Which DVC would fit us best?

[Shughart]

Having a heck of a time trying to find us an offsite and always been intrigued by renting points. May try doing it depending on what things look like C19 wise in January (I figure this winter will be a good test since we're going next year and renting points is risky cancellation/refund wise).

I don't even know where to start RE which resort to stay at/which room to look for.

Things we value offsite are
-Ample lounge space (couch/chair area)
-Ensuite laundry (meaning in room for a resort)
-Kitchen
-2 bedroom is necessary (vacation means ) I have 2 teens and ideally they would get their own room but they'd likely have to share.

Can anyone point me to what rooms/resorts might work for us? Monorail resort is on my bucket list but I'm sure that's much more $$ so husband says to save that one for when it's just us. Thanks if this makes any sense and anyone can help

 

[princesscinderella]

I would pick BLT if you want a monorail resort. The two bedroom there would have 3 bathrooms and your teens could technically have their own “rooms” as one could sleep in the living room bed and the other in the second bathroom. Animal Kingdom Kidani also has the 3 bathrooms too, and the savanna view is awesome. If you want to save points and get a harder to get category of room such as Standard view at BLT or BWV you should plan to work with an owner prior to the 11 month window opening up. The resort with the most living/sitting area space is Old Key West. If you have never stayed on site I’d pick a DVC with walking access to a park it’s so convenient. VGF, BWV, BLT, BCV. RIV has the sky liner to two parks but not the same as being able to walk. Poly is out since it doesn’t have a full kitchen or laundry unless you want to spend a ton of money for a bungalow.

 

[Marionnette]

Having a heck of a time trying to find us an offsite and always been intrigued by renting points. May try doing it depending on what things look like C19 wise in January (I figure this winter will be a good test since we're going next year and renting points is risky cancellation/refund wise).

I don't even know where to start RE which resort to stay at/which room to look for.

Things we value offsite are
-Ample lounge space (couch/chair area)
-Ensuite laundry (meaning in room for a resort)
-Kitchen
-2 bedroom is necessary (vacation means ) I have 2 teens and ideally they would get their own room but they'd likely have to share.

Can anyone point me to what rooms/resorts might work for us? Monorail resort is on my bucket list but I'm sure that's much more $$ so husband says to save that one for when it's just us. Thanks if this makes any sense and anyone can help

Any DVC resort will check all of your boxes with the exception of Poly (only studios, no w/d, no full kitchen).

BWV only has 2BR lock offs, which means the 2nd bedroom has a queen bed and a sleeper sofa. That may not be something you want for the teens.

Other than that, some 2BRs will have a 3rd bathroom (AKV Kidani, BLT). BCV has an awesome pool. RIV is on the Skyliner and OKW has the roomiest 2BR with a balcony so big it has a regular table and chairs instead of the tiny patio table/2 chair setup most balconies have.

In the end, the choice is up to you based on your likes and dislikes. Oh, and availability will play a major influence on where you can book. You're already well inside of the 11-month booking window for home resorts and certain weekends in January are very popular.

 

[Shughart]

h, and availability will play a major influence on where you can book. You're already well inside of the 11-month booking window for hom

We're looking for December 2022, so when I mention January, I mean for January to be my 11 month booking window for our trip.

 

[DeeBee3]

copper creek??? it is a boat ride to magic kingdom or contemporary. we have stayed a few times, once in a 2-bed. Beautiful resort

 

[Marionnette]

We're looking for December 2022, so when I mention January, I mean for January to be my 11 month booking window for our trip.

My misunderstanding. December is a very busy DVC month. Certain resorts will be darn right impossible for many renters. CCV springs to mind because it is small and wildly popular at Christmas. VGF was difficult for me as an owner to book a dedicated 2BR at the beginning of the month.

My advice is to get an owner lined up in December of this year so that they're ready to book your chosen resort in January for December 2022.

 

[Nabas]

Things we value offsite are
-Ample lounge space (couch/chair area)
-Ensuite laundry (meaning in room for a resort)
-Kitchen
-2 bedroom is necessary (vacation means ) I have 2 teens and ideally they would get their own room but they'd likely have to share.

Can anyone point me to what rooms/resorts might work for us? Monorail resort is on my bucket list but I'm sure that's much more $$ so husband says to save that one for when it's just us. Thanks if this makes any sense and anyone can help

You're talking about renting a 2-bedroom, meaning you're talking about spending a lot of money.

Old Key West (OKW) generally is the least expensive DVC to rent. (One or two might be slightly less but are extremely difficult to get.)

Let's look at early December point totals at OKW.

A weekday requires 32 points per night, a weekend requires 36 points per night.

If you are going in mid-December or later, it's more points. Christmas week is a lot more.

Point rentals run from $16 to $20 per point. This means that, at a minimum, you're talking about spending $512 (32 X 16) per night.

We are DVC members but have stayed in a 2-bedroom condo at Wyndham Bonnet Creek (WBC) when we want the space and don't want to spend that number of DVC points. We've always been able to get WBC on eBay for $150/night or less.

