Need help selecting a DVC rental...opinions encouraged!!

[Devi8or]

Hey all, we're planning on taking a trip to the Dis at the end of January to early February. I'm thinking of renting a DVC from Dave's. I've had my eye on a few different ones but would like some insight from seasoned vets regarding a few things. So we're traveling with (4) of us. My wife, my two daughters (8) and (11) and myself. Here are the resorts we're interested in potentially staying at

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club Villas
Boardwalk Villas
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge

Now I guess my questions are the following for people who have any experience with these places

1. Will my 2 daughters be okay in a single couch bed? or should I get one with the Murphy?

2. Proximity to parks....we don't mind walking, so I'm assuming the boardwalk area is decent for Epcot...any others close to parks?

3. Stuff to do that doesn't include parks, any of them good options for that aside from the boardwalk?

4. Bus, we don't plan on renting a car, which has good bus service to and from parks and Blizzard Beach?

5. Do any of them have other activities around that are within walking distance? Like mini golf etc?

I think that's all I got for now....I'm sure I'll think of something

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Have you checked availability for any of these resorts? January is already well within the 7 month window, and I suspect at least 3 of the resorts on your list are not going to be available (BCV, BWV and possibly VWL), which are also the 3 that have murphy beds.

In other words: I would recommend checking availability before going too far down a rabbit hole of fantasy resort.

 

[hakepb]

Saratoga is walking distance to the newly renovated Disney Springs. (Technically you tan take a longer walk from OKW, too)

Now, afternoon BB bus service mostly requires a stop in DAK for transfer. A few resorts still get direct BB service, I think AKL might be one of those?

 

[Devi8or]

Have you checked availability for any of these resorts? January is already well within the 7 month window, and I suspect at least 3 of the resorts on your list are not going to be available (BCV, BWV and possibly VWL), which are also the 3 that have murphy beds.

In other words: I would recommend checking availability before going too far down a rabbit hole of fantasy resort.

Yes I have inquired about the availability of these resorts. Since it was a slow time, it seemed like the only ones not available were the cheaper options for most. They all generally had the next price point available. I mean it could have definitely changed since then though

 

[Devi8or]

Also if note, I'm not married to those dates either. If availability is low, I can always move our vacation back..... The kids don't know anyways lol

 

[hakepb]

FYI, VWL may be available due to the amount of current construction that will still be ongoing. Basically half the rooms at VWL will have a construction view.

 

[jscottnc]

If you can stretch your budget to a 1 bedroom, you will have more choice. For closest to the parks, BLT, BCV or BWV are your best bet. Of course I recommend 5 nights, check-in Sunday with check-out Friday (lowest rates). If your budget does not quite reach a 1 bedroom at BTL, BCV or BWV, I recommend OKW because the villas are among the largest. There is a nice boat connection to Disney Springs from the Hospitality House. AKL Kidani 1 bedroom can be a good choice since it has 2 full baths though it is about as far from any park, excepting AK, as you can get.

 

[RunningAriel]

Hey all, we're planning on taking a trip to the Dis at the end of January to early February. I'm thinking of renting a DVC from Dave's. I've had my eye on a few different ones but would like some insight from seasoned vets regarding a few things. So we're traveling with (4) of us. My wife, my two daughters (8) and (11) and myself. Here are the resorts we're interested in potentially staying at

Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club Villas
Boardwalk Villas
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs
Wilderness Lodge

Now I guess my questions are the following for people who have any experience with these places

1. Will my 2 daughters be okay in a single couch bed? or should I get one with the Murphy?
That depends on how well they get along! lol The beds are very small and not that comfortable IMO. If you want to maximum space for minimal cost then OKW is a definite choice. Studios have 2 queen beds and there is plenty of room from the 4 of you to stretch out! something else to look at is the bathroom situation. As suggested by jcscottnc, AKL Kidani 1 bdrm has 2 bathrooms. May make it easier for everyone to get ready in the morning.

2. Proximity to parks....we don't mind walking, so I'm assuming the boardwalk area is decent for Epcot...any others close to parks?
AKL isn't close to any park with the exception of Animal Kingdom which you still have to bus or drive to.
BCV and BWV are within walking distance to Epcot, Studios and Fantasia mini golf.
OKW and SSR are close to Disney Spring. You can walk to Springs from SSR or take a boat from OKW and SSR.
VWL are close to MK via boat.

3. Stuff to do that doesn't include parks, any of them good options for that aside from the boardwalk?
Disney Springs has tons of stuff to do! Bowling, movies, shopping etc
Mini golf but without a car you may have trouble getting to Winter Wonderland. You can certainly walk to Fantasia from the Boardwalk resort area.
AKL of course has many animal viewing areas.

4. Bus, we don't plan on renting a car, which has good bus service to and from parks and Blizzard Beach?
The bus situation is always a catch 22. Some people have had amazing bus service from X resort while others will say it was the worst experience of their lives. If you want a resort with maximum access to parks and other entertainment then you would be best to stick with the Epcot resort area. BCV or BWV

 

[Devi8or]

awesome response....exactly what I was looking for! Thanks for the insight!

 

[Devi8or]

Just got confirmation that a reservation has been made in my name for the BWV......I think this location will work out best for us. Thanks for all the help, now it's time to really get planning.

If anyone has any BWV tips or ideas, please let me know. I stayed at the Beach Club way back in 2001, but honestly don't remember much of it lol