WDW: Where to stay? 4 adults, 3 kids. Confused!

[disorgan]

I'm a confused newbie... Been to Disneyland a ton of times and appreciated staying at the Grand Californian for the easy access and the pool.

Looking to go to WDW in Feb 2015.

- Grandparents - Late 60s to early 70s.
- Parents (us) - mid 30s
- Kids - 7, 6, 6


Looking for:
* Hotel that is closest (or easiest access) to Magical Kingdom and Epcot.
* Good pool
* 2 adjoining rooms or a 2 bedroom suite?
* Kitchen?

A few people recommended Grand Floridian or Beach Club villas?

I was looking into DVC request site to keep costs down.

Thanks sooooo much!

-confused dad.

 

[letsgoreds]

We are huge fans of renting points (we rent direct from DVC owners) and staying at 2BR (dedicated, not lock-off) at BLT. The grandparents get the master BR, we share the 2Q with the kids, or throw them out in the family room (full fold out and single fold out). The third bathroom is also great. We LOVE having the room to hang out/chill, shop at Publix to pick up breakfast food/snacks/light meal (sandwhiches).

GF would also be awesome (looks beautiful), but we really enjoy waking to/fro MK. So easy! VERY hard to get, so book early, early, early.

 

[wdwgoofydaddy]

I would strongly recommend staying at Bay Lake Tower which is the DVC part of the Contemporary Resort. It is a 5-7 minute walk from the front entrance to MK. I've stayed there over 3 times and love the ability to walk to MK. No monorail required but available via the Contemporary resort.

The Grand Floridian is good too but a bit further from MK thus a monorail ride is required. The Beach Club is good but again farther from MK but they have a much better pool.

Hope this helps

 

[mmbl]

We are huge fans of renting points (we rent direct from DVC owners) and staying at 2BR (dedicated, not lock-off) at BLT. The grandparents get the master BR, we share the 2Q with the kids, or throw them out in the family room (full fold out and single fold out). The third bathroom is also great. We LOVE having the room to hang out/chill, shop at Publix to pick up breakfast food/snacks/light meal (sandwhiches). GF would also be awesome (looks beautiful), but we really enjoy waking to/fro MK. So easy! VERY hard to get, so book early, early, early.

We use David's (SVC), how do you rent directly from owners if you don't mind sharing. Thanks.

 

[disorgan]

I would strongly recommend staying at Bay Lake Tower which is the DVC part of the Contemporary Resort. It is a 5-7 minute walk from the front entrance to MK. I've stayed there over 3 times and love the ability to walk to MK. No monorail required but available via the Contemporary resort.

Awesome. That sounds perfect as I know the kids are going to want to duck out and play in the pool!

Thanks!

 

[wdwgoofydaddy]

Hi Maria,
That is a very good question. I'm actually on the other end. I own a number of points for Animal Kingdom and the Grand Floridian and cannot use all my point allotment for 2014 and looking to rent out my point. I don't want to got through a broker so I'm looking to better understand what the process would be as an owner to rent out points directly.

I need to figure out how to rent over 200 point in 2014/2015

I've asked the question on the DVC boards and will report back if I get any responses.

 

[mrsp1030]

We always rent point as well. We've rented via David's and owners and I would try all 3 of the MK area resorts with current DVC. VGF, BLT, and Wilderness Lodge. I think all 3 offer a wonderful mix of good restaurants, pools, etc.

 

[mmbl]

Hi Maria, That is a very good question. I'm actually on the other end. I own a number of points for Animal Kingdom and the Grand Floridian and cannot use all my point allotment for 2014 and looking to rent out my point. I don't want to got through a broker so I'm looking to better understand what the process would be as an owner to rent out points directly. I need to figure out how to rent over 200 point in 2014/2015 I've asked the question on the DVC boards and will report back if I get any responses.

Please message me on your specifics. We are thinking about doing the Wine and Dine 1/2 marathon in November and would live to be able stay at the GFV. I think the way it works is that you book using your points, under the renter's name,,address, phone and the renter pays you directly whatever the agreed per point price. I have seen that some private/individual owners use PayPal so that credit cards can be used and renters are protected. Anyway, maybe we can figure this out!

 

[wdwgoofydaddy]

Please message me on your specifics. We are thinking about doing the Wine and Dine 1/2 marathon in November and would live to be able stay at the GFV. I think the way it works is that you book using your points, under the renter's name,,address, phone and the renter pays you directly whatever the agreed per point price. I have seen that some private/individual owners use PayPal so that credit cards can be used and renters are protected. Anyway, maybe we can figure this out!

PM just sent

 

[speniner]

Given all of your requirements, I would vote a 2BR villa at the Beach Club. It is REALLY convenient to Epcot, has 2BR with a full kitchen, and in my opinion the best pool on property. The sand bottom plus the water slide are huge hits with the kids. Also, and I know not on your list, given that you will have sitters staying with you, you may appreciate the Boardwalk being really close.

 

[disorgan]

Thanks! I'll look into Beach Club

I think I may have to split my stay at BLT and BCV ... not enough DVC points at either rental company.

Given all of your requirements, I would vote a 2BR villa at the Beach Club. It is REALLY convenient to Epcot, has 2BR with a full kitchen, and in my opinion the best pool on property. The sand bottom plus the water slide are huge hits with the kids. Also, and I know not on your list, given that you will have sitters staying with you, you may appreciate the Boardwalk being really close.