 

[Shughart]

You're talking about renting a 2-bedroom, meaning you're talking about spending a lot of money.

Old Key West (OKW) generally is the least expensive DVC to rent. (One or two might be slightly less but are extremely difficult to get.)

Let's look at early December point totals at OKW.

A weekday requires 32 points per night, a weekend requires 36 points per night.

If you are going in mid-December or later, it's more points. Christmas week is a lot more.

Point rentals run from $16 to $20 per point. This means that, at a minimum, you're talking about spending $512 (32 X 16) per night.

We are DVC members but have stayed in a 2-bedroom condo at Wyndham Bonnet Creek (WBC) when we want the space and don't want to spend that number of DVC points. We've always been able to get WBC on eBay for $150/night or less.

Thank you for your feedback. I listed what we value OFFSITE. Not necessarily what we require in a DVC rental situation, I'm just looking for some suggestions on what resorts/rooms might get us MOST of the spirit of our list, as I'm familiar with none of them and am looking a jumping off point to do more research.

 

[Nabas]

Thank you for your feedback. I listed what we value OFFSITE. Not necessarily what we require in a DVC rental situation, I'm just looking for some suggestions on what resorts/rooms might get us MOST of the spirit of our list, as I'm familiar with none of them and am looking a jumping off point to do more research.

WDW has several excellent DVC resorts.

If money was no object and I could actually book the resort (December is probably the most difficult to book for DVC), the DC resorts that would get me in the spirit would be those closest to the theme parks:

• The 3 Monorail Resorts - Villas at the Grand Floridian (VGF), Polynesian Villas & Bungalow (PVB), and Bay Lake Tower (BLT). Being on the Monorail, it's easy to visit any of these, the Magic Kingdom, or Epcot.
• The 2 DVCs at the Wilderness Lodge: Boulder Ridge or Copper Creek. As you are going during December, the Wilderness Lodge is on one of the best to get you in the Christmas spirit. From here, you can take a boat or bus to the Magic Kingdom.
• The 2 DVCs around Crescent Lake - Boardwalk Villas (BWV) and Beach Club Villas (BCV). These resorts typically have great Christmas displays and are within easy walking distance of Epcot. BWV also is within walking distance of Disney's Hollywood Studios, while BCV is a boat ride away.

 

[Happy2BMommy0812]

All the things you want in a room are in all the DVC 2 bedrooms (living space, laundry, kitchen). If you teens can share a bathroom happily I think you could pick any place. If they need their own bathroom I’d personally got Bay Lake Tower for the 3rd bathroom (as other mentioned Kidani also has them, but my family does not care for Kidani’s aesthetics). Assuming they can share a bathroom, here are my thoughts:

Grand Floridian - amazingly beautiful rooms and luxurious. Amazing pool area with a lot of personal attention (may not be a high priority for you in December). Dining options somewhat limited for quick meals.

Beach Club - rooms a bit out of date, but the location is amazing near the boardwalk and literally steps from EPCOT and the skyliner. Best pool on site. Food options OK, not extensive, but not bad. Walk or boat to Hollywood Studios.

Riviera - on skyliner, rooms look stunning. Smaller resort, so less people. Great food options. Kind of isolated, so no walking to anywhere, which is a con for some.

Animal Kingdom (Jambo House) -nice quick service and several nice sit downs and a nice lounge/bar. Lobby is stunning, animals out the window/amazing. Club level option of willing to splurge on the points. Only comes in a 2 bedroom lock off meaning a master bedroom and living room for you that connects to a studio (1 queen and a pull out couch).

Bay Lake- 3rd bathroom nice, but if you don’t need it, not my first choice. Great views, great food options in the hotel side. Rooms a bit worn down.

Copper Creek or Boulder Ridge at Wilderness - Geyser Point is such a nice place to have a drink or bite to eat. If you love the mountains or wilderness/camping/lake life, you’ll love the theming. I’d lean Copper Creek over Boulder due to the newer rooms, but my family are not big camper/wilderness people, so other resorts usually appeal to us.

My family are not fans of Saratoga Springs (although after the refurb we may try again), Boardwalk rooms (although we love the location), or Old Key West. However Old Key West has some reasonable 3 bedroom villas (that I believe were renovated recently). Or if you like nature and are driving, Saratoga has 3 bedroom treehouse villas off the beaten path.

As others have said, unless you are prepared to spoon out at least $1,000 per night (and likely closer the $2,000), Polynesian is probably out because the only place with a kitchen and laundry are the bungalows. Theming wise it’s our favorite because we love tropical destinations. We usually get 2 studios, but we are fine using the laundry room and not using a kitchen when there.

 

[Sandisw]

One thing to do is check out the point charts for the different resorts.

That will give you an idea of cost and will find that some you think will be more, may be pretty close to others,

As already mentioned, the DVC 2 bedrooms would all have things you will enjoy. One option to consider that gives your teens their own rooms are the treehouse villas at SSR, They have the 3 bedrooms,

Now, it is not within walking distance for a park, but does offer you onsite. I have not stayed in them so I can’t speak to that aspect.

