Is there any way to stay at DVC and not be so $$$$ ??

[TnTWalter]

Whenever I post questions about needing condos or at least 3 bedrooms, people recommend renting a DVC to save money but when I search the forums, it seems I'm looking at about $3-5K for grand villa...

Is there another way?

We just returned from connecting rooms at POP and loved it. But my brother and family and mom and dad want to do a condo next time. My kids will be 8,6, & 5 and my niece will be 18 at the time.

So I'm thinking Orange Lake, Marriott World Center [brother's family has stayed here and enjoyed but they've never been on property] renting a house at Windsor Palms or just getting a block of rooms at a value or moderate. They want to be able to cook meals, I go on vacation so I don't have to cook. ;o)

We all want privacy at night so adults can have alone time ;o)...at least that's our reason. LOL.

Should I do 3 bedroom or is there an option for connecting villas or next door at least?

If I'm not on-property can I still get character meals? We had such a great time doing those this time. We also did the dining plan which was a great value for us.

I appreciate any insight you all have.

Trish

 

[spiceycat]

you can definitely get character meals !!!!

you aren't entitled to EMH - the extra hours in the morning and evening at different parks. also the DME from the airport and back.

I think the 3-bedroom are too expensive. besides I don't get along well with my relatives....

when are you going?

in Jan, Sept, Oct (most of Nov and Dec) OKW - Sun-thurs (fri/sat are much, much more)
studio $80 per night
1-bedroom - $160 per night
2 -bedroom - $220 per night
3-bedroom (GV) $360 per night

the other seasons are more. the other DVC resorts are more expensive.

I won't stay at any DVC resort for fri/sat (I am cheap)
studio - $200 per night
1-bedroom - $400 per night
2-bedroom - $540 per night
3-bedroom (GV) $880 per night

everything else the same as the first list - only difference fri/sat!

I would go with a 2-bedroom and a studio first!!!

of course I would go with 3 studios.....

they won't be connecting.

the only thing that connects to a studio is a 1-bedroom. but at OKW they should be in the same building.

 

[spiceycat]

although they are rare and generally in offseason - you can find a few on
www.skyauction.com

I have found HGVC, Marriott's Imperial Palms and Celebration world resort.

but both HGVC and MIP - were last minute - I was like you saw them on the 4th and the stay was for the 9th....very, very last minute.

there are several resorts that have 3-bedroom
Marriott's Imperial Palms is all 3 -bedroom
Cypress Pointe has a 3-bedroom
Orange Lake

oh I will have to complete this later I have a list - I think it must be at home.

 

[crjack]

Would you be doing a 3 bedroom for your whole party? It sounds like you might need more space.

We have considered renting points for DVC but one key factor for us is having to move over the weekend. The rates are so much higher but to move during our one week stay for two nights just doesn't appeal to us. We're also not fans of sleeper sofas for a whole week but for many families they work fine.

Off site there are so many spacious and economical options for you. You can eat at any character meals or shows that you want but you don't get the dining plan. That sounds like it was a great option for many people...unfortunately it wasn't running when we were there last and I hesitate to make plans too far out based on a program that may or may not be there by the time our trip rolls around.

Check www.hotelkingdom.com for rates on suites. Cypress Pointe and Cypress Pointe Grand Villas get very positive reviews here. There are also great reviews on some of the Residence Inn, Staybridge Suites, etc. You may want to get two 2-bedroom that are near each other.

For that many people, I would be looking at a 4-bedroom home. To share the cost would make it very economical and give you all plenty of space, plus a private pool and washer/dryer. Many have game rooms now and most offer mulitple t.v's, video game systems, etc. We really like Windsor Palms, we are trying Windsor Hills on our next trip and Emerald Island is another beautiful resort.

There seem to be lots of 4-bedroom homes out there in each resort so the rates can really vary quite a bit. That can definitely work to your advantage if you are flexible on ammenities, etc.

This will be our third time in a pool home and I never cook on vacation. I do like having the kitchen though for snacks and drinks. Some days we have a character meal for breakfast but on the days that we don't we eat in - mostly to save time and it does save money.

Have a great trip.