Please help me put together the best DVC stay with 709 points!

[TigerLily8]

Hi everyone,

We are taking a large family trip in August 2025 (from the UK) and I keep going backwards and forwards about what resorts to book. We are DVC owners and bought two loaded contracts this year so have an abundance of points to use. We were supposed to travel this year but had to cancel due to health issues. As such, we really want next year to be the best trip ever. There are 8 adults and 1 infant travelling (my DD who turns 3 the after we return home). The ideal room configurations would be 2 studios and a 2BR villa (although could manage with 1 studio and one 2BR villa if needs be, or 4 studios).

We are on site at Universal for 5 nights from August 8th then have 10 nights DVC. I currently have my home resorts booked for our dates but hoping to make some changes at the 7-month window. I know there are no guarantees but I have been tracking mid-late August availability for a while and I am hopeful we might get some choice.

As a minimum we have 709 points to use, although I could use up to 869 with some borrowing. I am open to a split stay as I would love the family to experience two completely different resorts. Our parents and SIL have not been to Orlando in over 20 years and have never stayed onsite so I would really like to spoil them as a thanks for all the support they have given us this year.

I think my MIL and SIL would quite like to stay at AKL and our DD would love the animals. They see it as the type of resort that they could only dream of staying at, so it would be great to take them there. Great for us too as AKL is relatively low on points. My personal dream would be the new Poly tower. Quite pricey on points but I love the theming and proximity to MK. I also love the look of Boulder Ridge, and am keen to see the new Contemporary rooms. In all honesty there are no resorts I would rule out, and if we end up spending 10 nights at SSR then I'd be more than happy (love the proximity to DS).

Would you experienced DVCers share your thoughts and advice please? Anything I really need to consider? Which resorts would you choose, and in which order? Should I do an equal 5/5 nights split? I like the idea of finishing at AKL and having a some resort days because there is so much to do and DD would love it, but would we be disappointed with the rooms in comparison to the Poly tower? Of course so much of this will depend on availability at the 7 month window - but WWYD if you had a choice?

Thanks in advance

 

[permavac]

Sounds like an awesome trip to plan and congrats! My thoughts are that the resort depends on if your days will be very park intensive (maybe yes since it's mostly adults?) and which parks are most important.

If it were me, I would want to stay at either BWV or BCV for the ability to walk right into Epcot (and walk to Hollywood Studios - although it's pretty far) OR Bay Lake - where you can walk to Magic Kingdom or take the monorail. Of course the Poly and GF are on the monorail too and walkable but not as quick of a walk to MK.

But those recommendations are 1. For people who really dislike having to wait in line after a long day at the park to take the crowded bus ride back to the hotel and 2. Those who will have the energy after a long day at the park to walk back to the hotel.

 

[TigerLily8]

Sounds like an awesome trip to plan and congrats! My thoughts are that the resort depends on if your days will be very park intensive (maybe yes since it's mostly adults?) and which parks are most important.

If it were me, I would want to stay at either BWV or BCV for the ability to walk right into Epcot (and walk to Hollywood Studios - although it's pretty far) OR Bay Lake - where you can walk to Magic Kingdom or take the monorail. Of course the Poly and GF are on the monorail too and walkable but not as quick of a walk to MK.

But those recommendations are 1. For people who really dislike having to wait in line after a long day at the park to take the crowded bus ride back to the hotel and 2. Those who will have the energy after a long day at the park to walk back to the hotel.

