Where would you stay?

[dr&momto2boys]

We have a trip planned in December where we're staying off site sad2 for free . We decided to add two nights onto the end of the trip hoping to take part in a D23 event. If we get to participate in the event (tickets are hard to come by and won't go on sale for a while) the last night will likely end with MVMCP. For this reason, I'm thinking we should stay at BLT. My only hesitation is we like to stay at places we haven't stayed before and we will have a car. Should we consider OKW, SSR, or AKV? (Haven't been to any of these yet, and have never really considered staying at OKW or SSR.) We're staying at BCV and BLT in May Any opinions?

Thanks!

 

[jlwhitney]

We just stayed at AKV and loved every minute of it . So worth it, very beautiful..i didn't feel as much like i was at a resort or even in real life it felt very very far away from reality...with animal views from your balcony and walking around the hotel and looking out windows and seeing the animals.

 

[Disneypubgal]

We have a trip planned in December where we're staying off site sad2 for free . We decided to add two nights onto the end of the trip hoping to take part in a D23 event. If we get to participate in the event (tickets are hard to come by and won't go on sale for a while) the last night will likely end with MVMCP. For this reason, I'm thinking we should stay at BLT. My only hesitation is we like to stay at places we haven't stayed before and we will have a car. Should we consider OKW, SSR, or AKV? (Haven't been to any of these yet, and have never really considered staying at OKW or SSR.) We're staying at BCV and BLT in May Any opinions?

Thanks!

If you are trying to save pts and have a car I would consider SSR or OKW.

 

[dmoore22]

It all depends on the experience you want. I don't think you will go wrong with any of the choices. OKW does have the larger rooms. It is set up in such a way that you can park very close to your accommodations which is an advantage if your planning on using your car. It has more of the Old Florida/1920's Ernest Hemingway ambiance without Mickey-in-Your-Face. It is very laid back. It's close proximity to Epcot and the water launch to DTD contribute to its convenient location. Saratoga Springs is also a nice choice but more like a hotel. The balconies are not as large as OKW but still afford a pleasant view. It has a nice food court, pool, etc. DTD is easily accessible from here. AKV is also a very nice choice. It is connected to AKL which may, or may not be an advantage, depending upon what your looking for. AKV also provides unique experiences with its proximity to AK and AKL. Some folks do not like its location in relation to the other parks. On the other hand if your trying to get away from it all . . . Due to the nature of supply and demand you have a much better chance of getting accommodations at OKW or Saratoga Springs. It wouldn't hurt to make ressies at either of those while on a waitlist for AKV.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

Oh yeah, that reminds me. I guess I better make a reservation at BLT (one of our homes) until May when I actually am able to book one of those others. Since we just need a studio, I didn't think it would be a problem to get in anywhere at the 7 month window, but just in case! I think I'm convinced to try AKV for a few nights next spring and maybe OKW for this December. I like the part about parking close to the room. Since we'll have a car and drive to the airport for an early morning flight. I think that OKW may win. We might actually do some shopping at DTD if we stay there too. Since it is December, we may need to do a little Christmas shopping!

How long does it take to get to a parked car and drive back to OKW (no idea) versus monorail to BLT (I know that's pretty fast) though? If we end with a late night at MK, I'm still considering just sticking with BLT.

 

[dmoore22]

Oh yeah, that reminds me. I guess I better make a reservation at BLT (one of our homes) until May when I actually am able to book one of those others. Since we just need a studio, I didn't think it would be a problem to get in anywhere at the 7 month window, but just in case! I think I'm convinced to try AKV for a few nights next spring and maybe OKW for this December. I like the part about parking close to the room. Since we'll have a car and drive to the airport for an early morning flight. I think that OKW may win. We might actually do some shopping at DTD if we stay there too. Since it is December, we may need to do a little Christmas shopping!

How long does it take to get to a parked car and drive back to OKW (no idea) versus monorail to BLT (I know that's pretty fast) though? If we end with a late night at MK, I'm still considering just sticking with BLT.

That is a good question. I doubt very much that a car from MK to OKW would beat a Monorail to BLT. Considering that all DL would fit in the parking lot at MK and MK attracts the largest crowds, I would think it would be challenging. When we stay at OKW we use the WDW bus service as opposed to driving our vehicle to MK. With EMH at MK going into the very late AM we actually cut a few Zs on the bus heading back to OKW. Since you mentioned you are planning on staying in a studio I should point out that OKW studios have 2 queen beds as opposed to a queen and a pullout sofa. Obviously it is trade off as to what is most important to you on this trip. The main problem I see is that all of your choices are excellent choices.

 

[Thumper4me]

I love the holiday decorations at the Wilderness Lodge. It has a very special Christmas feel to it. This would be a decent option for still being close to MK.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

The main problem I see is that all of your choices are excellent choices.

So true!

I love the holiday decorations at the Wilderness Lodge. It has a very special Christmas feel to it. This would be a decent option for still being close to MK.

I love VWL too! I haven't seen it at Christmas. If we end up not doing the D23 thing, then we'll definately go over to have dinner at AP! I was just thinking either BLT strictly for convenience (since we will have just stayed there) or OKW because we've never stayed there. (And aren't likely to choose it in the future--especially without a car. I'm not a big bus fan. Especially with three small children and all the stuff that come with them!)

I think I'm talking myself out of the OKW option. It seems like this is a time when the BLT convenience is highest priority.

 

[dmoore22]

I thought of one other problem that is hiding in plain sight. Your only staying two days!! Your checking out just when your getting warmed up. Next December try on-site for your entire visit. You won't regret it.

 

[dr&momto2boys]

I thought of one other problem that is hiding in plain sight. Your only staying two days!! Your checking out just when your getting warmed up. Next December try on-site for your entire visit. You won't regret it.

Oh, I know! We just can't pass up a free week stay at Sheraton Vistana. That's the whole reason I was able to talk DH into the trip to begin with! It promted us to upgrade to APs since we're visiting in May and I've talked him into another trip next spring before the APs expire. That's one heck of a free[/I week's stay, huh? Works for me! Oh yeah, and this addition of two nights just in case we can get tickets to the D23 event scheduled for the day we were going to leave!

At least we'll have been in the parks all week and if we don't get to do the Magic and Merriment event, then we'll probably spend the additional days enjoying the resort, shopping, and dining.