Resort Rooms or Villa?

[If U Had Wings]

I am in the middle of planning my Disney trip for fall 2008. My BFF and I went this past October, stayed at POFQ and had a wonderful time. For our upcoming trip we wanted to try somewhere new and were thinking of upgrading to either the WL or AKL. Now her sister and brother in law want to join in on the fun as well. Since there are now 4 of us we've been toying around with the idea of a 2 bedroom villa at either SSR or OKW since the second bedroom on these has 2 beds.

Are the two bedroom villas roomy enough for 4 adults? I like the idea of having the kitchen, and the resorts both seem lovely. Or would we be better off with two regular rooms elsewhere. We are not sure if we will be on the DDP this trip or not due to the changes. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Irishhockey]

I think SSR is a great choice for 4 adults and without a doubt you'll have plenty of space for all 4 of you. We found the resort to be no bigger than POR or CBR and themed really well and tasteful. Each area had their own bus stop as well as most having their own quiet pool and hot tub. Every room offers a pretty decent view (very few parking lot views) and the walkway to DTD was a great advantage! The resort is spread out nicely around the main building area and we do enjoy the layout. The villas are nicely decorated and themed and as I said, the overall resort has such a mature, adult feel to it.

OKW's 2-bedroom units are going to be larger and do offer more "common space." It's a give and take though, as these villas are slightly outdated in regards to decor. Many choose to overlook that after noticing how spacious these villas are! We found the layout there to be slightly more spread out but the resort overall has a very relaxing feel. I've also noticed that OKW seems to have the closest resort bus stop to the park turnstiles lol.

I know for us, we would choose SSR over OKW, but thats all based on personal opinion. I think the overall layout, location, decor, and amentities really appeal to us, but OKW definately has that charm as well!

Booking two rooms is another great option, but keep in mind that adjoining rooms (rooms with a connecting door) are not gaurenteed. A huge advantage to the villas is that everyone does have their own beds and bathrooms, but you also share that common living area which is a really nice aspect to a family vacation and still provide some privacy.

I think in the end its going to come down to what your personal preference and taste is. I'd personally love to stay at the WL over SSR just for the resort aspect alone... but I'd be sacraficing some nice advatanges that the villas offer. Its a catch 22 really!

Either way... happy planning! Sometimes its not a bad idea to get everyone out together and toss up advantages and disadvantages of both and seeing what people like.

 

[vettechick99]

If you haven't already, look into renting DVC points. Much cheaper in the long run.

 

[domestic goddess]

You can still stay at WL or AKL in the villas there. VWL and AKV both have 2 bedroom villas just like SSR and OKW. You should look at the price of the 2 bedroom villas compared to the price of 2 rooms. It may make the decision for you. We are DVC members(owners) and we love the 2 bedroom villas but if I had to pay cash for them, I might go a different route. Just a thought. We liked SSR and BCV, really liked BWV and LOVE VWL!! That is why we bought there.

Whatever you decide have a dgreat trip!

 

[DVC Mike]

If you haven't already, look into renting DVC points. Much cheaper in the long run.

Renting points is much less expensive.

However, please be sure and educate yourself on how a "renting DVC points" is very different from a regular hotel reservation.

See: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1669863

 

[If U Had Wings]

Thanks to everyone for the help. I forwarded the info on to my friend so I can get an idea on what she thinks. (And her sister). I'm really liking the idea of the villa myself. I think it would let us all be together, plus give everyone privacy as well.

Don't know about renting points though. I don't think I'd like losing that much control over my planning, but it can't hurt to look into it.

 

[spiceycat]

VWL 2-bedroom dedicate will have 2 queen beds - lock off won't.

AKV will not have 2 queen beds - you need to wait until Kidani is up and going before the 2nd bedroom there will be 2 queen beds.

the only problem with 2 couples going is the beds are not equal.

one couple will have the king bed in the master

the other couple will have a queen bed.

Now if your other couple doesn't mind just a queen bed - then great go for it.

would hate to pay half the cost and find someone else got the best room.

but that is probably me.

 

[If U Had Wings]

Actually we would be 1 couple, and two singles so the king/2 queens would work out perfectly. (Although, yes, I would love to have the better bedroom. )

My concern would be for the villas that only have a queen and a fold out in the 2nd bedroom. My friend has had back issues, so she really shouldn't be sleeping on a foldout, and while I'm willing to trade down to the smaller room I don't want to go all the way down to a foldout as planner of this trip.

I didn't realize that VWL had 2 queens for some of the 2 bedrooms. The Disney website only lists 2 bedrooms with 1 king in the master bedroom, and a queen and foldout in the 2nd.