Resort for 6 Adults

[CatPack]

Planning a trip for early Dec 2017 (hoping to get Fall pricing vs Regular). We anticipate there will be 6 of us (all adults) going. This will be everyone's first time staying on Disney property and we kind of want the full experience.

Would like to all stay in one room (suite/villa); but, will consider splitting into 2 rooms, especially if it is more cost effective. We think access to 2 bathrooms is a must.

Considering one of the Boardwalk resorts (BC or BW). I love the decor of the Poly, but I think it might be out of our price range. Also hear that Wilderness Lodge has great Christmas decor.

Our main focus will be parks and dining.

Any suggestions or similar experiences appreciated!

 

[cdnSpinalTap]

If you want to stay in the BC or BW area, I would suggest renting DVC points and getting a 2-bedroom villa. We are a family of 5 and once our youngest was older than 3, we had to look for alternates to the 1-bedroom villa at BWV. We found the best deal was to rent DVC points at BWV and get a 2-bedroom. With that option you can have up to 8 adults and you will have 2 bathrooms and a kitchenette.

The only "issue" is that you cannot take advantage of any deals (discount hotel or free dining). However, we found that the discounted price was very comparable to renting the points, so it did not adversely affect us.

 

[CatPack]

Yes, I have looked into renting DVC and that does appear to be the best deal I am seeing so far. I had read that the DVC member can book a dining plan for you. Is this true? Do you have to purchase tickets through them as well? (Looking to purchase my own tickets.)

Have you stayed at any other Deluxe Resort/Villas? A friend recently stayed at BW and they really like it. We like the idea of being able to walk to a park and not relying completely on transportation.

 

[happymommy]

Although you won't be able to use Magical Express or get the dining plan (which, honestly, unless it's free I don't see a benefit to), you could look into a couple rooms at the Swan or Dolphin. Most often, the rates there are much less than the other Epcot resorts.

I agree, staying at the Epcot resort area is nice for walking to Epcot or DHS (or taking the boats).

If you are worried about the budget, you could also look at 3 value resort rooms. You would need to rely on the busses to get around, but I find Pop to be a fun place! Not sure if it's 3 couples or what, as to me a value room is fine for a party of two, but a bit cramped for more.

Either way, I'd rather have more space and bathrooms, and you can always visit other resorts to look around or have a meal! Since your mail focus is parks and dining, all the resorts offer something nice!

 

[Woth2982]

Misread prior comment. Deleted.

 

[cdnSpinalTap]

Yes, I have looked into renting DVC and that does appear to be the best deal I am seeing so far. I had read that the DVC member can book a dining plan for you. Is this true? Do you have to purchase tickets through them as well? (Looking to purchase my own tickets.)

Have you stayed at any other Deluxe Resort/Villas? A friend recently stayed at BW and they really like it. We like the idea of being able to walk to a park and not relying completely on transportation.

Yes, you can have the dining plan added to your reservation. I've only rented with Dave's and you have to reach out to them to contact the owner of the points to add the dining plan to the reservation. For park tickets, you just purchase those on your own. Everything else is pretty much the same and can be managed on My Disney Experience.

We have not stayed at any other Deluxe Resorts or Villas. We go every year and BW is perfect for us so we have never sought out any other options. We always get park hoppers so most evenings are spent walking around EpCot having a few snacks and drinks. For me it leaves you immersed in the Disney experience the entire time you are there - well worth the extra spend for us.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Fair warning: the first week of December is the highest demand DVC week of the year. You will need an owner lined up before 11 months to get a 2BR at BWV or BCV. You will need to book early for any near-park 2BR.

 

[Shellyred8]

Yes, I have looked into renting DVC and that does appear to be the best deal I am seeing so far. I had read that the DVC member can book a dining plan for you. Is this true? Do you have to purchase tickets through them as well? (Looking to purchase my own tickets.)

Have you stayed at any other Deluxe Resort/Villas? A friend recently stayed at BW and they really like it. We like the idea of being able to walk to a park and not relying completely on transportation.

The Boardwalk area is a fantastic place to stay for your first on-site stay. Yacht Club was my first on-site stay and we were there the first week of December also. It was a spectacular experience and I've been hooked ever since. We are now DVC members and Boardwalk is our home resort, so that is where we usually stay. It's a great location for access to EP and HS. You can also walk to the Fantasia miniature golf from that area. The convenience of that location really can't be beat.

Also, since you are going during Christmas, don't forget to take in all of the Christmas decorations in each of the Deluxe Resort's lobbies. Yacht Club, Beach Club and Boardwalk all have their own unique decorations and "main attractions". I also recommend doing the monorail resort loop to check out the Christmas decorations in the lobbies at those resorts.

 

[CatPack]

Fair warning: the first week of December is the highest demand DVC week of the year. You will need an owner lined up before 11 months to get a 2BR at BWV or BCV. You will need to book early for any near-park 2BR.

I figured this would be the case! Not our most recent trip, but the time before was taken the second full week of December and we loved it! I'm hoping getting an early start on planning this trip will allow us to get our preferred room. Fingers crossed!

I've gotten several quotes from TAs and, so far, booking myself is quite a bit cheaper. I know discounts will come available in a few months, so hoping to wait a bit longer before committing to anything.

