Resort Recommendations

[blakendall]

We are looking to take our 3 kids in Jan 08 for 6 days. I would like to see the feedback/comments on the various DVC resorts that would be best for us. Keeping in mind we need at least a two bedroom b/c our 3yr old goes to bed around 8pm.

Thanks

 

[crisi]

Are you a member or are you looking to rent points? January 08 is fairly short notice and you may not have the choices you imagine yourself having. If you are a member, you should probably call member services and see what is available for your dates before you start a resort evaluation.

 

[blakendall]

We are looking to rent. Very true it is somewhat short notice but just starting to work on a Disney Vacation b/c the two older kids are out of school.

 

[J and R's mom]

Click here for a good site with photos of the DVC resorts. Although this is a DVC info site, there are links on the left of the page that have photos of each resort.

This link is Disney's DVC link and if you scroll down the page you can "Explore" the resorts. Be sure to click on the "accomodations" link and "virtual tour" link to see floor plans and pictures.

I imagine your kids would LOVE the animals at AKV, especially if you get a savanah room. The pool is nice.

BWV has community hall (which you can use if you're staying at BCV), a nice pool and playground and the boardwalk itself.

BCV has a great pool.

OKW and SSR will most likely have rooms available at this late date for a January trip and each has great things for kids. SSR is newer and is close to DTD.

VWL has a good pool and great theming.

OKW, SSR, VWL have really good counter service locations for quick meals. BWV does not have a counter service location but it does have the bakery and a food cart (cash only, no dining plan), and a pizzeria on the boardwalk. BCV has on counter service location but it stays VERY busy and I'm not sure if it's open for breakfast.

We like BWV and VWL the best. We like the BWV (and BCV) b/c it is so close to EPCOT (within walking distance). I do miss having a counter service location, though, having kids.

 

[Pennyguy23]

I would talk to a renter and see what is avaliable. Chances are that you will only have 1 or 2 different choices if you don't want to move between resorts. Unless the renter will waitlist for you.

 

[Deb & Bill]

If you are looking for the first two weeks in Jan, I'd bet you are too late. Many schools don't go back in session until Jan 7 and the marathon is the next weekend.

 

[blakendall]

Thanks to all for the great feedback and comments. We are looking to come down 1/17 through 1/22. We like Jan as it is not as crowded.

 

[J and R's mom]

Thanks to all for the great feedback and comments. We are looking to come down 1/17 through 1/22. We like Jan as it is not as crowded.

I just called MS for you for those dates to check availability. No resort has all five nights available, but SSR has all but 1/20 available...which could waitlist for (and probably get). You could also waitlist for other resorts for the entire trip and possibly get that as well.

It's also possible that someone on the rent-trade board would have an existing reservation for those dates (or days around there) that they are trying to rent out.

Keep in mind if you want to rent points, that the weekend nights (Fri and Sat) costs almost double points than the weeknights (Sun-Thur).

For a 1/17 through 1/22 trip (5 nights, including two weekend nights) at SSR, it runs 189 points. At $10pp that's around $1890. For 1/20 through 1/25 (also 5 nights, but no weekend nights) it runs around 135 points, or $1350. Not spending a Fri or Sat night saves around $540.

I do not have any points to rent to you, but the rent/trade board should be able to help you if you're still interested.

Good luck.

 

[crisi]

Its fairly unlikely that someone is going to be willing to waitlist for a renter though, since it ties up points.

I think for this trip you are better off using CRO and planning farther in advance if you want to rent in the future, unless someone has an existing reservation that they can't use.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I'll second that, Crisi. How does the non-member even pay for a waitlisted night? Do they pay and hope the get it and if not, get reimbursed by the member. And then the non-member is there, right in the middle of their vacation without the one night they need.

 

[blakendall]

I just called MS for you for those dates to check availability. No resort has all five nights available, but SSR has all but 1/20 available...which could waitlist for (and probably get). You could also waitlist for other resorts for the entire trip and possibly get that as well.

It's also possible that someone on the rent-trade board would have an existing reservation for those dates (or days around there) that they are trying to rent out.

Keep in mind if you want to rent points, that the weekend nights (Fri and Sat) costs almost double points than the weeknights (Sun-Thur).

For a 1/17 through 1/22 trip (5 nights, including two weekend nights) at SSR, it runs 189 points. At $10pp that's around $1890. For 1/20 through 1/25 (also 5 nights, but no weekend nights) it runs around 135 points, or $1350. Not spending a Fri or Sat night saves around $540.

I do not have any points to rent to you, but the rent/trade board should be able to help you if you're still interested.

Good luck.

Thanks for checking and appreciate the info. I wish that we could stay during the week but with kids in school and trying to minimize days away it is hard. I truly don't want to resort hop or waitlist as I am new to this and don't know how often it works where someone cancels.

Thanks again for checking. I appreciate it.