Where to stay with group of 8?

[disney-super-mom]

We're not even DVC members yet (soon to be though), and we're already planning a trip as if we were! CRAZY - I know! We will have a group of 8 people ranging in ages - 3 adults, 2 teenage girls (15 years old), and three young boys ages 8, 7, and 3.

We will be going to WDW for the first time EVER, most likely in late August right before school starts, and we want to stay at a DVC resort that has large 2 bedroom units with plenty of room for everyone, has a pool with slide that everyone can enjoy, is conveniently located so the teenage girls can have a little fun on their own without being too far away from the resort, and has a WOW factor for all of us.

OKW really appeals to me because of the large rooms and patios, and the new slide looks like it would be fun for everyone. Not sure of the WOW factor here, or if it's a good location for the girls to be able to go out on their own.? Could they catch a boat to DTD fairly safely from this location, or is that out of the question for a couple of 15 year old girls?

BWV looks great too. Great slide at pool, located on the boardwalk where the girls could have a little fun on their own, more of a WOW factor then OKW?, but the rooms and patios look much smaller and not as comfortable for a larger group, which concerns me.

SSR ranks about the same as BWV, except it has a great location being close to DTD, which would be good for the girls, and even for us since DTD is a great location to catch a bus to anywhere at WDW.

VWL definately has a WOW factor in theming. Not sure how fun the pool slide is, and doesn't look to be very well located for a couple of teenagers who want to go out on their own, but I don't really know. Maybe it's in a great location?

Of course BCV is also wonderful, but our 3 year old wouldn't be able to enjoy the slide there yet, and he would be heartbroken to see the older boys able to go on it without him, so we'll save this for another trip.

So that leaves OKW, BWV, SSR, and VWL. We want comfortable rooms (for 8), good location for teenagers (is there really a bad location?), a pool with slide for all to enjoy, and a WOW factor (since it's our first trip to WDW). What would be the best choice for us?

 

[laceemouse]

We are fairly new to DVC and have stayed at BCV (one of our homes) and OKW. We make our first trip to VWL (our other home) next month. We have 4 kids and I have to say that the size of the units at OKW was great for us, and I think it would be a MUST for a party of your size. We went to OKW while they were building the new slide, but I hear it is pretty nice. We did take the boat to DTD when we stayed at OKW. It was a fun and relaxing ride, and while I'm sure it is as safe as anything else on Disney property, I am not sure I would let my teen and almost teen be that far away from me. I would split up the group in the parks though, as long as they have a cell phone with them. OKW is not WOW to me, but it is quiet, peaceful, and beautiful. Sometimes it is nice to get away from the parks and relax, KWIM? When we stayed at BCV, my kids did say WOW when they saw SSE right outside our window! I just think the smaller units would be too much togetherness if we had a couple of more kids, but that's just me.....

 

[Chuck S]

A few years ago I was with a group at OKW that included two girls about that age. As long as they stay together and are responsible they should be OK riding the boat and visiting DtD. Go over the normal safety precautions like 1)stay together 2)if there is trouble find a CM etc.

 

[laceemouse]

You know, thinking of the beds with 3 adults, I am not really sure how you are gonna do it? Are you planning to bring air matresses? Or will you have all 3 boys in one bed? If some kids will be on the floor, OKW definitely has the most floor room. BTW, SAB at BCV has an area for younger kids so I think your 3 year old would still love it there. Good luck deciding!

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

Hmmmm....I guess I figured they'd do one adult on the couch, two in the master bedroom and the five kids in the other bedroom..although...I could see that as iffy for the teenage girls.

Maybe the girls on the couch and the adult and the three boys in the bedroom.

Anyway...I think I'd go with BWV since the plan is to have the girls roam alone. It seems a heck of a lot safer than letting them roam on their own at DTD...unless they are going to have something like a 9:30 curfew...then I'd go with SSR. OKW is the absolute best space-wise for 8 people if you are sticking together but it seems to me the buildings are really spread out and its kind of dark getting to them (again that issue of teenage girls out by themselves).

 

[disney-super-mom]

Well, we were thinking mom, dad and 3 year old in the king bed, the 8 and 7 year olds boys on the couch, and the other mom with the two 15 year old girls in the second bedroom with the 2 queen beds. An air mattress is not a bad idea though, just in case we need it.

As far as the teenaged girls, they would definately have a curfew of no later than 10:00 pm, and they both have cell phones. This would not be an every night thing for them, but we thought it would be fun for them to get away from us "lame" adults for a few hours once or twice while we're on vacation. We want them to be safe though, so if that means that they need to stay at the resort, then that is how it's going to be.

 

[mama03]

Honestly I would go with BWV with a good view. Here are my reasons:
Great location, Can see fireworks everynight, lots of restaurants within walking distance, walk to Mgm (or boat) and Epcot, two pools. The rooms will be big enough with that sleeping arangement, although my guess is that the mom will take the couchbed and the 2 teenagers will get the queen. I have 3 boys and they all slept fine on the sofa bed in living area. Well any location you choose will be fine. Enjoy!

