where are the best studios (split say?)

[Tink&PirateMama]

We're looking at a split stay in January to save on points and lengthen our time in the sunshine (in the cold grey winter here!). I've been looking at a lot of options- there are so many and I'm really excited!

I was wondering what people's favorite studios where, and why? I'm thinking maybe in some ways having an SSR/OKW studio is good because you have your car there and can easily go eat... but other ways maybe something like BLT or BW is better. We do have food allergies, so are limited to a degree eating out. I was also thinking maybe size/layout of room was an important factor.

And maybe some of you have favorite split stays like I'm thinking you'd like to share?

Thank you for your opinions as always!!

edit: I should also add that I mean staying in a studio the first part of the trip, and moving to a 1 bedroom afterwards for a more relaxing ending to the trip!

 

[magicaldisney]

If there are more than 2 people in your family, you might want to consider OKW. There are two beds instead of one bed and one sofa sleeper.

We LOVE OKW so we would not hesitate to stay there.

 

[spiceycat]

okw is wonderful (and cheap on points)

but BCV also has some rooms close to the parking lot. So would ask for near the parking lot at BCV and see if you get them.

travel solo so like BCV or BWV then VWL - so get close to MK, EPcot and Studio.

makes it much easier to eat in your room -when you can walk or boat back to your room. No buses or cars to drive back home.

 

[dianeschlicht]

It really does depend on the makeup of your group. If you have children along, I'd definitely stay at OKW for the extra space and the extra "real" bed. If it's just the two of you, any of the other resort layouts will be fine because you will have the sofa for sitting on. The only thing I don't like about the SSR/VWL/BWV/BCV studios is that stupid door arrangement for the bathroom. I much prefer the layout of the AKV studios in that way. At least I did at Jambo.

It also depends on what else you like to do. We always have a car, so we like OKW where we can park right outside our door. We didn't find that as convenient at SSR, because they still have more remote parking lots for each building. It might also depend on what kind of embiance you prefer. We LOVED AKV when it was just the two of us, but it was a bit of a hassle with more.

 

[5forDiz]

VWL is wonderful during winter months (lobby fireplace !). Bit biased here, because OKW is our hr and we it best; but if it's 2 queen sized beds you'd prefer instead of bed and pullout and a larger bathroom too then OKW is the place.

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Thank you, I'm enjoying hearing what you all have to say so far!!

If this helps: Yes, I'm looking at 4 of us, 2 adults, two 5 year olds.

And, another question: OKW is great to save on points! Would you think it best to use it for the studio, or the one bedroom later in the stay???

Thanks so much!

 

[Chuck S]

OKW has the largest rooms in the DVC system, if you want a studio, you can't beat the two real beds. If you really want to relax, you can't beat the one bedrooms with the huge jacuzzi tub and full sized washer-dryer. Pluse the OKW one bedroom fridge has an icemaker

 

[Deb & Bill]

Well, I don't do studios and I don't do split stays. So I guess I'm not much help. For dining, OKW and SSR don't have a lot, but what they have isn't bad. Olivia's is nice for breakfast. Artist's Palette is nice to walk up and get something to either take back to your room or eat there.

If I had to do a studio, I'd choose OKW just for the two queen beds. But I also prefer the OKW one bedroom over the other one bedroom villas.

 

[spiceycat]

And, another question: OKW is great to save on points! Would you think it best to use it for the studio, or the one bedroom later in the stay???

Thanks so much!

the 1-bedroom it is pretty wonderful!!!

akv - value - is sometime the same point costs as OKW. BWV standard is also inexpensive point wise - but standard rooms at BWV are hard to get.

 

[bobbiwoz]

We often do an AKV/BCV split stay. AKV for the animals, and BCV for the pool. In January, I don't count on swim days, so in January, I would do the AKV/OKW in either order. Because I would want to see the animals for sure, I would go with savannah view.

Bobbi

 

[Tink&PirateMama]

Thank you all! Looks like AKV/OKW is a good option- I didn't think to look at the values (as I don't own at AKV, I figured I wouldn't get it, but I suppose it doesn't hurt to try!! That would be a great option.). But honestly, aren't they all good options Fun, fun!!

I still can't believe we can go to disney like this and it's so affordable! I think I've still got new member-itis- where I'm just so excited all the time about it (and friends are a bit sick of hearing about it by now!).

I'll let you know in June what we get. I'd like to have a list of my top few resorts and then see what I can get!

 

[keishashadow]

my idea of the best split stay is 5 nights @ DVC & 2 or 3 onsite @ Universal, or a quick DCL 3 day

yet i must agree, the AK Standard villa, requesting the savannah view, is a point bargin (if a mite cozy); otherwise we'll pick BVW standard if points are running low

ive never booked a 1 BR and am afraid to...wouldn't want to go back to studio i fear

 

[starbox]

We always stay in studios and have been in a studio at every DVC property. We have two kids.

