What's the best DVC resort to stay at with kids?

[WillowRain]

Thanks for the input about Stormalong. You guys are right, no reason to book there based on that alone. We are getting the park hopper and more and we do plan to spend at least 1 day doing the water parks. How bad is the travel time from the AK to MK? There are so many interesting hotel choices for different reasons. Yes, would LOVE to see the animals from the hotel. Would also LOVE to be able to enter by boat through Epcot at the resorts near there. I didn't even know that was a thing!! Would also LOVE to use the Monorail. Why is this choice so difficult!

My sister doesn't seem to be able to come with on the dates I would like to go. I am going by the maps at WDW Prep, and choosing the green light dates. She has college, and only wants to go in the summer. Next summer. I just don't know if I can wait that long. I have been itching to go for a long time, and who knows what will happen to the economy this year. So, I guess it doesn't matter if we stay in a smaller room without her. They all have a mini fridge at least right? Microwave?

 

[GoofyDisneyDaddy]

Thanks for the input about Stormalong. You guys are right, no reason to book there based on that alone. We are getting the park hopper and more and we do plan to spend at least 1 day doing the water parks. How bad is the travel time from the AK to MK? There are so many interesting hotel choices for different reasons. Yes, would LOVE to see the animals from the hotel. Would also LOVE to be able to enter by boat through Epcot at the resorts near there. I didn't even know that was a thing!!

Just to clarify, you don't enter Epcot by boat. The boat drops you off at the international gateway where there is security and magicband readers and whatnot. This is not the same as the boat docks around the world showcase lagoon actually in Epcot. From Boardwalk or Beach Club it's faster to walk versus boat. The boat does take you up to DHS too.

 

[gmboy95]

I am always partial to OKW for us it is by far the best resort for kids, if you consider the apace in the rooms, the ability to have a car right outside your door, and the great job the do with activities for the kids, as well as the smaller pools throughout the property

 

[CraigInPA]

The Poly rooms, for the standard view (lowest cost) is $508/$539 a night. Plus they charge $25 a night + tax/per adult (over 18) if more than 2 per room.
DVC does not charge for extra adults.

The OP has 2 adults and 3 children under 7. There is often a discount or free dining on Poly cash (non-DVC) rooms. I've stayed there with 30% and 35% discounts in the past.

 

[WillowRain]

Okay, so now we are talking family reunion and my mom and Grandma coming. So questions. Do ANY of the studios have a kitchen? What does "kitchenette" include? Is that simply mini fridge, sink and coffee maker? In this instance, we are thinking a 2 bedroom suite somewhere, perhaps BLT with the close proximity to MK. My grandma will most likely only spend 1 day in the park, and the rest of the time in the hotel room, as she will be 93. We are also switching dates to January of next year. Like the 10th-20th maybe.

Now, we have 2 choices here. Do we get 2 studios since it's cheaper than the 2 bedrooms, or just bite the big bullet and go with the 2 bedroom. We WILL need a kitchen and multiple Tv's, which is why I would like to know do any studios offer a stove and fridge? Since there are so many of us splitting costs, I don't see the price of the 2 bedroom even at the Deluxe resorts as a huge problem, still MUCH cheaper than booking through Disney.

@CraigInPA, have you stayed with discounted rooms AND free dining? We are trying to weigh the pros and cons of what would be most cost effective for the best experience. I don't care if I take my littles out of school, but my sister is in Grad school so we are working around her schedule now. Obviously I would much prefer to go in the Fall or early December, but I also really want my sister to go, and I do not want to wait until 2019! That just seems like way too long, plus at that point my baby won't be free, lol.

 

[BillPA]

This link shows what's in the studio: http://allears.net/acc/dvcstudioamenities.htm
This will show a 1 & 2 BR unit: http://allears.net/acc/dvc12bvamenities.htm

Book early as marathon weekends fill quickly.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Do ANY of the studios have a kitchen?

No.

What does "kitchenette" include? Is that simply mini fridge, sink and coffee maker?

+ microwave
+ toaster

Do we get 2 studios since it's cheaper than the 2 bedrooms, or just bite the big bullet and go with the 2 bedroom.

The only resort with connecting studios is Poly, if that's an issue/concern.

We WILL need a kitchen and multiple Tv's, which is why I would like to know do any studios offer a stove and fridge?

Then you need a 2BR, or a cabin at Fort Wilderness (non-DVC).

have you stayed with discounted rooms AND free dining?

You can get a room discount OR free dining, not both. Free dining always requires rack rate room purchase + park hoppers or water park tickets. You are highly unlikely to find free dining for January dates.

 

[WillowRain]

This link shows what's in the studio: http://allears.net/acc/dvcstudioamenities.htm
This will show a 1 & 2 BR unit: http://allears.net/acc/dvc12bvamenities.htm

Book early as marathon weekends fill quickly.

When are marathon weekends? Please tell me not every weekend in January??

 

[T00dles]

When are marathon weekends? Please tell me not every weekend in January??

Looks like its Jan 7 2018

Remember you won't be able to get free dining if renting points, that's a cash only deal with Disney.

