Which resort for honeymoon in fall?

[mickeymom629]

Hi all!

DH and I are going to book a stay for DS and his wife-to-be to celebrate their honeymoon in WDW (7 months out since we own at HH/VB). They are marrying in May but not taking the honeymoon until fall, probably December, right after Thanksgiving, but possibly November (I know it may be hard to book with F&W). They are a very casual, low-key couple.
We have been DVC members since 1999, and DS has stayed in OKW, BWV, and VWL. He has also grown up going to WDW.
While they have both gone to DL/DCA many times since they now live in L.A., the bride-to-be has never been to WDW.
Recently, I stayed at AKL and I think they would both love the resort (Jambo), and it would be a first stay for both. The only problem is that they have to take a bus everywhere (unless they rent a car). I don't know how the bus situation is since the one time I stayed there, I didn't use the buses.
I will probably be booking a studio for them, depending on availability at 7 months.
The BWV are great because of the location, but DS has stayed there many times. I am under the impression that the BCV are difficult to book (7 months).

I also don't think a split stay is good - I don't want them to have the hassle or take the time away from their week to switch resorts.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[akl-fan]

I had my honeymoon at AKL and it was very romantic. Why not try for the POLY , it will be new to your son and they only have studios( other than the 2 bed cottages). Transportation will be great and it is a romantic laidback resort.

 

[disneynutz]

GF/VGF is Disney's number 1 wedding and honeymoon resort.

Bill

 

[crisi]

I'd make a priority list - BWV and BCV will both be difficult to get at that time of year, but just make a list - if they top your list and you can get a room at one, that's great. If not, just keep going down the list.

BWV and BCV are great resorts, but each resort offers something wonderful.

(I'd actually consider OKW for this one - not an OKW fan. But for a honeymoon, I think out of the way is better than convenient, myself).

 

[Deb & Bill]

Hi all!

DH and I are going to book a stay for DS and his wife-to-be to celebrate their honeymoon in WDW (7 months out since we own at HH/VB). They are marrying in May but not taking the honeymoon until fall, probably December, right after Thanksgiving, but possibly November (I know it may be hard to book with F&W). They are a very casual, low-key couple.
We have been DVC members since 1999, and DS has stayed in OKW, BWV, and VWL. He has also grown up going to WDW.
While they have both gone to DL/DCA many times since they now live in L.A., the bride-to-be has never been to WDW.
Recently, I stayed at AKL and I think they would both love the resort (Jambo), and it would be a first stay for both. The only problem is that they have to take a bus everywhere (unless they rent a car). I don't know how the bus situation is since the one time I stayed there, I didn't use the buses.
I will probably be booking a studio for them, depending on availability at 7 months.
The BWV are great because of the location, but DS has stayed there many times. I am under the impression that the BCV are difficult to book (7 months).

I also don't think a split stay is good - I don't want them to have the hassle or take the time away from their week to switch resorts.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

If they want early Dec right after Thanksgiving, you need to be booking your home resort now. You might not get anything at seven months out. That is the most popular time for DVC members.

 

[bobbiwoz]

When I stay in a studio, I prefer Jambo because the Mara for counter service is at Jambo. I think it is a wonderful resort, and very romantic!

Call right at 7 months! I prefer Arusha Savannah. I hope you get it!

Bobbi

 

[a742246]

GF/VGF is Disney's number 1 wedding and honeymoon resort.

Bill

This would be my choice as well, but I don't think a studio will be available
in December. Another thing to keep a eye on is the POLY resort. I don't know when they will open the window up for DVC members but it may be soon!

 

[mickeymom629]

Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions!!

 

[El&Asmom]

When dh and I have gone alone, we prefer the EPCOT resorts. We love to be able to stroll over to the IG to walk around EPCOT at night. Plus, there is something romantic about walking around those resorts around the lake. GF would be my second choice then VWL. Congrats on their upcoming wedding.

 

[mickeymom629]

When dh and I have gone alone, we prefer the EPCOT resorts. We love to be able to stroll over to the IG to walk around EPCOT at night. Plus, there is something romantic about walking around those resorts around the lake. GF would be my second choice then VWL. Congrats on their upcoming wedding.

Thanks! I agree with your thoughts on the resorts, and those would be my order of preference.

But I just think AKL is so cool. I guess they could visit and dine there if they want. Of course, it all depends on what is available at 7 months.

 

[DenLo]

I would pick either VGF or BLT. Both have easy access to MK. It doesn't sound OP's son has stayed at either one. Sure they would have to ride the monorail or buses to other parks, but if they are young, the might prefer MK anyway. VGF (especially a lake view) would be my selection because it is a romantic resort with the wedding pavilion next door.

 

[Simba's Mom]

You'll probably get so many different answers for this. I've got to chime in recommending OKW. DH and I celebrated our 30th Anniversary with a stay there. I'm not sure why it was so perfect-maybe just because the villa was so big and relaxing, it made us feel relaxed and wanting to "reconnect. But everyone's different. DS and DDIL stayed at BWV, but DH's thought on BWV is "Don't ever make me stay here!" Feels too "citified" for him. And although many do stay at GF, it gives me a "frou-frou" feel, I don't feel relaxed enough.

 

[Dean]

Here's my personal order of preference for this situation.

1. BWV BW view
2. BWV standard
3. BWV preferred
4. BCV
5. VGF
6. AKV concierge
7. AKV value
8. AKV savannah view (either building)
9. Poly
10. VWL
11. BLT
12. SSR
13. OKW

Of course many of those are unlikely to be available. So I'd book the highest up on your/their list that's available and WL 2 up the ladder. In my list BWV preferred is likely to be the highest rated available but several below that are unlikely to be available. Even if only SSR or OKW is available, it's still a great option and if you spend less points, you could potentially help them in other ways maybe with a DP option or tickets if you weren't planning to do so anyway. When my daughter got married they did a mini honeymoon at WDW in a BWV 1 BR BW view for 5 nights with DP then a few months later 10 days in HI as their real honeymoon. Thank goodness for timeshares and FF miles.