Personally, I do NOT like the two bed set-up at OKW. It feels hotel-y and I don't allow/enjoy sitting or lying on a bed (even a made bed) in dirty park clothes. I also always want to come back to a neat and tidy room - which means I am making beds daily.

For me, the sleeper-couch is great because it gives the kids a place to sit comfortably in the room (I'm always on the balcony ) It also makes the room feel neater and bigger.

The flat-screen TV makes a huge difference in terms of giving an open feel to a studio - so AKV (and BLT) get an edge there.

BWV is a no for us because it feels more cramped to me because of the style of the wardrobe (a big rectangle standing like a refridgerator box) with a very box-y and small TV (and its the ONLY studio without a DVD player - a BIG bummer!!!!) Also, no coffee-tableish thing.

BCV and SSR both have more sideways rectangular dressers and we've always had studios with a foyer-ish area when you first walk in - both nice touches in terms of the practicality of the set-up.

 

[islandtimect]

The only thing I don't like about the SSR/VWL/BWV/BCV studios is that stupid door arrangement for the bathroom.

Huh, what's this mean? We've got a VWL studio booked for Aug.

 

[Deb & Bill]

The only thing I don't like about the SSR/VWL/BWV/BCV studios is that stupid door arrangement for the bathroom.

Huh, what's this mean? We've got a VWL studio booked for Aug.

There's a door from the master bathroom area (jacuzzi tub and sink area) to the shower/sink/toilet area. Then another door to the toilet (sometimes). And another door to the living room area from the shower/sink/toilet area. And a door from the master bedroom to the living room.

 

[bobbiwoz]

There's a door from the master bathroom area (jacuzzi tub and sink area) to the shower/sink/toilet area. Then another door to the toilet (sometimes). And another door to the living room area from the shower/sink/toilet area. And a door from the master bedroom to the living room.

But the reference was to the studio bathroom set-up. Studio bathroom/sink set up at AKV/VWL/SSR/BCV seem fine to me.

Bobbi

 

[jamie&Greg]

I would do OKW for studio and either VWL, BCV, BWV or AKV for one bed!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Thank you, I'm enjoying hearing what you all have to say so far!!

If this helps: Yes, I'm looking at 4 of us, 2 adults, two 5 year olds.

And, another question: OKW is great to save on points! Would you think it best to use it for the studio, or the one bedroom later in the stay???

Thanks so much!

It depends on what you are using the 1 bedroom for. If you are going to be using the kitchen and laundry, I'd definitely do the 1 bedroom portion of the trip at OKW, since the two 5 year olds would still get their own beds if the chose to. We have often put an extra child on the love seat at OKW, so each child could have their own sleeping space. On the other hand, it would be nice for them to share a queen sized bed in an OKW studio over a double sized sleep sofa in one of the other studios, so I'd probably do a 1 bedroom at AKV or BLT (for the extra bed) and a studio at OKW.

 

[robinb]

We always stay in studios and have been in a studio at every DVC property. We have two kids.

Personally, I do NOT like the two bed set-up at OKW. It feels hotel-y and I don't allow/enjoy sitting or lying on a bed (even a made bed) in dirty park clothes. I also always want to come back to a neat and tidy room - which means I am making beds daily.

For me, the sleeper-couch is great because it gives the kids a place to sit comfortably in the room (I'm always on the balcony ) It also makes the room feel neater and bigger.

ITA. I owned at OKW and I only stayed in a studio twice. The 1 BR's can't be beat for size and comfort but the studios are too much like a regular hotel room. I much prefer the fold-out couch for the very reasons you mention.

OP, I would select AKV Kidani savanna view for one of your stays. Your kids will LOVE the animals and the Kidani pool looks like it is PERFECT for 5-year olds. You may want to do this for your 1BR stay as nothing says "relaxing" to me than sitting out on my balcony watching the animals. As for the other part of your stay ... I would probably select BLT or VWL for their proximity to the MK. My third choice would be BCV for the pool, then BWV (ask for a dedicated studio for more room), then SSR and lastly OKW for the two bed problem.

ETA: The 1 BR at AKV will also provide 3 beds: the master king, the fold-out double couch and the fold-out twin chair.

 

[Dee77]

I can't help with your question about room preferences but would like to chime about the food allergies. My DD has food allergies, peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish and Disney is excellent with preparing foods for people with allergies. I stated the allergies when I made each reservation and at each restaurant a chef came out to the table and explained what I could get for her, even at the buffet character dining restaurants the chef walked me through the buffet line and showed me what she could have.. I never felt like this was an impostion to them, they see this everyday and want to help. My DD is also a picky eater and when there wasn't something on the menus that she would prefer they always had the staple chicken nuggets/fries etc. To be perfectly honest, it was the great attention they gave us with regard to the allergies that gave us (DH and I) the push to buy DVC. We don't have to worry there like we do pretty much anywhere else we go to eat. Hope this helps and have a great time.