Which 2 BR is Better?

[have2getaway]

We are looking at renting a DVC next January to feel it out. We are considering renting g a 2 BR and prefer proximity to the parks, especially MK, but we are open to trying another two bedroom at a non-MK resort if there's a reason it might be better. Would we be happier with WL, BWI, SSR, AKV, or BC?

 

[Cyberc1978]

I haven't tried any 2br yet, but if you would like to be close to the MK you should also consider BLT as it is within walking distance to MK.

Regards.

 

[jimmytammy]

BLT is the #1 choice IMO for proximity to MK, 10 min walk to the gate. VWL is a boat ride away from MK and they also provide bus service to MK. For sheer beauty, VWL would be my choice.

Next up, while still talking proximity to parks, BWV. A 10 min walk to Epcot, 15 min walk to HS, puts you right in the middle of it all. BCV also is close, but not my choice.

OKW has the largest 2 bedrooms on property. I realize you didn't inquire about this, but thought I would mention

 

[peabody58]

BLT due to location and having 3 bathrooms!! Never underestimate the power of a throne.

 

[kniquy]

You should compare costs of each property - A BLT 2BR will be more expensive (even their cheapest room is ~100points more than AKL standard 2BR) If cost is not a concern, then you need to list your priorities -- is it location, size of room or uniqueness of the resort? Some people have stated that BLT is more a modern feel. Where as there will probably be more character at WL or AKL.

I highly suggest to list your priorities, look at some youtube tours of each resort and 2 BR layouts and what each one has to offer (this is a very helpful step and has helped me decide my room). Asking which one is better is really a matter of personal preference. They all pretty much have the same amenities (full kitchen and laundry), there might be different configurations such as- the 2 BR at kidani can be dedicated or lock off which would have a different bed configuration (a dedicated would have 2 queen beds in one of the bedrooms, but a lock off will have a sleeper sofa and 1 queen). Kidani 2BR will have 3 bathrooms where as Jambo have 2 bathrooms.

Just do some research to figure out your wants and needs - booking at 11 months is coming up for next January so if the room you want is a high demand room then you will want to try to book next month - might be hit or miss if the rental company has points available for 11months at the resort you want.

Visit the davids dvc calculator -- it will break it down for your timeframe what each resort will cost in points and $$. This might be a good starting point if you haven't already done this. It might help decrease your options just on price.

 

[PatMcDuck]

A lot depends on the size of your group, the ages of the kids (if any). Where you are from can even be a factor (for example, my kids liked the Florida style resorts, OKW and BCV). I like WLV very much, also BLT, Poly (for location, not the room selection), and we own at BCV.

I like them all, only one I have not stayed at yet is SS.

 

[have2getaway]

Thanks All! We recently made a trip this January and stayed at the Poly, and LOVED it, but we need more space for this trip. I am considering renting 2 studios at Poly, but my husband really is impressed with the WL so I thought it would be nice to try that for a change. 2 studios would be less, but I thought we would enjoy the extra amenities offered in a 2 BR. My biggest concern is not having access to the monorail. That really spoiled us. It was so nice and convenient! We both didn't really like the theming of the contemporary, but 3 BATHROOMS would be hard to pass up! Decisions! Decisions! And, yes, I know we have to decide fast!

 

[disneynutz]

I would decide on which resort you want to buy and stay there.

Bill

 

[Dean]

We are looking at renting a DVC next January to feel it out. We are considering renting g a 2 BR and prefer proximity to the parks, especially MK, but we are open to trying another two bedroom at a non-MK resort if there's a reason it might be better. Would we be happier with WL, BWI, SSR, AKV, or BC?

I'd pick the location that gives you the most information in prep for a possible purchase. Thus your own previous experiences are your best guide. You want something that adds to your knowledge. If you normally go and stay on the monorail for example, I'd try something different maybe SSR or AKV. If you've never stayed at one of the EPCOT resorts, you might stay there. If feeling out DVC is a large portion of your goal, definitely plan time to visit and explore all of the resorts with significantly less park time.

 

[Junebugwv]

We've stayed in 2 BRs many times at SSR, a few times at OKW, BCV and VWL. If proximity to MK is a priority, I'm sure BLT would be a winner. We have stayed at CR and Contemporary property location is a real plus. We go in Sept every year and spend less time in our room because of the long, warm days. But we also go in Feb and I like staying at OKW because of the larger indoor space. The roomy living area is delightful.

 

[have2getaway]

I'd pick the location that gives you the most information in prep for a possible purchase. Thus your own previous experiences are your best guide. You want something that adds to your knowledge. If you normally go and stay on the monorail for example, I'd try something different maybe SSR or AKV. If you've never stayed at one of the EPCOT resorts, you might stay there. If feeling out DVC is a large portion of your goal, definitely plan time to visit and explore all of the resorts with significantly less park time.

This makes perfect sense. Thank you. It's hard with so many choices. We love me being close to MK, but did find we might enjoy being close to Epcot/DHS as well.

 

[Dean]

This makes perfect sense. Thank you. It's hard with so many choices. We love me being close to MK, but did find we might enjoy being close to Epcot/DHS as well.

