We have a one bedroom villa at the Boardwalk. (There are 4 of us myself, husband and two children 8 and 1.) We have convinced my parents to come along. We will spend a significant amount of time at the parks and my parents, who have some health issues will join us as much as possible, but will spend alot of downtime at the resort, etc... There are no studios available at the Boardwalk or Beach Club for my parents unless I pay rack rate, which is way too much. So here are our options: 1. They stay with us in the 1 bedroom at the Boardwalk. We are rarely there during the day, but am worried it will be crowded when we are. 2. Get room at Dolphin or Swan (next door) they can visit our villa during the day, but have a space of their own to sleep. Still close to Epcot and MGM, so easy travel back and forth. 3. Shades of Green. (My parents are retired military). Close to magic kingdom... Not close to us. Will have a car so they could still come hang out at our resort during the day and we would have a "base close to Magic kingdom" for naps, etc.. 4. A studio at Saratoga Springs. Close to DTD, so they could hang out there while we are at the parks. Kids could visit this resort and play at the pool there, etc. Not close to Boardwalk, but looks like a nice resort for them and would be cost effective. Which option? We need advice. Sorry this is so long. We would like to spend as much time with them as possible, but do not want to be crowded. (Oh.. we can not change our reservations.. it is a done deal.) Lauren
The reason I am advising SAG is that they will be able to visit with other military family members while they stay close to the resort. I also like your idea of making it a "base camp" for your family for their convenience Being that close to MK is going to be wonderful for you all! Since it is a special trip, try to make as many dining ADRs in MK and in the resorts around the Lagoon so the folks only have to hop on the monorail to meet up with you. You may not hook up with them every day of the trip, but that's ok too.
Try looking at the Vacation Club boards on this site... you may be able to "rent" someone else's points and pay much much less than the rack rate at the Boardwalk. For ex, someone may rent you their points for $10 a point. If the room is 20 points, you pay the person $200 and they make the reservation for you using their points. We just had a great experience with this. Good Luck! Michelle
