PVB (kids choice) or VGF (my choice)

[Princess Merida]

We were booked at PVB in a lake view studio for the end of June for 5 nights. The points cost for that room was 126 points. I had booked at PVB because that is where my DD15 and DD10 want to stay. We were looking at VGF, PVB, and BCV for this trip. Of course BCV was not even an option so my kids chose PVB over VGF. My husband doesn't care between the two. Well.... I can never leave well enough alone. I went online to add a night to our stay due to flight prices and a standard view studio was open for VGF for all 6 nights I needed for 114 points. I booked it. Now what to do... all my nights are still available at PVB so I can switch back. My dilemma is I would want a lake view at PVB because to be honest it's not my favorite resort especially during bad weather and the lake view would help me to be happier with my stay. I spend a lot of time on the balcony. After adding the night it would cost me 150 points for a lake view PVB studio (we have never done lake view at PVB). VGF is my favorite resort and when we stay there I typically book a standard studio anyway because I like the view of the main building or the monorail. Because of this it's difficult for me to spend an extra 36 points to stay at PVB. DD10 wouldn't care much, but DD15 is over Disney all together and I want her to have the best stay she can and she wants PVB. The Poly tower is going up and the Grand has the big refurbishment. The Grand may be done with its refurbishment because we will be there 5-10 days before the Grand's anniversary date, but who knows with refurbishments at Disney. What would you do? Save points at the better resort (only my opinion lol) or make the kids happy and spend the points for PVB (maybe lake view is best)? Thanks for any advice!

 

[RoseGold]

Keep VGF. I'd go with the construction argument. Who knows if the whole Poly parking lot will be shut down?

I mean this isn't exactly accurate because VGF is closer to the construction than Poly DVC, but hey it's true. Poly is a construction zone.

Standard VGF1 view is a monorail view, it's lovely. You will love it. Change it up and go VGF, especially for less points!

VGF1 was refreshed a couple years ago, so I don't know what you mean by GF refurb.

And your teenager can walk to Poly if they want. Maybe. Construction.

GF is the only DVC with room service. Maybe that will help.

 

[BamaGuy44]

Personally I think the premium PVB charges for Lake view is way too much. There's a decent chance you'll be on a low floor with mostly a bungalow view. You can request a high floor but you know how that goes. And I'd rather watch fireworks from the beach than my balcony anyway, but that's me. I know some people live for the lake view.

If it was me since I'm a big softy, I'd probably want to stay where DD15 wants since she has a strong preference, and I'd want her to enjoy the trip to the max. But maybe go with standard view and not have to spend the extra points.

 

[RoseGold]

And I'd rather watch fireworks from the beach than my balcony anyway, but that's me. I know some people live for the lake view.

Most of the VGF1 standard rooms have a pretty decent firework view.

 

[Nabas]

When is the last time you stayed at each resort?

Also, I’m not sure which type of Studio is available at VGF. The new BPK Studios don’t have as nice of a bathroom as the original VGF. IMO, PVB has better bathroom and sleeping arrangements for a family with a 10 and 15 year old.

 

[RoseGold]

Actually, I'd split the trip down the middle and try to get BC on one end or the other if that's what the kids really want. Maybe even split three ways to get two nights on the start or end so the waitlist is more likely. If it doesn't fill, OK, but it might!

You can also call and ask them to put notes on the waitlist to cancel X days on X reservation, if you don't want to mess with what you already booked.

 

[crisi]

Your kids won't be around long to make these decisions - the 15 year old, believe it or not, has one foot out the door and to the dorm rooms. Suck it up for your kids because the day is coming when you can stay at the resort you want all the time - and miss your kids.

 

[nw6675]

Your kids won't be around long to make these decisions - the 15 year old, believe it or not, has one foot out the door and to the dorm rooms. Suck it up for your kids because the day is coming when you can stay at the resort you want all the time - and miss your kids.

Pretty much this. DD has always wanted to stay at the GF, so...VGF for our next trip even though I'd rather be at the YC CL.

Do your kids know all the "negatives" of PVB right now? I would list out all the pros and cons with them if you haven't already done so and see 8f that influences their opinions.

 

[Princess Merida]

When is the last time you stayed at each resort?

Also, I’m not sure which type of Studio is available at VGF. The new BPK Studios don’t have as nice of a bathroom as the original VGF. IMO, PVB has better bathroom and sleeping arrangements for a family with a 10 and 15 year old.

We stayed at VGF more recently. We have been there 3 times. We have only stayed at PVB once for 2 nights. PVB does have the larger studios.

 

[Princess Merida]

Actually, I'd split the trip down the middle and try to get BC on one end or the other if that's what the kids really want. Maybe even split three ways to get two nights on the start or end so the waitlist is more likely. If it doesn't fill, OK, but it might!

You can also call and ask them to put notes on the waitlist to cancel X days on X reservation, if you don't want to mess with what you already booked.

This is a great idea. I don’t love split stays but my husband would be thrilled to get into BCV.

 

[Princess Merida]

Your kids won't be around long to make these decisions - the 15 year old, believe it or not, has one foot out the door and to the dorm rooms. Suck it up for your kids because the day is coming when you can stay at the resort you want all the time - and miss your kids.

Yes. Great point. My oldest definitely has one foot out the door.

 

[sethschroeder]

Keep VGF. I'd go with the construction argument. Who knows if the whole Poly parking lot will be shut down?

So NOT VGF then...

You are much closer to that construction at VGF. Plus now you can't even easily walk along the lake over to POLY or the TTC without crossing the road two times.

Also isn't Grand Floridian main lobby going to be under construction sometime this year?

 

[sethschroeder]

Yup looked and it will be in 2023 that the lobby is refurbished at Grand Floridian.... I wouldn't want to be around VGF until the Poly Tower is done and the construction at GF is done as well.

That being said I had a fine time in July '22 and its a nice resort but the big thing for me was we always walked over to the TTC to get to Epcot.

https://wdwnt.com/2022/12/disney-confirms-grand-floridian-lobby-refurb/

 

[StarCruzer]

My only gripe when we booked Poly Lake View was the boat horns all. night. long. we also got very unlucky somehow when we stayed there and one night when the water parade came through the music was stuck on for a full two hours But truthfully I haven't hear many other people complain about the boat noises so maybe we just had a bad room location, or are more sensitive.

 

[BaybeeYoda]

When are you going?

I waitlisted bcv one day at a time and got them (June 28-July 3). They came in, one day at a time, then I would wait list the next day that was on my “to get” list.

You never know and good luck!

 

[Princess Merida]

When are you going?

I waitlisted bcv one day at a time and got them (June 28-July 3). They came in, one day at a time, then I would wait list the next day that was on my “to get” list.

You never know and good luck!

Our dates are June 19th-25th so very close to yours. I have waitlisted 3 nights at BCV and also keep stalking for any nights during these dates. I've had more luck stalking than waitlisting in the past, but maybe I'll get lucky. Of course now my youngest is campaigning for VGF resort studio instead of standard if we can't snag BCV because she saw a you tube video of the new Mary Poppins rooms. UGH! DD15 now says she doesn't care if we stay at PVB because we are going to Tennessee in August and that's her trip. Off to stalk...lol.