 

[disney-super-mom]

Just giving this a little bump - hoping for some more advice/opinions about this.

 

[dvc_john]

One thing to consider is the makeup of the 2nd bedroom.
At OKW, all of the second bedrooms have 2 queen beds, regardless of whether it is a lock-off 2br or dedicated 2br.
At BWV, all the 2br units are lockoffs, therefore they all have 1 queen bed and a sofa bed. When the sofa bed is open, it does get a little crowded in there.

 

[Beca]

Well, we were thinking mom, dad and 3 year old in the king bed, the 8 and 7 year olds boys on the couch, and the other mom with the two 15 year old girls in the second bedroom with the 2 queen beds. An air mattress is not a bad idea though, just in case we need it.

As far as the teenaged girls, they would definately have a curfew of no later than 10:00 pm, and they both have cell phones. This would not be an every night thing for them, but we thought it would be fun for them to get away from us "lame" adults for a few hours once or twice while we're on vacation. We want them to be safe though, so if that means that they need to stay at the resort, then that is how it's going to be.

The only DVC properties that have two beds in the second bedroom are OKW (all rooms are set up this way), and BCV (only some are this way, so you need to make sure you get one). I am taking 5 high school seniors as a graduation present in March '07. I sat them down, gave them their choice of resorts....and, unanimously they all selected BCV. They wanted to stay there because of SAB (both the girls and guys think it is a great place to "meet" people), and the proximity to two parks. So, don't underestimate how "cool" teenagers find the SAB area.

Also, BCV has a smaller wading pool area with a small water slide for younger kids....maybe that would make your three year-old happy. My 3 yr old dd LOVES SAB and never wants to stay anywhere but BCV (of course, we love it, too!)

I think the girls will be fine running around wherever, but at BCV or BWV they will have a lot of choices requiring little or no transportation. Of course, SSR has great proximity to DTD, but I have heard some people say the walk back at night made them nervous.

One of the things that I found interesting about the OKW 2 bdrm set-up was that guests sleeping in the living room really had no access to a bathroom without entering someone's bedroom. With two small children sleeping in the living room, it won't be much of an issue, but with us it was rather strange, as we sometimes had people knocking on our door in the wee hours of the night if they needed to use a bathroom. I'm not sure why the did that. All the other resorts have access to the bathroom from the living area. Maybe DVC never thought that people would really be sleeping in the living area. It just seemed strange to me.

Good luck in your decision. I'm sure you will have a wonderful time wherever you stay!!



Beca

 

[dvc_john]

One of the things that I found interesting about the OKW 2 bdrm set-up was that guests sleeping in the living room really had no access to a bathroom without entering someone's bedroom.
Beca

That only applies to lower numbered buildings (I believe #21 and lower). These were the first ones built. Subsequent buildings have a doorway to the bathroom thru the laundry room, so you don't have to go thru the master bedroom to get to the bathroom.

 

[Beca]

That only applies to lower numbered buildings (I believe #21 and lower). These were the first ones built. Subsequent buildings have a doorway to the bathroom thru the laundry room, so you don't have to go thru the master bedroom to get to the bathroom.

Well, that's good to know....thanks!! For the life of me, I couldn't figure out why DVC would do that. I guess it was just an oversight. Is it weird to enter the bathroom thru the laundry room, or does it somehow seem okay?



Beca

 

[shellbelle1971]

Just my $.02...
Maybe you ought to prioritize which of your listed factors is the most important to you, which is second-most important, etc.

If enough space is your primary concern, OKW is the way to go, for sure. The units seem MUCH bigger to me than at other places. But, IMO, less of the WOW factor of the other resorts. (I still love it, but it's definitely more low-key.)

If letting your teens "roam" is important, OKW or SSR are both good for them to get to DTD. My 13 yo DS loves working out at the spa at SSR. I imagine two 13 yo girls would LOVE the spa...but I'd make them save their own $ to pay for what they want to do there themselves. (I know, I'm the original ogre mommy...but you have to learn to plan and budget somehow.)

If you want to keep a closer rein on your teens while letting them *feel* like they're roaming, I'd go with BWV.

One other thought...how many points do you have available? You might be able to book a 2 br plus a studio or even a grand villa at BWV to give you enough space at a resort WITH the WOW factor...

 

[ArnyVee]

I'm doing some preliminary planning for a trip next year with 8 folks as well. My two daughters and the wifey along with both sets of Grandparents. My first thought is that we can do a 2BR for us and a studio for each of the sets of Grandparents. Everyone's a bit independant, so this would be the best setup. But, do any of the resorts have a 2BR unit surrounded by two studios?