Thanks for the reply Permavac

Yes there will be a lot of park time - we will have the 14-day UK hopper tickets so will have freedom to visit whichever park we fancy on whichever day. Midday breaks will be essential for DD. It's difficult to say which parks are most important because of how much everything has changed since the wider family last visited (AK wasn't even built!). There will be so much to see and do for DD at MK. DH and I love AK and are not huge fans of HS (controversial - I know!). Having said that, we had a cash stay at the Beach Club in 2020 and we enjoyed the Boardwalk area. We sampled a lot of the drinks on offer at Epcot, but that was pre DD ha ha. I do like the look of the BWV rooms and think the family would like that area, so that it's definitely something to consider. You can see my predicament - I wish it was easier to rule somewhere out

Your last comment re. walking is a good point. None of the grandparents are really 'walkers', so I can't see them wanting to walk back to the resort. Any transport that gets them as close to their room as possible would be a bonus! I keep telling my FIL that we are starting 'Disney training' in the new year with weekly walks to build up some stamina... he thinks I'm joking!

 

[thanxfornoticin]

We've done a couple big family trips, and AKL was absolutely the place to be. It's a totally unique and interesting experience. If you have folks who would like to walk less, I'd recommend staying on the Jambo side of the resort, especially if you're relying on Disney transportation for your visits to/from the parks and Disney Springs. If you have a car (and it doesn't sound like you will), I'd recommend the Kidani side of the resort, where you can park in their parking garage under the resort, and just park by one of the 4 elevators closest to your room location - very convenient. Whether you have a room at Jambo or Kidani, you're entitled to use the entire resort, which includes 2 pools, many savannas to see animals, 3 of the best restaurants on property, and an amazing souvenir shop where we have spent way too much money over the years!! You mention 2BR and studio(s). A Grand Villa doesn't have the right layout of beds? You'd get 2 rooms with 2 queens and their own bathroom, the master with a king and bathroom, and a queen pullout in the living with another bathroom. I know from experience that doesn't always translate well for who sleeps where!

Hope you have a great trip!

 

[permavac]

Yes there will be a lot of park time - we will have the 14-day UK hopper tickets so will have freedom to visit whichever park we fancy on whichever day. Midday breaks will be essential for DD...

None of the grandparents are really 'walkers', so I can't see them wanting to walk back to the resort...

You're welcome! With the extra parameters above, I would do BLT for the first 6 days and AKV the last 4. Why? August is HOT beyond belief in Florida. At Bay Lake you can hopefully get up and out to the MK early - even if you don't walk over, you're a walkway away from catching the monorail INDOORS and dropped off close to the MK entrance. I'd put in a request for the 5th floor to not have to ride any elevators to take the covered bridge over to the Contemporary. In the heat of the summer we always take a break from the parks from around 12:30 to 4:30. At Bay Lake your travel time to get back to MK after a hotel break will be low and that's worth a lot. Also, if you want to go to Epcot from Bay Lake, you take the monorail and change to the Epcot monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center. A little bit of rigmarole but it's at least covered from the sun/elements.

Animal Kingdom Villas is great and if it's a dream for you and your family to stay there then you should and it will be a good place to do some relaxing. Also, the Kidani kiddie swimming area is so enjoyable but I would stay in Jambo because there's more indoor common space to enjoy if you get rainstorms (brief but frequent in the summer). But, Animal Kingdom park (in my anecdotal experience) is the hottest park of all in the summer. The combination of trees and concrete is stifling and the opportunities to duck into a/c seem more limited because the point of the park is to experience the outdoors. I think one visit during daylight hours and you'll be thinking maybe it's better to wait to go again when the sun isn't as strong (like 4 pm+).

Anyway, that's my two cents and I'm sure wherever you end up it will be awesome and magical!

 

[TigerLily8]

We've done a couple big family trips, and AKL was absolutely the place to be. It's a totally unique and interesting experience. If you have folks who would like to walk less, I'd recommend staying on the Jambo side of the resort, especially if you're relying on Disney transportation for your visits to/from the parks and Disney Springs. If you have a car (and it doesn't sound like you will), I'd recommend the Kidani side of the resort, where you can park in their parking garage under the resort, and just park by one of the 4 elevators closest to your room location - very convenient. Whether you have a room at Jambo or Kidani, you're entitled to use the entire resort, which includes 2 pools, many savannas to see animals, 3 of the best restaurants on property, and an amazing souvenir shop where we have spent way too much money over the years!! You mention 2BR and studio(s). A Grand Villa doesn't have the right layout of beds? You'd get 2 rooms with 2 queens and their own bathroom, the master with a king and bathroom, and a queen pullout in the living with another bathroom. I know from experience that doesn't always translate well for who sleeps where!

