Need Advice

[I'm_Wishing]

We are starting to plan for our July 2011 trip and need some advice on the in and outs of trying to get what we want at the 7 month window. We own at the VGC and have only been to WDW once. Then we stayed at the GF and really did not visit any other resort, our mistake. Anyways we have a group of 9 traveling and would be in need of a 2br and a seperate studio. The concensus of our group is that BCV would be our first choice followed by BWV then maybe OKW or BLT. I am unsure of our chances at the 7 mos to book what we need. Which resort would you suggest? I voted for AKV but DW thought that it was too far apart from the other parks. With Epcot and DHS being close to BCV is what made it our first choice.

I read on another thread to book at our home resort at 11 months and then switch at the 7 month mark. Does this give us an advantage somehow? Anything else we should know? Your thoughts and help are greatlt appreciated.

 

[adminjedi]

It will not help you to book at VGC when you want to be at DW. That concept or strategy is only for people with home resorts at DW who want to stay at a different resort at DW. It guarantees them a place to stay for the dates they want, and allows them the opportunity to change to a different resort. In your case, it would only guarantee that you have a place to stay in DL, not DW!

The location of AKV is not that big a deal. It is an amazing experience to stand on your balcony and watch wild animals. Really, you need to do it at least once. Depending on how long you plan to stay, maybe you can do a split stay (I wouldn't want to split unless you have 4 or more days at each resort). BCVis the best location with 2 nearby parks and has an awesome pool. You can see I practice what I preach - we own at these resorts!

 

[I'm_Wishing]

Thank you for your quick reply! I forgot to mention that we are planning on staying for 12 days. DW wants to do a split stay but I am unsure of the hassles entailed in that. I think I read that Disney will move our luggage for us. We might be forced into it though if the 2br are as hard to get as we hear.

 

[adminjedi]

We do split stays all the time. It is really smooth. Have Bell Services at first resort take your bags. Enjoy the parks, check in at the second hotel. Bell Services will deliver your bags. And don't worry, they will refrigerate items too. Yes, you need to tip both Bell services, but remember, you are on vacation! We, our 5 kids and guests love the split stays to be able to enjoy the different benefits of each resort!

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

Since you own at VGC your best strategy will be to call right at 7 months to book your 2 BR. Have decided in advance what your preferred resorts are and hopefully you'll get them right away. Have back ups picked out but also be prepared to take the room at whatever resort your able to get. Then you can waitlist for your preferred choice(s).

More than likely you'll get one of your first two choices but just be prepared if they aren't available.

 

[DenLo]

I'd do a split stay between AKV and BCV or BWV. I think I'd stay at BCV first, wear everybody out walking to the two different parks and playing hard at SAB. Transfer to AKV mid stay. Have some resort R&R for a day or two and then back to the parks. You might actually go home relaxed versus worn out.

Really everyone comments that it's great to walk to Epcot and DHS but in the heat and humidity of July your grand gathering might appreciate getting on an air conditioned bus versus walking and the buses at BCV aren't that great since they share with multiple resorts (lots of stops). Also by switching to AKV you'll get larger 2 BR villa with a 3rd bathroom. Whichever resort(s) you stay at, I would consider doing the parks in the mornings and evenings and relaxing after lunch either at the pool or villa (naps). Between the crowds and heat the afternoons could be pretty tiring.

Bell services will even be able to refrigerate or freeze any food items you have during the transition. Just make sure they know which bags need the TLC.

Hope it works out for you.

 

[Sandisw]

We were able to secure a studio at BCV this summer at the 7 month mark (end of July) so it is possible.

With being there for 12 days, a split stay might be nice. We do it and I love it as it feels like we are starting a new vacation. Of course, we don't have little ones or food (other than snacks) and have a rental car so that helps.

As others have said, call right at the 7 month mark to book your first 7 nights. You will have to call back to add the others, but it might be, as PP suggested, a nice idea to split somewhere else.

BLT also has the 3rd bathroom in the 2 bedroom and is in walking distance to MK. A split stay between either BWV or BCV and BLT would give you the ability to be close to 3 of the 4 parks.

We have not stayed at AKV but from what I understand it is beautiful and may add a different feel to your trip. It is also bigger and the ability to get what you need here might be easier.

Good luck!!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I don't let WHERE the resort is at WDW deter where I want to stay. ALL WDW/DVC resorts have excellent transportation systems to get you to and from all parks. We find OKW to have the best transportation with AKV a very close second. It does take a couple minutes longer on the bus from AKV when you are headed to MK, but it's not really a big issue. If you'd rather walk to the parks then ride, BWV and BCV would be your choices. I'm going to guess that BCV and VWL are going to be difficult at the 7 month window, but most everything else should be available. Remember that with a large group like that, a GV at OKW could be PERFECT for you. That, however, is unlikely to be available at 7 months. You can always try though. I'd probably try this order:
OKW GV
OKW 2 bedroom plus studio
AKV or BLT 2 bedroom and be cramped but legal with 9 people
or with 2 bedroom plus studio
BWV 2 bedroom plus studio
SSR 2 bedroom plus studio

 

[lucyem]

Really everyone comments that it's great to walk to Epcot and DHS but in the heat and humidity of July your grand gathering might appreciate getting on an air conditioned bus versus walking and the buses at BCV aren't that great since they share with multiple resorts (lots of stops).

Walking from BCV to Epcot in the heat is not a big deal, it is very close. But walking to DHS would certainly be. I never understand why a 20 minute walk is considered walking distance from BCV to DHS when one is already tired of walking all over WDW. Take the boat

I agree a split stay would be fun. We are doing the opposite this fall with AKV for 3 days and then BC for 5. I have been told it is very easy to have bell services move your things.

 

[I'm_Wishing]

Thank you all for getting us started on what we have to do to make this happen. I do think that we should do the split stay now. Especially if 2br's are hard to come by, what are the chances that one resort is going to have one available for the whole 12 days? I think we are going to try and stay at BCV for the first 6 days if we can and then AKV or BLT the last 6. I am sure we will be back with more questions as time goes by. Thanks again and if anyone has questions about VGC we will be glad to answer.