Need HELP --choosing which resort!!

[kindra657]

Heading down to the world from June 26-July 4. It's me (30), DH, DD (10) and our friends: Two adults and 3 kids- 13, 14, 10. I'm planning to either book two studio villas or one 2bdrm villa. Anyone have any suggestions on where we should stay? Why would you suggest that resort?

 

[dianeschlicht]

So do you own at all 4 of those or are you going to try booking at the 7 month window for that major holiday? If you don't own at all of them, I would first book where you do own, and then change to what you want.

Since you only gave those 4 choices, I voted for AKV, because with the sleeper chair in the living room and the extra bathroom in th Kidani 2 bedrooms,it would give you more options for sleeping with that many people.

Also, the resort itself is such a good destination with the savanna animals right outside your door. The kids will love the water park play area at Kidani too! I'd suggest a 2 bedroom savanna view at Kidani.

 

[skelfbsfb]

if it was me I would stay at the Boardwalk, great location everything you need, and great entertainment on your doorstep.

 

[TwinsFan]

I chose AKV because that's where I'm staying on my next stay.

My second choice would be Beach Club Villas because of Stormalong Bay Pool for the kids and close proximity to Epcot and Disney Studios.

 

[Kimmy]

I voted for BCV. For the pool & location. We go to Epcot & HS the most out of the 4 parks, so the BCV & BWV is the best location for us. I like walking on the Boardwalk at night.

 

[kindra657]

So do you own at all 4 of those or are you going to try booking at the 7 month window for that major holiday? If you don't own at all of them, I would first book where you do own, and then change to what you want.

Since you only gave those 4 choices, I voted for AKV, because with the sleeper chair in the living room and the extra bathroom in th Kidani 2 bedrooms,it would give you more options for sleeping with that many people.

Also, the resort itself is such a good destination with the savanna animals right outside your door. The kids will love the water park play area at Kidani too! I'd suggest a 2 bedroom savanna view at Kidani.

I own at AKV and BLT but more points at AKV. I can book at AKV today and try for BWV, VWL, or BCV at 7 months out. We got lucky a few years ago at BCV but it was in Sept. I didn't really consider it being a holiday week. We'll probably have most luck with AKV. Thanks for your suggestion!!

 

[kindra657]

if it was me I would stay at the Boardwalk, great location everything you need, and great entertainment on your doorstep.

I absolutely LOVE the Boardwalk!! Thanks for your suggestion!

 

[kindra657]

I chose AKV because that's where I'm staying on my next stay.

My second choice would be Beach Club Villas because of Stormalong Bay Pool for the kids and close proximity to Epcot and Disney Studios.

The pool at BCV is amazing!!! The kids would love that! I also absolutely LOVE being 2 minutes from Epcot and all the great food, wine, and fireworks every evening!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I voted AKV but that's if you are booking a 2 bedroom because you will have the extra bathroom and I think you will need it with all of the people. If you book 2 studios, one of your friends children would be staying with you, and you wouldn't have a place to gather together.

Bobbi

 

[Kimmy]

I own at AKV and BLT but more points at AKV. I can book at AKV today and try for BWV, VWL, or BCV at 7 months out. We got lucky a few years ago at BCV but it was in Sept. I didn't really consider it being a holiday week. We'll probably have most luck with AKV. Thanks for your suggestion!!

A friend of mine got a 2 BR at the BCV at the 7 mth window these past 2 years for 4th of July week. You may be able to change. Some people may be holding onto their points for Hawaii!

 

[cogero]

I like the extra bathroom if you get a 2BR. if you go with studios I would go with BC

 

[tcoffey224]

My vote is for BCV.. The best pool in Disney, great food within walking distance, Close to everything. If you stay at AK, you have to get on the bus for all your trips and your going in the summer, going to be busy.. Every trip will be about 20 mins, sometimes in a hot crowded bus.. AK resort is beautiful though..On my last disney vaca. I stayed 2 nights at AK, then 5 nights at BCV.. Best of both worlds and changing rooms is a breeze. Bell hops take your luggage and it was waiting for us at BCV.. If you have any questions contact me.

