Studio vs 1BR Villa

[Mommiesblessings2]

So, here's my question..........DVC
December 2015 (Sat to Sat)
2 adults, 7 yo and 3 yo
8 days
5 park days w/hopper
3 days hotel/non-park days (arrival/departure day and 1 other full day)

Will have groceries delivered and have breakfast at hotel, except for maybe 4 mornings will do an early character breakfast. Probably go back mid-day, but not certain. Didn't last trip and kids were 4 and 1.

Studio vs 1 br villa

What's the difference in size and your favorite DVC and why?

Greatly appreciate all comments.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

One BR hands down. Gives you enough room to spread out a bit, full kitchen,
washer and dryer, and a couple of TVs - on in bedroom and one in the living room.

 

[Mommiesblessings2]

One BR hands down. Gives you enough room to spread out a bit, full kitchen,
washer and dryer, and a couple of TVs - on in bedroom and one in the living room.

W&D! Any favs around XMAS time?

 

[ldo]

well, a 1Br is double the points--but makes for a very nice vacation. What we consider is:
mini-fridge, toaster,coffee, micro vs want/need more of a kitchen
how much time will we spend in the room
does someone need more privacy/separate room/different sleeping time
studio is fine for 3-4 night, but on longer trips, we really like 1Br units
For your family of 4 with younger kids, really any 1Br will be plenty of space, so it's which resort you like best. BLT, OKW, and most of AKV will also have a separate sleeper chair--maybe not an issue now, but something to consider in future years.

 

[Judique]

W&D! Any favs around XMAS time?

Are you prepared to book it in January at the 11 month window? That's a busy time for DVC.

 

[Tinkerdreams]

Agree with the PP. Christmas time is pretty much a sold out time for DVC. You will absolutely need to book at the 11 month window. If you're renting DVC points, all the resorts are lovely at that time of year. My favorite ones though are Wilderness Lodge, Boardwalk and the one I love the best is the Grand Floridian.

 

[Mommiesblessings2]

Are you prepared to book it in January at the 11 month window? That's a busy time for DVC.

Yes, I am!

 

[graueMaus]

So, here's my question..........DVC
December 2015 (Sat to Sat)
2 adults, 7 yo and 3 yo
8 days
5 park days w/hopper
3 days hotel/non-park days (arrival/departure day and 1 other full day)

Will have groceries delivered and have breakfast at hotel, except for maybe 4 mornings will do an early character breakfast. Probably go back mid-day, but not certain. Didn't last trip and kids were 4 and 1.

Studio vs 1 br villa

What's the difference in size and your favorite DVC and why?

Greatly appreciate all comments.

We are a family of 5 so it is a little different. The difference in room size is huge for us as well as having separation of adults from kids (may be important for some) for some nap and/or private time. We also focus on relaxing so we spend a lot of time enjoying the amenities of the resort.

Also, there are also several factors that we consider including number of points , Dining Plan, and/or TIW card . Typically we do all our meals at the resort except one at each park (3 theme parks a trip for us, so 3 meals in the parks). The exception being this last trip where we decided to spend 7 days at the GFV. With that length of stay we decided to save points by staying in the studio and getting a TIW card ( or one could choose to do the dining plan, but it is not as cost effective for us as it once was) and eat out once a day at places our kids may not appreciate in the coming years.

So far we have loved every DVC we have stayed at for different reasons, and I chose to stay at them because of what they are.
Our favorite (though it would take a long time to go to the parks) is Hilton Head Island.

At WDW we loved each of these for the various reasons:
GFV: small,intimate, great location, variety of restaurants to go to, peaceful and relaxing (did a studio that was awesome, 1BR comes next when we can get the points)

AKV: relaxing and secluded, surrounded by animals that delighted the kids, great restaurants and pools on site

TreeHouse villas: Best place for two families travelling, tranquil and relaxing, we drive so transportation was never an issue

 

[sleepydog25]

Definitely 1BR for all the reasons already listed. As for favorite, look no further than my signature line. WL has the coziest holiday feel of all the resorts and manages to feed that idyllic notion we all have of Christmas better than other resorts, as well. While the GF is a close second, it lacks the grandeur of the Lodge. I would admit that GF has a bit more convenience factor sitting on the monorail, but in terms of sheer holiday spirit, WL wins. It's also a quiet, serene resort that is a respite from the busy parks. Further, one of our favorite things to do is walk to FW and view all the holiday decorations put up by the campers and RVers. And, yes, you most definitely have to reserve 11 months out.

 

[Mommiesblessings2]

wanted to say thank you to all that replied. It's appreciated!

Next task at hand is to pick the NON Pop Warner week in December. Their website lists between 1st and 2nd weeks from year to year.
50/50 shot

Looks like 1BR at VWL wins!

 

[bobbiwoz]

wanted to say thank you to all that replied. It's appreciated!

Next task at hand is to pick the NON Pop Warner week in December. Their website lists between 1st and 2nd weeks from year to year.
50/50 shot

Looks like 1BR at VWL wins!

i think that's a great decision!

 

[sleepydog25]

wanted to say thank you to all that replied. It's appreciated!

Next task at hand is to pick the NON Pop Warner week in December. Their website lists between 1st and 2nd weeks from year to year.
50/50 shot

Looks like 1BR at VWL wins!

You'll love it. Have a fun time planning!

 

[CarolMN]

wanted to say thank you to all that replied. It's appreciated!

Next task at hand is to pick the NON Pop Warner week in December. Their website lists between 1st and 2nd weeks from year to year.
50/50 shot

Looks like 1BR at VWL wins!

For the past several years, it's been scheduled for the first full week of December. For 2015, that will most likely mean 12/5/15 - 12/13/2015.

National Championships

Have fun!

 

[DebbieB]

For the past several years, it's been scheduled for the first full week of December. For 2015, that will most likely mean 12/5/15 - 12/13/2015.

National Championships

Have fun!

I agree - they arrive the second weekend after Thanksgiving, which will be December 5. I've been there that week and Pop Warner was never an issue. They don't stay at DVC resorts and they are only in small groups around the parks. They spend most of their time at Wide World of Sports. I'm thinking of a December trip next year and that will probably be my arrival date.

 

[Mommiesblessings2]

I agree - they arrive the second weekend after Thanksgiving, which will be December 5. I've been there that week and Pop Warner was never an issue. They don't stay at DVC resorts and they are only in small groups around the parks. They spend most of their time at Wide World of Sports. I'm thinking of a December trip next year and that will probably be my arrival date.

For the past several years, it's been scheduled for the first full week of December. For 2015, that will most likely mean 12/5/15 - 12/13/2015.

National Championships

Have fun!

Thank you! I was nervous about the grounds. Thank you for easing my concern!