Which home away from home should we stay at?

[lynndeeloonurse]

We are going on vacation to disney in Aug. 2008. There will be me, hubby, 1 son aged 12, a daughter aged 10, and another daughter aged 8. We were loooking into maybe staying at one of the home away from homes. 1 or 2 bedroom. I would love to hear about your good/bad experiences at the different villas/hotels. Thanks! Lynn

 

[DizneyNutz]

But we have only traveled with older teens and not into the pools, so that may change where you want to look. Don't get me wrong, as there is nothing at all wrong with the WL pool as far as we know, but there are some places with some pretty cool looking pools if your kids are into that. As far as accomodations in the DVC rooms, we have only stayed in the WL and Hilton Head and we loved them both. We have done 1 bedrooms and there is no comparison between them and a regular resort room. They are awesome.

 

[Mickey'sApprentice]

VAKL 1 bedrooms will sleep 5. This may be at the new Kidani village that hasn't been built yet.

DH and I have stayed at BWV and love it.

With kids, 12, 10, and 8, I think WL would be great because of MK or BCV because of SAB.

If you want to cook, have lots of space, and have your own car, then OKW would definitely be the way to go.

Good Luck!

 

[spiceycat]

august is hot and humdity - so would stay at either BCV or BWV - you can easy access to both Studios and Epcot.

plus if you stay at BCV you get access to SALB - the big swimming pool at between the BC and YC.

now if that pool is too big and your kids are not good swimmers. then might consider AKV - these are the newest and the best. problem is the bus transportation is iffy (or it was for me).

the AKV 1 or 2-bedroom right now is only lock out (none dedicated until the other building opens). plus the separate whirlpool tub and shower stall doesn't not exist. only the whirlpool tub and combination (not separate) shower.

they aren't called HOme-away anymore - they are DVC resorts. FW cabins is now with FW.

 

[jimmytammy]

If you like being close to MK, Villas at Wilderness Lodge is just a boat ride away. And VWL is the smallest of all DVC/Home away from Home properties. That can have a nice advantage. It brings you a bit closer to the amenities, bus stop, etc. The pools are a bit smaller, but the quiet pool is very nice. Our kids prefer it over the main pool.

If you wish for closer to Epcot, Beach Club Villas or Boardwalk Villas are very close, walking distance close. MGM is just a boat ride away. It can be walked too also, but I would save my energy for the rest of the walking you will do We have stayed at BCV once. It is very nice. Stormalong Bay is definitely a plus if you like to swim. Never stayed at BWV, but we really enjoy visiting there. Lots of fun at night, and ESPN Club is a family fav to dine at.

Old Key West and Saratoga Springs, we have stayed once at both. Both are huge. Both a boat ride away from Downtown Disney. If you think you will spend a lot of time there, these are great. We prefer OKW over SS just because it seems a bit more laid back in a Jimmy Buffet kinda way.

Animal Kingdom Villas is very new and may be hardest to get. All phases are not open yet. And of course it is close to AK.

For 5 people, a 2 bedroom would work great.

Have Fun!!

 

[wrighter]

I agree with the pps, but for what it's worth, here's my two cents on OKW:

We stayed in a 1 bedroom last year, with me, DH, DS3, DD1 and my sister. OKW is the oldest of the DVC resorts, and in my opinion it shows. That said, OKW villas are by far the biggest (in square feet) villas of all the DVCs. And we put every single inch of that place to use! It was wonderful. And as already mentioned, the theming is very Jimmy Buffett - it's one of the rare resorts that actually feels like Florida!

Good luck with your decision. Just remember, there will be pros and cons wherever you stay. Just make sure you go in with your eyes open and you will love it.

 

[mathgeek]

You may want to post this over on the DVC forums - the people there would have a lot of input since those are their homes away from home!

We have stayed at and own at both BWV and SSR and like both for different reasons. BWV has a great location by 2 parks, and SSR is open and spread out to be more "condo-style" and is near DTD.

We're trying BCV next and can't wait!

 

[jdvm]

My vote would be for Old Key West. Very homey and very car friendly. You park right outside your door.
John

 

[Samsma]

I'm voting for VWL for the proximity to MK. We have stayed there and loved it. I really like the Lodge theme. My DH is picking for our summer stay, and he wants BCV, so that's what we have booked. Now that the kids are getting a little older, we spend more time at EPCOT. We love the World Showcase and Illuminations! We stayed at OKW in 2001 and while we loved it, we felt like it was too far from the action. Once we settled in, it was hard to drag ourselves back out for fireworks, etc. At BCV and VWL it doesn't require a bus to get back to the parks.

 

[byoung]

We are going on vacation to disney in Aug. 2008. There will be me, hubby, 1 son aged 12, a daughter aged 10, and another daughter aged 8. We were loooking into maybe staying at one of the home away from homes. 1 or 2 bedroom. I would love to hear about your good/bad experiences at the different villas/hotels. Thanks! Lynn

Go to the DVC rent board, you will save renting points.

 

[buzzgirls&dad]

We have stayed at the BCV & BWV in a 1 and 2 bedroom room. We love the location of these resorts and the relaxed atmosphere. Both pools are great but SAB is like a water park at your resort. We can't wait 23 more days.

 

[helenabear]

With those ages I would probably pick either Beach Club or Boardwalk. Keep in mind with 5 people, unless you stay at some AKV 1 bedrooms you will NEED a 2 bedroom.
I personally love OKW myself, though not as handy with young kids unless you go for relaxing trips and don't rush around all the time. It has recently been redone and doesn't show its age at all at least not compared to the BWV rooms I have had.