Where would you stay?

[TXdeVille]

If you were wanting to stay at one of the DVC resorts but NOT visiting the World, where would you stay?

It will be our first trip using DVC so I kinda think we should go home but I don't want to be too secluded from all the rest of the decorations. We are going at Christmas (I know....Christmas at WDW shouldn't be passed up, but the kids wanted Universal and we just got back from WDW)

 

[disneynutz]

If you were wanting to stay at one of the DVC resorts but NOT visiting the World, where would you stay?

It will be our first trip using DVC so I kinda think we should go home but I don't want to be too secluded from all the rest of the decorations. We are going at Christmas (I know....Christmas at WDW shouldn't be passed up, but the kids wanted Universal and we just got back from WDW)

At 7 months, availability may dictate where you stay. I would suggest VWL, but it may not be available. You will probably get OKW or SSR.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I'm not sure I understand your questiion. Are saying you want to stay at one of the DVC resorts NOT at WDW, or are you saying you want to stay at one of the WDW DVC resorts but not go to the parks? You don't have to go to the parks to stay at a WDW DVC resort. Of course, there are always the off-site DVC resorts as well at Vero and Hilton Head.

 

[alldiz]

WLV at Christmas if you can get it.....

If not I would pick AKL, SSR or OKW.
Happy planning
Kerri

 

[JodyTG]

I would pick SSR. The decorations are beautiful PLUS you're extremely close to Downtown Disney and all the decorations they have. Also, since you're not going to the parks this trip, it keeps you far enough away from them that you won't miss them too much...

 

[TXdeVille]

I'm not sure I understand your questiion. Are saying you want to stay at one of the DVC resorts NOT at WDW, or are you saying you want to stay at one of the WDW DVC resorts but not go to the parks? You don't have to go to the parks to stay at a WDW DVC resort. Of course, there are always the off-site DVC resorts as well at Vero and Hilton Head.

I want to stay at one of the resorts at WDW but we won't be going to the parks.

If I stay at AKV, I can make my reservation now since it is my home resort. Anywhere else, of course, I have to wait for the 7 month window.

I have never been during Christmas and don't know where the best places are for the decorations, etc. It helps to get everyone's opinion that has been there awhile. I am concerned about staying somewhere close to the parks, being tempted to go but can't. Originally we were considering BWV because we were going to go the parks and spend most of our time at Epcot but the kids chose Universal instead. It's a short drive to get there so why not use our points. We will then head off on a DCL cruise which is the surprise for the kids.

For those that have already given opinions, why not AKV? I have heard since Kidani is not finished it is not as good as it could be with the construction besides everyone wanting to be there that has bought interest in it.

Thanks everyone! Keep 'em coming please.

 

[Deb & Bill]

You may be out of luck for Christmas 08 already. AKV is probably already booked. You really need to get that reservation at 11 months out. DVC used to have a lottery for Christmas week in the past. If you can't get AKV now for then, at 7 months exactly call MS and see what is still available. You might be able to get SSR or OKW, but that is pretty much going to be it.

If you don't own at VWL, you won't get it for the holidays.

 

[DVC Mary]

If you have trouble getting a place other than SSR or OKW, you may want to consider paying to stay at a Universal Resort. That will give you access to their form of fast pass which is only for Universal guests.

If you do stay, but still want to enjoy Disney w/o the parks, you could visit the various resorts to see their decorations. The GF & WL had the best decorations IMHO.

Have fun!

 

[TXdeVille]

Does wanting a studio increase my chances at any of the hard-to-get places such as AKV or VWL?

 

[Deb & Bill]

Does wanting a studio increase my chances at any of the hard-to-get places such as AKV or VWL?

Decreases your chances. Studios go fastest at nearly all resorts, except for maybe GV at OKW and BW view at BWV. VWL will be next to impossible for any room there at the holiday time.

 

[RCharnay]

We were there at the holidays and didn't go into the parks. We stayed at SSR-wonderful-but I think I might choose OKW next time. We took the bus to the Magic Kingdom and got on the Monorail. We spent a good part of one day just going from resort to resort looking at the decorations, grazing along the way. I got all the Disney holiday charm I needed without fighting any crowds at the parks. Until I have little ones around again (no grandkids yet!) this is how I plan to do the holidays at WDW. SSR is great for the proximity to DTD but OKW has a more "parkless" feel.

 

[Happy_Mom]

I friend and I spent a week at SSR last year and didn't go into the parks at all. We spent time in the spa, touring other resorts and their restaurants, and at DTD.

SSR was wonderful. It's such a beautiful resort and there is a lot to do there. We rented bikes one day and spent the day cruising around the resort. Another day we walked around and looked at all the flowers and landscaping. It was warm when we were there so we spent time by the pool/ jacuzzi.


Another possibility that I would consider with kids would be VWL. We stayed there two years ago and rented a surrey bike and took the kids over to Fort Wilderness. There is so much to do there!

Enjoy!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I want to stay at one of the resorts at WDW but we won't be going to the parks.

If I stay at AKV, I can make my reservation now since it is my home resort. Anywhere else, of course, I have to wait for the 7 month window.

I have never been during Christmas and don't know where the best places are for the decorations, etc. It helps to get everyone's opinion that has been there awhile. I am concerned about staying somewhere close to the parks, being tempted to go but can't. Originally we were considering BWV because we were going to go the parks and spend most of our time at Epcot but the kids chose Universal instead. It's a short drive to get there so why not use our points. We will then head off on a DCL cruise which is the surprise for the kids.

For those that have already given opinions, why not AKV? I have heard since Kidani is not finished it is not as good as it could be with the construction besides everyone wanting to be there that has bought interest in it.

Thanks everyone! Keep 'em coming please.

Well, if that's the case, I would DEFINITELY stay at AKV!!! It is such a destination in itself, there is no need for parks etc. Besides that, you can always hop over to the other resorts to enjoy the decor as well. When we are around WDW during the holiday season, we usually make a tour of all the resorts to check out their gingerbread houses, Christmas trees etc. AKV has a marveouls tree.

Now, as to availability. I'm going to guess it's already a bit late to be making that reservation. YOu might not actually have much choice about where you stay. At any rate, I'd make that ressie ASAP and try for your home resort. If you choose to switch at the 7 month mark, you can do that, but at least you will know you have a place to stay. I think AKV is a GREAT choice.

 

[chalee94]

If I stay at AKV, I can make my reservation now since it is my home resort. Anywhere else, of course, I have to wait for the 7 month window.

I have never been during Christmas and don't know where the best places are for the decorations, etc.

AKV is completely AMAZING with Christmas decorations up! do that if still possible BY ALL MEANS!

 

[chalee94]

here's a link, for reference - scroll down to the bottom for a pic of the decorated AKV lobby.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1712168&page=24

 

[dianeschlicht]

I just wanted to add that a studio is going to be more difficult than a 1 bedroom. The easiest room to get any time is a 1 bedroom.

 

[TXdeVille]

WOOHOO!!!

Earlier today I made my FIRST ressie at a DVC resort....I got a savannah view studio at AKV, my home resort. That way I know I have something. If it weren't for all you smart folks out there, I don't know what I would do.

I'll check at the seven month mark for VWL. If they would have been offering VWL directly through DVC when we bought in, it would have been a hard decision between there and AKV. Who knows....maybe I'll get addonitis.

Sprinkle some fairy dust for me for VWL....if not I know AKV will be enjoyable as well.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Great! We spent just one night at AKV last December, and it was so beautiful, you'll be glad you booked it!

Bobbi