Which DVC Resort Do You Recommend

[DisneyMomma13]

Hi All! New account, so I can't PM yet and am currently locked out of replying for another 20 minutes or so. (Was on Test Board trying to get my 10 posts) Anyway -

I am looking into renting DVC points for a stay during June this year. This will be our first Disney trip as a family of 4 and our first time taking a baby. We took our oldest at age 3 and have been back many times since (AP Holders). We have never stayed at a DVC or Deluxe Resort. We usually stay at Fort Wilderness Cabins, POR Riverside, or Coronado. Coronado became a favorite of ours during the pandemic. With a baby in tow, I am suspecting a lot more downtime at the resort. I am debating a stay at OKW for the bigger room and balcony. A 1 bedroom is ideal for this trip so we can have some freedom when the baby goes to bed early or during a mid day break if needed.

Pros and Cons of OKW? Which resort was is your favorite? We aren't interested in a monorail resort...

Thanks!!

ETA: kiddos will be 7 months and 8 at time of trip.

 

[okw19]

OKW is great for families IMO. The extra living room space is well worth it. Some people dislike the layout of OKW especially those traveling without a vehicle, but it has never been a problem for us. We have actually put a pack n play in the laundry room in a 1BR OKW unit before as well.

Something to think about is dining. If you are planning to eat a lot in the room, using groceries you will be fine. Otherwise the quick service there can leave a lot to be desired. Olivia's Cafe is great and we have sent one person up to pick up takeout before and eaten in the villa.

You definitely will get the most space for your rental points at OKW. The living/dining area has a true kitchen table that isn't cramped like the other 1BR options. As well as a sofa, loveseat, and chair for lounging around.

 

[GrumpyInPhilly]

We stayed @ OKW last year. Very quiet.

 

[DisneyMomma13]

OKW is great for families IMO. The extra living room space is well worth it. Some people dislike the layout of OKW especially those traveling without a vehicle, but it has never been a problem for us. We have actually put a pack n play in the laundry room in a 1BR OKW unit before as well.

Something to think about is dining. If you are planning to eat a lot in the room, using groceries you will be fine. Otherwise the quick service there can leave a lot to be desired. Olivia's Cafe is great and we have sent one person up to pick up takeout before and eaten in the villa.

You definitely will get the most space for your rental points at OKW. The living/dining area has a true kitchen table that isn't cramped like the other 1BR options. As well as a sofa, loveseat, and chair for lounging around.

Thank you! Do you have experience in a standard 1 bedroom in regards to walking times to the main pool, other pools, and food? I'm not sure we need a preferred but also don't want a 15-20 minute walk to the pools. We plan on using disney transportation this trip.

Yes! Groceries when we are at the resort for meals, will get food from the resort to try it out, though.

Thanks for the input!

 

[okw19]

Thank you! Do you have experience in a standard 1 bedroom in regards to walking times to the main pool, other pools, and food? I'm not sure we need a preferred but also don't want a 15-20 minute walk to the pools. We plan on using disney transportation this trip.

Yes! Groceries when we are at the resort for meals, will get food from the resort to try it out, though.

Thanks for the input!

OKW is so large that it will vary on walking times. I would say for an average speed walker, the furthest back building would be 15-18 min to Hospitality House. Keep in mind there are four pools at OKW, so you should be a short walk to at least one pool no matter where you end up. Also you can grab any bus to ride up to the Hospitality House area to use the big pool. The theme park buses have HH as the last stop. Just make sure to either get an internal bus or walk to the Peninsular stop to catch one back.

The TS, QS, and general store are all located at the Hospitality House. There's a snack bar at the Turtle Pond pool which we've used when we stay in that area.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Has anyone mentioned there are no elevators in most buildings? Only three elevator buildings in entire resort. Not something I would want to deal with with children.

 

[UberClaire]

In your situation I would vote for AKL. Or, I know you said no monorail resorts, but I'd consider BLT for the ease of walking to Magic Kingdom with young kids.

 

[Micca]

Has anyone mentioned there are no elevators in most buildings?

I'm glad you brought this up. We love OKW, but schlepping all your stuff up & down the stairs sucks.

 

[DisneyMomma13]

Has anyone mentioned there are no elevators in most buildings? Only three elevator buildings in entire resort. Not something I would want to deal with with children.

Thanks for this!

 

[kydisneyfans]

For a stay in June of this year, take what you can get. My favorites are AKL and OKW, but counter service at OKW is a window with somewhat limited Menu. We love Olivia's. We tend to eat at Mara while at AKL. AKL has 1 pool central to the resort, OKW is spread out with 4 pools. Given the short notice though, I'd be surprised if you have a choice at all. Renting points doesn't guarantee a room, it allows you to get a room if they remain available.

 

[RoseGold]

You are booking last minute by DVC standards. You might get what you get.

Id consider a poly studio. It’s easy to book and it has an extra bathroom with a shower that fits the crib fine. Transportation is much better, no bus to OKW. Maybe if you’re driving that isn’t such a downside. The DVC Poly buildings are right on the TTC. So easy boat to MK, easy monorail access to Epcot.

 

[DisneyMomma13]

In your situation I would vote for AKL. Or, I know you said no monorail resorts, but I'd consider BLT for the ease of walking to Magic Kingdom with young kids.

I've thought about AKL - we're using Disney transportation, what's the time like to and from AKL to the parks?

 

[Her Dotness]

Since you're familiar with FtW, have you considered Copper Creek?

