I'm torn: GF, VWL or BWV for early Dec?

[ccgegg]

I really need your advice. We're doing our first MVMCP this Dec and I'm struggling with resort choice. Family includes me, DW, DD5, DS(almost 2), and possibly my mom (her first and probably only trip to WDW so we want it to be over-the-top special).

We did a 1br villa at SSR in Feb and loved the space and kitchen. That has me thinking VWL or BWV for this trip. But I think my mom would love GF. (we want to stay there at some point too) She's not much of a woodsy person and I think our kids would most enjoy WL in another year or two.

Questions:
1) Primary concern is sleeping arrangements. Does GF have the same room setup as CR?... Two double beds and a sofa that converts into a sleeper for one? How is the sleeper sofa at VWL or BWV? (SSR's was pretty comfy)

2) Transportation is also important. Looking to spend 2 days at MK (incl a sort-of late night at MVMCP) and 2 at Epcot, plus 1 at MGM and 1/2-1 at AK.
VWL: How long is boat ride to MK? What's the best way to get to EP?
BWV: I know the walk to EP is less than 20 min. What about walk to MGM? Is the best way to MK via bus or walk to EP and take monorail?
GF: Naive question, but what is best way to get to EP?

3) I've heard great things about the Christmas decorations at WL and GF-- again, we want this to be a special memory for my mom. But if we stay at VWL, do you still see the Christmas decorations much? (not sure how "separated" it is) How are the decorations at BWV? Don't Regis/Kelly stay at the GF? If so, when? And does it create a mob or make the resort extra busy during a somewhat slower time of year?

I'd greatly appreciate your advice.

 

[TammiMcMan]

I can help you alittle with the GF setup. If you want to take a look at this link, http://www.the-grahams.net/gf/rooms.html, you'll see the different room layouts. The GF rooms do not come with a sofa bed, but instead a daybed. I've never slept on it, but my two teenage children say that it's very comfortable. Not all rooms come this way and because your youngest is under 3, it may not be noted that there are 5 in your room. You'll probably want to request "maximum bedding" on your reservation. If you really need to have the daybed, then you're also limiting your room choice to a standard. The tower lodge offers a little more space, but only the 2 beds. The deluxes are found only on concierge level and come with 2 beds.

As for transportation, you are one monorail stop away from the MK or you can ride the resort boat which is a little bit longer. As for getting to AK and MGM, you should take the bus. Epcot can be reached by taking the monorail to the TTC and then transferring over to the Epcot monorail or taking the bus. I've done both, but we usually choose the monorail option. For the BWV, you are almost exactly in the center of Ecpot and MGM, so 20 minute walk for either resort. To get from BWV to MK, your best bet is to take the bus. It will save alot of walking!

The GF does fill up during the filming of the Christmas parade. I believe that's usually the first week of December. The decorations there are very beautiful and include the life size gingerbread house.

That's a tough choice you have, but I don't think you'll be disappointed with any of them.

Tammi

 

[ccgegg]

Bump.

 

[Muushka]

3) I've heard great things about the Christmas decorations at WL and GF-- again, we want this to be a special memory for my mom. But if we stay at VWL, do you still see the Christmas decorations much? (not sure how "separated" it is) How are the decorations at BWV? Don't Regis/Kelly stay at the GF? If so, when? And does it create a mob or make the resort extra busy during a somewhat slower time of year?

I can help you with this one. VWl is in the next building over from WL-a short walk under a covered boardwalk-quite pleasant. The Villas actually have their own lobby-not nearly as grand, but very nice. And there is a Christmas tree in the center of it. Very nice. And while staying at the Villas, there is plenty of opportunity to go to WL. When you go for something to eat or drink, when you go to the boat launch, when you just need a WL lobby fix.....

I prefer the decorations at WL, then GF, but many really like the decorations at BWV. Not sure about the mob situation at GF.

Happy planning

 

[minniesota]

I have stayed at all three of the resorts during the first week of December and in most cases, I would say GF hands down. We love the atmosphere - the decorations, orchestra/grand piano in the lobby, chestnuts roasting, etc. And the easy access to MK on MVMCP can't be beat.

However, if sleeping arrangements are your primary concern, then I'd steer you toward VWL or BCV. I wouldn't think your mom would be comfortable on the daybed at GF, but I don't know about the comfort level of the pull-out couches at VWL or BCV - we've always had the 2-bedroom. You could ask that question over on the DVC board.

As for choosing between VWL and BCV, we liked both but loved the location of BCV. It's so close to Epcot and MGM and the bus transportation to MK and AK went great for us. We thought the boat ride from VWL was erratic - it sometimes came "on schedule" and other times took forever.

And while the decorations at VWL are beautiful, I'm from a state where I can see woods any day of the week so that alone would not entice me to return.

Would you ever consider renting points from a DVC member? Assuming they charged $11/point, you could stay in a 1-BR at either resort for $314/night or in a 2-BR for $424/night (that's a weekly rate). Or...what I would do is stay at GF on the weekend nights and move to the villas during the week when points are much less expensive ( $242/nt for a 1-BR and $330/nt for a 2-BR) assuming $11/point.

Aren't you glad you asked?? Have fun planning!!!