what would you do??? please give your opinion!!

[Tink&PirateMama]

I just called MS and we are in the system- our points aren't in just yet. I'm expecting I'll be making our reservation in the next day or two... I asked her, just to check, what was available anyway, and she was so nice. At this time, treehouses are out (which was my first choice if I could get it- but knew it was a long shot), but there was a lot of other availability... I asked this before, but I really thought I woulnd't be able to get much- now it looks like I have a lot of options- which is great, but makes it tougher! I don't know what to decide!!

If you had to chose, and had only been to SSR (which the whole family loved), and the POLY (also a big hit)... and were doing a vow renewal and the halloween party and sea world/discovery cove on the trip... would you go with which of the following and why?? I don't know what I'm going to tell her. These are the top ones in our family. Everyone except me has a favorite, and I'm the one to chose. I'm stuck!

1. AKV- my DH's fav, but my kids are not animal fans and aren't as into it- they generally don't like zoos (odd, I know!). I still think they'd like it once there, if only for the pool... I could see them complaining though, especially on the LONG drive there... which is my hesitation. Otherwise, I think I'd do this, it's beautiful (from pictures) and good on points. Unsure about pictures there.
2. OKW - my DSs favorite- he wants that sandcastle pool. I like this one a lot, its great on points, and it's tropical which we're going for, and really easy access to everything (I'm a condo style person myself- like the close parking since we'll have our car)
3. BLT- no one's favorite, BUT, I know the kids would love being this close to MK. Although, it's not a big MK trip, but would be nice after the halloween party. Higher on points ofcourse. But just nice!
4. SSR - my daughters favorite by far (and she is quite vocal). The plus for this is I could get some nice vow renewal pictures, and that would be so nice as it's our home resort. I like that idea a lot. The downside is we wouldn't be trying anything new, and there is so much great to try. We will be going back in January though... so we can do that then...

What do you think? Thank you everyone! Sorry for being so indecisive about it!!

 

[Tink-n-Belle]

Welcome!!!

Since there is so much availability I would try to go to a resort you may not be able to get into in the future. I think people are still going to Disney, In fact they had to close the MK a few times last week due to the crowds, but I think people are not planning way ahead of time.

AKV with Kidani Village opening may be really nice and the pool looks really really nice. Plus it is usually very hot in Sept and you will be able to use the pool. (We booked BCV in Feb and didn't get to use the pool due to the weather.

If you want to take nice pictures for your vow renewal just visit the GF, BW, BC and/or SSR. All of these resorts have some great backgrounds for some beautiful pictures. Good luck!!

 

[spiceycat]

OKW - the rooms especially the 1 and 2 bedroom are alot bigger for less points.

that say if you had your heart set on THV - kept calling.

some members are canceling once they learn that the bus only goes to Spring bus stop then back to THV. You need a car for THV.

bcv might be gone already because of the food/wine festavial.

all that say - you might consider BLT - just because in a few years it will be probably as hard to get as BCV. although think you really have a few years - by 2012 - would expect to fill up fast (yes as big as it is)

 

[JimMIA]

I'd just echo what Pat said. Keep trying for THV if that's what you really want.

"Availability" is really meaningless until you call to actually book your ressie. What it was yesterday, or will be two weeks from now means absolutely nothing. The only thing that matters is whether what you want is available when you call.

You can always fall back on a "Plan B" or "Plan C."

 

[Anal Annie]

I know it wasn't one of the choices you listed but we loved VWL when we stayed there! SO peaceful. Tranquil setting. Short boat ride to MK... We like to resort hop and since you're torn about all the others why not just go for something completely different? Out of the ones that you DID list I would pick AKV 'cuz that's my fav. out of your list and love Boma too.

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Welcome!!!

Since there is so much availability I would try to go to a resort you may not be able to get into in the future.
AKV with Kidani Village opening may be really nice and the pool looks really really nice. Plus it is usually very hot in Sept and you will be able to use the pool. (We booked BCV in Feb and didn't get to use the pool due to the weather.

If you want to take nice pictures for your vow renewal just visit the GF, BW, BC and/or SSR. All of these resorts have some great backgrounds for some beautiful pictures. Good luck!!

These are all good points- thank you! I have wondered about this- although I think we will usually travel in Jan, not the busiest of times, traveling this time for the pool is definitely important! I don't expect we'll be down again for awhile when it is this hot! I wondered how easy it is to just go to other resorts for pictures? If it is easy, I suppose it doesn't matter as much where we stay?

OKW - the rooms especially the 1 and 2 bedroom are alot bigger for less points.

that say if you had your heart set on THV - kept calling.

all that say - you might consider BLT - just because in a few years it will be probably as hard to get as BCV. although think you really have a few years - by 2012 - would expect to fill up fast (yes as big as it is)

I'd just echo what Pat said. Keep trying for THV if that's what you really want.

Hmm... I suppose I could waitlist for THV, right? Yes, it is what we really want!

I know it wasn't one of the choices you listed but we loved VWL when we stayed there! SO peaceful. Tranquil setting. Short boat ride to MK... We like to resort hop and since you're torn about all the others why not just go for something completely different? Out of the ones that you DID list I would pick AKV 'cuz that's my fav. out of your list and love Boma too.

You know, I like VWL too- but I think for this trip it just doesn't fit at all. But it is a good point- just pick something that isn't one of the families favorites, because no one will be getting special treatment, LOL! Hmmm....

Ok, I STILL don't know what I'm going to do, except try harder for THV! I will sit down and make a 'plan b and c' this morning (keeping in mind pool and availability in the future) and I may just have to flip a coin as to what is what! Of all the problems and decisions in life, I have to say, this is a fantastic one to have

Thanks again- I'll post to this in a day or two when I've actually made the ressies!

