Newbie Needs Help picking DVC Resort to rent points (help me rank our options)

[AmandaHW]

Hi. This is going to be long, but I need help picking a resort. We are military and have been to Disney only a couple of times, and have stayed at Shades of Green...but with the closure of the walkway to the Polynesian, the increase in SoG price, and just a desire to try a Disney resort we are looking at renting DVC. We are planning a trip at the end of January.

It will 5 of us: Myself, my husband, and 3 kids (10 7 and 7 at time of travel)

Due to budget, we are looking at STUDIO rentals at the following locations, the regular/cheap/standard villas :

-Grand Floridian
-Beach Club
-Boardwalk (Standard and Preferred Views)
-Polynesian
-Riviera
-Boulder Ridge

We do not typically spend a lot of time in our room so I was initially going to go with the least expensive option (Boardwalk Standard) but I read several recent bad reviews on TripAdvisor about the state of the non refurbished villas and I don't want to end up with a room with mold/broken fridge etc. It also seems like a lot of these villas have areas under construction (not sure if that will be the case in Jan 2024 so I am not sure how to consider that?). Since it is January, a good pool (yes I know they are heated) is not at the top of the want list. We will do all 4 parks. We will have a single stroller, one of our twins has some limitations that make walking for long periods of time difficult and is quite small for her age so still fits in a standard stroller. We also need rooms with plenty of outlets for medical equipment, and a refrigerator to store medication.

Given this info, how would you rank these for us? It has always been my dream to stay at the Grand Floridian, but I don't know given all of these circumstances if that is really the best choices for us.

I know this is a lot to read, but I truly appreciate any insight more experienced people have to help us make a decision. A Disney vacation is a HUGE luxury for us so I want to pick "right".

 

[leebee]

Is there any reason why you don't have Animal Kingdom Lodge on your list? Jambo House is my favorite Disney resort, but the suites at Kidani would be great for your family, too. I think this would be a more fun, interesting location for your kids. Of the resorts on your list, the only one I'd "vote" for would be Boardwalk. I'm not a BC/YC fan and the others just don't "do" it for me.

 

[AmandaHW]

Because it is out of our price range, I went through what was available for our dates in our price range for 5 people and the 6 I listed were the only ones that had availability that was in our price range (some of these listed ...GF, and Polynesian are even a stretch for us)

 

[kanerf]

Really, AK was more expensive than VGF? I find that strange. Are you sure you were not looking at the Club Level at AK?

 

[AmandaHW]

Really, AK was more expensive than VGF? I find that strange. Are you sure you were not looking at the Club Level at AK?

I was getting my prices off Daves Vacation Club and DVC Store...not saying there aren't AK points out there, but I have never done this before and feel more secure going through a well respected 3rd party seller.

 

[AmandaHW]

Really, AK was more expensive than VGF? I find that strange. Are you sure you were not looking at the Club Level at AK?

But if you have other reputable companies to rent points from, I am open to looking at other places.

 

[erionm]

Really, AK was more expensive than VGF? I find that strange. Are you sure you were not looking at the Club Level at AK?

The OP may have also been looking at occupancy limits. Studios at AKV only sleep 4 (plus 1 infant) and they need to sleep 5 (none are infants), so it would have to be a 1-bedroom at AKV which is more expensive than the studios listed. All of the studios the OP listed officially sleep 5.

 

[Her Dotness]

However, DVC can empty and refill fast. Its availability can be wildly variable from month to month depending upon DVC Member whims or an unusually harsh year's end that inspires whatever we can get to escape to.

Even if you were looking at some predictor of January availability that's historically based, it may be very inaccurate for January '24. Anything showing availability now for that month only shows that--what's available at the moment, which you may understand. Sorry if I'm insulting your intelligence. Today's availability doesn't mean much at all, in short, when you're deciding based on advice.

That said, I applaud your decision to use the brokers. More safeguards that way.

Having stayed in VGF studios, I'd be wary of the Deluxe studios which haven't a whole lot of outlets for medical equipment and several mobile devices, too. I don't know about that factor in the resort studios, never having stayed in one. If you anticipate doing any food prep to speak of, the kitchenette in the Deluxe will be much easier to use. The resort studios are converted hotel rooms and have no kitchen sink and a cramped food storage and prep area.

