It's been a long time...

[Maleficient]

...and I need help from all the experts here! I used to plan my DW trips "excessively" when I first joined DVC 9 years ago and my kids were fewer and younger. Now they are bigger and there's more of them, and we are planning on trying one of the newer DVC resorts in August. We own OKW, usually stay there, SSR, and have been to BWV a few times. Would love to save some points since I don't have many, and cram all 5 of us into a 1 BR, but can only do that at the newer ones with 2 baths. That leaves me with BLT and AK Kidani Village 1 bedroom as only options, correct? We have been doing the 2 bedroom point killer for 3 years now and it just takes all I have and then some for one trip!

Can anyone give me any feedback on either or both of these accommodations with 2 adults and 3 kids (2 teenage girls and a 6 year old boy all of whom spend an enormous time in a bathroom)? I know you aren't in the room much, but we do like to relax there and not want to kill each other after being with each other all day...we'll be renting a car, so transportation not huge deal. We are not interested in trying to get 5 into accommodations that are not allowed, and I was actually surprised when my guide called the other day and told me that 5 are allowed in some 1 bedrooms! And happy! Does anyone have experiences at either resort lately? Thanks so much so much in advance!!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We had a 2 bedroom at BLT and at Kidani, so I'm speaking from being in them. I really think that either of the "1 bedroom" parts would be fine for a family of 5. Standard view 1 bedrooms at Kidani would be good point savers for you! As far as being "legal" it seems that you can book a 1 bedroom for 5 people, but they'll tell you that they won't provide extra bedding. However, it's been reported that soon OKW will have the sleeper chair, so they will have bedding for the 5th person.

Bobbi

 

[cel_disney]

Do you anticipate letting your teenages head out alone? If so - I'd try BLT - that way they could hop the monorail to epcot or walk to MK alone which might be an incentive to get them out of the bathroom faster!!! Or if you guys were ready first, they could meet you!!!

That said - for some reason I think Kidani might be larger square footage wise? Surely someone else has this info!

 

[BCV23]

One bedrooms in Jambo House also have a sleep chair so sleep 5 except for value 1 BRs.

I'd probably go with BLT or Kidani though as both have a second full bathroom in a one BR.

 

[Maleficient]

Yay - thanks so much for all the replies! I definitely need the 2nd bathroom - thats why I always go for the 2 bedrooms. Not having been around for a while, I didn't realize that some of the newer 1-bdrs did have the extra bathroom! The extra linen not a big deal because my little guy will be on an Aerobed anyway.

So I assume Kidani is the only option at AKL because Jambo doesn't have the extra bath.

And I never thought about the option of letting my girls go to MK on their own....they are young teens, so not sure I would anyway, but BLT sure would be the place to let them try a small amount of freedom with the proximity.

Any other thoughts to help with my decision? Here's hoping that the 7 month window won't be my deciding factor! Thanks everyone!

 

[hopare]

You will have better luck at 7 months at AKV than BLT. Both of those resorts will provide linens for the 5 th person, it the others that won't. Oh and I also believe value AKV won't also, but other views will. Good luck planning

 

[dvc at last !]

We had a 2 bedroom at BLT and at Kidani, so I'm speaking from being in them. I really think that either of the "1 bedroom" parts would be fine for a family of 5. Standard view 1 bedrooms at Kidani would be good point savers for you! As far as being "legal" it seems that you can book a 1 bedroom for 5 people, but they'll tell you that they won't provide extra bedding. However, it's been reported that soon OKW will have the sleeper chair, so they will have bedding for the 5th person.

Bobbi

We had a 2 bedroom at BLT and I agree. Great with the extra bathroom !
It would be even better if the bathroom door did not have a gap !
Do you think OKW will have the sleeper chair in the studio, 1,2 or grand villa ?
Will it be added during the refurb ? We will be there in October and it
would be nice to know that info.

 

[Maleficient]

uh...there's a gap on the bathroom door? Also, where are the 2nd baths at BLT and AKV Kidani? Thanks!

 

[bobbiwoz]

We had a 2 bedroom at BLT and I agree. Great with the extra bathroom !
It would be even better if the bathroom door did not have a gap !
Do you think OKW will have the sleeper chair in the studio, 1,2 or grand villa ?
Will it be added during the refurb ? We will be there in October and it
would be nice to know that info.

It been mentioned that the OKW 1 bedrooms will get the sleeper chair. They'll still only have 1 bathroom, but they are large enough to accomodate that extra sleeping bed.

Bobbi

 

[Tozzie]

Yay - thanks so much for all the replies! I definitely need the 2nd bathroom - thats why I always go for the 2 bedrooms. Not having been around for a while, I didn't realize that some of the newer 1-bdrs did have the extra bathroom! The extra linen not a big deal because my little guy will be on an Aerobed anyway.

So I assume Kidani is the only option at AKL because Jambo doesn't have the extra bath.

And I never thought about the option of letting my girls go to MK on their own....they are young teens, so not sure I would anyway, but BLT sure would be the place to let them try a small amount of freedom with the proximity.

Any other thoughts to help with my decision? Here's hoping that the 7 month window won't be my deciding factor! Thanks everyone!

The 1 Bedrooms that have the sleeper chair do have linens for the 5th person so you don't have to worry about that.

 

[rhonimouse]

We were at Kidani over Christmas and stayed in a 1 bedroom with 2 13 year old boys and 1 5 year old girl. We found it roomy and comfortable. The boys shared the sleeper sofa and our daughter used the sleeper chair. The 2nd bathroom was a MUST HAVE! We actually spent our arrival night at Boardwalk and while the room was comfortable in size and sleeping arrangements, it only had one bath...I would say Kidani or BLT would be a must for the 2nd bath! You may have better luck reserving Kidani and point values are lower too...Plus our kids loved the community hall and ALL the resort activities. Another bonus is that Kidani's pool is very nicely themed and has a great "splash" play area for the younger kids! I also liked that you could utilize AKV Jambo facilities...the Savannah and night vision viewing there was something the kids really looked forward too...It was kind of like having 2 resorts to enjoy rolled in to one!

We actually own BLT, but we are even planning our 2010 Thanksgiving trip to be at Kidani (pending availability at 7 months..)

Good luck! Enjoy your trip!

 

[rhonimouse]

one additional thought- if you feel the need for a 2 bedroom, Kidani and BLT actually have 3!!!! I love that option, especially with teens!