Hope you have a great trip!

Thanks for sharing some insight into AKV I’m super excited to (hopefully) stay here! We have visited the resort plenty of times but never actually had a stay booked. The Jambo lobby is such a ‘wow’ factor and it sounds like there are so many nice activities during the day that we would all enjoy, but especially my little girl. We don’t have a car so leaning towards Jambo. We have definitely considered a GV; I think we could make the sleeping situation work but it is slightly more expensive in points. I think we could manage it for 3/4 nights if we spend the first part of our trip at SSR, but not if we go with the Poly. I know that we are going to have such a wonderful time no matter where we stay, but, I think I’m just feeling the pressure to make it the best trip possible for all 9 people!

You're welcome! With the extra parameters above, I would do BLT for the first 6 days and AKV the last 4. Why? August is HOT beyond belief in Florida. At Bay Lake you can hopefully get up and out to the MK early - even if you don't walk over, you're a walkway away from catching the monorail INDOORS and dropped off close to the MK entrance. I'd put in a request for the 5th floor to not have to ride any elevators to take the covered bridge over to the Contemporary. In the heat of the summer we always take a break from the parks from around 12:30 to 4:30. At Bay Lake your travel time to get back to MK after a hotel break will be low and that's worth a lot. Also, if you want to go to Epcot from Bay Lake, you take the monorail and change to the Epcot monorail at the Transportation and Ticket Center. A little bit of rigmarole but it's at least covered from the sun/elements.

Animal Kingdom Villas is great and if it's a dream for you and your family to stay there then you should and it will be a good place to do some relaxing. Also, the Kidani kiddie swimming area is so enjoyable but I would stay in Jambo because there's more indoor common space to enjoy if you get rainstorms (brief but frequent in the summer). But, Animal Kingdom park (in my anecdotal experience) is the hottest park of all in the summer. The combination of trees and concrete is stifling and the opportunities to duck into a/c seem more limited because the point of the park is to experience the outdoors. I think one visit during daylight hours and you'll be thinking maybe it's better to wait to go again when the sun isn't as strong (like 4 pm+).

Anyway, that's my two cents and I'm sure wherever you end up it will be awesome and magical!

For some reason BLT wasn’t really on my radar, and I’m not sure why it wasn’t given the points you make above! So now I have some serious thinking to do it would for sure make it easier to take breaks in the early afternoon. We are also toying with the idea of MNSSHP, so if the dates aligned that would be another huge bonus. What do we think of are the chances of the refurb being complete or almost complete by late August?

Glad to hear AKV receiving so much positive feedback I’m so excited to take the family there. Keeping everything crossed that there is availability at 7 months. Sounds like we should aim to stay at Jambo for the second part of the trip if that’s when we are planning more down time?

 

[js]

Before I even moved forward, I would fully confirm with all that you wanted a split stay. Seems like a lot of adults, with a lot of "stuff" to be homeless for, what could be, a full day.

I'm not one for split stays, so I may be biased on my side, but I would have a home base and explore from there.

Happy planning!

 

[TigerLily8]

Before I even moved forward, I would fully confirm with all that you wanted a split stay. Seems like a lot of adults, with a lot of "stuff" to be homeless for, what could be, a full day.

I'm not one for split stays, so I may be biased on my side, but I would have a home base and explore from there.

Happy planning!

That’s a fair comment and I appreciate what you mean about being ‘homeless’. Out of curiosity, what would be your home base of choice for a group of 9 for 10 nights? If we stayed the whole 10 nights at AKV (availability permitting), I’m worried we’d get fed up with the lack of transportation options?

