Trying to decide on a Home Away From Home resort...

[BeccaGrace]

To make my decision of choosing a resort even more difficult, I just did some math and realized the possible savings of renting DVC points and getting a studio at a Home Away From Home resort...but can't decided which ones might be right for my family (or whether I am totally off the mark and should just stick with the Wilderness Lodge)...

It's going to be me, my Disney-phobe dh, our dd-4 and dd-2 and my mom...

We aren't extraordinarily picky in terms of decor, etc....my main concerns are convenient transportation, not too loud and good restaurant choices. I liked the reviews I read of Saratoga Springs and the convenience of DTD (since that seems to cause the most transportation headaches) but aren't sure if the Villas at WL or one of the Epcot resorts might make more sense with their park location.

Can anybody give some insights on the various Home Away From Home resoirts and which studio might be right for my family? Thanks for any help!

 

[Kevin&Randall]

I would recommend one of the smaller DVC Resorts -- either Beach Club Villas or Wilderness Lodge. If that doesn't pan out, then BoardWalk. While I prefer Old Key West (or the new Saratoga) because of the separate buildings and spread out property, I don't have young kids along and I always have a car available.

BCV or BoardWalk are within walking distance of Epcot and boat ride to Studios. Wilderness Lodge is boat to MK and bus elsewhere.

There are plenty of food choices nearby and because they are smaller may be a quieter just because there are less people. At OKW or SSR, the food options aren't as numerous.

Hope this helps you out.

Randall

 

[jjohnson]

I think a studio would be kinda small for 5 people. Aren't they about 350 sq. ft? That's just a little bigger than a room at CBR.

 

[karebear1]

I would suggest Beach Club Villas or Boardwalk Villas if you are gonna choose a DVC resort. These 2 resorts will put you close to evening entertainnment on the Boardwalk- and are incredibly wonderful resorts. All views ar enice. The atmosphere just can't be beat IMHO. The pool at BC is fantastic and you and your kids will love it. Also room doors are accessible through a hallway- not open to the outside like SSR and OKW are. If you rent enough points for a 1 bedroom, you will actually have 2 rooms- a big master bedroom with a king sized bed, and a jaccuzi tub. You'll also have a living room area and fully stocked kitchen. It would be roomier and more convienent for all- especially with kids going to be early and getting up early. The living room has a sofa that pulls out into a queen sized bed. They are pretty comfortable - my mom has slept on them several times and she has bad back problems. I always ask her if she's comfortable and she says these beds are very comfortable- otherwise we would definetly change with her so she could be in the better bed. The only downside to BCV's that I can think of is the restaurants are few. They have them- but there are only a couple. BUT - you can walk over to the Bardwalk where there are several to choose from... of course- if you're in a 1 bedroom- you could make some of those meals and save some bucks that way too!

 

[franw]

I agonized over this myself when I bought a DVC membership for my son and his family. I ended up buying 300 points at the Beach Club and they absolutely love it. They used the points at the WL once and another time at the BW but without a doubt the BCV is their true "home away from home."

The kids love the pool and beach area there. The whole family loves the atmosphere of the BC and the setting on the Boardwalk and access to both Epcot and MGM is terrific. They usually just drive over the the MK and AK instead of using bus service as they have three little guys, 1, 3 and 5.

Of course, you can always use the points at another resort but I asked my dil if she wanted to try Sarasota Springs next time and they insisted that there was no place like home which for them is the Beach Club!

Something also to consider is the time of year you want to visit and how that ties in with the way your membership period starts. Try out the DVC discussion forum and get some more feedback there. Those folks know the system, pros and cons, like you wouldn't believe. They nursed me through my agonizing. Good luck.

 

[vettechick99]

You will hate life in a BCV studio. My DH and I stayed there in October and a studio was almost too small for just us! I don't know if all rooms are like this, but there was just one queen bed and a pull out sofa, so not a lot of room.

I think OKWs studios are pretty comfy, but maybe you can pose this question on the DVC board. They have great information over there. You could also look at the room layouts and pictures on AllEars.

 

[webray]

If it is going to be three adults and two kids in a studio..where are you all going to sleep. Studios only sleep 4 people. You would need a one bedroom to sleep 5. Also..either you/hubby or MIL/kids would be on the sofa bed. Nice, but not overly comfy for any length of time.

 

[beattyfamily]

I LOVE BWV & BCV (for MGM/Epcot access) and even WLV (for MK access). You can't go wrong with any of those 3.

If I were you, I'd see if I could swing renting enough points for a one-bedroom! It's SO worth it for the added space. It's like a one-bedroom apartment with a full kitchen, whirlpool, washer and dryer, two balcony's and a one-bedroom with a king size bed and then a sofa bed in the living room.

Can't be beat for comfort!