Depending on the LOS you might consider a split stay. I think you'd do well to invest in getting the most of this trip to make better purchase decisions. That means trying things you haven't and might not otherwise. Likely the most unfamiliar option or one you think you might not like is the best one for this purpose assuming you don't have experience t back it up. For many that's AKV, OKW & SSR. Since SSR and AKV are 2 of the better considerations for a budget purpose, that makes trying them all the better, esp if you have MK resort experience already.

 

[have2getaway]

Depending on the LOS you might consider a split stay. I think you'd do well to invest in getting the most of this trip to make better purchase decisions. That means trying things you haven't and might not otherwise. Likely the most unfamiliar option or one you think you might not like is the best one for this purpose assuming you don't have experience t back it up. For many that's AKV, OKW & SSR. Since SSR and AKV are 2 of the better considerations for a budget purpose, that makes trying them all the better, esp if you have MK resort experience already.

Very good point. I have been so focused on where we want to stay and what we want for this trip, but in terms of price-range, we are really looking more on the low end for a DVC purchase. I'm not going to want to buy something I haven't stayed in, or at least seen. I've never been a fan of a split stay, but for this purpose, it does make more sense.

 

[Dean]

Very good point. I have been so focused on where we want to stay and what we want for this trip, but in terms of price-range, we are really looking more on the low end for a DVC purchase. I'm not going to want to buy something I haven't stayed in, or at least seen. I've never been a fan of a split stay, but for this purpose, it does make more sense.

Here's the way I look at it. If you try SSR or AKV for example and truly prefer the MK area, then you'll know and BLT resale is a very feasible long term options, likely second only to SSR from a long term cost standpoint due to lower fees. Or if you find you like SSR well enough to be happy there most trips, you can save even more money. IMO AKV is really only a good choice in this line of thinking if one plans to stay there a significant portion of the time, esp in value villas. It's price is around the same or slightly higher than SSR and the dues are more. One additional thing to consider is that if BLT ends up being your focus and you're OK with standard view, you could get by with a few less points. Of course the same is true for SSR standard or AKV value and even OKW.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

If your thinking of a lower cost purchase then I'd also recommend trying SSR and seeing what you think. Your DH mentioned VWL so if a split stay is something you'd consider for this scouting trip I'd consider it or else either AKV or one of the Epcot resorts. You already know the monorail so I'd skip them. BWV has a model on the BoardWalk that you could stop by and see if you plan some time to walk over there.

 

[have2getaway]

That's nice. I didn't realize we could actually see a model. Do any of the other resorts have a model to look at? Also, just out of curiosity, does anyone buy at the Polynesian? I haven't come across anyone that says it's a good purchase. Why do they only have deluxe studios and ridiculously expensive 2 BR bungalows. I thought I saw on the Disney site that they have 1 BR villas, but I never see those for rent. It just seems as though they have priced this DVC extremely high and not with very many options, unless they have more options but they just aren't available to rent? We were approached while on vacation at the Poly by a DVC agent, but we were in a rush to make an ADR at Epcot so we politely said no. Anyway, just wishing now we had made the time to ask some questions about it.

 

[Douglas Dubh]

There are models at Saratoga, but right now I am pretty sure they are of the Poly and Aulani. They might change part of it to the new Wilderness Lodge soon.

 

[supersnoop]

Do any of the other resorts have a model to look at?

I asked at the DVC desk at BLT, VGF, and AKV(Kidani) and was able to see a "model" room at each of them.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I was hoping your 2 BR dilemma was between Jambo and Kidani. Yes, they're both considered AKV, and that's exactly the dilemma we're having now. Do you want MK because you have young children with you who prefer MK? We love Epcot, which may be why, of those BCV is my favorite. However, we're taking our DGDs next trip, and they want to see animals.

 

[KAT4DISNEY]

That's nice. I didn't realize we could actually see a model. Do any of the other resorts have a model to look at? Also, just out of curiosity, does anyone buy at the Polynesian? I haven't come across anyone that says it's a good purchase. Why do they only have deluxe studios and ridiculously expensive 2 BR bungalows. I thought I saw on the Disney site that they have 1 BR villas, but I never see those for rent. It just seems as though they have priced this DVC extremely high and not with very many options, unless they have more options but they just aren't available to rent? We were approached while on vacation at the Poly by a DVC agent, but we were in a rush to make an ADR at Epcot so we politely said no. Anyway, just wishing now we had made the time to ask some questions about it.

Poly seemed to be an experiment by DVC. They could get the most bang for their buck with all studios and the resort could transfer more costs to DVC by having more people able to stay there. But with only those and the high priced Bungalows (which are more than many of the GV's at other locations) their "slam dunk" of building at the Poly had a less than stellar reception. CM's have been quoted as saying the DVC learned from that mistake and won't make it again but we can only wait and see. There are no 1BR's, normal 2BR's or GV's there. Just studios and Bungalows.

But yes, people buy there. It makes sense if you have to stay there and studios are fine and it's the only resort it makes sense to buy direct if you meet the criteria of having to own there. It makes no sense to buy there to use the points elsewhere as you'll be paying much more than necessary for that option. And honestly I think that much of the year you'll be able to get rooms there at 7 months. The normal difficult times will be less likely but 8-9 months out of the year will likely be no problem - IMO.

The BWV model is open to anyone to just stop by so very easy. Others have mentioned being able to see a room at BLT too. I'm uncertain about any others.