Which WDW resort to stay at?

[SandyC]

I am taking my 12 year old and 15 year old to WDW in January for 12 nights. We will not have a car and will probably want to eat breakfast in and dinner out most days. We are struggling to decide whether to stay in a deluxe hotel or rent DVC points and stay in a studio, if available or possibly a 1 bedroom unit. The one bedroom unit is quite a lot more expensive than a studio and the studio appears cheaper than the deluxe resort. I like the idea of a kitchen and laundry but not sure the cost is justified.

We will spend about 6 days in WDW and the rest at Universal, Seaworld, shopping & Kennedy.

Any comments anyone can give me to help me decide would be very much appreciated. As my buying power is in Australian $, the unit cost for me is 30% more than the unit cost for US $.

 

[browniemtb]

For 12 days it may be nice to be able to do laundry or cook something. Don't forget you can have groceries delivered to your room. I would have to see the numbers to say that a 12 day deluxe hotel will cost less than a 1 bedroom through a DVC owner. The only situation I see is the transportation part for Universal and such.....with out a car you will have to rely on cabs.

 

[Joan S.]

Hi, I would say for that long of a stay the 1 bedroom would be PERFECT! You would have a FULL kitchen that would help you to cut some of the cost of dining out each day.You would also have 2 tv's and a DVD player if you plan on any down time in the room.And a washer and dryer in the room. If the Studio is more affordable for you, that also has a small kitchen area with an undercounter fridge and a microwave and sink.This is VERY handy when compared to a hotel room. The stores at the DVC resorts all sell some food,breakfast items,microwavable items,dessert items and lots of beverages.Also with the studio the laundry rooms are free to DVC guests. Are you planning on staying all 12 nights at WDW?? If so you may want to rent a car for the trips off of WDW property. You could also hop around to some of the food courts with a car. I am a DVC owner so feel free to ask any more ???. I DO NOT rent out my points ,we manage to USE them all! Joan

 

[spiceycat]

a studio has a kitchennett. you can fix eggs, bacon, & a ton of other stuff. It has a microwave, under the counter refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, 4 glasses, 2 mugs, plastic knifes, yorks, spoons, paper plates and bowls

OKW has 2 queen beds in their studios - the others have a queen bed and a double sleeper sofa.

all DVC resorts have access to free washer and dryers. at both OKW and SSR - these are next to the swimming pools - so that make them extra nice. You can swim and do your clothes.

in the others it varies.

you are going to have rent a car or shuttle or taxi to get to the other parks - so I would save my money and go with a studio.

a studio is just as big as most WDW resort hotel rooms. bigger in most cases - smaller in some - both Cont & Polyn have bigger rooms than a studio.

 

[spiceycat]

oh if you can afford it go with BCV. It sometimes rent for more because it is so popular.

both your kids will love that swimming pool - you will enjoy being walking distance to Epcot and boating distance to Studios. bus transportation to the other parks. BWV has the same nice feature for the parks - but BCV definitely has the better pool.

Otherwise either SSR or OKW - they are easier to stay at and get off WDW property. you can park your car in front of your villa at OKW. SSR car parking is a little further away but still infront or behind your villa building.

 

[beccasmom]

I am biased, but a DVC stay would be your most comfortable stay for 12 days. I've stayed in all of WDW's luxury hotels and although they are indeed lovely, it is really nice to have someplace to sit down besides the bed, IMHO (although we've done just that many times! ). A studio would be a good choice; you could do some basic cooking and would have access to the laundry room on-site. My recommendation would be a 1-bedroom unit if you could swing it. OKW would probably be the least expensive. You would have a master suite, huge bathroom and your own washer/dryer in the unit. There is plenty of room to stretch out and you can cook a whole meal if you're so inclined!

OKW is the "oldest" of the DVC resorts. The atmosphere is quiet, relaxing and laid-back. SSR is the newest and is beautifully themed. It is close to DTD. BCV has the great Stormalong Bay, with use exclusive to the hotel and BCV guests. It and BWV are within walking distance to Epcot (a major plus!). We have not stayed at the Wilderness Lodge Villas, but have heard great things about it. All have much to recommend them.

I agree that you may want to consider renting a car for your off-site excursions. While on-site, WDW transportation should work well for you.