Need Planning Help for major trip.

[RYMir]

Good afternoon folks,

I was hoping I could bug you all for a little bit of assistance.

We just got back from our first trip as DVC owners. We spent 2 nights in a studio at SSR and went to the MNSSH event on Sunday night. Lemme tell ya, MNSSH has officially replaced MVMC as our favorite event. It was very interactive for our 3 year old and the parade/fireworks were amazing! During our stay DW and i started to consider what special family event we could use our points for.

For alittle background, we own 110 points at BLT and 110 points at AKV,both with a June use year. This is what we're thinking:

On 12/31/13 my daughter turns 5 years old (New Years Eve Baby). We would like to get a 3 Bedroom at BLT and invite family on the trip from say 12/30 to 1/2(tentative) We're thinking if we get a MKV room we can do the park during the day, come home in the evening and cut her a cake, then watch the fireworks from our room. We're planning on about 20 family members of which 8 would be staying with us...(3br sleeps 12?)

So now the logistical questions:
1) Is there an issue with having that many people in a room for a Birthday?
2) How would you split up the points? 110 AKV, 110 BLT, I already figured I'll have to bank 2012, and borrow from 2014 to make this happen. My only saving grace is that in 2013 the whole affair lands mid week.
3)Can you guys think of any alternatives for housing that many people? We have another family member with about 200 points at SSR, we're counting on her to help house the other group of family...
4) I thought the MK fireworks from her room on her birthday would be rather special. Can you guys think of any other resorts that maybe able to offer a similar experience for her birthday and would be a little more affordable

Basically I'm looking to throw ideas around, pros/cons, your thoughts on the whole endeavour. Any suggestions and constructive criticism would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[disneynutz]

For a BLT GV you need enough BLT points to book at 11 months. Getting smaller rooms may save you points and you can still see the fireworks from the room.

Why not stay at a less expensive resort and schedule a private fire works cruise. I don't know for sure if the boat will take 20 people though.

As parents of adult children we have realized that we did a lot of things for the kids that ended being more for us or what we thought that the kids would enjoy. In reality, kids will follow your lead. If you make a fuss about how wonderful watching the fireworks from the parking lot is, your kids will think that it is just as special as watching from the room.

We asked both our kids what was their favorite WDW or DL moments growing up. They separately said the same thing, they don't remember DL, they were too young. They remember that we went on vacation but that's it. Same with WDW, they don't remember much before the age of 9. Most of their memories are from us talking about the vacations years after the trips.

My point is use your points to give you a longer vacation at maybe a less expensive resort/room combination or save some for your next vacation.

Everyone will love the event where ever you stay, after all it's Disney!

Bill

 

[disney dumbo]

I Would definitely have her party at the royal table in the castle.
I would think about getting studios* at jambo house to save points. (i wouldn't give up opportunities for future trips in just trading akv for blt)
The main lobby at jambo is spectacular. This and the animals would give all your guest the"wow" feeling.
I've not had the 2br* at jambo, I did love the 2br at kidani for a family trip. Spacious! Good for playing board games at night and visiting. But arriving at kidani doesn't have the same wow imho.
At some point, Make reservations at the kona cafe, if for nothing but the kona cone. It is the most spectacular kids dessert at disney. Again imho.
New years is the most expensive time for dvc and most crowded time at disney.
Make sure you get your dining reservations early!
Go to parks early! Plan for mid afternoon escape the crowds.
Best to plan early like you are doing.
Can't wait for the trip report.
-------------------
You can get way more studios for the price of a 2br. You can use public areas for hanging out with the family. Nice fire pit for evening get togethers. Your daughter being 5 is starting prime age for Disney. I wouldn't miss a year to get a bigger room (2br) or a different resort. Have the magic EVERY year. She will not remember the room… and it will not be the highlight of your trip either!

 

[com_op_2000]

I have had 8 people over for Thanksgiving dinner in a 1 bdrm. Dw prepared the turkey and dressing in the room and our guests brought the sides/desserts. Just so the extra people are not staying the night, you can have day guests over to your room.

 

[mjc2003]

You could always "postpone" the birthday for a week, you would do much better the week after New Years and availability would change significantly. Kids just want to celebrate their b-day, they don't seem to care if it's on the exact day!

Also, I don't think you have enough points. I think the BLT GV is something like 200 points per night on New Years eve and the day before and after. And you would HAVE to book this at 11 months. However, even with banking and borrowing you won't have enough for even 2 nights.

OKW has the best GV value wise.

AKV also has really nice (I hear) GV's, we are staying in one next week. We had no trouble booking it at 6 months, whereas I gather the BLT GV's are very hard to get.

Good luck, whatever you do will be fun!

 

[AJA]

At first it sounds awesome and unforgettable. But, just like a pp pointed out probably not something she will remember in the future. My DD visited Disney at 4 and 5 and honestly her memories are kinda vague.

I know you are posting to hear the pro's and con's Just throwing out some random con's. Remember it's just my opinion and you know your DD's temperament best.

Are you sure the family members you want to invite can travel at that time of the year, you say it's mid week, can they miss work? Will they want to spend NYE at the MK for a 5 year olds BD? Are you sure that's the way the other family member may want to spend their resort points. (a wedding or family reunion I could see...A childs bd, maybe not?) And planning the day around fireworks can be tough, at 5 she will def be on a schedule that's kinda late to plan a fun event. The success of an expensive endeavor depends on her being awake and in a good mood at the time of the fireworks. That's a lot of pressure to put on mom, dad, and DD!

I understand the idea of combining family time with her BD but as another poster suggested maybe moving the date up a week might be better for the other adults involved (and less expensive).
Personally I would go with something low key w/o stress now and save this idea for when she's a little older and it would be unforgettable to her, maybe a 10th BD?

 

[RYMir]

Sorry it took me so long to reply but I had to pop in and say thank you. You guys provided some very insightful posts and the DW and I are grateful. We will be postponing the festivites, at your recommendation, till we know she's old enough to appreciate it (10ish). In the mean time we'll be enjoying the heck out of our points. We may still do something for her birthday at the parks and we'll be sure to post a write up here.

Thanks again.