WL vs. GF 2BR Villa (with babies)

[mariamouse]

Hi DISers

My mom would like to travel to WDW with our family for her 60th next fall (October 2018). Our family consists of 7 adults - dad, mom, two sisters and their husbands (in their early 30s), me (in my late 20s) and two baby boys (23 months and 18 months as of next fall).

My sisters and I were thinking that it might make sense to rent a 2BR villa instead of getting separate hotel rooms - this way, my sisters would be able to take advantage of the kitchen and larger living area (and washer/dryer) since they will each have a young baby in tow. I would likely sleep on the pull-out couch in the 2BR villa (no worries - we're close ) and my parents would get a separate hotel room/studio.

We know that we want to stay at a deluxe resort and thought that the MK area would make the most sense given that it offers the most ride options for the babies. We have stayed at both the GF and WL previously, but never in the villas. We were initially interested in the Poly, but it looks like there are no 2BR options and the bungalows are just too $. We're not that crazy about the CR theme, so that leaves the WL and GF as contenders. We would likely book through a DVC rental agency 11 months out since I know both of these villa options are competitive. Which resort would you choose?

Below are a few specific questions I've been considering:

• Is there any difference in size between the WL and GF 2BR villas (given that there would be five adults and two babies sharing it)?
• Does one 2BR villa offer more space and/or sleep options for two babies vs. the other? (e.g. spacious closets in the bedrooms that we could put cribs in)?
• Is Copper Creek a better option than the Boulder Ridge villas? I know that the former is newer and closer to the main lobby, but not sure if we would be able to successfully book it for next year given how new it is. Are the Boulder Ridge villas being refurbished since the decor looks dated in comparison? Is the Copper Creek vs. Boulder Ridge 2BR villa layout preferable with two babies?
  
• Can Disney provide railings for the mini bed that pulls out from under the TV at the GFV (not sure if either of the WLV options offer this as well) or would we need to request two cribs? Or do they only offer pack 'n plays in the villas?
• Is the monorail much more convenient with a stroller than the WL boat? Can't recall if strollers need to be stowed when boarding the boat or if babies can just stay in them during the boat ride.
• Does the WL vs. GF provide a better pool option for babies (e.g. zero entry, splash area)?

I know that there are a lot of questions above, but any insight is appreciated! If you think we're better off booking separate hotel rooms at the WL/GF/Poly instead of a 2BR villa, I'm also open to that feedback as well.

Thanks so much for your help!
Maria

 

[lavelle]

I am in the same predicament! I am leaning towards VGF. I think the kids i am going with will like the theming of WL better, but the proximity and convenience of VGF is unbeatable ... I'm interested to hear other's opinions, because I'm still on the fence!

 

[bumbershoot]

Does one 2BR villa offer more space

It's not in your list, but OKW generally has the biggest spaces.

Other than that I'd go for GF bc our studio was beautiful and the 2 bedrooms must be amazing.

 

[Marionnette]

Hi DISers

My mom would like to travel to WDW with our family for her 60th next fall (October 2018). Our family consists of 7 adults - dad, mom, two sisters and their husbands (in their early 30s), me (in my late 20s) and two baby boys (23 months and 18 months as of next fall).

My sisters and I were thinking that it might make sense to rent a 2BR villa instead of getting separate hotel rooms - this way, my sisters would be able to take advantage of the kitchen and larger living area (and washer/dryer) since they will each have a young baby in tow. I would likely sleep on the pull-out couch in the 2BR villa (no worries - we're close ) and my parents would get a separate hotel room/studio.

We know that we want to stay at a deluxe resort and thought that the MK area would make the most sense given that it offers the most ride options for the babies. We have stayed at both the GF and WL previously, but never in the villas. We were initially interested in the Poly, but it looks like there are no 2BR options and the bungalows are just too $. We're not that crazy about the CR theme, so that leaves the WL and GF as contenders. We would likely book through a DVC rental agency 11 months out since I know both of these villa options are competitive. Which resort would you choose?

Below are a few specific questions I've been considering:

1. Is there any difference in size between the WL and GF 2BR villas (given that there would be five adults and two babies sharing it)?
2. Does one 2BR villa offer more space and/or sleep options for two babies vs. the other? (e.g. spacious closets in the bedrooms that we could put cribs in)?
3. Is Copper Creek a better option than the Boulder Ridge villas? I know that the former is newer and closer to the main lobby, but not sure if we would be able to successfully book it for next year given how new it is. Are the Boulder Ridge villas being refurbished since the decor looks dated in comparison? Is the Copper Creek vs. Boulder Ridge 2BR villa layout preferable with two babies?
   
