Shortcomings at Grand Villa Resorts - Help me decide

[bwbuddy5]

Background: I plan to eventually book a GV for party of 8, plus 3 kids 2-6YO

As I've continued to read all of your posts over the last several months, I keep changing my mind on which DVC resort to book. Here are the three I have considered, along with my "perceived" shortcomings of each, based on posts I have read. Which would you recommend (or feel free to choose a different one):

1) BLT - I'm leaning this way now because we love viewing fireworks from the balcony. But, I've been reading that the views from BLT are really quite far away and nothing special. We've stayed in the Contemporary in the past, and loved the fireworks view from there, will BLT disappoint us by comparison?

2) AKL - Had considered here due to the animals, and love the billiards table at Jambo. But, I've read posts saying that their animal views were hit and miss (especially at Kidani), so I would hate to stay that far away from MK, even if there was a small chance of being disappointed in the animal viewing.

3) VGF - love being on the monorail loop, not too much to complain about here, other than no real fireworks view, and can't walk to MK.

Help me assure this is the trip of a lifetime, especially for my grandkids.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

Having watched the fireworks from Top of the World at BLT five times in one week, I can tell you the view is great. Is it like sitting on main st in terms of view? No, but it is still a great view. I love the grand villa at BLT, the two floors, the views, the large kitchen and dining area- all of it.
As far as AKL, we spent a week in a two br in Jambo, and saw animals every day. We spent so little time in the room, but when we did, I was out on the balcony watching the animals roam around below us. Can it be hit or miss? I suppose, but the trainers put food and water in enough areas that the animals move around a lot. I loved everything about AKL, except the commute to MK.
Never stayed at VGF (yet) so I can't provide an informed opinion, but the idea that I might see a wedding or two from my balcony excites me. I love weddings, they are so full of love and promise.

 

[Deb & Bill]

I didn't care for the view from the TOTWL. To me the fireworks looked very disjointed instead of one big show at the MK. You could see them going off from all the various locations. I prefer watching them in the park. BUT, you will be a short walk to the MK with the little kids.

 

[gzmtlock]

I recently did TOTWL for the first time, and I really enjoyed the fireworks. I thought it was cool to see that the big ones actually go off so far behind the castle. And to be close to eye-level with them was pretty cool, too. Although I don't think I'd recommend it for a first-time view; while the audio is piped in, it is more difficult to appreciate the orchestration between it and the fireworks.
As to the grand villas, I can't comment as I've never stayed in one.

 

[Allabouthemouse]

There is no such thing as a bad grand villa That being said... We love the GV at BLT - the kids thought the whole upstairs thing was so cool - but they were older that your current group. It is loud all over when the kids are upstairs laughing and squealing. The sounds just reverberate throughout the villa. The access to the TOWL was awesome. The firework display was ok. The GV at the VGF are spectacular. We love the space layout and the media room. We prefer the VGF for the luxury factor and the bubble tub in the bathroom is a favorite of all the family members (including DH). There is something just so fabulous about this GV layout. It is very relaxing to us. The monorail is fairly close and the MK is either one monorail stop away or one ferry boat ride away. We haven't stayed at the AKL GV but the layout looks very similar to BLT. Enjoy your trip!! oops - forgot to add that the Water Parade is much better viewed from the VGF. Kids may love that.

 

[gdrj]

to have such problems

Enjoy wherever you go.

 

[MickeyWaffles]

Honestly, every grand villa is fabulous. We haven't stayed at VGF., but it looks lovely. Our home is SSR and we adore it even though it's not close to the parks. It's warm and inviting.

IMO, BLT is cold and sterile, walking through the hallways. It's nice, but not my style. Not the same feel as the Contemporary which I think is more inviting. But, opportunity to see fireworks and proximity to MK is appealing - though if I'm going to see Wishes, I'd rather be on Main Street.

Kidani/Jambo are great and I think the kids would like the savanna views. Sometimes it may seem like you don't see animals, but for us it's just been because we don't sit there all day waiting.

Grand villas are great wherever you are. To make the trip a trip of a lifetime for your grandkids, I would focus more on your park experience to do that - fireworks, character meets, etc.

Grand villas are so special because your whole family can stay together - for our family, that alone makes it magical. SSR isn't close to any park, but it's our family memories that make it special for us.