Also quiet but in the main lodge, unlike the older DVC there, BRV, which is about to undergo renovation.

Kids tend to love the CCV/WL atmosphere. Heck, *I* like the little lobby footbridge.

The boat to MK--similar to the FtW one, a relaxing ride.

 

[DisneyMomma13]

For a stay in June of this year, take what you can get. My favorites are AKL and OKW, but counter service at OKW is a window with somewhat limited Menu. We love Olivia's. We tend to eat at Mara while at AKL. AKL has 1 pool central to the resort, OKW is spread out with 4 pools. Given the short notice though, I'd be surprised if you have a choice at all. Renting points doesn't guarantee a room, it allows you to get a room if they remain available.

OK. Thanks for this. I was using the rental store to give me an idea of availability as we are flexible for June dates. I didn't expect their availability calendar to be exact, but was hopeful it was somewhat accurate in giving me an idea...

I suppose we could always push the trip for end of Sept/1st week October to get a 1 bedroom. But that time of year the weather is hit or miss and a 7 month old seems easier than an almost 1 year old?!

If nothing else, we've got a room booked through Disney in June. But that one bedroom sure would be nice!

 

[sarah4770]

I think I’d see what is available for your dates, and decide fairly quickly. There is still some 1 br availability, but getting a studio will be a little tougher across the board.
end of September will be hard to get this year as well.

 

[kanerf]

You should also look at Boardwalk which is walking distance to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. Lots of food options close to it. Also can take boats to Epcot and Hollywood Studios. You can also walk to the Skyliner and take it to Hollywood Studios and a number of other resorts for visiting or for dining.

 

[DisneyMomma13]

Since you're familiar with FtW, have you considered Copper Creek?

Also quiet but in the main lodge, unlike the older DVC there, BRV, which is about to undergo renovation.

Kids tend to love the CCV/WL atmosphere. Heck, *I* like the little lobby footbridge.

The boat to MK--similar to the FtW one, a relaxing ride.

I think I’d see what is available for your dates, and decide fairly quickly. There is still some 1 br availability, but getting a studio will be a little tougher across the board.
end of September will be hard to get this year as well.

OK, thank you for this. It does seem like DW is going to be crazy all year! I told my husband we need to make a decision tonight on where we want to try and stay so we can see if DVC is even an option for us.

 

[okw19]

Didn't even think to mention the lack of elevators earlier! Fail on my part. We would request ground floor when we had a stroller and now just deal with it.

 

[sndral]

I've thought about AKL - we're using Disney transportation, what's the time like to and from AKL to the parks?

AKL is one of my home resorts & I love staying there. However, you will be wrangling a stroller, and you will be relying on Disney transportation. You want a 1 br. to make your trip more enjoyable w/ a baby (plus you get a washer/dryer & full kitchen in your villa - both pluses.) Your choices will be limited given your June time frame.
Most likely to get:
SSR - very spread out, but some units walkable to Disney springs, buses to all parks. I’ve not stayed there - perhaps others have more info..
OKW - very spread out, chance of having to schlep stroller up & down stairs daily if you aren’t on a ground floor or elevator building. Buses to all parks.
AKV - of the 2 buildings most likely to get Kidani which does not have the QS. But the Kidani 1 br.s have 2 bathrooms. Bus only to the parks, Kidani is the first stop. If you can get a standard view the point costs aren’t too bad, although at Kidani most standard views don’t have views of a savanna. Your 8 year old would likely enjoy the kids play area at the Kidani pool & the Jambo pool is nice as well. I don’t mind the bus rides. And no matter where you stay you’ll be dealing w/ bus rides to at least 2 parks. The actual rides range from 5 minutes to AK to 15-20 minutes to MK. It’s the waiting for the bus to arrive that adds time to the trip.
Might get:
BWV - this might be a good fit for you, you can walk to 2 parks - DHS & Epcot & there are a variety of food options in the Boardwalk area.
Poly - not the greatest choice given your needs this trip because they are studios only & thus once the baby falls asleep everyone has to shut down. Plus no in room washer/dryer and no kitchen to do any meals in the villa.
BLT - easy walk to MK. Monorail hop to Epcot (easier than a bus w/ a stroller since you don’t have to fold it up.) Several food choices in the Contemporary. Easy to take the monorail to GF & Poly for food there.
Long shots -
BC - all the advantages of BWVs + SAB - the biggest resort pool on property, some folks w/ younger children don’t like SAB’s layout.
Riv - You can roll the stroller on & off the Skyliner to Epcot & DHS (via transfer @ CBR.)
BR/CCV - boat ride to MK, buses to 3 parks.
VGF - Walk or boat or monorail to MK, monorail hop to Epcot, buses to DHS & AK. Great counter service @ Gasparillas & can walk over to the Poly’s counter service. Plus 3 currently open sit down restaurants & can walk to Poly’s 2 restaurants & monorail hop to the restaurants at the Contemporary.

 

[DisneyMomma13]

Since you're familiar with FtW, have you considered Copper Creek?

Also quiet but in the main lodge, unlike the older DVC there, BRV, which is about to undergo renovation.

Kids tend to love the CCV/WL atmosphere. Heck, *I* like the little lobby footbridge.

The boat to MK--similar to the FtW one, a relaxing ride.

I forgot about Copper Creek - I always think of BRV. We ate at Whispering Canyon and checked out the WL on our last trip. And you are correct! That footbridge is a hit