Out of the DVC properties on WDW, what is considered the best one?

[ethanwa]

Thinking about renting one for early Dec 2013 for Christmas for 11 nights. Out of these, which is considered the best one (the most "deluxe")? Or if you had to choose, which one and why?

Our early picks are Animal Kingdom Villas because of the Savanna view or Bay Lake Towers because of the monorail access and close proximity to our favorite park, Magic Kingdom. Ideas?

Animal Kingdom Villas
Beach Club Villas
Boardwalk Villas
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs Resort
Villas At Wilderness Lodge
Bay Lake Towers

Thanks!

Ethan

 

[chalee94]

BLT - walking distance to MK - newest - easy access to the monorail and bus hub at MK (so if you have dinner plans at the AKL, you can walk to the AKL bus for the MK pretty easily) - downside: studios are tiny and some furnishings are apparently not wearing well.

BCV - very popular for epcot/DHS focused trips - stormalong bay is a great pool area (less of an issue for dec trips) -impressive christmas decorations in lobby

AKV-jambo house - impressive christmas decorations in lobby - giraffes/zebras right outside your balcony - downside: way, way away from the MK - (also has the only club level option for DVC - very limited, though).

all DVCs are a little less "deluxe" due to sofabeds and limited housekeeping schedules.

many DVCers have their favorites, but my guess is that BLT is generally the "best" for MK-focused trips (and is priced accordingly). i like OKW since it's the only DVC with 2 queen beds in the studios and the point costs are lower (OKW studios are also relatively larger) - there are always trade-offs.

 

[abner1776]

While it's true that BLT is the most difficult to book, that's only because of it's proximity to MK. As as DVC member I have stayed at BLT and I am not a big fan of the studio rooms at BLT..too small and too sparse. I liked BWV studio rooms better than BLT.

As far as which resort is the best...ask 10 people and you will get 10 equal answers.

 

[ethanwa]

all DVCs are a little less "deluxe" due to sofabeds

So ALL studios just have a Queen + a pullout?

What does a one-bedroom unit have in it for beds?

 

[chalee94]

So ALL studios just have a Queen + a pullout?

OKW is the only exception with 2 queens. all other studios have 1 queen + 1 doublesized pullout sofabed.

What does a one-bedroom unit have in it for beds?

all DVC 1BRs have a king bed in the master BR + 1 queensized pullout sofabed in the living room.

1BRs at AKV-kidani and BLT 1BRs add a pullout sleeper chair (also a second bathroom).

 

[DebbieB]

Thinking about renting one for early Dec 2013 for Christmas for 11 nights. Out of these, which is considered the best one (the most "deluxe")? Or if you had to choose, which one and why?

Our early picks are Animal Kingdom Villas because of the Savanna view or Bay Lake Towers because of the monorail access and close proximity to our favorite park, Magic Kingdom. Ideas?

Animal Kingdom Villas
Beach Club Villas
Boardwalk Villas
Old Key West
Saratoga Springs Resort
Villas At Wilderness Lodge
Bay Lake Towers

Thanks!

Ethan

Be aware that early December is very popular with DVC members. Be prepared to rent at 11 months.

 

[Sue M]

If your thinking about a studio, I'd rather a regular room at wdw with 2 queen beds. Unless its OKW that does have 2 beds.

 

[ethanwa]

If your thinking about a studio, I'd rather a regular room at wdw with 2 queen beds.

With two kids at 5 and 7, a pullout is fine for them. If they were older, like teens, then I agree.

 

[ethanwa]

Be aware that early December is very popular with DVC members. Be prepared to rent at 11 months.

I want to rent from Dec 2-13, 2013. What is the EXACT day I should put in my reservation?

 

[chalee94]

for BLT (especially for a theme park or standard view room), probably jan 2. (it would be more complicated for the member since they'd have to book 7 nights on jan 2 and then call back later to book the last few nights of the reservation but the details would be for them to sort out).

 

[ethanwa]

Ok thanks. I am going to go through dvcrequest.com as they will do all the work for me and seem very reputable.

 

[twodogs]

http://**************.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Bay-Lake-Tower-One-Bedroom-Floorplan.jpg

Here is the BLT 1 bedroom floor plan. Plenty of room for you and family. We loved our 1 bedroom with our 4 and 6 yo kids in May. Lots of space, so close to MK (walk) and just loved it!!!

 

[jtowntoflorida]

If I were going that time of year and wanted to be close to the MK, I think I'd pick the VWL over BLT. The WL is very popular at Christmas time due to their decorations.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I want to rent from Dec 2-13, 2013. What is the EXACT day I should put in my reservation?

You need to put your request in before Jan 2 because the member needs to book it exactly at 11 months out when MS opens or on line. Contact the broker and see what they say.

The BLT studio is the smallest of all the WDW studios except for the AKV Value studio. A lot of the space in the BLT studio is in the entranceway, the bathroom and the kitchenette. That leaves very little for the living space. When the sleeper sofa is open, the beds are pretty much wall to wall (window) with very little space between them. The bed doesn't have a night stand next to it. The night stand is incorporated into the headboard.

With two kids, I recommend a one bedroom at BLT or a different studio. Especially for 11 nights.

 

[marko]

Take a look at each resort and see what style and location appeals most to your family.

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

For our family its OLD KEY WEST hands down...........away from the crowds, excellent bus service.........beautiful grounds and decor!

All going at just a little slower pace then the rest of the DVC resorts!

AKK