Need some help with room requests and schedule. BLT MK /OKW/ BCV

[Queenie122]

Hey all! I wasn't sure I could make a trip this year but now it's more likely than not, yay!! I put this trip together just this past week. To complicate things, I have never stayed on my DVC points before.

I will be driving from NY with my 9 year old daughter, then after 6 days my fiancé will fly in and joint us for the last 3 days. I could only piece together rooms here and there- I was trying to avoid staying in SSR, mostly because we regularly vacation in the real Saratoga. We are doing a resort only stay, or maybe just one park day. So I wanted a little excitement of switching up the resorts so we can explore them and have different pools and activities and foods to enjoy. We are super excited over our DVC ownership!

I will take two days to drive down. Then on Friday August 23rd we arrive and stay at BLT MK view for one day. Do I try to watch the fireworks from our room or go up to TOTWL? Anything I should know about the resort, aka, what should I try to get done in my two days there?

Next we go to our home resort, OKW on the 24th. We are planning on lots of pool time and relaxing, using the Community Hall. Probably take the boat to DTD. Because I have points that are banked and expiring we actually have OKW until Saturday the 31st.

On Friday the 30th we check into Beach Club Villas for one night. Obviously we plan to pool pool pool for two days.

I am trying to get an additional night before or after BLT and before or after Beach Club so we have two nights at those resorts. It makes a little more sense T not have to drag all our stuff! But I know they are in high demand so I'm not planning on getting either. If we get the BCV we will cancel those two OKW nights, if not we will do the BCV then go back to OKW for one night.

So, thoughts on this crazy plan? Things we should definitely do? Rooms or areas we should request? My daughter loves the big slides but she will be happy with anything. I will have my car for getting around. I may order from Garden Grocer rather than spend time going to a store, but I certainly will have the time to do it once we check in to OKW. I really want to be able to take advantage of Our short times at BLT and BCV.

Thanks!

 

[disneynutz]

As an owner you will stay at all resorts many times over during the next 30 years. Jumping from resort to resort for short stays is a mistake IMO, moving is disruptive and time consuming.

Pick a resort and make plans to enjoy it to the fullest, next vacation, pick a different one. WDW isn't going anywhere and you have plenty of time to see and do it all.

Bill

 

[deb010305]

I have to agree with disneynutz, that sounds like ALOT of moving around. Especially since you have to check out by 11 and can't check in until 4 - and yes sometimes your villa is ready early, before 4, but not always.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I try to get the BLT and BCV nights switched to OKW. You can always go to the TOTWL any night you are staying on property. So one night, take the bus over to the MK and walk over to BLT to watch the firesworks.

It's so much easier staying put for the entire stay.

 

[moreisgood]

Hey all! I wasn't sure I could make a trip this year but now it's more likely than not, yay!! I put this trip together just this past week. To complicate things, I have never stayed on my DVC points before.

I will be driving from NY with my 9 year old daughter, then after 6 days my fiancé will fly in and joint us for the last 3 days. I could only piece together rooms here and there- I was trying to avoid staying in SSR, mostly because we regularly vacation in the real Saratoga. We are doing a resort only stay, or maybe just one park day. So I wanted a little excitement of switching up the resorts so we can explore them and have different pools and activities and foods to enjoy. We are super excited over our DVC ownership!

I will take two days to drive down. Then on Friday August 23rd we arrive and stay at BLT MK view for one day. Do I try to watch the fireworks from our room or go up to TOTWL? Anything I should know about the resort, aka, what should I try to get done in my two days there?

Next we go to our home resort, OKW on the 24th. We are planning on lots of pool time and relaxing, using the Community Hall. Probably take the boat to DTD. Because I have points that are banked and expiring we actually have OKW until Saturday the 31st.

On Friday the 30th we check into Beach Club Villas for one night. Obviously we plan to pool pool pool for two days.

I am trying to get an additional night before or after BLT and before or after Beach Club so we have two nights at those resorts. It makes a little more sense T not have to drag all our stuff! But I know they are in high demand so I'm not planning on getting either. If we get the BCV we will cancel those two OKW nights, if not we will do the BCV then go back to OKW for one night.

So, thoughts on this crazy plan? Things we should definitely do? Rooms or areas we should request? My daughter loves the big slides but she will be happy with anything. I will have my car for getting around. I may order from Garden Grocer rather than spend time going to a store, but I certainly will have the time to do it once we check in to OKW. I really want to be able to take advantage of Our short times at BLT and BCV.

Thanks!

