Need advice on big Wedding trip for new DVC members

[Queenie122]

Hi everyone!

Brand new DVC members here, have never stayed at Disney DVC with our own points. We just purchased at OKW and we're super excited about it. We researched DVC for about 3 years before we decided to jump in and we were very torn about our home resort - in the end we did go with the "get more points for our money" theory because we will be very happy staying at OKW, especially after driving around and checking the resort out.

Normally we'll be traveling with my soon to be husband and myself and my daughter (8) and sometimes his two children will be with us (12 and 8), so either 3 or 5 of us, yes the dreaded 5. I'm very okay with coming home and relaxing after long days at the park and I think ALL of our kids need to be away from the stimulation, if you know what I mean.

However; next year we have a very big trip planned, we are getting married at Disney World! It seemed the appropriate place to blend our families together, especially because we don't get to spend as much time with his children as we would like. Also, while my daughter has been to WDW a few times, his children have never been there. So, this is going to be a very special trip.


Where should we stay?!?!?!? I need some advice!!

Here are some considerations.

The time frame we are looking at is August (yes, but my soon to be hubby is a Professor so he is off from school AND that is when we get his kids) right when value season starts, so August 16th or so.

We're looking at approximately a week long trip but that isn't set in stone yet, it all depends on where we choose for a resort and how many days we can get out of our points. So maybe a couple days longer if we can swing it.

His kids have never been before. Because of that, we're thinking maybe something a little more magical would be nice for their first visit. Then again, since they have never been, how much time are we actually going to be spending in the resort? lol We are considering using the DVC discount and getting us all the PAP but I am not sure yet we can afford that for all of us. They HAVE been to Disneyland and are huge fans and I'm not sure yet if they want will to compare every little detail that is different or want to spend all their time doing all the stuff they don't have.

We will probably have more than just the kids with us, though at this time I am not sure of just who. I know that my mother, future FIL and MIL, my two brothers and their families, my future BIL are coming along. Outside of my group there is only one other child and she is 3 and loves animals. Now, I am in no way housing everyone. We will either be getting a 1 BR or 2 BR.

We are looking into a friend who has points they don't need, they may transfer some points to us at just the cost of annual dues, so if that is the case, we may look at getting 2 two BRs. I haven't done the math but 2 two bedrooms or even some combo that includes a studio may be necessary because my SIL in a pain in the tush and needs her own room - yes I love her!! That instead of a Grand Villa? The GV look beautiful though! I don't have enough points on my own (120 a year) to get one. Our friend though has a LOT of points but we can't count on that at all, not yet. We're planning on using three years worth of points for next years trip if we have to (360). I am only including this info as a thought in case it makes a difference of having 2 two BRs and there is something I don't know about (like there is only one per building or something).

But back to us. We need to figure out which resort to get our 1 or 2 BR.

Let's see - we'll have lots of stuff - like wedding gowns and decorations and boxes of favors and that kind of stuff to carry back and forth. Being able to park outside of our room like at OKW would be nice.

That reminds me, we WILL have our car, we are driving down from NY. Because of that we have some give in our dates for coming and going.

Also, because it's our very first reservation we'll be able to access developer units if we have trouble getting what we need on our own. So, we could get something a little harder to get normally. If we even want or could afford something special.

That's all I can think of for now. There is SO much to wrap my head around and I just can't figure it all out. My instinct is telling me to narrow it down between my home resort of OKW for the big rooms, convenience of driving up to the room and the value of points - but for the kids I am thinking AK (which I really have NO desire to ever stay at myself, I hate the darkness, the decor, the African food would be murder on his kids, the thought of carrying a wedding gown down a long hallway, though the size there and the extra bathroom would be nice), I just wonder are the animals really out and just how much will we be AT the resort for them to partake in it? But for magic it does seem way more magical for kids than OKW for sure! Then again just being IN Disney is magical and they don't know the difference!

I just want it to be magical for everyone and I am making this choice not just for me but for my whole family.

Help me Dis Boards, you're my only hope!!!

edit: decided to add a poll for people who want to drive by and vote but not post. But I'd REALLY like to hear your reasoning! I know this would be a very personal choice and you may have reasons I have totally not thought of and of course, your opinions mean a lot! I am leaving out SSR because if we were to stay there we might as well stay at our home resort. Also leaving out WL b/c right now it's it's too far out of the way for everyone.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Where is your wedding going to be? At the wedding pavilion or some other location?

And curious on your reasoning that VWL is too far out of the way? From what? Not that I'd probably recommend it for your situation unless you completely loved the location but some of the other locations are what I consider far more out of the way so it's hard to make a good recommendation.

