Which resort?

[Desnik]

I'm planning a short trip in Oct. just to take the kids to MNSSHP. My dates are Oct. 26-29. We won't go to any parks, we plan on enjoying the resort and doing the Halloween party one night. Which resort would you stay at and why? Also, since I own at SSR and AKV, I will have the 7 month booking window for the other resorts. Since it is Oct. I'm trying to book, which I know is a busy month for DVC'ers because of the F & W Festival, do I even have a shot at the BW? We will also be going in Nov. and plan on staying at the BCV if we can get it so I wasn't even going to try for it in Oct. Is that a mistake? Should I keep all options open?

 

[spiceycat]

if you are going to the Halloween party - then VWL.

otherwise AKV is really nice - since it is your home resort that helps too.

as far as the BCV and BWV you don't know until you try. Cancelation happen alot.

 

[Granny]

I'd go for AKV. It is a beautiful resort with much to explore, and of course the animals. I would think it would be a great time to get to know one of your home resorts better.

 

[crisi]

You'll have a shot at BW - it may not be a good shot, but you won't know until you ask.

We just did this seven month call for one night. What we did was make a list of the resorts we wanted in order. I wanted VWL and got it, so was lucky (there wasn't availability at BCV or BWV for the night I wanted when I called).

There isn't any harm in asking for something that isn't likely if that is what you want. But I'd think VWL will be most convienent for you.

 

[wildernessDad]

If I had your choice and if it were available, then I'd go with VWL. After MNSSHP, you can take a leisurely boat ride back to the resort.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I'm planning a short trip in Oct. just to take the kids to MNSSHP. My dates are Oct. 26-29. We won't go to any parks, we plan on enjoying the resort and doing the Halloween party one night. Which resort would you stay at and why? Also, since I own at SSR and AKV, I will have the 7 month booking window for the other resorts. Since it is Oct. I'm trying to book, which I know is a busy month for DVC'ers because of the F & W Festival, do I even have a shot at the BW? We will also be going in Nov. and plan on staying at the BCV if we can get it so I wasn't even going to try for it in Oct. Is that a mistake? Should I keep all options open?

In answer to your 2nd question, I was offered a 1 BR standard view at BWV for October 15th the other day (I'd wanted a studio). I did get a BCV studio yesterday (within 7 months) for October 17-19.

 

[Desnik]

Thank you for the suggestions! I am leaning towards VWL. I think it would be great to just take the boat to/from MNSSHP. We stayed for a weekend no parks at the AKV in Nov and it was fantastic. I'm sure DH would have that as his first pick because he just fell in love with the resort. I'm just looking at what's more convenient for the halloween party. We also love SSR when not going to the parks because of the proximity to DtD, community hall, and my kids love the pool there. I just don't know which to choose!! I know I'm making this harder than it has to be!

 

[veenstra56]

Another vote for VWL. Boat ride directly to MK, plus the resort makes for a great Halloween setting. As much as I LOVE OKW, for example, it just doesn't feel like Halloween.

 

[Desnik]

Since we have stayed at the WL I had never looked at the pictures of the DVC rooms in the villas section. Well I just did and I hate the decor! Now what? I really thought that was what I was leaning towards. The kids and DH vote for AKV, I might be out voted here!LOL I just wanted to stay someplace different than our last trip.

 

[crisi]

LOL! I love the VWL decor, but am quite unreasonable about those ugly SSR rooms. Don't know what it is.....

With a short trip, why not try somewhere different - however, since you are only going into the parks for the party, the activities and animals at AKL might be beneficial. Or stay at SSR and spend some time at DTD? You could try for BCV to use SAB - I think that would be very cool (depending on your SAB feelings), though I'd definately line up your choices just in case your first choice isn't available for all three nights.

 

[paults]

I'm planning a short trip in Oct. just to take the kids to MNSSHP. My dates are Oct. 26-29. We won't go to any parks, we plan on enjoying the resort and doing the Halloween party one night. Which resort would you stay at and why? Also, since I own at SSR and AKV, I will have the 7 month booking window for the other resorts. Since it is Oct. I'm trying to book, which I know is a busy month for DVC'ers because of the F & W Festival, do I even have a shot at the BW? We will also be going in Nov. and plan on staying at the BCV if we can get it so I wasn't even going to try for it in Oct. Is that a mistake? Should I keep all options open?

Don't you need park tickets plus MNSSHP tickets to get in. I never did this so just checking.

 

[Chic]

As long as you enter the Magic Kingdom after the park officially closes at 7:00pm, all you need to get in are your MNSSHP tickets.

 

[LisaS]

As long as you enter the Magic Kingdom after the park officially closes at 7:00pm, all you need to get in are your MNSSHP tickets.

I think you can enter any time after 4pm with a MNSSHP ticket. Just make sure you get a wristband because when you go in that early they don't always notice that you used a special event ticket to enter the park. Going in a bit early gives you time to get something to eat before the party starts.

 

[Saratoga Souris]

In order to answer the question fairly.....

What type of accom?
Children are how old?
If not going to the parks (outside MNSSHP), what does your family like?? Pool? Shopping? Nightlife?

 

[nickmom]

Another vote for WL. We stayed there over halloween 2006 and went to the MNSSHP. Great place! The boat ride to MK is enjoyable. WL had pumpkin carving contests, which all the resort employees participated. The guests then got to vote. The carvings were amazing. Dressing up is fun for the MNSSHP and we made dinner reservations at Liberty Tree Tavern. Timing was perfect for finishing dinner and the parade to start. With staying at WL you can also watch the electric water pageant from the beach area and see the MK fireworks too. The only thing that could have been better is the bus ride to DTD takes long. SSR or OKW would be great for the access to DTD. OKW has a fun pool slide for the kids. Have a great time.

 

[Desnik]

In order to answer the question fairly.....

What type of accom?
Children are how old?
If not going to the parks (outside MNSSHP), what does your family like?? Pool? Shopping? Nightlife?

A 1 bedroom, with DH, myself, DD(10), and DS(5). We love spending the day in the pool, shopping at DtD, the kids love spending time doing arts and crafts. DH and I would like to go out to dinner one evening alone, so the kids would stay at one of the kids clubs.(Sandcastle Club is their favorite!) I should add we won't have a car.

 

[Desnik]

Don't you need park tickets plus MNSSHP tickets to get in. I never did this so just checking.

You just need your party ticket. The party is from 7pm to 12am. When we went last year you were allowed to enter at 4pm. They had you enter the park in a different section and you immediately get the wrist bands.

 

[Saratoga Souris]

You are only going to the MNSSHP and not to any other park so staying near the MK is NOT a priority.
Based on your "likes"... my # 1 pick would be BCV. Why?
SAB plus proximity to Pool at Boardwalk (always nice to have an option) and all of the Boardwalk area restaurants and nightlife make for a great time. You also said your kids like Sandcastle Club.
Having said that.... in Oct.. could be a hard to get in due to Food and Wine Fest.
My # 2 choice would be SSR in the Grandstand Area
Close to boat to DTD.Lots of places to shop and eat there! Great Pool area with splashpad at Grandstand near Main Pool "High Rock Springs" (with zero entry). Option to take the boat to OKW for pool hopping (great slide there)