is feasible. Given that this is your first trip, you don't want to rent a car, and want to be in walking distance of at least one park, BLT is a no brainer. You can walk to MK or take the monorail to Epcot--both are super easy. The Contemporary is a resort I never really liked until I stayed there and fell in love with it. The Poly is my favorite but Cont. might be #2!

If you looking to spend less than I'd go Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek. You aren't in walking distance of any park but it's a quick boat ride to MK and you can easily pick up the monorail there.

GF, IMO, is just not worth the extra money. I also don't like its theming.

Riveria is doable and I haven't been there, but I would also think you could find better ways to spend 2 grand.

AKL is fantastic. I love it. The only drawback is its location. You will be forced to take a bus everywhere, including AK park. It's just too far away, especially for a first visit.

OKW and SS are two resorts I've never been to. Some people swear by them, but considering you seem like you want to be close to things, I'd stay away from these resorts.

 

[nkereina]

We put in for BCV because it seemed like one of the most conveniently located resorts, with being able to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. However, so far no one has said they will rent to us and I am getting nervous that no one will.

FWIW, BCV is one of the smallest DVC resorts and is quite popular due to the pool complex and proximity to Epcot/DHS. It can be difficult to book, especially with rented points. I agree with PPs to wait until the 7 month mark before moving forward with a back up plan, but I think its wise to have a back up plan in place. Generally speaking, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and AKV usually have the best options for availability without having to do too much shifting of dates or room types.

The only time we can all go is Jan 2021. We put in for BCV because it seemed like one of the most conveniently located resorts, with being able to walk to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. However, so far no one has said they will rent to us and I am getting nervous that no one will.

• BW isn't available during our trip.
• AKL Kidani has both Standard and Savannah view available. Standard is cheaper than BCV, Savannah is the same price
• AKL Jambo only has Standard available. $1400 less than BCV
• Bay Lake is available, Lake View is $800 more than BCV
• Boulder Ridge is $500 less
• Copper Creek is $500 less
• GF is $3500 more
• OKW is $1000 less
• Riviera Preferred room is available for $2000 more
• Saratoga Springs Standard ( $1000 less) and Preferred (same price as BCV) are also available.

IMO, one of the most important considerations is transportation/logistics. As beautiful as AKV is, I would rule it out since you can only take buses to all 4 parks which diminishes some of the value for me. Especially in the current world where bus capacity is severely limited.

The monorail resorts certainly are a great location, but there is no way I'd justify paying that much more for GF. I'd have a hard time paying $800 more for lake view at BLT as well. Being first timers, the chances of you spending ample time in the room to enjoy a lake view seem slim.

Riviera is the most similar to BCV in terms of location, with Riviera being on the Skyliner. But no way I would pay $2K more for it.

Saratoga Springs is walking distance to Disney Springs, which is a nice perk because Disney Springs buses can often be few and far between. During our October trip, we spent more time than ever at Disney Springs (4 nights out of 7) because of the shortened park hours. The ability to park hop now may change that, but its certainly nice to be that close to DS. OKW is also very close to DS, though I don't believe its walkable and I don't think they've started running the boats yet.

Would you get any money back if you went with Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek? Or would you just loose that credit? I like those from a theme and location perspective, but would have a hard time overpaying for them. If you would not get any money back, I'd be inclined to pick SSR. If you would, I'd choose one of those.

 

[mouschievous]

Would you get any money back if you went with Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek? Or would you just loose that credit? I like those from a theme and location perspective, but would have a hard time overpaying for them. If you would not get any money back, I'd be inclined to pick SSR. If you would, I'd choose one of those.

We wouldn't get any money back but the place where we have the credit is also an authorized ticket seller. I'm going to find out if we can use the credit to buy tickets, or put any leftover toward tickets.

Have you thought about splitting up, getting a one bedroom and a studio? Maybe easier to find at BCV or BWV

I hadn't thought of that, but it's an interesting idea. What would be the advantage? I don't know enough about how many points it takes; would a studio and 1BR or 2 studios be fewer points than a 2 BR?

 

[Heather07438]

The 11 month window has passed and the 7 month window is quickly approaching. Honestly if I were you I’d figure out a handful of options that would be acceptable and let the agency know you’re willing to take whichever comes first.
You may have the fortune of your desired room at BC coming up, but if it doesn’t you’ll have missed opportunities at other good resorts that came and went already.
Look at what resorts interest you, look at current availability (even if approximate, it helps) to zone in on which have the best chances, which room types or combo you could accept, and then see what matches the broker can make.
It might be worth casting your net wider and sooner. I’d be disappointed if I past up a chance to do my #2 or #3 option and ended up having to accept the leftovers. Each week that passes more categories will lose availability. Goodluck! It still looks like there’s decent availability at some of the most popular resorts. Hopefully the broker can find inventory to match one you like

 

[chasgeese]

Oooooh. That explains a lot. I wonder if we could have them look for 2 studios at BWV for us, instead of a 2 BR.

If you are open to two studios, it could potentially open up more options, such as the Polynesian (which only has studios and the bungalows). You lose the full kitchen and the living area, but it might be an option if things get desperate.

 

[nkereina]

Oooooh. That explains a lot. I wonder if we could have them look for 2 studios at BWV for us, instead of a 2 BR.

Two studios is an option that may be easier to come by, or even 1BR and 1 studio perhaps. But, if booking two rooms instead of a 2BR, be prepared for your rooms to be away from each other. You can certainly request rooms near each other but with the differing DVC room configurations, it may pose a challenge to get those rooms next door to each other. Not sure if that's feasible depending on the make-up of your party.

If you are open to two studios, it could potentially open up more options, such as the Polynesian (which only has studios and the bungalows). You lose the full kitchen and the living area, but it might be an option if things get desperate.

They'd also lose in-room laundry, if that's a concern.

 

[Coach Holden]

A huge factor is which parks you will be frequenting the most. If you’ve never stayed at a Disney Resort before, my strong recommendation would be to stay away from Bay Lake Tower, unless it’s a theme park view room. There’s nothing special about that resort aside from the location to MK. If you want to be blown away by the resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge would be my first recommendation, however, (without a rental) it’s location to the other three parks can be frustrating. If it’s at Kidani though, just forget it...The lobby and ambience is such a downgrade from Jambo.

Riviera, Grand Floridian, or Wilderness Lodge would be my vote.

 

[MMSM]

I loved Beach Club and was sad when I only could get a couple days there this year. We had one day at Poly, 5 days at Grand Floridian, and then ended with BCV. This was my last time at BCV. The pools and check- in to get a seat at storm a long bay and mostly the rooms. They are really run down and not even a feel of Disney clean. I was there when hotel was closed so I would’ve thought pool would’ve been fine (I know Yacht Club is there) and that rooms would’ve been cleaner. It felt very motel like. I LOVED Poly as did my kids. I would vote Poly!