Resort Opinions Please...Where to stay?

[loribell]

Okay I am planning this really huge trip for next June. I will be booking 6 or 7 studios, maybe 4 or 5 and a 2 bed. I am trying to decide between OKW, SSR, and BCV.

I really need something that has easy access from the parking lot so that probably leaves BCV out, if the number of rooms doesn't already! I was just trying to decide if I made the strange request of ground floor, near the parking lot for medical reasons it would likely be filled. I know not many people would request a room near the parking lot!

We will be a party of 22 - 24, ages 1 1/2 to 70. My aunt has trouble walking; that's why I'm thinking unless I can be sure of a room close to the parking lot for her BCV is out.

What are your suggestions?

Another question; if I don't have the points transferred until the 6 month window do you think I will be totally out of luck anywhere, including SSR and OKW? I can have the owner make the reservations but I really just wanted the whole thing in my account and we had a little confusion on when their points could be transferred.

Thanks,
Lori

 

[JimC]

OKW is probably your best bet. First, the villas are larger. Second, the point requirements are lower. Third, the parking is right outside the villas (OKW is a condo style layout with many buildings clustering a few villas). We have medical reasons for first floor at OKW and have had no problems.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Yes, I agree that OKW is probably your best bet, due to the parking. If you think the parking at BCV is prohibitively far, remember this: I THINK BCV parking is the second closest of any of the villas behind OKW (does that make sense?)

 

[loribell]

JimC,

OkW was initially my only consideration, because of the parking right outside of the room, not to mention the lower point cost (and is that ever adding up for this many rooms!).

Then I saw SSR this summer and was really impresses. I know my family will really enjoy it too.

Then we stopped off for a last night at BCV and I know they would love that too.

I would really prefer to have them all join me at VWL for that wow factor but that parking would be impossible.

Simba's Mom,

Other than the parking that is available at SSR I agree that BCV's parking is closer than the rest. That is part of the reason I was considering it.

We had a 1 night stay on our way home this summer from Vero and our room was on the second floor just off the elevator that is inside the door closest to the parking lot. I thought that or something closer to the parking lot would work well.

Thanks you both for your opinions. It really helps to have others input since my husband won't help at all!

Thanks again and keep 'em coming!

Lori

 

[DeeDeeDis]

Lori,

OKW has beautiful rooms, bigger studios and less points, yes the parking is outside of every villa, but what happens if you get second or third floor? Are you requesting handicap studio for you aunt?

Parking at BCV are right by the resorts, there is also valet parking when you arrive. The resort will allow use of a wheelchair at no cost for the lengh of stay, I'm sure WLV would do the same.

First year we stayed at "home" BCV my mom just had a cast removed from a broken ankle and walking was difficult. We had no problem at BCV, with elevators and use of wheelchair. Also found it easier using the back door to epcot and ferry to MGM then using the bus with a wheelchair.

good luck. What ever you decide I am sure the resort will do what they can to make it easier for your Aunt.

Have a nice trip

 

[JimC]

All of the resorts are wonderful and their own character and charm. Each offers a unique and memorable vacation. You can't go wrong with any of them.

The use of valet parking at BCV, VWL or BWV is fast and easy and costs nothing but the tips for the CMs. My wife uses a wheelchair and we always use valet parking if it is available. Still it is really convenient having a car just outside your door (a nod to OKW). Just ask for a first floor for medical reasons if you are at OKW.

 

[Chuck S]

I should think, simply because of the number of rooms you need, that OKW would probably be your best choice. If you want all the rooms to be near each other, be sure and request that, and I woud only request ground floor for those people that really need it.

OKW is generally very convient to the parking areas. Will you Aunt be using a wheelchair or scooter in the parks? I would certainly encourage her to do so if mobility is an issue. And if you'll be using Disney transportation, request a room near to the bus stop for her.

 

[DrTomorrow]

Minor point:

Unless they've moved them since we were there in May, 2004, the parking lots at SSR are also right outside the buildings' entrances.

Also, every SSR building has an elevator....

 

[Caskbill]

Don't rule out BCV too soon. The parking lot is fairly close, especially to the one wing of the building. Even if you had to park your car out a little, you could still get it and drive up to the walkway near the building to get your Aunt. That would be even easier than using valet, which can be quite a walk from the room itself.

Mainly if you want 6-7 studios, at BCV you'd all be in the same building. At OKW and at SSR you'd probably be spread out more, to different buildings, because the chance that a single building would have six or seven of it's Studios become vacant on the exact day as your checkin is probably pretty remote.

Just a thought.

 

[SueM in MN]

you might want to look into a wheelchair or ecv for your aunt. You can find information by following the link to the disABILTITIES Board in my signature and then going to the FAQs near the top.
At OKW, you can ask for first floor for medical reasons (make sure you do state it like thaat because those requests are filled first before general requests). OKW would have the closest parking. SSR would probably be next. It is in front of the buidligns, but since each building has many more units, the parking lots are large and you might be parking on the opposite end of the lot from your room. A way to get aropund that though, would be to drop your aunt off/pick her up right in front of the building and then go park. There were nice benches in front of each building.
The thing we noticed at BCV when we stayed there is that your room might not necessarily be located conveniently to the elevator. So, you might be close to the parking, but have to walk out of your way to get to the elevator and then have to backtrack to get close to the parking lot. So, I guess if you stay at BCV, it might still be important to be on the first floor and close to parking so that you'd have a clear shot.