 

[DiznyDi]

I'd look at staying at OKW; your home resort, larger rooms, away from the frenzy of the parks, more laid back. My second choice would be Treehouse Villas. Even though you want a 'Magical' experience, for your wedding I think you would also like a little more privacy.

 

[Queenie122]

Yes, the ceremony is going to be at the Wedding Pavilion earlier in the day. We poked our heads around the last time we were there and we just fell in love with it Big plus was having AC in August!!

The reception / lunch/dinner afterwards - well, we don't know that part yet. I wanted to book the Napa Room in the Contemporary but now it's being renovated and may not be reopened in time So I don't know that part yet, there are many restaurants that do private meals but I have to look into just which one I want.

Then we plan on having a dessert party at Epcot that night.

As for WL, we've had some baaadddd bus AND boat experiences getting to and from there MULTIPLE times (3-4x) and as some people aren't going to have cars we just don't want to take that chance for them. I don't want to get into an argument over exactly how far mileage is for each resort it's just a sore spot for many members of my family (yes, we stood in the rain for over two hours trying to get to the Hoop De Doo!) so it is just a no go for them. Honestly at some point I want to try all the resorts and I like the food there, it just won't work for this trip.

Thanks for the advice, keep it coming, I appreciate it!!

 

[DisneyDreamingGirl]

Hi everyone!

Brand new DVC members here, have never stayed at Disney DVC with our own points. We just purchased at OKW and we're super excited about it. We researched DVC for about 3 years before we decided to jump in and we were very torn about our home resort - in the end we did go with the "get more points for our money" theory because we will be very happy staying at OKW, especially after driving around and checking the resort out.

Normally we'll be traveling with my soon to be husband and myself and my daughter (8) and sometimes his two children will be with us (12 and 8), so either 3 or 5 of us, yes the dreaded 5. I'm very okay with coming home and relaxing after long days at the park and I think ALL of our kids need to be away from the stimulation, if you know what I mean.

However; next year we have a very big trip planned, we are getting married at Disney World! It seemed the appropriate place to blend our families together, especially because we don't get to spend as much time with his children as we would like. Also, while my daughter has been to WDW a few times, his children have never been there. So, this is going to be a very special trip.

Where should we stay?!?!?!? I need some advice!!

Here are some considerations.

The time frame we are looking at is August (yes, but my soon to be hubby is a Professor so he is off from school AND that is when we get his kids) right when value season starts, so August 16th or so.

We're looking at approximately a week long trip but that isn't set in stone yet, it all depends on where we choose for a resort and how many days we can get out of our points. So maybe a couple days longer if we can swing it.

His kids have never been before. Because of that, we're thinking maybe something a little more magical would be nice for their first visit. Then again, since they have never been, how much time are we actually going to be spending in the resort? lol We are considering using the DVC discount and getting us all the PAP but I am not sure yet we can afford that for all of us. They HAVE been to Disneyland and are huge fans and I'm not sure yet if they want will to compare every little detail that is different or want to spend all their time doing all the stuff they don't have.

We will probably have more than just the kids with us, though at this time I am not sure of just who. I know that my mother, future FIL and MIL, my two brothers and their families, my future BIL are coming along. Outside of my group there is only one other child and she is 3 and loves animals. Now, I am in no way housing everyone. We will either be getting a 1 BR or 2 BR.

We are looking into a friend who has points they don't need, they may transfer some points to us at just the cost of annual dues, so if that is the case, we may look at getting 2 two BRs. I haven't done the math but 2 two bedrooms or even some combo that includes a studio may be necessary because my SIL in a pain in the tush and needs her own room - yes I love her!! That instead of a Grand Villa? The GV look beautiful though! I don't have enough points on my own (120 a year) to get one. Our friend though has a LOT of points but we can't count on that at all, not yet. We're planning on using three years worth of points for next years trip if we have to (360). I am only including this info as a thought in case it makes a difference of having 2 two BRs and there is something I don't know about (like there is only one per building or something).

But back to us. We need to figure out which resort to get our 1 or 2 BR.

Let's see - we'll have lots of stuff - like wedding gowns and decorations and boxes of favors and that kind of stuff to carry back and forth. Being able to park outside of our room like at OKW would be nice.

That reminds me, we WILL have our car, we are driving down from NY. Because of that we have some give in our dates for coming and going.

Also, because it's our very first reservation we'll be able to access developer units if we have trouble getting what we need on our own. So, we could get something a little harder to get normally. If we even want or could afford something special.

