Now that we've narrowed the choices, I want a final decision- darn family ;)

[rentayenta]

Right. 2BR SSR + THV at 11 months. Book or WL BWV at 7 months.

I'll run it by the troops and see what they think. I'd hate to get their hopes up but it's not like the THV are slumming it

I have this image of grilling steaks on the deck at the THV enjoying a nice bottle of wine.

I have another image of strolling back to our villa at the BWV slightly tipsy after some drinks in Epcot.

 

[rentayenta]

crisi, can you please explain the different BWV views? I see standard, preferred, and BW but what's the difference between BW and preferred?

 

[Doug7856]

I voted THV. We love the THV and they are perfect for a large family. My second vote would be to stay at SSR the entire trip.

Have fun planning. You can't go wrong with 13 days at Walt Disney World!

Enjoy!

 

[Chuck S]

crisi, can you please explain the different BWV views? I see standard, preferred, and BW but what's the difference between BW and preferred?

Preferred, for BWV, is pool/garden view, Standard is parking lot view, and Boardwalk View overlooks the Boardwalk entertainment area.

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Stay where you are the whole trip. Why have to pack and unpack and repack unpack then pack again?

Your on vacation right?

 

[rentayenta]

I voted THV. We love the THV and they are perfect for a large family. My second vote would be to stay at SSR the entire trip.

Have fun planning. You can't go wrong with 13 days at Walt Disney World!

Enjoy!

Thanks! Can't wait. I think my issue is not staying at the THV when we'd be so close. They were a factor for me when buying SSR. But then we're back to the whole split stay thing.

 

[rentayenta]

Preferred, for BWV, is pool/garden view, Standard is parking lot view, and Boardwalk View overlooks the Boardwalk entertainment area.

You think BW view will be taken? The nighttime pics are so cool. I am an admitted view snob. I hate looking at parking lots, trash bins, etc

 

[crisi]

Preferred, for BWV, is pool/garden view, Standard is parking lot view, and Boardwalk View overlooks the Boardwalk entertainment area.

to expand....Preferred is about 60% of the resort - and is preferred by very few people. Most people will book a Standard or Boardwalk view first - each is about 20% of the resort. So when the resort is much more than 40% full, generally all that's left is the preferred views. Its really unusually to find anything other than preferred views available during Food and Wine, and when you do find other than preferred views available, you might not find five or six ights in a row (two or three are more likely).

Boardwalk Villas are probably the MOST hotely feeling of the DVC resorts. If you don't like that feel, you might want to pick a different resort.

 

[rentayenta]

Stay where you are the whole trip. Why have to pack and unpack and repack unpack then pack again?

Your on vacation right?

You sound like my DH and it does make sense. After 13 days though, I might not leave.

The idea of packing up just once sounds promising.

 

[crisi]

You think BW view will be taken? The nighttime pics are so cool. I am an admitted view snob. I hate looking at parking lots, trash bins, etc

I think BW View will be taken over F&W. You could get lucky, people do, but you'd have to have really good luck to get five or six nights in a row in a BW View two bedroom.

 

[rentayenta]

to expand....Preferred is about 60% of the resort - and is preferred by very few people. Most people will book a Standard or Boardwalk view first - each is about 20% of the resort. So when the resort is much more than 40% full, generally all that's left is the preferred views. Its really unusually to find anything other than preferred views available during Food and Wine, and when you do find other than preferred views available, you might not find five or six ights in a row (two or three are more likely).

Boardwalk Villas are probably the MOST hotely feeling of the DVC resorts. If you don't like that feel, you might want to pick a different resort.

That's excellent info, thank you! The most hotel feeling? More so than AKV? Less than 5 nights wouldn't be worth the move to me.

Preferred isn't really preferred; mind over matter?

 

[crisi]

That's excellent info, thank you! The most hotel feeling? More so than AKV? Less than 5 nights wouldn't be worth the move to me.

Preferred isn't really preferred; mind over matter?

I think its the most hotel feeling. YMMV. AKL is suppose to feel like an African Hunting Lodge. BWV and BWI are SUPPOSED to feel like hotels.