Honestly, DH and I find the VGF Deluxe cramped for just us with his powerchair taking up space. The Murphy bed down and the under-tv pullout twin in place make for an "all-beds" feel. That may not bother you, but it certainly would us. Spaciousness may not be an issue for you, though.

Since price is a big consideration and you'll not spend much time in the room, I'm not confident that a DVC rental is as good a value for your family as a Moderate or possibly a Value. Is there a compelling reason why you want to rent a studio?

 

[tidefan]

I would go with the Polynesian due to the fact that you would have more room, but you would also be guaranteed to have a split bath setup. You could also get that at VGF if you could get a Deluxe Studio, however, the "Resort Studios" are really just hotel rooms and there is only the single bath (and no kitchenette).

 

[CraigInPA]

Of these, the Poly rooms will be the largest studios. It's got a longish walk to the MK, a rather short walk to the TTS (which makes Epcot easy to get to), and, of course, the monorail when you don't feel like walking. You should be able to get a standard view poly villa even though it's only 6 months or so away from your intended trip.

BR/CCV should also be achievable in January. You'll be travelling by boat or bus to the various parks. BR/CCV point requirements for a villa are lower than Poly, and much lower than Riviera, GFV, and Poly.

I think you'll find no availability for BC at this point.

 

[sainca11]

While I love the location of Boardwalk, I believe construction will be going on during that time and I don't believe there will be a way to guarantee a renovated room at that point. I also think availability will be limited for you, even though it has a great points chart. I love Boulder Ridge and their units were just renovated, it is also nice on point charts (although not as nice as BW), so your dollar will go further. Beach Club also requires the same points as BRV and it should have all of its units renovated by January. If you are likely to visit Epcot and HS more, you can't ask for a better location, but again it will probably have limited availability. I think my next choice would be Polynesian because of the split bath and it being the largest studio unit. I have never been to the Riviera, but with it being a newer resort, I imagine it will definitely suffice for your outlet needs and if you are a fan of the skyliner, then its easy access to Epcot and HS. I don't know if this has helped, but good luck and I hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[AmandaHW]

The OP may have also been looking at occupancy limits. Studios at AKV only sleep 4 (plus 1 infant) and they need to sleep 5 (none are infants). All of the options the OP included officially sleep 5 in studios.

This is correct. We have to sleep 5 and our youngest two kids are 7. Some of these such as AK, we have to have a 1BR.

However, DVC can empty and refill fast. Its availability can be wildly variable from month to month depending upon DVC Member whims or an unusually harsh year's end that inspires whatever we can get to escape to.

Even if you were looking at some predictor of January availability that's historically based, it may be very inaccurate for January '24. Anything showing availability now for that month only shows that--what's available at the moment, which you may understand. Sorry if I'm insulting your intelligence. Today's availability doesn't mean much at all, in short, when you're deciding based on advice.

That said, I applaud your decision to use the brokers. More safeguards that way.

Having stayed in VGF studios, I'd be wary of the Deluxe studios which haven't a whole lot of outlets for medical equipment and several mobile devices, too. I don't know about that factor in the resort studios, never having stayed in one. If you anticipate doing any food prep to speak of, the kitchenette in the Deluxe will be much easier to use. The resort studios are converted hotel rooms and have no kitchen sink and a cramped food storage and prep area.

Honestly, DH and I find the VGF Deluxe cramped for just us with his powerchair taking up space. The Murphy bed down and the under-tv pullout twin in place make for an "all-beds" feel. That may not bother you, but it certainly would us. Spaciousness may not be an issue for you, though.

Since price is a big consideration and you'll not spend much time in the room, I'm not confident that a DVC rental is as good a value for your family as a Moderate or possibly a Value. Is there a compelling reason why you want to rent a studio?