I think it's easy to recommend staying in one resort, but when you are putting together a last minute trip, it's not always possible.
We're a family of 4, and we recently pieced together a 10 night first time stay as new owners. The trip we ended up with was not at all the trip I envisioned. 2 nights at AKV Savannah view, then 4 night at GFV (wow!) lake view, 2 free nights at the Omni Villas, then the truly crazy part - 1 night BLT park view and one night at the Boardwalk. All 2 BR units. We will do parks all day, and let bell services move us.
I think it will be both interesting and a total hassle, at the same time! I think your expectations sound pretty reasonable.

I thought you had to stay at BLT to go to the TOTWL. And I wonder which option is better too.

 

[Kidanifan08]

Welcome Home! You are going to love your first stay with your DVC membership!

With your first night in a TPV room, I would definitely watch the fireworks from the room. You and your daughter will enjoy that much more than TOTWL. Maybe head back to TOTWL when your fiancé arrives at the end, or save it for a future visit.

I agree with others, I would just stay at OKW the rest of the week. You won't enjoy that last day at BCV as much as you think after you have to deal with packing and moving. With DVC check-in, you could very well be homeless until 3 in the afternoon or later. Plus, your fiancé will not be able to just unpack and unwind.

If you do order groceries to be delivered, I would wait until you move to OKW to have it delivered. It would be a total pain to move all of that food after just one day at BLT. You can get some stuff at the Contemporary when you get there, or take things in a cooler for that first day/night.

Since you are staying at BLT, I would have to believe DD9 will be itching to go in the park. You probably should plan to at least spend part of a day at MK. Otherwise, if you truly want a resort only trip, don't stay somewhere where you can see the park -- it will drive you crazy after all of that driving! The greatest benefit of staying at BLT is being able to walk to MK. It's a very nice resort, but if you want a resort only trip, do the first night at AKV, which has much better pool areas and the animals. Of course, maybe AKV is not available.

Have a great time, and safe travels!!

 

[spiceycat]

with only a day at BLT and BCV - would definitely take your time and look around the resort - see what she likes to do and do it.

at BLT - would first visit the activity hall - and check it out - see what the activities are for your day. would definitely go visit the pool at BLT and the pool at CR.

then if you still have time - might check out the shops/arcade over at Cr.

ride the monorail - think she might enjoy that.

 

[Deb & Bill]

...I thought you had to stay at BLT to go to the TOTWL. And I wonder which option is better too.

No, not now. Any DVC member staying at WDW on points or cash (except for limited holiday nights) can visit the TOTWL to see the MK fireworks. You just cannot park at BLT or CR. You need to use Disney transportation or park at the TTC. You'll need your KTTW showing you are currently staying on site and your blue member card.

 

[NoleFan]

We are OK with split stays. Of course, staying at the same resort for the entire stay is a bit more convenient. Splits stays are certainly doable especially with a car. You can always pack overnight bags for your BLT & BCV stays & suitcase for longer OKW stay. We do this for split stays or early arrival/late departure. We can leave luggage in car or bell desk & have what we need for the day with us (carry on or tote bag) or for minimal pack/unpack & extra luggage. I think it would be a lot more difficult without a car where it is necessary to have all with you or have bell services hold/transfer. The convenience of monorail access @ BLT & SAB @ BCV will make it worth it...IMO Have fun!

 

[Pirate Granny]

The last three stays, we have stayed either one day at the beginning of our trip or the last day of the trip at BLT...we just don't unpack or pack right at the top of the suitcase...BLT will be fun, we watched the fireworks from our studio balcony....loved swimming in the pool...careful of the zero entry, can get very slick, I fell and BANG my head, feet went right out from under me...we've spent one night at BCV before we bought...just to swim...I love your plans, as OKW is one of our home resort....since its just the two of you at BLT you will have a special memory with just you and your daughter (they grow up too fast)...ENJOY

 

[moreisgood]

No, not now. Any DVC member staying at WDW on points or cash (except for limited holiday nights) can visit the TOTWL to see the MK fireworks. You just cannot park at BLT or CR. You need to use Disney transportation or park at the TTC. You'll need your KTTW showing you are currently staying on site and your blue member card.

Thanks for the info. Fireworks from the room it is!

 

[dianeschlicht]

All I can add is that it sounds exhausting!

 

[moreisgood]

All I can add is that it sounds exhausting!

It does, doesn't it? But, so many people go to Disney for 5 days or just a weekend of thinking (hoping) this will be like a few of those trips strung together, without the extra travel time. And a couple of crazy one night stays at the end.

When handed lemons, I'm the type that makes lemonade! Sounds like the original poster is too! She's making a long drive in the car with a child...that sounds more challenging then packing your bags each night!