 

[rentayenta]

I think BW View will be taken over F&W. You could get lucky, people do, but you'd have to have really good luck to get five or six nights in a row in a BW View two bedroom.

That's definitely a factor; I don't want to move for just a few nights. I debated on doing a 1 br for some of the nights but I love having actual living space I hate tip toeing in the morning around those on the sleeper sofa. I love my coffee and early morning news.

 

[rentayenta]

I think its the most hotel feeling. YMMV. AKL is suppose to feel like an African Hunting Lodge. BWV and BWI are SUPPOSED to feel like hotels.

That makes sense then. I think my kids would love the proximity to the BW. Guess going on a wait list won't hurt any.

AKV was gorgeous and I would stay again in a heartbeat. We had a SV and waking up to the animals was super cool.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Given the information you posted about your family, I would suggest either staying put as SSR or moving to OKW. I think the difference in atmosphere at OKW over SSR is significant, and everyone will be in a more relaxed laid back mood by switching to OKW. Since you already know your family likes that one, and you have some dissenters for AKV, I think it's a good second choice given your situation. My first thought was AKV until I read about the issues between the girls! LOL!

 

[rentayenta]

Given the information you posted about your family, I would suggest either staying put as SSR or moving to OKW. I think the difference in atmosphere at OKW over SSR is significant, and everyone will be in a more relaxed laid back mood by switching to OKW. Since you already know your family likes that one, and you have some dissenters for AKV, I think it's a good second choice given your situation. My first thought was AKV until I read about the issues between the girls! LOL!

We do enjoy OKW and the vibe is nice there- mellow. Love the pastels, Olivia's is good, pool is fun- they throw a great pool party too that I highly suggest.

The girls are funny. Chloe is determined to spite Gabby as Gabby chose to bring her BFF, instead of Chloe, to So Cal last week for Gabby's bat mitzvah trip. I see Chloe's point.

 

[toocherie]

I have this image of grilling steaks on the deck at the THV enjoying a nice bottle of wine.

I would keep the trip split between SSR and THV. and make the kids help pack up--it can't take that long and Bell Services will move everything for you.

BTW, the grill at THV is not on the deck--you have to go downstairs to grill(and be sure and get charcoal and matches) and then back up to the deck to eat!

 

[rentayenta]

I would keep the trip split between SSR and THV. and make the kids help pack up--it can't take that long and Bell Services will move everything for you.

BTW, the grill at THV is not on the deck--you have to go downstairs to grill(and be sure and get charcoal and matches) and then back up to the deck to eat!

Does SSR supply the charcoal and matches? We grilled at the GCV but the grill was gas. I prefer charcoal.

Bell services has been stellar during all of our stays aside from our first trip to WDW in 2007 when it
took a solid 3 hours for them to deliver our luggage and groceries.

 

[DizGirl20]

I voted to stay at SSR the entire trip. DH will be happy, girls won't be fighting over where to stay, God Bless your son! I hate packing and unpacking. Takes too much time. I would make it a point to visit the other resorts for meals or to spend an evening at the Boardwalk. That would give you a chance to enjoy the other resorts without actually having to move everyone. Just sayin'!!!

If you feel you really must move... THV. Sounds like you haven't tried it yet?!

 

[rentayenta]

I voted to stay at SSR the entire trip. DH will be happy, girls won't be fighting over where to stay, God Bless your son! I hate packing and unpacking. Takes too much time. I would make it a point to visit the other resorts for meals or to spend an evening at the Boardwalk. That would give you a chance to enjoy the other resorts without actually having to move everyone. Just sayin'!!!

If you feel you really must move... THV. Sounds like you haven't tried it yet?!

We've only stayed at OKW, AKV, and GCV. Great idea about dining at the other resorts I know I set women back 100 years when I say this but life is better when DH is happy And really, I'll be happy at any of the DVC resorts. I have a couple down days planned (oxymoron) so maybe we can cruise the Boardwalk one day for a bit.