The Best Place to Stay

[laplbl@aol.com]

My family and I are getting the opportunity from a family friend to use their DVC. We all like Animal Kingdom Lodge, Old Key West and Bay Lake Towers. Which one do you think is the best place to stay?

Thanks for the help!!!

 

[Havana]

That is wonderful, and you will have a very nice stay at any of the locations!
Deciding on the best place to stay involves asking yourself what do you want out of this trip. What parks are you focusing on? Will you have a car? Is there currently availability at the resorts of your choice?

 

[laplbl@aol.com]

We go to all parks, and we would not have a car, we use the Magical Express into WDW.

 

[BEASLYBOO]

Well the best place to stay is subjective to ones tastes!

I love OKW, it's my favorite resort. I love the room (bigger than most resorts), I love the lush landscaping, the main pool area, and the tropical feel of it! Some people complain about it's lack of Disney theming and the way the resort is spread out, both which I prefer. CLose to Epcot & TL.

However, sometimes, usually when we bring someone new to Disney it is pretty cool to stay at AK and get a savanah view. The animals feeding just below your villa is pretty spectacular. Jambo rather than Kidani has a more impressive lobby and its where Boma and Jiko are located. Close to AK.

With that said, BLT though ultra modern in design (not my favorite) does have a view (if you can get it) of the fireworks at MK which would be worth doing! Personally, not a big fan of highrise buildings! CLose to MK.

I guess for you it depends on what theme and what type of accomodations you and your family might want and the amount of points your friends are willing/able to let you have. You don't need a car, the buses, boats etc. work at all of them!

Good luck with your decision!

 

[rlovew]

The best place to stay may also depend on where the owner owns and when you want to go. If you want to go in December I would suggest planning on the home resort of the owner and then possibly asking them to try and switch you at 7 months (this only works if you can have them call within the home resort priority). Of course at this point the first 2 weeks of December this year are already fairly booked up and your best choice is anywhere with availabilty.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

You won't go wrong with any of your choices.

Each resort has its own pluses and minuses and work for different people.

I would go with the location that affords you the largest accomodation / stay for the points your getting from your friend.

We've stayed in a 1BR and a Studio so far. While the point savings is great by staying in a studio we really like the 1BR units more.

To each their own.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The best place to stay is the place that has availability for your dates. When do you plan to go?

 

[laplbl@aol.com]

We plan on going January 5-12.

 

[Deb & Bill]

That's Disney Marathon time. Might be hard, might not be.

 

[drusba]

If you want Jan 5 to 12, your friend better be calling for availability immediately if not sooner. A number of things likely are already gone (I actually called two days ago for time that included five of the days you mention and there was nothing for all nights except for SSR although I was calling for a 2BR)

 

[laplbl@aol.com]

how busy is that time normally?

 

[drusba]

It is not a big crowd time for the parks; the issue you have is that DVC resorts tend to fill for any time of year. Members can book 11 months out at home resort and 7 at others. Once you get beyond that 7 month window, which you are by about 2 weeks, there can be little if anything left to get.

 

[DE_Chris]

It depends. We have been members since 1997. We usally stay at OKW (our home resort) or Boardwalk (so we can walk to Epcot or HS). We love the extra space at OKW but also the convenience of Boardwalk. That being said, we are planning on AKV for our next trip.

Chris from DE

 

[hakepb]

I've heard January (except NYD and MLK) was a slower DVC time. Based on reports the last year or so, It sounded like the marathon weekend has become a busy time, too.

I think there are a number of DVC'ers that look for any excuse/event to visit, and I guess a marathon is a good excuse

 

[drusba]

I think there are a number of DVC'ers that look for any excuse/event to visit, and I guess a marathon is a good excuse

It is like drinking to an alcholic who will tell you he only does it on special occassions. Like when the sun comes up, when the sun goes down ....

 

[hakepb]

It is like drinking to an alcholic who will tell you he only does it on special occassions. Like when the sun comes up, when the sun goes down ....

Cute, but I was aiming for a little more endearing like a recreational pilot that owns a little plane is always looking for an excuse to fly.

 

[laplbl@aol.com]

So you don't think we will be able to get a room? We would like a 1Br. Is there not a lot of these rooms, so it fills up quickly?

 

[Deb & Bill]

So you don't think we will be able to get a room? We would like a 1Br. Is there not a lot of these rooms, so it fills up quickly?

The only way you will know is for your friend to call Member Services.

 

[bonnielynn]

You would have to call to see what is available. Usually there is no problem getting into Saratoga Springs because it is so big. While its closer to dtd..

I think you should figure out what is available and then do some research on what best fits your needs.

Whatever you decide. Enjoy!!