What would you do?

[3happydancers]

We are planning an Aug 2010 vacation to stay at AKV, our home. We have a few options and was hoping for input from my friends here on the board.

Option 1: 12 nights, in a SV studio

Option 2: 7 nights in a SV studio and 5 nights in a 1 BR standard -OR- 6 nights in a SV studio and 6 nights in a 1 BR standard (we have a few extra points to play with).

Option 3: 10 nights in a 1 BR standard (which of course, means no packing up to move midway through our vacation)

Background:

We have never stayed at AK and we are new DVC members. My original thought was if we did a split, we could experience a little of everything which would help us decide what we like better for our future trips. We do, however, give up the use of the washer/dryer and a full kitchen for a full week. On the other hand, we gain 2 extra days of Disney Fun!

We have an 11 yr. old DD, so packing up is not much of an issue when it comes to kids. (No diaper bags etc). As a matter of fact, she is a great helper.

My DDH thought it would just be nice if we did not have to move which does waste a bit of time. Also, we would have use of the washer/dryer for our full length of stay as well as the kitchen (but I don't like to cook on MY vacation. To me that is part of my vacation since I do all the cooking and we do not really go out to eat during the rest of the year.) We would, however, lose 2 extra days at Disney.

So, what would you do?

 

[DebbieB]

I'd do #2, try out both a studio and 1 bedroom (do the studio first), and also both views.

 

[RCharnay]

I agree with DebbieB. If you are new to DVC, it's great to get a taste of both sizes. Since you end up in the 1 bed, you'll have the washer/dryer, kitchen and wonderful extra space to give you an even more relaxing vacation. Moving within the same resort is not a big deal and you are there for long enough to make it worthwhile. I wouldn't suggest the move if you were there for less than a week.
Whatever you choose, I know you'll have a great time!

 

[CarolMN]

I'd do the 10 nights in a 1 bedroom, but I hate moving mid-vacation.

It's not like you aen't going to be coming back many, many times.

You are DVC members! Spoil yourselves.

Just settle in. Use the kitchen & eat a few meals in the room. Pack less clothing and use the washer. Soak in the jacuzzi a few evening.

 

[DiznyDi]

I'd choose to stay more days, so I'd do option 2 and go for 6/6.
DH and I do split stays on a fairly regular basis. You do lose about a half day during the transition, but we don't mind.
You'll have a great trip whatever you decide to do. Enjoy!

 

[3happydancers]

I'd do #2, try out both a studio and 1 bedroom (do the studio first), and also both views.

I agree with DebbieB. If you are new to DVC, it's great to get a taste of both sizes. Since you end up in the 1 bed, you'll have the washer/dryer, kitchen and wonderful extra space to give you an even more relaxing vacation. Moving within the same resort is not a big deal and you are there for long enough to make it worthwhile. I wouldn't suggest the move if you were there for less than a week.
Whatever you choose, I know you'll have a great time!

I'd do the 10 nights in a 1 bedroom, but I hate moving mid-vacation.

It's not like you aen't going to be coming back many, many times.

You are DVC members! Spoil yourselves.

Just settle in. Use the kitchen & eat a few meals in the room. Pack less clothing and use the washer. Soak in the jacuzzi a few evening.

I'd choose to stay more days, so I'd do option 2 and go for 6/6.
DH and I do split stays on a fairly regular basis. You do lose about a half day during the transition, but we don't mind.
You'll have a great trip whatever you decide to do. Enjoy!

Thanks everyone! I love to get feedback and different thoughts and ideas from others. We still haven't made a final decision but I think we are leaning toward the split stay this time just to get a feel for the different rooms and to enjoy the Sav. View.

 

[wildernessDad]

It's nice not having to move and it's nice to have savanna view.

 

[mecllap]

I would vote for Option 3 -- 10 nights in a 1 BR. I prefer a 10-12 day visit (I have a hard time understanding people who say they can do it all [or enough] in 6 nights).

In August, it is likely to be very hot and rather crowded -- having the extra space will be a wonderful break when you go back to the room. Even if you don't cook major meals, the full kitchen (refrigerator and cooktop) is really handy for quick meals, leftovers, etc. We did the Dining Plan on our SSR stay in June, and still used the kitchen a lot. And if you do cook some major meals, you might save enough money to stay a couple more nights somewhere else for a change. Having the in-room laundry is a huge benefit for my 3-person family also.

And my DGS can watch TV in the bedroom while his Mom or I are cooking, emailing, doing laundry, relaxing on the balcony, etc. and be out of our hair for awhile! Love him dearly, but sometimes a bit of a break is needed! Or one of us might need a little quiet time in the bedroom. (And seriously, for 10-12 days, wouldn't you rather be in a separate bedroom from DD at least occasionally? -- no response needed). The bed in the 1BR is a king, and in the studio only a queen (at SSR). The bathroom area is also larger (a lot larger, I think).

Second choice would be Option 2 -- it would be worth the time lost moving (which is actually several hours) to have the kitchen and laundry and extra space for as many days as you can work out.

oops -- forgot there's also the wrinkle about the view. Normally, I would go for the Sav view, but with that long a stay, you'll have lots of animal viewing time, so I might still go with the human creature comforts of Option 1, but the Sav view does make the case for Option 2 stronger.

 

[SimmerBaggins]

I would say that if it comes down to a main concern of moving within AKV, then that's really no problem. We did it in July; started in a 1 Bdrm Concierge SV (for only one day that was available), and then moved the next day to a regular 1 Bdrm SV in Jambo. We simply didn't unpack much, and then had the luggage sent with the bellhop in the morning until we came back for it in the evening to our new room! We actually made it to MK by 8:30 for a half-hour of magic.

AND -- next year, we are staying in Kadani Village for the first 4 days (1 Bdrm SV) to concierge 1 bdrm (SV is not guaranteed). We have never stayed for more than 7 days, so...10 days would be awesome for us.