Which Studio

[pistonfan32]

I am an OKW owner since 2005 and have only stayed at OKW in eithe a studio or 2BR. I am looking to branch out and get a studio for 4 nights in January 2010. For about the same number of points, I get my choice of the following:

Bay Lake--Standard view
Wilderness
Boardwalk-Pool or standard view
Beach Club
Animal Kingdom-Savannah view

With me on this trip will be my wife and 7 year old son.

I am leaning a certain way but wanted your input. What would you do?\

 

[dianeschlicht]

With the 7 year old you might want to consider BLT or VWL, since they are both closest to MK. On the other hand, my preference for a family trip like that would be AKV. It's like a destination in itself, and the bus service has been wonderful when we have been there.

 

[Sandisw]

My family is a big MK fan and that is our favorite park so I would go for either BLT or VWL.

 

[rentayenta]

AKV with a SV is pretty darn nifty and my kids loved it. I don't think you could go wrong with any of your options!

 

[DisneyDreamers2007]

AKV Savannah view, or if your son loves to swim...the Beach Club.

 

[jekjones1558]

Animals win out over a pool in January. Try AKV.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Animals win out over a pool in January. Try AKV.

I agree, but even if you want to swim, the new AKV water play area is great fun!

 

[bobbiwoz]

VWL for MK and bike riding, or AKV for the animals.

Bobbi

 

[pistonfan32]

I was leaning toward BL hoping to get a Magic Kingdom view if it opens up. Are there usually many animals roaming that can be seen on the Savannah view?

 

[katmittens]

We always stay at OKW usually in a 2 bedroom, but this Jan 10 we are staying at VWL in a 2 bedroom. It was a tough decision to leave OKW, but we decided to try something different.
VWL is close to MK and the rooms are so comfy and cozy. Good luck with your decision.

 

[rlovew]

My guess is that you will probably have to go with a Bay Lake view for BLT if you choose that one. There are few standard views and I think most are gone before the 7 month window opens.

 

[rentayenta]

I was leaning toward BL hoping to get a Magic Kingdom view if it opens up. Are there usually many animals roaming that can be seen on the Savannah view?

We saw tons of animals both in the morning and night. Zebras, giraffes, wildebeasts, some big horned things, ostrich, etc....Well worth having a SV!

 

[Deb & Bill]

After staying in an OKW studio, you will be very disappointed in any other studio. The bathroom is much smaller. You get a double sleeper sofa instead of the second queen bed. And the room is smaller. Even the balcony is smaller (long, maybe, but narrow) and at VWL there is one studio with no balcony.

BLT has a terrible kitchen/bathroom layout - especially after the OKW bathroom which is very roomy.

If you have to stay in a studio and want to try something other than OKW, go with the one that requires the fewest points so, if you are truly disappointed (like I think you will be) at least you won't waste so many points.

 

[pistonfan32]

I agree that the OKW room size is large but that is not a concern. We don't plan on spending a lot of time in the room. I am now leaning toward AKV-Savannah view. Beach Club and Bay Lake-Standard View are still in the running. If Bay Lake-MK view opens up, that will be the choice w/o a doubt.

 

[windi622]

I'm just surprised that no one has defended BWV's honor! Maybe the difference is traveling with a 7 year old (which I have never done), so MK would be the focus. But I just love BW...always have. We stayed in the hotel before we ever owned, and I've loved it from the beginning. I love the location, so close to HS and Epcot. Beautiful scenery, surrounded by the boardwalk itself, and across from YC & BC. I think the energy is fantastic, always feels like there's something going on. Although it sounds like you're leaning toward a few other places, IMHO, you'd be lucky to end up at BWV as well. Good luck on your tough decision...don't think you can go wrong anyway you go.

 

[jekjones1558]

After staying in an OKW studio, you will be very disappointed in any other studio. The bathroom is much smaller. You get a double sleeper sofa instead of the second queen bed. And the room is smaller. Even the balcony is smaller (long, maybe, but narrow) and at VWL there is one studio with no balcony.

BLT has a terrible kitchen/bathroom layout - especially after the OKW bathroom which is very roomy.

If you have to stay in a studio and want to try something other than OKW, go with the one that requires the fewest points so, if you are truly disappointed (like I think you will be) at least you won't waste so many points.

While we love the OKW 1 bedrooms and larger we don't like the studios because of the 2 beds. We prefer to have a sofa for relaxing while watching TV, reading, etc. We realize that for many folks the 2 beds are a drawing card, but not for us. The large studio bathroom is nice except that the vanity is in the room with the shower and we find it more convenient to have the shower and vanity in separate rooms when we are getting ready in the morning. To each her/his own. That said, we never stay in a studio if a 1 bedroom is available.

 

[El&Asmom]

I'm just surprised that no one has defended BWV's honor! Maybe the difference is traveling with a 7 year old (which I have never done), so MK would be the focus. But I just love BW...always have. We stayed in the hotel before we ever owned, and I've loved it from the beginning. I love the location, so close to HS and Epcot. Beautiful scenery, surrounded by the boardwalk itself, and across from YC & BC. I think the energy is fantastic, always feels like there's something going on. Although it sounds like you're leaning toward a few other places, IMHO, you'd be lucky to end up at BWV as well. Good luck on your tough decision...don't think you can go wrong anyway you go.

Dh and I stayed in a studio on our parents only trip at BWV and loved it. I believe it's the biggest studio other than OKW. It was very roomy. We also lucked out and got a PV that overlooked the village green area. We had a wonderful view of half of the boardwalk and EPCOT.
Our dds love BWV and the boardwalk at night. It would be a great option for a family with a 7yo. Then again, all of the DVC resorts are.

 

[pistonfan32]

My conclusion is BLT-Standard view hoping for MK view. I ws thinking about AKV but that is so far out. If it was during warmer months, I would probably go with BWV or BCV. VWL sounds appealing too but the thought of a new, fresh BLT sounds appealing. Not concerned about room size since we don't plan on spending a lot of time in our room.

 

[Deb & Bill]

My conclusion is BLT-Standard view hoping for MK view. I ws thinking about AKV but that is so far out. If it was during warmer months, I would probably go with BWV or BCV. VWL sounds appealing too but the thought of a new, fresh BLT sounds appealing. Not concerned about room size since we don't plan on spending a lot of time in our room.

Let us know how that funky kitchenette/bathroom combination works out.