This trip is going to be so different for us...any tips?

[igitur]

Since buying into DVC, we've vacationed there yearly, always staying in a 1 or 2 BR and always renting a car.

Well....this year will be quite different for us. In order to have a nice long holiday at WDW, we'll be staying in a studio at BCV from Dec. 21st to Jan. 2nd! Furthermore, we probably won't rent a car this time around because it'll end up costing us more than it's worth just for the added freedom.

So...4 in a studio (incl. dd age 10 and ds age 8) and no rental car freedom! My dh has his doubts about all of this but I look at it as an adventure! I think we can adapt to less space and limited transportation. Also, we're on an AP with DDE and probably DDP so all meals will be within. The fact we can walk into Epcot at anytime for a meal is a nice bonus in my eyes.

All that said, does anyone have any great tips they swear by when it comes to staying in a studio or when using public transportation that might make the trip more pleasurable and efficient?

Thanks....I always find great info. on these boards!

Deb

 

[LVSWL]

Ok, I'll bite. You will have a great pool at BCV! Hopefully the weather will cooperate during your long stay. That will make it fun, and give you and your kids something really fun to do. There is a laundry on the 4th floor (I think) of the BCV, so that will make up for not having the washer/dryer in your suite. If the weather is nice, hopefully they will still show movies on the beach in front of the villas in the evenings, that is fun to do. Definitely sign up for the Christmas tree on the DVC boards, even if you put on your table, or ask others where they put it in their studios. It will be a nice surprise for the kids and make it seem more like Christmas. You can also walk to MGM, it takes about 20 minutes, but to us it is better than waiting for the boat sometimes. Most days we also get off of the boat at the Swan anyway and walk on around just to save time. The kids always have fun playing arcade games next to Beaches and Cream, and also on the Boardwalk. It is also fun to go over and play golf in front of the Swan and Dolphin, I think you get a DVC discount. Have a great time-we will be at VWL.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

Wow.... I am finding myself starting over and over with this response.

First and foremost... mindset. Have you all talked it over? Does everyone understand the give and take of the new type of accomodations? I don't know how strong your DH's doubts are, but I think it most important that he project a positive outlook.

Maybe you could ask the kids if they would be willing to take their wet bathing suits, towels and other items to the laundry on their own and put them in the dryer and then pick them up later. Could be a nifty little way to let them venture out on their own and also take care of business (contributing).

At this time you might also want to let the kids have some independence (together). We did this with our kids at WDW at about this age. It is a good place to let them explore. It is a good way to offer some independence and still let them have each other as support. It can be very exciting for kids to explore independence. I guess what I am saying is if you trust your kids at this age, and if they say "mom... we're bored... can we just go walk around or go to the arcade. This may be the right time to let that happen.

Just some thoughts.... I think this will take some creative thinking.

Hope you have a wonderful trip.

 

[igitur]

Those are some great ideas DisDaydreamer, thanks!

We are finding the kids (especially dd)) is really looking for a bit more independence and I'm very cautious about giving it to her. But I think the grounds around BCV would be a good start for the two of them to do it together!

We actually did a one day stay in an AKV studio at the end of our trip last month (kind of a "test") and I thought it went rather well! I was surprised at how much room there was...I was expecting it to be smaller!

I think DH is just worried that we'll all get on each others' nerves in such closed quarters. I'm a bit more adventurous though and hopefully, my optimism will overcome

Thanks for your thoughts!

Deb