need pointers for 1st DVC trip in June 2004 @ OKW and BCV

[kocar]

We are soooo excited! We booked our first DVC trip for June 20-30. The first 6 days are at OKW the last 3 are at BCV mostly for access to SAB for our four kids.

Thank you all for all the info on booking through DVC. It made the process much smoother.

Now that we've booked, I have other questions I need help with.

We've never traveled to Disney in June before. I'd appreciate any advice you can give our family of 6 (me, DH, DD12, DD9, DTS both 5):
1. What are the crowds like? Are there better times to visit certain parks at this time of year?
2. What times are best to visit SAB during late June?
3. What fun activities are there to do for my kids at OKW or BCV during this time of year?
4. Any other suggestions you think might be helpful for us is greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for all your help and information through the various posts. I've been referring many friends and family to both this forum and DVC as a result.

Michelle

 

[Doug Wolfe]

Hey Michelle.... I love both places. Great choices! Please pack any heart medication you have because you are about to have so much fun the old ticker may not be able to handle it!

I suggest breaking up your day in the summer. It's Florida and it gets just a tad hot. What I do with my kids is hit the parks when they open. We do the rides for a couple of hours and head back to the villas. We make lunch and then either nap or head to the pool.

We usually pop pizzas into the oven for a lighter meal. Then it is back to the theme parks. At this point, it is starting to cool off. Take your own water bottles with you. They are a little overpriced in the theme parks. And then refill them for free at water fountains.

When you get to SAB, you will not have to look for things to do. If your kids can swim they will be on the water slide all day & night. I feel terribly sorry for you. You are about to have the best vacation you have ever had...if you want to protect your health from too much fun, send your points to me.

 

[Nick@ VB+OKW]

Originally posted by Doug Wolfe
We usually pop pizzas into the oven for a lighter meal.

Just wanted to say

to another "Buckeye" Michelle. Don't worry about the kids when you are at the SAB. They will not want to leave the pool.

 

[kocar]

Thanks both of you for your replies. I forgot to mention that we chose BCV for the sole reason that the kids wanted to swim at SAB! I'm glad to hear my instincts were correct in letting them choose this location for the last 3 days. We plan to not do parks those 3 days, or maybe just hit Sea World or Universal on one of the days and do R & R by the pool for 2 of the days.

Thanks again for the replies!

No chance on sending points on to you, sorry! I love DVC too much already and I haven't even had my first trip!

Take care!

 

[Towncrier]

Another "Hi" from NE Ohio. We'll be checking in at BCV on June 27th. I hope that we bump into each other.

The best way to beat the crowds is to get to the parks EARLY. I am always surprised at how many families wait until later in the day to attend the parks. You can take advantage of this pattern of behavior by doing the opposite. Get there early and you will get more done in the first couple of hours than you will be able to do in the middle of the day. Go back to BCV and enjoy SAB mid-day while the crowds are at the parks. My only other advice is to bring plenty of sunscreen and to stay hydrated during your vacation. I've personally experienced sun poisoning and the effects of dehydration in Florida and you don't want to go there.

See you at the pool in about 172 days!!!

 

[disneymom99]

Another Hello from NE Ohio!
We have stayed at both OKW and BCV. We loved them both. My kids (DD12 and DD8) LOVED SAB! It was hard to keep them out of the water! I would have to agree with all the advise you have gotten so far. Just remember to put your water bottles in the freezer the night before you go to the parks. This way, they begin to melt almost the moment you step outside and they will stay nice and cold for a while. I can't stress enough how important it is to get to the parks when they first open. We did EE when we went last July. And we got to ride all the best rides with little or no wait. Whether or not you decide to do EE, just remember to be there early!! If you wait until midday to go, you'll regret it. It usually rains in the afternoon, and cools off slightly around 5pm. This is a good time to go back to the parks. Alot of people are heading out at that time.
Have fun and take time to slow down and enjoy the MAGIC!