 

[BeccaGrace]

My thought on doing a studio was that it was comparable to a standard room at one of the deluxes except substituting the sofa bed for the other queen bed...Our original plan was a standard room at WL and just thought a studio would be comparable to that in terms of size. DD-2 does not count towards the headcount for the room since she is under 3 but yes, she would likely sleep with us rather than in the portacrib since she is in a bed at home. The plan is that dh & I and my mom alternate which kid we sleep with (since they both want a chance to sleep with each of us!)...We've done this before and haven't ever had a problem with it. The only benefit I see to the 1-bedroom is in putting the girls to bed or nap without distraction but we wouldn't be able to put them both down in the bedroom anyway since they tend to keep each other awake. Luckily they tend to tire themselves out on vacation (don't we all!) and fall asleep rather easily despite the excitement. With the other amenities, we wouldn't use the full kitchen since we won't have a car and probably wouldn't feel like eating in with all the cool dining options around. The jacuzzi tub would be nice but at that point I don't know that I can justify the extra expense for that perk. The space does sound tempting but I was thinking of renting points as a way to save money, not spend more!!! DH is gonna kill me with all the options I've been raising--you guys have given me lots to think about!!!!

 

[vettechick99]

My thought on doing a studio was that it was comparable to a standard room at one of the deluxes except substituting the sofa bed for the other queen bed...

I don't know the square footage, but DH and I agreed that the room we had at POFQ was much roomier than the studio at the BCV. I mean we did get a kitchenette, but overall it was smaller, theres just the one bed and the bathroom is teeny tiny. Just one sink I believe. Not to mention little closet space!

I'd look up the sq footages and compare the differences. Do you know if the WLV has two queens in their studios? That might be a good option if they do!

If you are looking to save money and want everyone in the same room, consider going with a moderate. At least there are two beds and the rooms are roomie!

 

[jpeltier]

Fort Wilderness all the way! This place is 500 + sq.ft.. It has a private master bedroom with double beds and bunk beds if needed. It has a murphy bed in the living room section,a full kitchen,good transportation including a water ferry to the MK.We feel that it is one of the best kept secrets at WDW. Each cabin is independent - so nobody running in the halls.The rack rate is 274.00in the regular season.It would cost $$$$$ to get a suite this size at one of the other hotels.

 

[Miffy2003]

Maybe it's because I'm from the UK and we are "used" to smaller hotel accommodations, but I thought the studios were massive!! Certainly big enough for me, DH & 2 DDs.

The snag I think with the 1 bedrooms (and this is just me!) is that I could not bear to give my DDs the lovely big bedroom me & DH would have to have that! So we'd be "shut out" of the living room area (and balcony) once the girls had gone to bed. For me, I'd rather use half the points and visit for longer.

 

[karebear1]

If you are concerned about room size though- by all means go to OKW! This resort is not within walking distance to any of the parks, but the rooms are very big- and a studio there would be plenty big for all of you. PLUS- OKW has 2 queen beds in all studios, and they cost less points to rent so you're overall cost would be less. I have stayed at OKW and think it is a lovely resort. Don't forget that the studios do have a little refrigerator and a microwave for you to use AND while there isn't a washer/dryer in your studio room, there is one in the resort for you to use free of change if you are a DVC member. Just try to request a room close to the Hospitality house and you'll be very happy!

 

[Cmbar]

I just wanted to tell you that we stayed at BWV this past Feb. (We too rented for the value of it, transaction went great and we had to rent three rooms!) We were a family of four. I found the room just perfect. But we got a studio that had the extra bench. They used to call it a studio plus, but when I asked the lady for that she said they don't have those. But when we checked into our room it was indeed a studio plus with the extra bench. My five year old slept very nicely on it. We called down for a gate to put on it and one for the sofa bed and they came within minutes with those and extra bedding for them. I would love to tell you to go ahead and book a studio and request one of these rooms. (they were perfect because they had a pretty good view of the board walk and close to the elevator. We actually had three right in a row so I could give you the room numbers and you can request them. It won't be guranteed though so I would hate for you to get there and be dissappointed. But let me know if you would like that information.

I will say this.IMHO : BWV is worth any uncomfortableness in the sleeping. (by the way you could bring one of those aero beds or I have seen them for the little princesses that are basically blow up beds. There is room for that.)

My Dh have been many times and this was our first DVC stay and he said we will do that every time. The location is well worth the creative thinking you will have to do with sleeping arrangements. I say if you were fitting five in a standard at one of the moderates than it iwould be a no brainer for me. Go DVC. The studio is definitely bigger than our room at PORFQ (we did a split stay so we were able to compare directly) Also the kitchenette was helpful for us because we ate breakfast in the rooms every monring and saved even more money! The transportation issue is great. We only had to take the bus to AK and MK although we never really did MK since we walked into Epcot (about a 5-8 minute walk) and then saw a few things there and hopped the monorail to MK. So really only bus we took was AK.

Sorry I am rambling. Just want you to know that if it doesn't bother you to put 5 in a room, the studio is great.

