Really need help choosing a property

[RatherBeGolfing]

First time visitors to WDW - 2 adults (40 something) and two 9 year old girls. We're going in either mid May or first week of June and we have a short list of must haves.

In order of importance:
1. A hotel/resort with a GREAT pool, or set of pools - slides, etc.
2. A suite or villa with a kitchenette setup
3. A kid friendly property, preferably centrally located
4. A daily hotel/resort rate under $250

I'm strongly considering either Beach Club or BoardWalk Inn. Have read many good things about them on MouseSavers.com and TourGuideMike.com.

Does anyone have any good (or bad) experiences with either of these. Or, can you recommend a better choice.

We're not really into the Animal/Africa theme, so AKL is probably out.

Thanks in advance for any advice!
WDW newbie

 

[disneyag]

We loved the Beach Club -- you can walk to Epcot or the Boardwalk for dinner, etc. A nice deluxe hotel is the WIlderness Lodge (and it's a little cheaper than the Beach Club.) Have you considered either the Wilderness Lodge Villas or the Beach Club villas? They would provide you with a kitchen, etc.

 

[Terk-1]

In order of importance:
1. A hotel/resort with a GREAT pool, or set of pools - slides, etc.
I would recommend the Beach Club, Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge.

2. A suite or villa with a kitchenette setup
The Polynesian, Boardwalk Villa or Wilderness Lodge Villa

3. A kid friendly property, preferably centrally located
The Polynesian & Wilderness Lodge is close to the Magic Kingdom. The Beach Club & Boardwalk are very close to EPCOT.

4. A daily hotel/resort rate under $250
I would recommend the Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge or Beach Club.

 

[jel0511]

The Beach Club Villas or Boardwalk Villas would have everything you are looking for, but for a one bedroom villa, you're talking over $400 per night. A studio would have a kitchenette set up, small fridge, and small sink, no cooking facilities, and that would be cheaper around $300 per night. A regular room at either would just give you a room for about $300 per night. A code could reduce this, one is currently available to get a room at BC or BW for $239 per night + tax. I don't know if any of the DVC resorts with the villas are available and what their rates would be. You could rent points from a DVC member which would lower the costs per night, but you give up daily housekeeping.

 

[Gillian]

I'm going to bump this up for you. I think the $250 for a suite thing might get you!

A good Disney travel agency, like Dreams Unlimited, might help you sort it all out. They are at www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com

 

[kimmar067]

I would have to put my vote on BC/YC, too. Stormalong Bay is AWESOME and you can't beat the location (easy access to BW, Epcot, S/D, and MGM). I've also heard Cay May buffet is terrific, too! Your'e only prob is gonna be the $250 limit.....

 

[wdwphanatic]

... and you could definitely rent points from a DVC owner for a studio (1 queen bed and 1 double sleeper sofa with a kitchenette) for less than $250 per night... I'm doing exactly that for my May trip. Even with daily housekeeping added on ($25 per day) you'd still be under that price limit.

BCV would satisfy all of your criteria. You have access to the best pool at WDW, imo, they offer kitchenettes, it is totally kid-friendly and convenient to both Epcot and MGM via boat or walking and, as I mentioned above, within your price range.

Have a great trip,
Sarah

 

[RatherBeGolfing]

Thanks to all for the great advice. Now I have 3 additional questions:
1. Does the code in mousesavers.com for $239 get me a studio villa at BC?
2. How do I start the process of renting points from a DVC member?
3. If I buy an AP, will that likely get me a studio villa at BC for under $250?
Thanks again!
Larry

 

[jel0511]

You're best bet in obtaining a studio is renting ponts from DVC member. Since BCV is a DVC resort Disney has very limited in the number of rooms it can rent out to non DVC members. Add in the usual limited number of rooms for any type of discounts, you're basically hoping for a miracle. A studio for a week around you're wanting to travel, would cost you $1230 or $175 per night. Now, also take in mind that DVC resorts usually are booked far in advance by DVC members, there might not be any availability for the dates you want. I'm a DVC member, and I'm having dificulity trying to find availablility in July at BCV, usually not a high demand month for DVC members. Also, a studio contains a queen size bed, a pull-out double sofa bed, a small table and two chairs. The kitchenette is located across from the bathroom, in the hallway leading from the main door. It is the same size as a regular hotel room, with the added ammenity of the small fridge and sink. Go the the DVC Rent Trade board here on the DIS. You'll find many people there to help you.

 

[Pumbaa_]

The villas in DVC also have a microwave and toaster in the room. Great for having breakfast in the room, snacks, popcorn, etc. The frig is a lifesaver, especially for the time of your you are going to be there. Buying water at the grocery store and bringing to the parks will save you a bundle. (Water is $2.50 a bottle) and in the heat you drink lots and lots of water.

For more DVC info, go to the dvc board. There is a forum board and a rental board.

The folks over there are very knowledgeable and are happy to help (as they are here )

I rented points from a memebr for a family trip in Sept. We had a studio and a 2 bedroom. Loved the studio! We have joined DVC and I really like the studio. It has everything a deluxe room has with the added benefit of the kitchenette. If you want to really splurge, you can also go with a 1 bedroom that also has a full size kitchen. There are point caluclators in the DVC area that will give you the number of points you would need to rent.

The weekend points are almost double the weekday points. This may help you in planning your stay. A Sunday to Friday stay would be much less (point rental wise) than a Friday to Wednesday stay. Same number of days, but with the 2 weekend days it would increase dramatically.

Welcome to the DIS and good luck!