 

[lisareniff]

.....do any of the resorts have a 2BR unit surrounded by two studios?

The BCV has a few places where this could happen. Take a look at DisZip's BCV map. Of course what are the chances of them (who ever 'they' are!) assigning the perfect combination of rooms???

 

[disney-super-mom]

Just my $.02...
Maybe you ought to prioritize which of your listed factors is the most important to you, which is second-most important, etc.

If enough space is your primary concern, OKW is the way to go, for sure. The units seem MUCH bigger to me than at other places. But, IMO, less of the WOW factor of the other resorts. (I still love it, but it's definitely more low-key.)

If letting your teens "roam" is important, OKW or SSR are both good for them to get to DTD. My 13 yo DS loves working out at the spa at SSR. I imagine two 13 yo girls would LOVE the spa...but I'd make them save their own $ to pay for what they want to do there themselves. (I know, I'm the original ogre mommy...but you have to learn to plan and budget somehow.)

If you want to keep a closer rein on your teens while letting them *feel* like they're roaming, I'd go with BWV.

One other thought...how many points do you have available? You might be able to book a 2 br plus a studio or even a grand villa at BWV to give you enough space at a resort WITH the WOW factor...

Well, the problem is that we're not sure what our priorites are because we've never been to WDW or any of the DVC properties. In other words, we don't know how cramped we'd feel in a two bedroom at VWL or BWV or SSR compared to OKW. I do want our first trip to be special, so that would be a priority for all of us. On the other hand, I don't want us tripping over each or getting sick of one another after a few days of sharing close quarters either. It isn't a priority (for us adults) for the 15 year old girls to get out on their own, but if you asked them, it would be one of their top priorities.

I'm just trying or hoping to find a location that would fit the bill for all our needs and wants.

I know that myself, DH, and the other mom may like to have a little peace and quiet at the end of a hectic, noise-filled day, so OKW, SSR, or VWL may appeal to us more for that.

I just don't know which DVC resort would be the best for us, especially for a special first trip to WDW for all of us.

 

[BCVOwner2002]

We had 9 people this past June and stayed in a 2-BR and studio.

I would go for BCV. SAB is fun for kids of all ages and there is a small water slide for young children. You Also have the convenience of walking or taking the ferry to Epcot and MGM. Miniature golf and the BoardWalk are close by.

DS is now 19 but we have taken his friends with us the past 4 years and always felt safe with them roaming around on their own at WDW.

Annmarie

 

[disney-super-mom]

Okay - that's it! I've had it!

I need a blindfold...a DVC dartboard...and a dart!

 

[dianeschlicht]

Well, we were thinking mom, dad and 3 year old in the king bed, the 8 and 7 year olds boys on the couch, and the other mom with the two 15 year old girls in the second bedroom with the 2 queen beds. An air mattress is not a bad idea though, just in case we need it.

As far as the teenaged girls, they would definately have a curfew of no later than 10:00 pm, and they both have cell phones. This would not be an every night thing for them, but we thought it would be fun for them to get away from us "lame" adults for a few hours once or twice while we're on vacation. We want them to be safe though, so if that means that they need to stay at the resort, then that is how it's going to be.

If that is your choice, then you probably need a place that has dedicated 2 bedroom units with 2 queen beds in the second bedroom. BCV has some, but not all have 2 beds in the second bedroom. BWV has NO second bedroom with two queen beds. SSR has some dedicated 2 bedrooms also. As for the teens...They could easily go to DTD from OKW or SSR on their own as long as they have cell phone contact, but I would make sure Pleasure Island is out of the question. Disney Quest and the theatres are a great choice from OKW or SSR. I would be a little bit concerned about them being out on the boardwalk at night without an adult, but they could always do Epcot by themselves if you were at BCV. As far as WOW factor goes....I think all the DVC resorts have a bit of that (yes, even OKW). I would say SSR has the best "wow factor" when you first see the room, and OKW has the best "wow factor" if you are looking for space and Florida themeing. BCV has a pool "wow factor". Sorry, I don't find much "wow" at BWV.

 

[witandwisdom1234]

I would go with BCV in a dedicated 2 bedroom villa. If you want a "wow" factor you can not beat both BCV and BWV. VWL lobby is another big wow factor. SSR would be fun because of the closeness to DTD, but I would be careful with having 2 young girls there by themselves at night. OKW is boring and very lame for most teens. Some post that their teens like it, but we know more teens that dislike it, than those that do. Actually, the only teens we have heard of that like OKW are those whose parents post on this board. We have been DVC members since the beginning of DVC, so we know a lot of families that now have teenaged children.
The boardwalk area is a lot of fun for all ages, the teens would love it. The teens will be as safe on the boardwalk as they would be in Epcot. I would worry more about their safety at DTD then I would the boardwalk. DTD gets a lot of locals especially on weekend nights. There have been problems with muggings, car thefts etc in the past at DTD.