 

[kindra657]

I booked at 2bdrm at Kidani for right now. I wanted to secure a room in case there was no availability at the 7 month window. I'm leaning toward BCV but now my girlfriend, who is a Disney virgin, says she thinks they would like AKV the best. Imho, the photos do not do BCV or BWV justice but they look great for AKV. I'm thinking that if her heart is set on AKV, we'll stick with that. I've stayed at almost all of the resorts and I'm wanting them to have a great time. I think I may book a dinner or breakfast at Cape May so that they can at least see the resort and that area---for next time . Maybe they'll become DVC members & take us along on the next trip!

 

[DopeyDave]

I voted Beach Club... the kids will love the pool there! Also, it's convenient they (and the adults too) can walk to the EPCOT and Hollywood Studios parks.

 

[DizGirl20]

We stayed at BCV in May and absolutely LOVED IT for SAB and proximity to Epcot and DHS. I have 2 DDs, ages 10 & 12. So my vote is for BCV.

That being said, I booked our home resort, AKV Kidani for Spring Break. We loved the atmosphere when we stopped by for a tour. I don't think you can go wrong either way (BCV v. AKV). I must say we were able to view a 2 BR at Kidani and to me the furnishings were in much better condition than BCV.

I think b/c the kids are all a bit older, BCV is a better choice for convenience to 2 of the parks. For the time being, we will either stay at BCV or AKV. Good Luck!

 

[JWG]

1) Wherever you own at 11 months to be safe
2) BCV or AKV

So very different, but BCV is very popular, great pool, Beaches and Cream, proximity to Epcot and DHS, Yachtsaman in the YC, Cape May Cafe, etc.

AKV, a great quiet stand alone resort with great restaurants and pools, great views and/or value rooms.

I think either is great.

We own at and love BWV also, so you could replace BCV for BWV depending on what you like more - beaches, quiet, great pool or activity, action, restaurants and entertainment.

 

[rentayenta]

That's tough but I would say the AKV if you can get a SV. My kids were mesmerized by the animals and the pool is great. Boma is on-site and fabulous too.

 

[kindra657]

Thanks for the responses and recommendations everyone!! If we decide to stay at AKV, I will NOT be footing the extra points for a SV view. We got a 2bdrm in kidani village with a SV in January and we only seen animals from our room 1 time in 6 days. We saw them more while hanging outside near the firepit.

My personal favorite resort is BWV though the BCV are amazing as well. We own at AKV & BLT- with most points coming from AKV. The guys in the group are in their 30s & there's also a teenage boy coming along. I think they would really enjoy the ESPN bar at BWV. Other friends of mine are probably staying at the Swan/Dolphin, so it will be nice to be near them. The pool at BWV is my daughter's favorite because of the slide. I imagine that with 2 teenagers, 2 pre-teens, and 4 adults who love roller coasters, DHS will be a favorite of the group, so the BWV and BCV would be the best choice for that. We'll probably be at Epcot most evenings for dinner as well.

The point value at AKV cannot be beat though. The 3 bathrooms in AKV make them a wise choice & the teenage boy being able to have his own bed (pull-out twin in living room) is also a plus. I'm so terribly torn!! Why can't I pick up the room from AKV & drop it in either the BWV or BCV!!!???!!!

 

[spiceycat]

rd BCV but now my girlfriend, who is a Disney virgin, says she thinks they would like AKV the best.

so what pictures has she seem

how about these
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/g542-beach-club-villas.html

and
http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/BeachClubVillasCommonAreas/index.html

and
http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/BeachClubVillasRooms/index.html

now she might still perfer AKV.

 

[kindra657]

so what pictures has she seem

how about these
http://photopost.wdwinfo.com/g542-beach-club-villas.html

and
http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/BeachClubVillasCommonAreas/index.html

and
http://www.wdwinfo.com/Photos/BeachClubVillasRooms/index.html

now she might still perfer AKV.

I'll show these to her! Thank you! We took some friends of ours (who will also be going on this same trip) and we stayed at BCV. She LOVES them!! She gets amazing 'HOT' rates at the Swan/Dolphin, so they may stay there ($49 a night--can't beat it!!)...but she's still considering paying the extra $1000's to stay at BC!!! I love it when we share things with friends and family and they enjoy it that much