Surprise trip to check out DVC & WDW - good idea?

[disney-super-mom]

I was kinda thinking of planning a surprise trip for just DH and I in Feb, without our kids, as a combo Valentine's Day/Birthday surprise for him (his birthday is Feb. 21st).

We really want to check out the DVC resorts before purchasing, and we've never been to WDW before, so that will be neat as well.

I was thinking of maybe a 4 night trip for us (Feb 11, 12, 13, & 14) and staying in a studio at the BWV or BCV. Mainly I want to tour the other DVC resorts, eat at a few of their restaurants, stroll around and explore them, but I thought maybe a day at Epcot would be very enjoyable for us too. I also thought Jellyrolls might be fun for us to check out one evening.

We've never, ever spent a night away from our kids (7 & 3), and I'm thinking it's time for a little vacation for DH and I for some alone time. Then, next fall we want to take our kids too for our first family trip to WDW.

What do you think of this idea? Is it a good idea? Any romantic ideas you can give me? What about resort choice - is BWV or BCV a good choice for a couple, or is VWL or SSR better for romance and alone time?

Thanks for any advice you can give me.

 

[iluveeyore]

I think it's a great idea! For romance though, the VWL might be a better choice - DH and I love to curl up on a deck chair on the beach at night and watch the parade across the lake, then finish it off with the Wishes fireworks you can see at Magic Kingdom from the beach as well. DVC has a great quiet room to relax in at the Villas lobby as well - there are wooden rockers outside, or you can sit and relax inside by a big fireplace in leather rockers, curl up in the cushions on the window seat and read, or play chess or checkers at a wooden table, all with little or no people around.
Boardwalk is good for wandering with people in and out of shops and restaurants, but is easy to get to just to tour around.
OKW is our favourite though, because you have a much nicer patio or deck from your room, overlooking a quiet golf green or a pond with birds and ducks - very private and quiet. Lots of pathways to walk around as well.
Whichever you choose, the surprise is the best and most romantic part, especially with no kids!
Check out www.dvcfriends.com to tour each resort if you haven't already. Have a great time!

 

[KristinU]

Great idea! I surprised DH for his birthday in 1998 (he's a Halloween baby) and he still talks about it. I think you know your DH best as to how he'd take a surprise, but mine loved it. He said he missed the planning and anticipation, but in the whole scheme of things I'd for sure do it again.

As far as how to go about doing it - get as some assistance from trustworthy accomplices. I had arranged for his time off from work with his supervisor and had packed and put the suitcase in my mom's car (she picked us up and drove us to the airport). I also had to arrange for a friend to come and hand out candy for trick-or-treaters. I woke him up that morning a little early and had wrapped a pair of MNSSHP tickets, so I had him open them. It was fun watching him try to figure it all out and answer all of the "but...but...but...???" questions. Nobody had let a single thing slip, so he was totally stunned.

Fun stuff!!! Enjoy and keep us posted!!!

 

[ACDSNY]

Great idea! BWV would be a good choice. The Boardwalk has alot of places to choose from for restaurants. We had a BW View last July and watched the Epcot fireworks from our room. You can watch the Wishes Fireworks from the beach at the Poly too.

I personally like SSR since it's close to DTD.

Since you're a Disneyland vet you should check out Epcot and if you have time Animal Kingdom or MGM. Maybe go see a Cirque du Soliel show. You'll be amazed at how spreadout everything is at WDW, you don't get near as much accomplished in a day as at DLR. Make sure you book you ADRs early (dining ressies). Keep us posted on how it goes.

 

[LauraLea]

I agree should also spend at least a half day at AK and MGM. This way you will get a feel for those parks before you return with your children.

BWV is a great choice as well as attending Jellyrolls. Jellyrolls will definitely be out when you return with the children, unless you arrange for childcare.

Laura

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

Great idea to check out the resorts before you buy. I feel in love with the BW and bought sight unseen (I only saw it once when going from Epcot to MGM by the boat). I'm very happy that the BW is my home resort. Then addonitis hit and everyone raved about the BCV. However, I was patient and decided that my 1st trip home would include a stay at the BCV.

I absolutely loved the BW but didn't care for BCV. I felt very secluded compared to the BWV. However, that's the charm for some people. I like to be right in the action. I absolutely loved hanging out on the balcony and watching everything on the boardwalk and the boats coming in and out, etc. When I sat out on the balcony at the BC all I saw was the street and the back of the imagination pavillion. It was peaceful, but boring !!

Your home resort choice is very important, so its a good idea to tour each resort to see what fits your style. It may mean moving a few times during your stay, but pack light and do your research so you can enjoy the benefits of all your hard work for a long time!!

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Romance aside (you got my other post on that) if you have a particular resort you are planning to buy into, you should stay there. If you feel like DH needs a little convincing about buying then go to BWV. I Understand you're excitement... DW & I didn't have our first night away from children for 16 years. Hope your trip is the best.

 

[druidia]

If you a really planning to go at that time, I highly recommend that you book ASAP. That tends to be a very crowded time in Disney and Orlando in general...Valentine's Day, nearing President's Day weekend (19th), and SpeedWeek in Daytona (9th through the 18th) in preparation for the Daytona 500 (18th). We've been on both the weekend before and the weekend after and almost didn't get a hotel room. We had to stay offsite (gasp! swoon!).

Good luck with surprising your DH! He will love it!