Which DVC resort in December?

[kmc33]

I could use some feedback from those of you who have stayed at DVC resorts in December in part to enjoy the Christmastime decorations and activities.

I am having trouble deciding! Right now I have a standard studio booked at BLT which I did at the 11 month window to secure a reservation. I have not yet stayed at BLT, although we are going there next month for Easter.

The trip for December will be just DS (12) and I. Right now I could change to OKW which appealed to me because I thought it might be nice to have two beds. But I wasn't sure if it would be as nice for Christmas theming. So then part of me thinks I should keep the BLT because that might be nicer in terms of decorations. But then I waffle thinking that since we are staying there next month we should try something different in December. OR lastly, I could try for something else at the 7 month window such as BCV or BWV.

Since my my 12 year old offers no opinion... if he can be at WDW, it doesn't matter to him where he stays, I thought I would seek help from those of you have experienced various resorts during the holidays.

If only all life's decisions could be this difficult!

Thanks!!!

 

[Luv4Disney]

We're currently staying at SSR (which we booked at our 11 month window). We stayed there in 2009 and really like that a lot of the balconies were decorated with Christmas lights. Definitely gave us a Christmas feeling. Not sure if we're going to switch out at 7 months (if it's even possible). Still deciding though.

 

[bobbiwoz]

BLT has a very nice tree with white and blue lights and it's right in the main lobby and looks stunning. The Contemporary has lovely decorations and the huge Mickey wreath by the monorail tracks is very cute. Plus, when you stay at BLT, you're only a boat ride away from seeing WL's decoration and I would add a trip to see DVC's decoration in the lobby.

Wherever you stay, there's going to be some inconvenience to get to all off the resorts' decorations. BCV, BWV as well as he YC's lobby are all wonderful, but so is GF's and that's right on the monorail. I love Jambo and Kidani's decorations.

SSR has a pointsettia tree and other decorations. OKW's guests decorate their balconies and they are nice.

You can try to get into another resort if you want, but I really think where ever you stay, you could take a day to visit the other resorts.

Bobbi

PS. I have a week at VWL, and a week at BWV.

PPS. If there's a Christmas tree swap on the Disboards, sign up for it to get a beautiful Christmas addition to your villa, where ever you are!

 

[dmbkmb]

I usually stay at SSR because that is my home resort, but really I just go there to sleep when I'm there for my Christmas long weekend. I spend my time tooling around and visiting all the parks and resorts. it is a crazy long weekend but I love it! Personally I love the wilderness lodge and grand Floridian for decorations, but that is just a personal preference. All of the resorts are beautiful! I wouldn't worry too much about where you will be sleeping Get out and visit as many stops as you can. You won't be disappointed!

 

[sleepydog25]

Sticking with what you have seems the most logical plan at this time. As others have pointed out, you can visit the other resorts to see their decorations as time allows. The decorations at AKL are nice, and the ones at GF are quite lovely (and seeing the gingerbread house is fun, too), but for my money, the WL has the best overall feel at Christmas. We viewed all the deluxe resorts last Christmas while staying at our home resort (VWL in case you haven't glanced at my siggie), and while most were quite enjoyable, none could quite compare to WL. The most disappointing to me, actually, was OKW (that's not a knock, just my opinion). Since you'll be staying at BLT during Easter, you would still have time to work on getting another resort for Christmas should you wish to explore another resort. However, from Thanksgiving on is hard period to book at any resort other than your home, although usually SSR and OKW are available. Have fun with your decisions.

 

[kmc33]

Sticking with what you have seems the most logical plan at this time.

This is exactly what DH said last night! I decided to ask his opinion even though he isn't joining us on this trip. Since the 7 month window won't be until May and we will be at BLT at the end of April I guess it does make sense to stick with it and see if I want to return for December. It might not be an option to move at 7 months anyway based on how popular I have heard that early Dec is for DVC bookings.

I was obsessing a little trying to decide if I should make the switch to OKW because it is fewer points AND next week I am planning on making a 2012 reservation so I wanted to have the points squared away because plan on using the balance towards this new ressie.

Thanks again for all the feedback... it was very helpful. I am definitely going to set aside day to visit some of the other resorts to see their decorations!

 

[sleepydog25]

Glad we could help out. Once the seven-month point arrives, call to see what is available, and you might get a nice surprise. Worst case scenario is you can go on a waitlist (two actually) where you'd like to stay in December, assuming you want to do so since you might love BLT so much you want to stay there, anyway. Booking other than your home resort for December is tough because most of the month is a low season for points, meaning that it's a great value for DVC owners, plus you have the gorgeous decorations and parties. Still, waitlists do occasionally come through. Good luck!

 

[Rest&Relax]

December is a very busy time and getting ressie at 7 months can be very difficult. Personally I think BLT is the best resort for Christmas especially if you want to visit other resorts.

You have the ferry that takes you over to WL, the monorail that stops at the Poly & GF.

It is practically walking distance and a bus ride away from visting any resort. Meaning you walk over to the bus stop at MK and you get on bus you want to go to a resort. It really is hard to beat that.

Plus on MVMCP nights you can go to TOWL and watch the fireworks.
Other resorts may be more decorated especially WL & BCV if you are going for that resort feeling, but I think it is hard to beat BLT for Christmas.

 

[rpk1951]

I think any resort is good at xmas as they all have great decorations. I would prefer BC or BW only because you can walk to Epcot and DHS and avoid busses if needed.