Where in the World should we stay?!?!

[SeiraB17]

My family and my aunt's family are going to vacation at Walt Disney World next summer. I was there in 2001 and completely fell in love and have since then grabbed every shred of information i could grab on to. Here's the thing...there are 10 people in our group.....2 in their 40's, 2 in their 70's, 3 teens, and 3 under 13. We would need to stay at a villa or home away from home...something with a lot of room....we would DEFENITLY get two rooms. The DVC points are so confusing to someone who has never rented them before and i'm just not sure what to do. Should we look for the points? If we do how do we put admission into it? Or should we just book with AAA at the home away from home without looking for the points. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks!
Sarah

 

[MauraAndIainsDad]

Hi Sarah!

The good news is that you have lots of time for planning. With 10 people, you may need to stay in a 3-bedroom villa at Old Key West or Beach Club Villas. As you probably know, these are pretty pricey. If you go in Value season (after 7/4/03) the rack rates for OKW are 1,040/night and BCV are 1,320/night. You may luck out on discount codes or rates but I've never stayed in one of these rooms and I suspect that discounts are few and far between. Anyone else with experience here?

You may be better off buying points - just make sure that you don't end up paying more than necessary!!!

In the end, the most economical route may be to stay in a regular resort and rent multiple rooms (2 or 3). You would have more opportunities for discount codes and rates. For example, water view rooms at the Beach Club have been running about 189/night with Annual Pass discounts in the Value season. Even if you go with 3 rooms, at that rate it is still less than half what you would pay for a 3 bedroom villa at BCV. Of course, discount rates are never guaranteed to be available and will not come out until approximately 3 months before you go - that's a long time to wait and hope!

I hope this helps a little! Have fun planning your trip!

 

[eeyore0062]

Why don't you post this on the DVC board? They will probably be able to help you out alot there!

 

[mat2672]

I would go with maura's idea. Call a few resorts and find out about adjoining rooms or just a few regular rooms together. Youll save a bundle and maybe add some privacy. Lets face it. You dont want everyone in eachothers way all day and night.

 

[milmore104]

First I have to say you have time so do the research. Make sure you know how much you want to spend and how much you can spend!
Next I would point this on the DVC site. You should check it out for yourself. I is very informative and they will help you out in renting points. It is a very easy process.
Next I would find out the difference in prices. Spending $1000 or more a night for a room for 10 nights your looking at $10,000 and that's only for the room. We went on a family vacation w/ 13 people last year and even though we wanted to go deluxe we got 7 rooms at ASSp for $49.00 a night that was only $3400 for all rooms for 10 nights. the best part was we were all together and the rooms we next to each other. we also had 7 bathrooms which makes it easier to get going in the morning.
Also check out houseing off site. You can rent a house for about $200 a night.
Good Luck and Happy Planning.

 

[KathyR]

I would suggest a 2-bedroom and a studio for your family. All of the DVC resorts are beautiful, so you can't go wrong. To save $$$ OKW and BWV (standard view) have the least expensive rooms point cost wise. They are both wonderful resorts, and depending on what type of vacation you are looking for one of these resorts will suit your family perfectly. OKW for a more laid back vacation. BWV if your party is into being close to the action as you can walk to both EPCOT and MGM. It really is that simple. We own points at BWV and VWL, and we have stayed at OKW a few times. We love all of the DVC resorts. If you are planning on returning to WDW every other year at the least, you may want to consider making a purchase instead of renting points as it may be more cost effective for future vacations. For answers about DVC and thier resorts head over to the DVC board. It is chucked full of info and there are alot of friendly folk there too Another good way to save $$$ is to stay in 3 studios. These can be had very inexpensively, but you do lose the kitchen and washer/dryer and living room. Also as a side note, Grand Villas are only in BWV and OKW, so if you are interested in those your choice is narrowed down to those two. Also, if you want either a grand villa or a standard view room at the BWV, you do not have much time to plan for that. These are the first rooms to go, and can be booked 11 months from check out date! Best of luck to you with your decisoin. Again, you can't go wrong with any of the DVC resorts IMO.

 

[DisneyWorld fanatic]

If you are that "in love" with WDW, you may want to join DVC. We vacationed every year from 1994 staying at premium resorts and obviously spending alot of money. During our 2000 trip, we decided to join and it has been one of the best decisions we have ever made. All the questions you have about where to stay, we had, until we became members. It is such a great deal, we just LOVE it!!!!!!!

Now, if that is not an option, I agree with a few of the other replies to your post. Perhaps getting a few rooms at a value or moderate resort would be best. I would definitely be cheaper, and perhaps give all involved a little privacy. The villas are beautiful, but if you plan on eating your meals out, whats the sence of paying for a kitchen you won't be using.

Have fun!!!!!!

Jim