 

[CatPack]

Thanks for all the feedback! BW seems to be the most recommend out of everyone I have asked; but, I don't think we'll be too disappointed with BC or YC.

I do think we will enjoy everything the Boardwalk area has to offer.

And, I love the idea of sightseeing at the other resorts. I hadn't really factored that in; but, will definitely add that to our to-do list. Plus, we can see if there is another resort we'd like to visit next time (because we all know there will be a next time!)

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you do decide to "rent points", go with an individual owner instead of a broker. They won't have the points you need to book BWV or BCV at 11 months out. You need someone to book your stay exactly at 11 months out. If you wait too long, you will be out of luck for those two resorts.

 

[Dave006]

The Epcot resorts: BWI, YC, BC and Swan / Dolphin all have a few rooms: Deluxe rooms, Junior suits and others that sleep 6 adults. You are not just limited to a Vacation Club option. Most of the BWI, YC & BC rooms in the class also offer access to the Club Level lounge providing more space to spread your group out. Just like Deb posted above, any of these rooms should be booked as "early" as possible due to the limited number and their popularity.

Also consider the option of 2 rooms as you indicated in your OP. Always a good option. We have found the Swan offers true connecting rooms: 1 KB rooms with a connecting 2QB room and you can often get a discount on these rooms depending on when you book and are true "Confirmed" reservations.

Disney also offers connecting rooms but they don't always 100% get "confirmed" unless you have a high child to adult ratio and even then there are posts about issues at Check-in when the rooms are found to be not "connecting" or some times not even on the same floor.

Dave

 

[stephmarty]

It doesn't sound like you're considering value resorts but, if you do, look into connecting rooms at Pop Century. My family of 6 got two connecting rooms there in 2014. We've stayed in deluxe, mod and values and this was by far the most space we've had. Never stayed in a villa, though. If the parks and dining are most important to you, then Pop might be an option. You'd have more $$ for dining and other special events.

 

[CatPack]

If you do decide to "rent points", go with an individual owner instead of a broker. They won't have the points you need to book BWV or BCV at 11 months out. You need someone to book your stay exactly at 11 months out. If you wait too long, you will be out of luck for those two resorts.

I'm very apprehensive to rent from someone I don't know personally, though I certainly understand where you are coming from. The renting of DVC points is a new ballgame for me; didn't know this was an option until recently.

 

[CatPack]

It doesn't sound like you're considering value resorts but, if you do, look into connecting rooms at Pop Century. My family of 6 got two connecting rooms there in 2014. We've stayed in deluxe, mod and values and this was by far the most space we've had. Never stayed in a villa, though. If the parks and dining are most important to you, then Pop might be an option. You'd have more $$ for dining and other special events.

While I think the Value resorts have great theming, especially for families with kids, it's just not what we're looking for right now. But, will keep the Pop in mind for future trips.

 

[CatPack]

The Epcot resorts: BWI, YC, BC and Swan / Dolphin all have a few rooms: Deluxe rooms, Junior suits and others that sleep 6 adults. You are not just limited to a Vacation Club option. Most of the BWI, YC & BC rooms in the class also offer access to the Club Level lounge providing more space to spread your group out. Just like Deb posted above, any of these rooms should be booked as "early" as possible due to the limited number and their popularity.

Also consider the option of 2 rooms as you indicated in your OP. Always a good option. We have found the Swan offers true connecting rooms: 1 KB rooms with a connecting 2QB room and you can often get a discount on these rooms depending on when you book and are true "Confirmed" reservations.

Disney also offers connecting rooms but they don't always 100% get "confirmed" unless you have a high child to adult ratio and even then there are posts about issues at Check-in when the rooms are found to be not "connecting" or some times not even on the same floor.

Dave

Yes, I did notice that the Boardwalk resorts have non-DVC rooms, so definitely keeping this in mind. I'm hoping since we know when we are wanting to go that I can get a room book once dates are available.

How far out do many TAs start getting discount codes?

In regards to using DVC points, this appears to be more cost effective; but, I am concerned about booking so far out and plans needing to change. It appears that you would lose all money if renting DVC. I understand that both parties are taking a risk in doing this.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Yes, I did notice that the Boardwalk resorts have non-DVC rooms, so definitely keeping this in mind. I'm hoping since we know when we are wanting to go that I can get a room book once dates are available.

How far out do many TAs start getting discount codes?

In regards to using DVC points, this appears to be more cost effective; but, I am concerned about booking so far out and plans needing to change. It appears that you would lose all money if renting DVC. I understand that both parties are taking a risk in doing this.

Your booking on a DVC rental is generally non-refundable and cannot be cancelled for refund due to the restrictions of a timeshare booking by the owner. You would need to book 11 months out firm.

 

[Lolaura84]

Yes, I did notice that the Boardwalk resorts have non-DVC rooms, so definitely keeping this in mind. I'm hoping since we know when we are wanting to go that I can get a room book once dates are available.

How far out do many TAs start getting discount codes?

In regards to using DVC points, this appears to be more cost effective; but, I am concerned about booking so far out and plans needing to change. It appears that you would lose all money if renting DVC. I understand that both parties are taking a risk in doing this.

Usually, travel agents are able to get the discounts as soon as Disney releases them to the general public. If you have a good TA, they will continually monitor for you and adjust your reservation to apply the discount when it comes up.