What DVC Studio to stay in? Family of 4, 2 Toddlers

[MrsH42608]

Hi all we will be booking our DVC resort for a 4 night stay for this September very soon. We are planning to stay in a studio to keep points rental low. However I'm very torn about where to try and stay. Please help with any suggestions. We will likely spend our time in mK. Kids are 3 years old and 5 months old. We had been thinking of BLT but I'm hearing the studios maybe too small and unavailable at the 7 month window. Thoughts? Important to is are kid friendly, descent pools and comfortable accommodations. Thanks!

We just stayed at OKW with our 2yr old twins this past Dec, and while we did love it I will NOT be going back there until we don't have tired children and strollers to lug up the stairs. There also isn't the best children's water play or pool areas. They loved the pools but BLT & Kidani were much more toddler friendly. We're gonna head back to Kidani this fall just for the water stuff for the boys. Our little guys were 18months when we stayed at BLT and that location was priceless! If you can get in there that would be my first choice. Good luck!

 

[ilovedisney104]

What does everyone think about 4 adults in a studio room at BLT? Too cramped or okay? I'm a little concerned from what people are saying. We've never stayed there but are really excited about the thought.

 

[dunnhorn]

Simply put - either BLT or BCV.

I would go for BCV first. The sandy pool area is absolutely awesome for toddlers. But - you probably won't be able to get BCV in late Sept bc of F&W

Therefore, I would say BLT.

Monorail, boat, access to multiple pools, ease of access to snack bar. And did I mention the monorail?

We've been taking our kids to Disney since they were 3 months old - you will love being so close to the MK.

 

[Deb & Bill]

What does everyone think about 4 adults in a studio room at BLT? Too cramped or okay? I'm a little concerned from what people are saying. We've never stayed there but are really excited about the thought.

Not a good idea at all. The BLT studio is the smallest studio except for the AKV value studio. But the problem is that most of the space is in the entryway, the bathroom and the kitchenette. So there is almost no space in the living room. And when the sleeper sofa is opened up, it is nearly impossible to get around the space. There is only a few inches between the bed and the sleeper sofa, none between the sleeper sofa and the window and only a few inches between the wall and the bed. If you look at pictures of the room, there isn't a bedside stand on the side of the bed because there isn't room for it. The clock and phone are on the curve of the headboard.

And then there isn't much space for your luggage.

A night or two you might be okay. But any more than that and you will hate the other guests by the time you leave.

With four adults you really need two studios at BLT.

 

[ilovedisney104]

Not a good idea at all. The BLT studio is the smallest studio except for the AKV value studio. But the problem is that most of the space is in the entryway, the bathroom and the kitchenette. So there is almost no space in the living room. And when the sleeper sofa is opened up, it is nearly impossible to get around the space. There is only a few inches between the bed and the sleeper sofa, none between the sleeper sofa and the window and only a few inches between the wall and the bed. If you look at pictures of the room, there isn't a bedside stand on the side of the bed because there isn't room for it. The clock and phone are on the curve of the headboard. And then there isn't much space for your luggage. A night or two you might be okay. But any more than that and you will hate the other guests by the time you leave. With four adults you really need two studios at BLT.

Thanks for your input.. I appreciate it. That's what I was worried about. We are just trying to save money by renting DVC points and it seemed like a money saving option. Do you think 4 adults would be more comfortable in a Grand Floridian studio? Thanks so much!

 

[Deb & Bill]

Thanks for your input.. I appreciate it. That's what I was worried about. We are just trying to save money by renting DVC points and it seemed like a money saving option. Do you think 4 adults would be more comfortable in a Grand Floridian studio? Thanks so much!

Not really. I don't think any studio is good for four adults. And besides the points needed for a GFV studio would almost get you a one bedroom villa at OKW.

 

[dunnhorn]

Thanks for your input.. I appreciate it. That's what I was worried about. We are just trying to save money by renting DVC points and it seemed like a money saving option. Do you think 4 adults would be more comfortable in a Grand Floridian studio? Thanks so much!

If you are trying to save money, get a studio at OKW near the hospitality house. It's the "cheapest" studio point-wise and you are walking distance to all of the amenities. Also, OKW is the only studio that has two queen beds and not one pull out sofa (so it is more comfy for adults.)

By contrast VGF studios are 1/3 more points. Also, they can be very difficult to secure.

Generally speaking, the until VGF, the rooms started OK and got smaller. OKW will have the largest studio (until GF) and the next one built was BWV, so you might consider there...

But all things considered, my vote would be OKW near Ho house.

HTH

 

[ilovedisney104]

Not really. I don't think any studio is good for four adults. And besides the points needed for a GFV studio would almost get you a one bedroom villa at OKW.

Okay. How do the studios compare to moderate resorts in your opinion? In regards to room size, not amenities.

 

[dunnhorn]

Okay. How do the studios compare to moderate resorts in your opinion? In regards to room size, not amenities.

The size of the moderate room is probably 1/4 larger. It is noticeably larger than a studio. However, many of the moderates have two double beds, so that would be a bigger issue. Someone told me the other day that the rooms at Coronado have two queen beds (and not double.) I just don't like Coronado - the only moderate I really like is POFQ and I know those have doubles.

My recommendation FWIW is to do the OKW studio near hospitality house. Two queen beds, not a queen and a pullout double. Here is a pic (top left.) It will be the largest studio on property behind Grand Floridian (which would be MANY more points.) And in being near the hospitality house, 1 or 2 of the adults can saunter over easily and get coffee while the other 2 are getting ready.

https://www.google.com/search?q=siz...*******.com%2Fold-key-west-review%2F;1024;678

How much time are you looking to be in the room anyways?

 

[DebbieB]

All the moderates have queens now except CBR and they are in the process of renovating.

 

[pepe3penelope]

Wow! Thanks for posting the square footage chart! So helpful!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The size of the moderate room is probably 1/4 larger. It is noticeably larger than a studio. ...

I'm not sure where you are getting your room sizes.

Moderates range from 300-314 sf in size. Studios range from around 316 (AKV Value studio) and 339 (BLT) to 390 (OKW). So even the smallest studio is larger than the largest moderate room. Bathrooms in moderates are very small, smaller than the studios.

The problem with BLT is that most of the space is in the entryway, the bathroom and the kitchenette, leaving a lot less for the sleeping/living area.

You can find all the sf for the villas in the DVC resource thread at the top of each of the DVC Boards. Excellent thread with every little detail you need.

 

[lemondog]

OP - don't be so sure you won't be able to book BLT at 7 months out. We just booked a BLT studio today for this coming September -- could not get standard or park view, but we did snag lake view. It is just me, my husband and our 2yo. As far as I am concerned, walking distance to MK makes up for the room being small...and then some!