 

[thanxfornoticin]

I wouldn't hesitate to do the split stay. Like you say, 10 nights in the same place isn't terrible - but it's more interesting and exciting to move to a new place partway through the trip and almost start over. We do this all the time, and we're not homeless for an entire day. In reality, it's more like several hours, if you assume check out by 11 and a room ready hopefully around 4, with Disney moving your bags. Most days we're not at the resort during those hours anyway. It gets more complicated if you perhaps have a very inclement weather day. But most times we use that day to enjoy a park or a pool. You'll need to make sure you have a few things you might need during those hours (and if you're at a park all day, you'd be doing that anyway).

As for your other question, if you did opt to stay 10 nights, which resort? AKV would definitely be the choice..... For us AKV and BC are a perfect combination, but we don't do MK as much anymore and we enjoy AK and the easy access to EP and HS. AKV and WL/BR/CC would also be an excellent choice, especially if you plan to enjoy MK a couple times. You know the good news? You do not have a bad option! They're all good, whatever you decide!

 

[Rsmcfa]

We have rented the three bedroom villa at Boardwalk - simply spectacular with a ton of space and hard to beat the amount of activities within walking distance. Being able to walk to both Epcot and Hollywood studios plus the large amount of activists on the boardwalk itself makes it a no brainer for us. Super easy to book a meal at Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan and/or Dolphin and walk there also!

 

[permavac]

For some reason BLT wasn’t really on my radar, and I’m not sure why it wasn’t given the points you make above! So now I have some serious thinking to do it would for sure make it easier to take breaks in the early afternoon. We are also toying with the idea of MNSSHP, so if the dates aligned that would be another huge bonus. What do we think of are the chances of the refurb being complete or almost complete by late August?

Glad to hear AKV receiving so much positive feedback I’m so excited to take the family there. Keeping everything crossed that there is availability at 7 months. Sounds like we should aim to stay at Jambo for the second part of the trip if that’s when we are planning more down time?

Sorry to only add to your options and not help whittle them down The refurb should be nearly finished by then and while it's definitely something to consider when choosing a resort it seems that most of the resorts have some weird bit of construction going on at some point during the year. They're always maintaining.

If you do end up doing the split stay I would say Jambo is great for the tail end. It is a hard decision about whether to split or not. I think with you coming from overseas and staying for so long, it's really a great opportunity to experience two resorts in one trip and staying in a safari room is basically a vacation in itself. Good luck with your decisions and planning!

 

[starry_solo]

Wherever you are at for your home resort, if you want to do a split stay, see if you can break your reservations into two separate ones, so you can modify one part for another resort.

If you’re there for 14 nights, split 7/7 or if you want three resorts, 3/6/5.

 

[TigerLily8]

I wouldn't hesitate to do the split stay. Like you say, 10 nights in the same place isn't terrible - but it's more interesting and exciting to move to a new place partway through the trip and almost start over. We do this all the time, and we're not homeless for an entire day. In reality, it's more like several hours, if you assume check out by 11 and a room ready hopefully around 4, with Disney moving your bags. Most days we're not at the resort during those hours anyway. It gets more complicated if you perhaps have a very inclement weather day. But most times we use that day to enjoy a park or a pool. You'll need to make sure you have a few things you might need during those hours (and if you're at a park all day, you'd be doing that anyway).

As for your other question, if you did opt to stay 10 nights, which resort? AKV would definitely be the choice..... For us AKV and BC are a perfect combination, but we don't do MK as much anymore and we enjoy AK and the easy access to EP and HS. AKV and WL/BR/CC would also be an excellent choice, especially if you plan to enjoy MK a couple times. You know the good news? You do not have a bad option! They're all good, whatever you decide!

