which DVC resort?

[olympiamom]

We are planning an extended family vacation and want to stay at the best DVC resort....we live in the NW and stayed at the WLV before and it is great but just like staying at home. We also stayed at OKW and thought it was nice. Thinking about BCV or BWV...can you please give your opinions. All kids will be under 8. When is the best time to go - without crowds...Dec 1-14 or in January?

Thanks so much

 

[DisneyTiger]

My vote is for BCV especially with all the kids. They will love the pool. It's is AWESOME!!! I also prefer the first week of Dec. That's one of the slowest times for Disney and you get to enjoy all of the decorations!

 

[Amy&Dan]

I would also probably say BCV for the pool area and it has various onsite dining choices vs. Boardwalk which doesn't. The clown slide at BW is fun but can creep out kids and adults who don't like clowns! Its a lovely resort but I have to say, its been my least favorite DVC experiences thus far.

I also have to say SSR is wonderful, it has a very nice main pool area, and being close to DTD is very nice.

I agree, first week of December is preferable. January can be tough, during the early part you have residual crowds from Christmas and the marathon, then there is MLK weekend. After that crowds are low, but hours are short and refurbs are common.

The Christmas decorations, Osborne Lights, Candlelight Processional, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party all make for a wonderful experience.

Other than the low crowds during parts of January, there isn't much going on. Although its always nice to have something to look forward to post holiday season!

 

[palaemon]

What is the weather like there in early December? You said "especially with all the kids. They will love the pool."

I'm thinking brrr!!!

But I'm from St. louis and it's cold here in December.

Palaemon

 

[CraftyMouse]

I don't think you'll find one answer for "best" DVC resort. Each of the DVC properties is great in it's own way and each has it's fans.

Are you planning for this year, or next? If it is for this year you're going to have a hard time finding something for Dec. 1-14. January will be a bit easier, but still tough this close to your travel dates. If it is for next year then you're all set.

If it were me, with a large group, for a long trip, I'd go with OKW...especially if you plan to have the maximum number of guests in your villa(s). The rooms there are so much larger than at any other DVC resort and the space is nice for large groups.

My second choice would be AKV. Kidani will fully open by next year and the resort is great. The kids would probably love seeing all of the animals from your balcony and the new pool looks great (although pool time in Dec./Jan. is iffy).

 

[hakepb]

What is the weather like there in early December? You said "especially with all the kids. They will love the pool."

I'm thinking brrr!!!

But I'm from St. louis and it's cold here in December.

Palaemon

There is no guaranteed answer on the weather. December average is low of 53 high of 73, but early decmay be closer to the Nov average of L59 H79. So it could be a sunny high of 80+, low of 60+ that most everyone would be confortable swimming in mid-day. Or you may only have a few days the entire trip with a high above 70, that only a few would enjoy swimming in.

Disney has stated that they keep the pools heated to 80 year round, so there's always a few that are willing to jump in the pool while steam is rising up, then freeze as they get out.

At that time of the year, I would certainly pack at least one suit, but if you use it it is up to you.

 

[olympiamom]

Thanks for all the input....I'll try and keep it all in mind as i make our reservations....The kids are always up for a swim...we went the last week in January last time and moved back and forth from the pool to the hot tub and we were the only ones! it was great!

 

[Laneychris]

Have your thought about AKV my kids love it.