That's all I can think of for now. There is SO much to wrap my head around and I just can't figure it all out. My instinct is telling me to narrow it down between my home resort of OKW for the big rooms, convenience of driving up to the room and the value of points - but for the kids I am thinking AK (which I really have NO desire to ever stay at myself, I hate the darkness, the decor, the African food would be murder on his kids, the thought of carrying a wedding gown down a long hallway, though the size there and the extra bathroom would be nice), I just wonder are the animals really out and just how much will we be AT the resort for them to partake in it? But for magic it does seem way more magical for kids than OKW for sure! Then again just being IN Disney is magical and they don't know the difference!

I just want it to be magical for everyone and I am making this choice not just for me but for my whole family.

Help me Dis Boards, you're my only hope!!!

edit: decided to add a poll for people who want to drive by and vote but not post. But I'd REALLY like to hear your reasoning! I know this would be a very personal choice and you may have reasons I have totally not thought of and of course, your opinions mean a lot! I am leaving out SSR because if we were to stay there we might as well stay at our home resort. Also leaving out WL b/c right now it's it's too far out of the way for everyone.

So I own at BCV so I am a bit biased(i also own at BLT, but I always prefer BCV)... First off congratulations!!!!
Since you are getting married at the Floridian, I think you should really consider staying at BLT... It is a nice very nice resort and each 2 BR can hold one extra person.... Plus, it is super close to the floridian.... It is also close to MK and I love walking there!!!

Now, my favorite resort is the Beach Club... The villa building is pretty small so you won't have to walk too far to your room... They have a beautiful pool(I know you are planning on spending a lot of time in the parks, but it is completely worth going in this pool for a few hours one day... I guarantee that everyone in your family(any age) will love it!!!). You also can walk around the Boardwalk at night for great entertainment... Epcot and Hollywood Studios are a short walk away!!! It is just a wonderful resort!!!!

Good luck in your decision and your exciting life ahead!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Ok. Hmmmmm - BLT was my first thought if your wedding was at the GF. And if the CG gets reopened (Napa room is quite cool btw!) then it would make even more sense.

THV's for the 3 bedrooms with your group were my other thought but they are more remote since they have an internal bus that you need to switch to the park buses at SSR and if the bus service at VWL gives your groups chills then I don't think I'd recommend them now. Or AKV since it's not especially appealing to you and this is quite a special sort of trip!

So my recommendations would go:

OKW - home for you, very roomy and close parking for all the extra's you'll have this trip. And it means easy access to your transportation (car).

BLT - for the reasons above

BCV - for access to Epcot for the dessert party so everyone can wander "home" whenever and in general parking is fairly close to the villas. And SAB for the kids if they like to swim.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

My recommendation..

Book at 11 months and get your room at OKW. Then move if possible. But this is probably one trip you don't want to be "on the waitlist for" with no backup.

My two choices would be OKW for the sheer size of the rooms for you all to spread out and not "kill" each other or BCV for the pool with the kids (But I haven't stayed at BLT and have no desire to try it so... )

not sure what you mean by developer's points so I am not sure that really is a help. I assume you bought via Disney and your guide will help, but....

 

[Sammie]

OKW for the size of the rooms, great pools, room to relax and in the middle of everything.

 

[castleri]

I voted for OKW and depending on your group size and makeup you could do a 2 BR and a couple of studios for the same point cost as 2 2BRs. You would have one big unit to have for whole family times and a couple of rooms to satisfy those who want their own place. We have done GVs a couple of times and they are great but we also did a 2BR and studio combo which saved points and worked out very well. OKW will give you lots of room for all the stuff you will have also. The only thing that might make AKV at Kidani a good choice is that 2 BRs have 3 bathrooms and 1 BRs have 2. The rooms themselves are smaller than OKW so there is a trade off. Both resorts have the extra sleeper chair in the living room which is a nice thing to have. I second the idea to make the reservation at OKW at 11 months and then if you decide to change and find there is no room where you want at least you have a sure thing. Good luck and happy planning -

 

[spiceycat]

make it at 11 months at OKW.

then would try to move to BLT. you can walk to the MK. plus you can ride the monorail (if you want to) back to the resort after your wedding.

(okay do love the monorail.)

with you having your wedding at WP - then the reception at CR- blt really makes sense.

the 1 and 2 bedroom are big - studios are tiny. So would only go with BLT if you can get at least a 2-bedroom there.

to me BLT is the more magical of the DVC resorts. you and your group can go up to TOW to see the fireworks. One thing if you have fireworks for your wedding make sure they aren't happening when Wishes is going off. It just takes away from your special moment.

okay own at BLT and did own at OKW - sold OKW for BLT because of walking to the MK and the monorail.