 

[WillowRain]

Ohhh @T00dles ! I know. If we end up renting a 2 bedroom, the idea is that my mom and Grandma will stay behind for most of the trip and cook meals. This way we will save a ton. There are really only 3 or 4 places I HAVE to eat at. Now my next question, are the water parks closed in January?? Why is there just never a perfect time to go?

 

[CraigInPA]

Now, we have 2 choices here. Do we get 2 studios since it's cheaper than the 2 bedrooms, or just bite the big bullet and go with the 2 bedroom. We WILL need a kitchen and multiple Tv's, which is why I would like to know do any studios offer a stove and fridge? Since there are so many of us splitting costs, I don't see the price of the 2 bedroom even at the Deluxe resorts as a huge problem, still MUCH cheaper than booking through Disney.

@CraigInPA, have you stayed with discounted rooms AND free dining?

On Free Dining: You get one or the other. In the 1990's, I did have a year when I was able to "double dip" and get both. I don't see that happening again. When free dining is offered, you have to weigh your current discount against the cost of the free dining value. For example, with a 25% discount and only 2 adults in a room, it's likely cheaper to take the 25% discount. But, add a child to the room and the free dining is more valuable. Have a room with two adults and two children, or three adults, or four adults, and free dining could push the effective value of the discount to 35-40% off the regular price of the room. I've seen free dining offered at the end of January and into February. Discounts are announced quarterly, about 6 months in advance. IIRC, the free dining discounts for January-March were usually announced in September. That may be too late to then book a DVC accommodation, especially if you want something in demand.

On a 2B versus 2 studios: Take a look at the room diagrams (or check out youtube for tours of the rooms). I think you'll see why the 2B is more pricey than 2 studios very quickly. In addition to the real kitchen and washer/dryer, there are extra TV's and a real living room. No studio, to the best of my knowledge, has a stove or washer/dryer in it.

 

[WillowRain]

Thanks everyone. I have made a list of preferred resorts based on all the inputs.
1. Bay Lake - For the closeness to MK and use of monorail
2. OKW - Because I quite like the look of this resort, makes me feel like I am on vacation in Florida, and it has the biggest rooms from what I can gather, and the pool is pretty cute for the kiddos.
3. Animal Kingdom - The kiddy water area and I love the theme there. Most likely would book Savannah, cause that's just pretty cool.
4. Saratoga Springs - Again because it looks very nice
5. Boardwalk - Because that area seems like it's lovely at night

We have decided a 2 room is actually a huge savings if we are able to book a rental. If for some reason we are unable, we may even look into off site. I just can't see paying SO much more booking with Disney if there is no promotion involved. And the 2 bedroom costs are insane booking through them. Now I wait a month to see if anything is available! Wish me luck!

Oh yes, when do Christmas decorations come down at WDW? I can't seem to find the info online anywhere. Thanks.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Oh yes, when do Christmas decorations come down at WDW? I can't seem to find the info online anywhere.

They're generally up marathon weekend, and gone overnight afterwards.

 

[DenLo]

I noticed instead of free dining, Disney is offering -

Enjoy a FREE meal per person (ages 3 and over), per night at a select Walt Disney World Resort quick-service dining location when you buy a non-discounted 5-night/6-day room and theme park ticket package at a Disney Value Resort hotel.

Not that good of a deal IMO.

 

[MrInfinity]

As everyone else has pretty much said, BLT and Poly are definitely your best options. Be near the MK for that age of kids. When they're a little older, you might want to move down to the Epcot resorts.

 

[crisi]

One thing to be aware of is that DVC rentals are usually non-refundable - and most often you can't reschedule. With a 92 year old grandmother (which puts your mom in her 70s?), I'm not sure I'd be making any non-refundable vacation plans. I say this as someone who has owned fifteen years and saw a trip completely cancelled due to cancer treatments, and another change drastically in who went when one of our intended guests passed away - there is nothing quite like four people rattling around in a Grand Villa by themselves.

So if the ability to say "grandma is in the hospital, we need to cancel" and not just wave goodbye to your money, don't plan on DVC.

 

[WillowRain]

One thing to be aware of is that DVC rentals are usually non-refundable - and most often you can't reschedule. With a 92 year old grandmother (which puts your mom in her 70s?), I'm not sure I'd be making any non-refundable vacation plans. I say this as someone who has owned fifteen years and saw a trip completely cancelled due to cancer treatments, and another change drastically in who went when one of our intended guests passed away - there is nothing quite like four people rattling around in a Grand Villa by themselves.

So if the ability to say "grandma is in the hospital, we need to cancel" and not just wave goodbye to your money, don't plan on DVC.

I see your point. My mom is only 61, and they live in Georgia. They won't be flying or anything. We are meeting them in Ga and then driving down. If she does happen to pass in the next year, what are the odds it would be at vacation time? Plus, she is to be flown and buried in California, and as bad as this may sound, we would be sad as hell, but we would still make the trip. We would have 7 people without Grandma, and there is no other room choice for 7 besides a 2 bedroom, or 2 studios. I will work it out with Davids on their policies before I commit. I still have a month to make up my mind. Thanks for your input.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

David's policies are pretty cut and dried on cancellation. They just can't. It has to do with how DVC points tie up, and cancel policies for owners. DVC policies aren't flexible.