September or November DVC Stay

[Princess Merida]

Hi! I'm running into a bit of a dilemma here and need some help. I currently have a stay booked for BWV, which is my home resort, booked for Nov 8-16. I am traveling with 3 other families that do not have DVC and they do have some budget restraints. We are currently considering switching to September in order to have high chances of free dining for them. I know there have been some offers that did include November, but chances are much lower. I have to make the decision now because DVC rooms are booking up and my dining window will be opening like now. I know September is HOT, but DH loves that for water parks. We have not been in November so can't compare crowds or weather. Did go in December and January and didn't care too much for the weather then. A little too cool for us. I am more worried about the resorts. I will have to do a split stay as I do not want to spend the whole time at OKW or SSR. I have always wanted to stay at the Poly and there are a couple days open. Also Kidani has some Savannah views left. What do I do???? Are OKW and SSR okay? Should I choose one of those and do a OKW or SSR/Poly split or should I spend the extra points and do a Kidani SV and Poly split. Other option don't switch at all and keep my BWV November stay. Just a little background we are a family of four 2 daughters 5 and 9. We love BWV and GFV. Did a Kidani stay and kids enjoyed it but we didn't spend enough time at resort that stay plus it was January no pool days so I have no opinion on it. Not fans of BLT. Please help!!!

 

[ktate82]

So I see a few options
1) September stay at OKW or SSR
2) September stay at Kidani and Poly
3) September stay with split stay of OKW or SSR and Poly
4) stay with your trip to BWV in November

We like September as crowds are lower and it's great for pool time. We have been in November before, and it's a coin flip. One day we were in jeans, sweatshirts, hats, and gloves and the next we were in shorts and tshirts. If it was me, I would switch to September for family and crowds.

We did not enjoy OKW as much as other resorts. They don't have elevators in most buildings, so lugging luggage up 3 flights of stairs wasn't thrilling. The pool is amazing, but the resort was very spread out. SSR is also spread out, but they have two main pools so I would pick SSR over OKW.

We own and AKL and LOVE Kidani. The only thing is you may get a long walk depending on where your room is. Based on your girl's ages, I would stay at Kidani and Poly for the animals and pools. But that is also dependent on how you feel about a split stay. If it doesn't bother you to move, then that would be nice. If moving drives you crazy, then I would go with SSR or try to waitlist and get in at Kidani for the whole time.

If you wanted to save points, look at doing a standard view at Kidani. There are many options to see animals so to me a Savannah view is not required.

 

[mickeymom629]

I say Kidani and Poly for your family! Your kids will enjoy the beautiful pools, the animals and roasting marshmallows in the fire pits! There are also other activities, like watching the animals being fed.

 

[Princess Merida]

Thank you both for the excellent advice!!! I have chosen to book Kidani standard September 24-29 and Poly standard September 30- October 2. Did a waitlist for the 29th for whichever comes through first. Hopefully that comes through for me. I've never waitlisted before so crossing my fingers. Again thank you guys!!! I'm off to change my ticker!

 

[Nie0214]

Crowds in early/mid September are sooo low. We'd get there at rope drop and walk on everything, go back to the room for pool + lunch, and head back out when it gets cooler. We went the week before Thanksgiving last year and I thought it would be cooler... it was still 80s every day. We went this year Jan 29-Feb 4 and it started at 55 and got up to 80 by the end of the week.

I think you made a great choice to switch and the kids will love AKL.