I am totally new to renting points, so I am open to any advice I was just going based on the prices I saw on Dave's and the DVC Rental site. With 5 people a suite at a value, 2 connecting rooms at a value or a moderate that sleep 5 all price out at more than renting a studio. We may be able to secure a military discount when the salute rooms come out in the fall, but even the cheapest option there (moderate that sleeps 5 with a projected 20-25% discount based on historical discounts...which aren't guaranteed) still prices out not much less than getting a rental.
Additionally, the transportation options are much more appealing if we can use something besides a bus for at least some of the parks.

 

[Hubalorian]

I have no idea the difference in price between the value suite vs Delux Studio, but does potential food cost saving in the suite with a kitchen make up the difference?

 

[Genie+]

The studios are already filling fast as is usually the case inside the 7 month window. Depending on your exact dates you may have less than 3 options across all of DVC. Time is of the essence here. Try to see what is still available and be ready to pull the trigger. Good luck! It is worth it

 

[Best Aunt]

The studios are already filling fast as is usually the case inside the 7 month window. Depending on your exact dates you may have less than 3 options across all of DVC. Time is of the essence here. Try to see what is still available and be ready to pull the trigger. Good luck! It is worth it

Yes, this. A DVC owner can book their home resort at 11 months, and can book any resort 7 months. If you are looking at a time which is less than 7 months away, you can't assume all room options will still be available. Studios go first because they require fewer points. Standard view studios at BWV go even faster because they require even fewer points.

I assume you familiarized yourself with the cancellation rules for David's and the DVC Rental Store. If you have any reason to think that you might need to change your dates or cancel, then renting might not be right for you.

 

[crisi]

Boardwalk standard view studios are booked, so scrap that idea. Any low cost studio (VAKL Value, BLT standard, etc.) are unlikely to be available - lower cost rooms go quicker. In fact, a quick look shows very little available in Studios for January 2024 at this late date. Your best bet for budget will be OKW or SSR - pretty much every other studio is likely to be booked up.

Also, be aware of the risk of renting DVC points if you are budget oriented. DVC reservations are generally non-refundable and can't be changed - so if someone gets ill the day before you are supposed to go, you'll just be out the money. Its a great way to save money at Disney, but you need to be able to afford the risk.

 

[Her Dotness]

Genie+, Best Aunt and crisi have all given you extremely valuable cautions.

Studio availability at any given time can be worse to guesstimate than success playing the stock market.

Renting points is definitely a strike while the iron is hot proposition as Genie+ described. Even as owners booking at 11 months, DH and I've missed out on stays we wanted because we hesitated. An hour or so, a day or two later, we could get something we wanted. It's that variable even for us.

Sorry for suggesting that a Moderate or Value might be less costly. Open mouth, chew on kneecap proved once again to be my talent. Never grow up, never learn probably should be my motto.

 

[Brian Noble]

t will 5 of us: Myself, my husband, and 3 kids (10 7 and 7 at time of travel)

Due to budget, we are looking at STUDIO rentals

I know it is heresy to suggest this, but have you considered staying offsite? You could probably get a 2 or 3BR condo plus a rental car and theme park parking for about what that studio/moderate room would cost--and probably less. The Shades rooms are very large--only the Poly compares, and the split bath in the Poly studios will eat up a lot of that square footage so it will "feel" smaller than a Shades room. Your kids are bigger than the last time you went, as well!

We've done a lot of trips to WDW, in DVC villas and offsite in condos, townhomes, or pool homes. They are all different, but the overall vacation experience is great in all of them. In exchange for giving up what few Disney perks are left, you'll have a lot more (and more functional) space. We have three "go-to" offsite locations. Two are timeshare resorts, Club Wyndham Bonnet Creek and Sheraton Vistana Resort. The third is Windsor Hills which has condos and townhomes as private VRBO/AirBnB rentals. In particular, there is a chance that you can get a very attractive price on Vistana through AFVC.

Finally, I will put in a plug for having a lockable door between the parents and the children. My wife and I always enjoyed having that, because it was our vacation too.

(Edited to clarify I was talking about poly studios, not regular rooms).

 

[Sandisw]

Reminder.. please do not post anything regsrding real time DVC availablilty or lack there of. We do not allow those types id posts.

 

[UberClaire]

Going to be tough to get a studio within the seven month window at those resorts.