Which would you choose?

[wilma-bride]

We are currently planning a WDW trip for October 2011. There are 7 of us, made up of two families as follows:

Family 1 (us) 2 adults, DH and I, DD17 and DS8

Family 2 (my best friend) 1 adult, her DD12 and DS10

We are owners at SSR, however we were hoping that we may be able to book at BCV (obviously I understood there was a likelihood we might not get it because of F&W festival).

The plan is to book a 1-bedroom for our family and a studio for my best friend and her kids. This worked really well for us last year

However, the more I read about the Treehouse Villas, the more I like the sound of them. I'm not sure how the sleeping arrangements would work with our party make-up (there are 3 bedrooms, am I right?) but there are obvious benefits in as much as we would have the 11-month booking advantage, we would all be in the same place (although with the 2 boys that's not necessarily always an advantage ), we probably wouldn't have to mess about with renting points for my friend. However, on the other hand, we really liked the idea of staying at BCV - the kids would love Stormalong Bay and DH and I love that area far more.

I did broach the subject of a split stay with DH but, since we are only there for 7 nights, he is not keen.

What would you do?

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would book the Treehouse at the 11 month window and then try to switch to a 2 bedroom lock-off at BCV at the 7 month window. I didn't vote, because that option was not really there.

 

[bobbiwoz]

I voted for the treehouse. I like the idea of being in the same villa, and if you have the opportunity to try one, I would. I bought at SSR specifically to try a treehouse and we are, in November.

 

[Doug7856]

The THV's are great for multiple families! We enjoyed one last Thanksgiving and it is our favorite SSR location. It is laid back, but we found everything at SSR is really just a short walk away. Have fun planning!

 

[Cee]

THV all the way. They are just wonderful.

 

[mouseaider]

I think that in vacationing in October needs to have reservations 11 months out so book THV. That's what I'd do. Good luck with the decision.

 

[scot@dvcstore]

Treehouse Villas are very unique and something out of the ordinary. If you can get a reservation, I think you would enjoy. Have a great trip.

 

[rentayenta]

THV and then at the 7 mo. try to make it a split stay. if not, you still have the awesome THV!

 

[RLRDA]

I voted for the THV. I think it offers you plenty of space to stretch out plus it is 60+ points less than your BCV option (if I calculated right ). They're unique in all of DVC and if you are able to get one at the 11 month mark - I'd book it! Whatever you decide, have a great time!

 

[BeesKnees]

Personally I would go BCV and not even consider THV. 7 nights with 7 people in close proximity is not my idea of a good time. Now some people love that kind of thing... I am not one of them.

When we take people we always give them their own room so if we choose we don't have to be on the same schedule and everyone can have their own space. If they want to get out and get to a park early they can go ahead without disturbing us. We did the 2 bedroom thing once and for me it put a damper on the whole vacation.

 

[sweetinmaine]

I voted for BCV's. I love the layout of the resort and the fact that you can walk to EPCOT and DHS or take a boat.

We've haven't stayed at THV but we have stayed at SSR. Has their bus
service improved? We had never had any problems until the last stay there. It felt like the resort had outgrown itself. Knowing how Disney is though, I'm sure that they are on top of the issue and making things better each day.

THV do tend to pique my interest though.

 

[TIGGERmetoo]

I would book the THV at 11 months and then try for BCV at 7.

 

[dianeschlicht]

I voted for the treehouse. I like the idea of being in the same villa, and if you have the opportunity to try one, I would. I bought at SSR specifically to try a treehouse and we are, in November.

I'd love to do that sometime too, Bobbi, but I doubt I'll ever get the chance, since we don't have SSR points.

 

[wisbucky]

We have always found it is best to stay in two different rooms when you bring friends. You each have your own space and time. I would certainly book the 1 br and studio.

 

[Nikisha421]

I would book the treehouse villas when the 11 month window opens up just to guarantee that you have a spot but then try to switch over to BCV as soon as the 7mth window opens up...good luck

 

[eliza61]

I'm not a big split stayer. I tried it once and unless I'm there for 2 weeks or more, I really didn't want to move from where I was at.

Truth be told I like separate rooms. We did a family reunion one year and everyone was in a big 3 bedroom villa (off site). First it was extremely noisy. We had a few kids (cousins) and I think they operated on one volume the entire time-screaming.
Next, even though we are all family, there were moments when I wanted to get up in the morning and just chill.

 

[5forDiz]

Since you said a 1 bedroom and a studio worked well for all of you last trip I would stick with that and not tamper too much with success

But because it is October and it tends to be busy time with F&W I would book that at SSR or maybe think on even booking THV at 11 mos just so you're sure you've got a place BUT first thing on day 7 month window I would call to switch to 1 bedroom and studio at BCV requesting that they be located near each other if possible or a 2 bedroom lock-off so at least it affords everyone privacy & your friends can come and go from the studio portion through their separate entrance.

jmho, but 7 days all of you together in THV is probably not going to give everyone enough opportunity to decompress and have some much needed OWN space, same thing with a 2 bedroom if it is a dedicated villa ( and even a 2br lock-off could prove to be too close for comfort ).

If you do end up doing a split stay make the "together" portion of it first and second half everyone move to their own separate accommodations; that will be the point in time during trip when it will benefit everyone.

Best wishes planning

 

[Chellymouse]

I voted THV. We had friends with us last year, DH and I took the master and our friends and their DS8 were in the second BR at SSR. We all managed just fine. I don't think SSR bus is all that bad....it's pretty much on par with everyone else. You can always book at THV and try to switch at 7 months.

 

[allshookup]

I voted THVs. We've stayed w/ friends in a 2 BR at SSR but that was before the THVs were open. We loved having the living area to congregate in but we had our own rooms to retreat to & watch TV if we wanted some alone time. In your case I would have the girls take the bunk room since girls really need their own space with a lot of room for their "stuff" & have the boys take the living room. I think it would be great to have the adults sit out on the deck at night while the kids watch a movie or something & maybe even have a barbecue a night or two. But that's me, I'm "the more the merrier" type anyway.

 

[dopeygirl76]

First I can't wait to try THV - we are SSR owners and LOVE the resort but have not tried the THV yet because we do travel with family at times and the configuration did not work.

That said - I would book the 2 BDR Lock off at SSR at 11 months and try for BCV at 7 months. I REALLY wanted to vote for THV but could not figure how the sleeping arrangements would work. You & DH - Master, Your BF and her daughter - 2nd Queen, boys in bunks, Your DD in living room - she may not care so I guess that could work??? Maybe I just made an arguement for THV??? Anyway maybe your DD would prefer more privacy - sleeping in a room with your family is one thing - but with another - anyway soooo off track!!!!

I also agree at the ages of the kids SAB would be appealing to them and the walk to EPCOT from BCV is amazing!!!