 

[JimMIA]

Hmm... I suppose I could waitlist for THV, right? Yes, it is what we really want!

Don't be too surprised if you get THV when you call. Availability changes from minute to minute.

By the way, your points will probably be in your account today. Often the account is set up one day and the points go in the next. It's apparently a two-step process by different departments. So call back today and check.

Another thing to remember is that DVC is a long-term vacation strategy. I know this first trip is important for lots of reasons, but there will be lots of other trips for everyone to get exactly what they think they want...which will change the minute they get there!

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Cool! I'll be sure to call today and check!

And yep, I'll try to remind everyone we have another 45 years of vacations to get all of their needs met!

Thanks!

 

[vladimir10]

Well, I can think of 2 possibilities:

1 - BLT 'cause it's new!!!

2 - How about get family together, and maybe discuss the + and -, then have some kind of vote. Voting may be difficult, though, because with 4, may not work out right.

'Course, I haven't stayed under DVC yet, but I think any of them would be fun. I guess my first thought would be BLT, new and close to MK!!

Good Luck!!!

 

[mrudman]

I like the voting idea too... that way everyone gets some input, and after all is said and decided, nobody should feel left out.

Not sure how old your kids are (look kinda young in pictures), so not sure if they'd understand this voting method.. but thinking you could narrow it down to 4 resorts.. have everyone cast a private ballot ranking the resorts from 1 to 4, and whichever resort gets the highest points is the one you go with.

 

[Mtnman44]

OKW - big rooms, lower points. Quick boat ride to SSR and DTD.

 

[BostonDisneyKid]

IMHO, if you and your DH are renewing your wedding vows I would simply discuss it with him and the two of you should decide what the two of you would like most, as you will recollect upon this day/trip 5, 10, 25, 50 + years from now. Who cares what the kids want... It is "your day".

Me personally, I would probably choose the WLV (or the poly) for such an event/trip. But thats just me...

 

[brookelizabeth]

I would waitlist for THV and book OKW in your situation.

The rooms are big and it's easy on points, a boat ride to SSR for pics/to visit for DD, nice pool and something new.

 

[spiceycat]

Cool! I'll be sure to call today and check!

And yep, I'll try to remind everyone we have another 45 years of vacations to get all of their needs met!

Thanks!

well did you get THV or are you on the waiting list?

 

[GGOOFY1]

I think with your plans of doing alot off site I would go with OKW or SS. Our personal favorite is OKW, but it has been our "Home" for so long. My kids don't want to stay elsewhere!!!

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Wow- thanks for all the help everyone!

I was NOT able to book, I have been checking online but the points aren't in, and I just tried calling to see, and they also don't have them yet. So maybe tomorrow!

I'll let you know as soon as I've booked!!

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Ok, after all of us getting a chance to talk tonight, it was fairly quickly narrowed down to OKW and SSR. SSR because we love it, OKW because we think we'll love it, and it's tropical (and has fake dolphins even!)- but also very easy in and out with the car based on what we'll be doing for this trip. I think we have it in this order: 1. THV, 2. OKW, 3. SSR

You know what's funny... is we're talking about staying a couple nights at the Poly or GF, but I'm having a hard time with losing the space and the kitchen and the privacy!! I think in just one SSR trip, I've become completely spoiled!

So, one last question, where is the best place to book for OKW- I've read near hospitality house is good? Any other suggestions? I'm expecting I will be booking there tomorrow!

Thank you!!

 

[GGOOFY1]

Hopefully you can get the Hospitality House booking. I love the buildings 23-26. They are the first bus stop, which is an advantage when you come home at night after a long day in the parks. Of course there is no guarantee that you will get one of these buildings. You will then be close to the main pool. Good luck, you can't go wrong with any of the DVC's resorts. But we are partial towards OKW.

 

[JimMIA]

If you like SSR, you're going to LOVE OKW! SSR is obviously newer, but the landscaping and restful feeling at OKW more than make up for "new." And the room in OKW villas is amazing. No matter where else we stay, we always find ourselves missing the spacious OKW villas. In fact, much of what you expect at THV you will find at OKW.

Even though you are driving, I would ask for Hospitality House, and I agree with the 23-26 area (although you won't have a choice). It's nice to be able to walk to the pool, boats, restaurants, etc, even if you're not bussing. The only negative thing about the HH category is if you end up in 11-14, you're going to have parking problems during the day when people park there to visit the pool.

A lot of people talk about OKW/THV/SSR being remote (or at least they used to until AKV! ), but I find them to be very convenient if you have a car. We can drive anywhere in WDW in ten minutes from our villa in OKW/SSR; it might take longer than that for valet to bring your car up at one of the hotel resorts. And if you do bus anywhere, the OKW buses are probably the best at WDW.

 

[ead79]

I don't think I would suggest it for this trip since you're doing a vow renewal and would prefer a resort with lots of great spots for pictures, but I did want to chime in with one thought about AKV.

Back before the villas existed, I agreed to stay at AKL because my friend that was going with me is a huge animal lover. So I basically went to appease her and figured that since I'd be at Disney, how bad could it be? LOL!

Well, after that first stay, I was hooked! I'm not an animal person, but AKV is really such a unique experience that it's not like any other animal interaction I've ever experienced. The resort is so exotic, and the theme is so immersive. There really is something very cool about watching zebras and giraffes right outside your balcony. And keep in mind this is coming from someone who is not an "animal person."

So that's just my two cents to keep AKV in the running for future trips!