Found out about DVC rentals and still trying to figure things out. Planning on going in November, a collegue recommended the MK resorts area for DVC rental, but would be open to other suggestion.
Looking for kid friendly (5 and 2) pool, convenience to go back for mid-day nap etc. watch firworks from hotel but not a priority.
What would you guys recommend? she recommended dvc reservations to book? is that where you guys book too?
Personally I would decide what park you felt you would be spending most of your time at. My recommendations are below for each park
MK:
BLT
Can walk to MK
Can use MK buses to resort hop
Monorail access, one stop to TTC for transfer to Epcot
Smaller studio but 1 bedrooms will have 2 baths
PVB
Much larger studios (largest on property)
Can walk to TTC for more transportation to MK and Epcot, but will need to ferry or monorail (can’t walk)
Only studios no larger units unless you go a bungalow
BRV/CCV
Nice setting
Good pools
Less crowded than above
Boat and bus to MK
Bus to all other resorts, typically dedicated during peak travel times other times shared with CR or FW
Epcot/HS
BWV
Walk to both parks above or take a boat
Bus to other parks
Smaller feature pool so easier with smaller children
Though the feature pool is a clown themed one if that is a problem
BCV
Same really as BWV in terms of room size, walkability, etc
SAB is nice but might be too hard to watch young children because of it’s massive side
AK is really just AKV. People have different opinions on Kidani or Jambo. Kidani is all DVC with less dining but you can bus to Jambo as there is a dedicated shuttle between the two. Both resorts have feature pools.
Also DVC is really only feasible to get a reservation if you are looking at 10-12 months out for booking especially for resorts near parks.
Are you planning on going in November 2019? The best resorts for your family that are in the MK area are Bay Lake Tower, Grand Floridian, and Polynesian. (see detailed reasons above)
But all the MK studios and 1-br are booked for the whole month, with the exception of 1-2 nights for a very few rooms. You might see if there's a hotel room available (not on points, but through Disney itself), because November is a pretty popular time for DVC - you'd really need to plan 7-11 months out.
Unfortunately there is very limited availability in November -- once the 7 month mark hits resorts book up. If you are flexible with your dates you can reach out to a rental company such as Davids DVC and see if they could piece together a trip, which would mean a split stay between a couple resorts. Not ideal with having to pack up and move kids. For future reference any of the MK resorts ( Poly, Grand Floridian or Bay Lake) make for easy back and forth (at least if you are at MK or Epcot - monorail). HS or AK you do have to take the bus back and forth. If planning to use a DVC rental in the future it is a great way to say quite a bit of money compared to direct through Disney. But you are best served booking close to 11 months out, especially for a busy time (Sept- Jan for DVC)