Some of the family have been talking about visiting Kennedy Space Centre this weekend. Perhaps we should try and do that on our 'moving' day. It does mean losing a day at the parks but if that's what the family want to do, that's what they want to do! I think AKV is top of our list of choices at the moment, so we will definitely be doing at least some days there if there is availability Thanks for all the tips!

We have rented the three bedroom villa at Boardwalk - simply spectacular with a ton of space and hard to beat the amount of activities within walking distance. Being able to walk to both Epcot and Hollywood studios plus the large amount of activists on the boardwalk itself makes it a no brainer for us. Super easy to book a meal at Yacht Club, Beach Club, Swan and/or Dolphin and walk there also!

My husband and I do love the Boardwalk area, its stunning. And everyone else is keen to try Beaches and Cream! I don't think my FIL would enjoy the walk to HS but he would definitely enjoy the boat

Sorry to only add to your options and not help whittle them down The refurb should be nearly finished by then and while it's definitely something to consider when choosing a resort it seems that most of the resorts have some weird bit of construction going on at some point during the year. They're always maintaining.

If you do end up doing the split stay I would say Jambo is great for the tail end. It is a hard decision about whether to split or not. I think with you coming from overseas and staying for so long, it's really a great opportunity to experience two resorts in one trip and staying in a safari room is basically a vacation in itself. Good luck with your decisions and planning!

Ha ha don't worry about it - I am grateful for all of the great advice and tips! I agree about experiencing two resorts, and I think we are leaning towards splitting with Jambo towards the end as you say. Now to just keep everything crossed for the seven month window!

Wherever you are at for your home resort, if you want to do a split stay, see if you can break your reservations into two separate ones, so you can modify one part for another resort.

If you’re there for 14 nights, split 7/7 or if you want three resorts, 3/6/5.

We are here for 10 nights and I currently have three home resort room reservations split 6/4

 

[starry_solo]

What resorts do you currently have booked?

 

[RickNJane]

I can vouch for split stays! It works for my family. We are owners at BWV, BLT and AKV (new to AKV). Move days go very smooth. You take your bags to bell services, tell them where you are moving. The bags will be there when you checkin (usually). I always pack a few essentials in my park bag like medications and toiletries just in case.

Our last split stay was 50/50 BWV and BLT. This way you can walk to every park except AK. It is great to be able to walk to a park in the morning. Walk back before the heat of the day for lunch, then walk back to the park in the evening. I usually snooze after lunch.

We recently added on at AKV. Our next trip will be a 3/6/5. split at AKV/BWV/BLT. Of course we may change it up a bit. We are shooting for Jambo House, but Kidani looks amazing as well.

I must admit, we were a little disappointed in BLT lobby and general theming (or lack thereof). But that was quickly forgotten. We had a dedicated 2BR villa. It was amazing. The contemporary is just a very short walk for shops and QS food. BLT point chart is very cheap. I love the resort. We have owned at BWV since 1996 and absolutely love it, but I have to put BLT up there with it. I cannot wait to see AKV, what it lacks in location (bus everywhere) It looks to make up for in theming and the savannas.

One other thing we do on a move day is visit GatorLand. I know it sounds like a tourist trap (sorta is), but it is a great place to spend a day. Very short drive from WDW.

I really think it is hard to go wrong with any DVC resort.

 

[BaybeeYoda]

we most prefer bcv/bwv/poly.

For 2bds, we like bay lake. If you want wow factor, then facing MK would be really fun (fireworks).

We like the boardwalk area bc of proximity to Epcot. We just love walking around the world and GoG is our favorite ride.

Cant go wrong whatever your choice

 

[ckb_nc]

AKL is amazing - it is just far away from the parks. Kidani itself is very large and spread out. BLT is a great call. While the theming of the lobby is essentially nothing, it share the Contemporary. Being able to walk to MK is great - awesome for early mornings or late night quick hops to the park.

Beach Club - if you can get it. right by Epcot - plus the massive pool; and then HS is right there.