 

[BeccaGrace]

Thanks everyone for replying...

Cmbar--thank you most of all...I got so upset after reading some of the anti-studio posts that I started thinking about staying off-site at a more affordable suite-type arrangement. But what you wrote really sounds like our style of doing things...and made so much sense to me. I think I might be taking your advice--of course the way my mind changes every week about this vacation that isn't written in stone!!!--if you could let me know the room numbers you had I would certainly appreciate it, might as well try and hope we have some pixie dust in our favor!!!
Thanks again...I love hearing everyone's thoughts on all the different options!

 

[lisareniff]

I don't know what the price difference you are looking at, but if it were me, I wouldn't go with a DVC studio on rented points unless it was large (what ever large means to you!). The vast majority of rental agreements go off with out a hitch but, the rental agreement has a lot of trust involved that the renter will not cancel your ressie at the last minute and keep your money. Also, the ability to change or cancel your reservation is limited or non-existent, with a hotel room you can cancel days before with out penalty. With a hotel room you get 2 queens versus 1 queen and a full sized pull out(except OKW). I just don't see the benefit for the worry.

Now, if you were going to rent a 1bedroom, this upgrade in accommodations would warrant the risk of the rental. I think you would LOVE the 1 bedroom. Having the washer and dryer was wonderful. We were eable to pack 1/2 the clothes and could just pop in a load as we were ready to go to dinner. The kitchen of course was very nice. We eat quick, healthy, low cost breakfasts, snacks and even a couple lunches or dinners. It is so nice to be able to feed the little ones when they get up. The multiple rooms are nice just to be able to spread out and get away from each other. My girls like the big tub to take a bath together. With the 1bedroom you get a king and a Queen sized pull out. Have I convinced you now? ... but there is the price issue....

Now you were really asking where... this is just my opinon, location tops the list...
First choice VWL - It is convient to MK, probably the park you would want to visit the most, but it doesn't have a quiet table service. (if you have a 1bdrm this is not as important.)

Second choice BCV or BWV - Convient to EPCOT and MGM and lots of restaurants with in walking distance.

HTH

 

[Cmbar]

BeccaGrace. I sent you a PM with the info and also a link to where you can see the "bench".

Lisa, I agree the one bedroom is nice, but I think for everyone it is different things that make the trip relaxing. Not waiting for the bus is HUGE on our list, so the BWV or BCV are the perfect place to go, plus if I have a "nap" child then I really want quick transportation back to the hotel.

We happen to go to Disney during the "Choice and Adventure" times for DVC and generally do not go over weekends since they are expensive and crowded, so it can actually be less expensive to go to a DVC resort than a moderate. But even if I did have to pay $10-50 more a night, the location relieves stress for me. We could never even dream of staying at those resorts on cash, so for us it is a great choice. Have rented for myself, family and friends over four different times with different renters, and the whole process was a breeze. I didn't worry a bit and the trip was all paid for in advance. The only dissadvantage is if you have to cancel last minute due to illness or tragedy. Usually the renters will work with you in rescheduling as long as they don't actually lose the points due to when their points expire. I believe within 30 days they have to use the points by the end of their use year. It would depend on your renter I guess.

All in all I love the option!

 

[lisareniff]

Lisa, I agree the one bedroom is nice, but I think for everyone it is different things that make the trip relaxing. Not waiting for the bus is HUGE on our list, so the BWV or BCV are the perfect place to go, plus if I have a "nap" child then I really want quick transportation back to the hotel.

Yes... but if you can have BOTH!! (1bdrm & location) Again there is the money issue!

We happen to go to Disney during the "Choice and Adventure" times for DVC and generally do not go over weekends since they are expensive and crowded, so it can actually be less expensive to go to a DVC resort than a moderate. But even if I did have to pay $10-50 more a night, the location relieves stress for me. We could never even dream of staying at those resorts on cash, so for us it is a great choice. Have rented for myself, family and friends over four different times with different renters, and the whole process was a breeze. I didn't worry a bit and the trip was all paid for in advance. The only dissadvantage is if you have to cancel last minute due to illness or tragedy. Usually the renters will work with you in rescheduling as long as they don't actually lose the points due to when their points expire. I believe within 30 days they have to use the points by the end of their use year. It would depend on your renter I guess.

I am a DVC owner for 2 yrs now and am in the process of renting to another family that contacted me though the Dis rent/trade board. I just wanted to make sure the OP was aware of the down side. 1- the loss of flexibility with changes and cancelations. 2- the possibility of a bad apple in with a whole bunch of good renters (I have seen threads). The owner has complete control over the reservation.


BeccaGrace, I didn't intend to be a downer, maybe the price difference is large enough (I don't know the details) and you don't mind the loss of flexability or the risk (it is small). In that case ...go for it. We love BCV! Haven't been to VWL or BWV yet but they look great from our visits!