Congratulations!!! for DVC and getting engaged

 

[Brian Noble]

OKW in a 2BR. Parking right outside your room with stuff to schlep is a huge huge huge win. Also, if this is the first time you've blended the families "for real", the extra space is potentially going to be important.

 

[bumbershoot]

OKW for the relaxation and size of the rooms.


Hope you can get the second room. My mom remarried when I was 9ish and later when I was 18, and I had NO interest in being anywhere near on their wedding night! Even at 9 I knew *something* was up, LOL. Having the two rooms means you can be alone for that night while the kids stay somewhere else.

Other option is one night with cash elsewhere, while the family fills up the rooms temporarily.

 

[jennypenny]

If you picked BCV or BWV, then other guests could stay at BC, YC or BWI, or even S/D (which is less expensive if that's a concern). BCV is more convenient if you have a car. BLT sounds nice if you're getting married at the pavilion.

 

[Miz Diz]

How many times do you think you will be going back and forth to your car? There are not elevators at all the buildings at okw.

I would choose BLT or bcv for locations. Bcv has the best pool or the kds.

 

[ckpoodge]

If you are going to choose AK, choose Kidani. It is a LOOOOONG walk in a heavy dress from your room, through the lobby of Jambo. While it was great because everyone started cheering, by the end of the night, I just wanted to stop walking. If you are bringing in packages, the parking is quite a way from the front area as well. Yes, you can valet, or drop off at the front door.

Since you are having most of your events in the Magic Kingdom area (except for the dessert party) I would choose BLT. You can park in front of the resort, it's a short walk to the elevators, and it is accessible to Epcot by monorail. On the down side, it is a LOT of points.

Don't forget, your DVC rooms go toward your room guarantee (if you need one)!

Good luck. Make sure to subscribe to the Disbrides section of the boards. Disney will take good care of you. We totally enjoyed our Disney wedding, and I hope yours goes as well as ours did.

 

[Queenie122]

Lots of votes in the comments for the Beach Club! I get that the pool would be fantastic for the kids. I wonder though how hard it would be to get a two bedroom at 7 months out?

Seems "most magical" goes to BLT. I do worry about points there.

And OKW, I definitely have to make a reservation there now so I have something, either to stick with or to fall back on.

This has been great advice! I'd still like to hear what people have to say so keep it coming, the more the merrier!

Also, ckpoodge, I am over on the Wedding section, thank you! The Disbrides are an awesome bunch, it's how I know as much as I know! lol I've been lurking there on and off for a couple of years now. I'll probably post a similar thread over there but I figured the DVC members would have a different take on things

 

[disney dumbo]

I vote for AKV kidani safari view 2br. They are very large! 3 bathrooms! The dedicated 2 bedrooms have 2 queen beds in the second bedroom. It is VERY magical to look out and see animals from your room. As far as resort experience, it is totally unique, interesting and IMHO relaxing too.

Best wishes for a long happy life together!

 

[Donna M]

My instinct is telling me to narrow it down between my home resort of OKW for the big rooms, convenience of driving up to the room and the value of points - but for the kids I am thinking AK (which I really have NO desire to ever stay at myself, I hate the darkness, the decor, the African food would be murder on his kids, the thought of carrying a wedding gown down a long hallway, though the size there and the extra bathroom would be nice), I just wonder are the animals really out and just how much will we be AT the resort for them to partake in it? But for magic it does seem way more magical for kids than OKW for sure! Then again just being IN Disney is magical and they don't know the difference!

This seems to answer the question. Go for where you want to stay. There will be plenty of other times to stay elsewhere.



I would suggest a 2 bedroom for your family.

 

[mac_tlc]

Our daughter got married at the Wedding pavillion, had her reception in the Napa Room, and we stayed at BLT -- super convenient. The new couple had a couple free nights at the GF. Being on the monorail made it very convenient, and we just walked back to our room with the gifts, etc.

mac_tlc

 

[MMrules]

I chose AKV b/c there are 2 bathrooms in the 1 bedroom that will hold 5 people. Also it is very laid back and relaxing. Fantastic pools for the kids and the animal watching from the balcony may be a good way for the kids to have some down time while you are doing some wedding stuff .

I would request a room closest to the lobby for carrying that wedding dress but I am sure bell hop would help with all of that too.

My second choice is the Beach club b/c it has a fantastic pool for the kids too, but the 1 br only holds 4 and there would only be 1 bathroom.

Happy wedding planning! I was just there this past August and it wasn't too hot!