Which DVC Resort for Solo Adult and 2 Small Kids?

[kristenrice]

I'm seriously considering a trip from October 26-31 with my 2 DD's (3 & 5 at time of travel). DH is going big-game hunting with DBIL and I'm left with the kids. We just got back from a great WDW vacation (the first for the kids!) and my DH told me to take them back while he's hunting. I'm a little leery about doing the parks with them by myself, but I'm sure we'd still have a great time if we limited the park time and spent more time at the resort. I have stayed at OKW twice and the WL (not the VWL) once. I would have to rent points so cost is a bit of a factor. We'd only get a studio so the ease of doing laundry is also a factor I need to consider. As much as I loved the WL, I don't think that it would be ideal for this vacation. I was thinking about OKW (again!) because the rooms are SO big, but I also thought the girls would like the AKLV. They love animals so a savanna view would be a must. Is it difficult to get a savanna view with the value studio? I'm sure it would be big enough and it is the same number of points as a studio at OKW, but the ONLY reason I'd want VAKL is for a savanna view.

Is there any other things that might make one resort "easier" than the others? With the kids so young, I'm thinking about ease of access, laundry facilities, and "stuff" to do. I know I am crazy to even think about taking the girls back when they are so young, but I loved seeing them interact with the characters. DD2 was SO in love with Mickey and Minnie! I already know that this will be a "go with the flow" vacation. No commando touring here! I plan on doing the DDP (again) and our TS meals will be the only scheduled events. Last trip, we used our TS credits for buffets and FS meals since DD2 was free. Now that I'll be paying for her, I want to eat at REAL sit-down restaurants!

 

[bobbiwoz]

You can request a savannah view when you book "value" but there's no guarantee. You have about a 30% chance of savannah view. Even if you don't have a savannah view, there are lots of places to view animals at AKV and there were lots of activities for children to do with CM. So, I do think that AKV would be a good place to be with 2 small children.

Bobbi

 

[dianeschlicht]

Yes, lots of activities for the little ones at AKV, but to guarantee a savanna view, you have to book that. Some of the value rooms have a savanna view, but it is only a request. With savanna view rooms you WILL get a savanna view, and with a standard room in Jambo, you will have a pool view. The value view rooms can be significantly smaller also.

OKW has lots of kids activities too, and I think the neighborhood pools are a real plus for families with little ones. I also think the sand play area at the main pool is a big hit, and it just feels so homey.

VWL shouldn't be ruled out either, though, because of its location and easy access to MK.

I think I would probably try for Savanna view at AKV first. If that's not available, try value view, and if that's not available, go for either OKW or VWL.