VWL Studio vs. WL standard room

[ptrbryant]

We'd loe to stay in a 1BR at VWL, but our budget may only allow for a studio. It will be DH, our 7 y.o. ds and myself. On our past trips, we've always stayed in a standrd room at WL...we ZLOVE the atmosphere at WL, so it was okay that the rooms weren't as spacious as I've heard they are at other deluxes. But, we don't want anything smaller! Is there a way to compare the sizes between a standard WL room and a VWL studio? Also, if you rent points, do you still get WDW privileges like free parking at the parks, etc.?
Thanks!
Karla B.

 

[jel0511]

The rooms at WL are 340 Sq ft and the studios at VWL are 376 sp ft, so the studios are slightly bigger. You will only have a queen bed, and a double pull out sofa, not two queens or the queen/bunk configuration. There is also a small dorm size refrigerator, toaster and microwave in the kitchenette area, which is very helpful for snacks and/or breakfast. When you stay at any WDW resort, regardless of DVC or not, you'll still receive the same perks, so parking at all WDW parks is free as is Early Entry, etc.

 

[d-r]

Sometimes there are some really good rates for regular rooms at the wilderness lodge - $109, 119, 129. You sould look at mousesavers.com and see if there are any rates available for your stay - sometimes there are rates that apply to anyone, not just AP holders or FL. Residents. If there is a rate that is like that, you should really compare the rate to renting points; if you are renting for $10 per point, it may turn out to be cheaper to use one of those code rates if it is available - especially if your stay includes a weekend. Be sure to check to compare it. For example there is right now an AP rate at wilderness lodge for $109 a night 10/2/03-11/24/03 and 11/28/03-12/26/03, so it might be worth getting an AP if your dates are available. That would be $763 plus tax for 7 nights, plus the difference in cost of the AP over whatever ticket you were going to buy. It would be 106 points for a week, or $1060 if you rented at $10 per point, during that time, no tax. In the regular room you would have two beds and maid service, in the dvc studio you would have the fridge and microwave. You should look carefully at the days that you are going and make a comparison - if you are only going weekdays it will probably come out ahead to rent the points.

 

[ptrbryant]

Thanks for all the information! On our last two trips, we DID get great room rates at WL ($109/nt.), but it looks like the room only discounts may be a thing of the past--unless you're a FL resident or AP holder. We don't spend enough time at WDW to make the AP option worth it for us. SO, my plan was to rent points for Sun. - Thurs. and perhaps stay off-site for the weekend nights. This is the first trip we're going to try to take in SeaWorld and maybe Universal, too, so the UPHP on the WDW packages isn't for us, either.
Thanks again!
Karla B.

 

[jaysue]

Your logic is sound - the VWL studios can be closer to the bus stop side of WL but are always further from the boat launch - so that may be a factor

You can always pay extra for daily maid service if that is a requirement

The red roof part od the resort is the VWL

http://disneypix.com/2000ft/Roll3/Roll03_006.htm

Thanks
jaysue

 

[InstImpres]

Originally posted by ptrbryant
unless you're a FL resident or AP holder. We don't spend enough time at WDW to make the AP option worth it for us. SO, my plan was to rent points for Sun. - Thurs. and perhaps stay off-site for the weekend nights. .

Depending on your situation you may want to buy an AP for the 7 yo. Only one person in the party needs the AP and it may make it so you don't have to move. You do not have to have a currently active AP to check on and book AP rates. Just a thought

Good luck
Sandy