 

[TheEnforcer92]

As someone who has been exploring all of the resorts virtually for an upcoming honeymoon and also exploring DVC for future consideration, I think that Copper Creek Villa or Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge may be right up your alley.

Two BR, you'll be super close to MK and can take the bus to Ticket and Transportation Centre, then jump on the Monorail there to get to any of the of the resorts (if planning any dinners there)

 

[Shughart]

As someone who has been exploring all of the resorts virtually for an upcoming honeymoon and also exploring DVC for future consideration, I think that Copper Creek Villa or Boulder Ridge at Wilderness Lodge may be right up your alley.

Two BR, you'll be super close to MK and can take the bus to Ticket and Transportation Centre, then jump on the Monorail there to get to any of the of the resorts (if planning any dinners there)

Those are both beautiful and I love Wilderness Lodge. I think if we rent DVC though we will go for a one bedroom though to save $$. We can get by with two sleeping areas. One for mom/dad and one for kids.

 

[TheEnforcer92]

Those are both beautiful and I love Wilderness Lodge. I think if we rent DVC though we will go for a one bedroom though to save $$. We can get by with two sleeping areas. One for mom/dad and one for kids.

That makes sense, I'll say I'm ecstatic about staying at Wilderness Lodge in the next few weeks!

I'll defer to experts but points charts look pretty close for December for both whereas Copper Creek may have the edge for a small premium in price but having the lobby (I want to say Boulder Ridge utilizes another lobby?)

 

[Heather07438]

Those are both beautiful and I love Wilderness Lodge. I think if we rent DVC though we will go for a one bedroom though to save $$. We can get by with two sleeping areas. One for mom/dad and one for kids.

Beside location/transportation differences between resorts, there’s also some differences between 1BRs.

Largest- OKW 942sf plus a nice balcony. Spread out resort. Cool pool with a sauna in the lighthouse there. Only resort with a sauna. Keep in mind the bathroom in the lower number buildings is only accessible thru the bedroom. We made sure to request a room with the extra bathroom entrance thru the laundry room.


1BR with TWO bathrooms: AKV Kidani and BLT. This really comes in handy if you’re all trying to make rope drop every morning.






The point differences using a week in earlyDecember 2022 as example:

AKV Kidani
Standard 176
Savannah 223

OKW 167

BLT
Standard 210
Lake View 241

Beachclub and Boardwalk are very popular for easy access to 2 parks and a lot of activity in the area. But they have 1 bathroom. Deal breaker for some. BC has the awesome pool. These are roughly 211pts.

 

[puffkin]

Those are both beautiful and I love Wilderness Lodge. I think if we rent DVC though we will go for a one bedroom though to save $$. We can get by with two sleeping areas. One for mom/dad and one for kids.

I would recommend BLT 1 bedroom first (my favorite) with AKV 1 bedroom a close second. We stay in both of those frequently in a 1 bedroom since they have the two bathrooms and the two beds in the living room (sleeper couch and chair). We just returned from a 1 bedroom at SSR, and while I loved the room renovations and the Murphy beds....I still HATE the split bathroom design many of the resorts have.

 

[justme0729]

All the 2 bedroom villas have a sitting area, laundry, 2 bedrooms, and a kitchen. The only DVC resort without 2 bedroom villas is the Poly. So really it is just about what resort you think you would enjoy best! The plus of Bay Lake Tower and Animal Kingdom Kidani is that they will have a 3rd bathroom in the living room area but if you don't need a 3rd bathroom, just pick what DVC resort appeals most to you besides the Polynesian.

 

[buzzrelly]

I think a 2-bedroom is overkill for four people. We have stayed many times with four people in a 1-bedroom at BLT where you will have a huge master with a king bed and the teens could share the living room area. There is a pull-out sofa plus a sleeper chair that both of my teens have slept on in the past. You'll also have a full laundry and two full bathrooms. Plenty of space in my opinion, and you'll save a bunch of money.

 

[Nabas]

I think a 2-bedroom is overkill for four people. We have stayed many times with four people in a 1-bedroom at BLT where you will have a huge master with a king bed and the teens could share the living room area. There is a pull-out sofa plus a sleeper chair that both of my teens have slept on in the past. You'll also have a full laundry and two full bathrooms. Plenty of space in my opinion, and you'll save a bunch of money.

Although I agree with you in my family's circumstances, it also depends on preference.

If I was going with 2 of my children, I'd save the points and tell them to sleep in the living room.

Others might want their children sleeping in another bedroom so they don't disturb them when they get up.

Or adults might like the privacy of a second bedroom.

 

[Shughart]

I think a 2-bedroom is overkill for four people. We have stayed many times with four people in a 1-bedroom at BLT where you will have a huge master with a king bed and the teens could share the living room area. There is a pull-out sofa plus a sleeper chair that both of my teens have slept on in the past. You'll also have a full laundry and two full bathrooms. Plenty of space in my opinion, and you'll save a bunch of money.

Yeah, after taking a look at a lot of these 2 bedrooms, it's definitely overkill for us.