4. Can Disney provide railings for the mini bed that pulls out from under the TV at the GFV (not sure if either of the WLV options offer this as well) or would we need to request two cribs? Or do they only offer pack 'n plays in the villas?
5. Is the monorail much more convenient with a stroller than the WL boat? Can't recall if strollers need to be stowed when boarding the boat or if babies can just stay in them during the boat ride.
6. Does the WL vs. GF provide a better pool option for babies (e.g. zero entry, splash area)?

I know that there are a lot of questions above, but any insight is appreciated! If you hink we're better off booking separate hotel rooms at the WL/GF/Poly instead of a 2BR villa, I'm also open to that feedback as well.

Thanks so much for your help!
Maria

1. VGF 2-BR villas are 1232 sq. ft. CCV 2-BRs range from 1020-1100 sq. ft. BRV 2-BRs are 1083 sq. ft.
2. Dedicated 2-BR villas have 2Q beds in the 2nd bedroom. A 2-BR lockoff would have a sleeper sofa in the 2nd BR. If not opened, that would allow room for the pack n play. The closet in some master BR is sometimes big enough for a pack n play.
3. CCV and BRV are both at Wilderness Lodge. The CCV villas were once hotel rooms, so they've been retro-fitted to become villas whereas BRV villas were built specifically to be villas. The CCV villas are right in the WL main building while the BRV villas are in their own building. SInce CV has not opened yet, it's impossible to say that it's better or worse than staying in BRV.
4. There are no pull-down beds in CCV or BRV. You can ask for bed rails at VGF, but I don't think they will stay put under the mattress of the pull-down bed. If you have a 2-BR lockoff, there will be 2 pack n plays in the villa.
5. I'd say that both forms of transportation are about equal. At VGF, you will have to walk over to the main building and then take an elevator up one floor to catch the monorail. Or you can stroll over to the boat dock to take the boat (you will have to close the stroller for that boat).
6. Both resorts have splash areas for younger children to play and zero-entry pools. Both are very nice and I would not favor one over the other but the new pool at CCV lacks shade right now.

 

[mariamouse]

I am in the same predicament! I am leaning towards VGF. I think the kids i am going with will like the theming of WL better, but the proximity and convenience of VGF is unbeatable ... I'm interested to hear other's opinions, because I'm still on the fence!

Small world! Glad this thread will be of help to you too.

It's not in your list, but OKW generally has the biggest spaces.

Other than that I'd go for GF bc our studio was beautiful and the 2 bedrooms must be amazing.

Thanks for the insight! Our apprehension about OKW is the bus only access to the parks.

1. VGF 2-BR villas are 1232 sq. ft. CCV 2-BRs range from 1020-1100 sq. ft. BRV 2-BRs are 1083 sq. ft.
2. Dedicated 2-BR villas have 2Q beds in the 2nd bedroom. A 2-BR lockoff would have a sleeper sofa in the 2nd BR. If not opened, that would allow room for the pack n play. The closet in some master BR is sometimes big enough for a pack n play.
3. CCV and BRV are both at Wilderness Lodge. The CCV villas were once hotel rooms, so they've been retro-fitted to become villas whereas BRV villas were built specifically to be villas. The CCV villas are right in the WL main building while the BRV villas are in their own building. SInce CV has not opened yet, it's impossible to say that it's better or worse than staying in BRV.
4. There are no pull-down beds in CCV or BRV. You can ask for bed rails at VGF, but I don't think they will stay put under the mattress of the pull-down bed. If you have a 2-BR lockoff, there will be 2 pack n plays in the villa.
5. I'd say that both forms of transportation are about equal. At VGF, you will have to walk over to the main building and then take an elevator up one floor to catch the monorail. Or you can stroll over to the boat dock to take the boat (you will have to close the stroller for that boat).
6. Both resorts have splash areas for younger children to play and zero-entry pools. Both are very nice and I would not favor one over the other but the new pool at CCV lacks shade right now.

This is all really helpful information, thank you! Would you mind clarifying for me further what the differences are between non-lockoff VGF 2BR villas vs. lockoff 2BR villas? Would you recommend one over the other from a space perspective? Does a "dedicated" room refer to a non-lockoff room?

 

[DisneyWishes14]

With two babies, my choice would be VGF. The monorail provides better transportation to two parks plus numerous restaurants. GF simply has more amenities then WL in general.

 

[Marionnette]

This is all really helpful information, thank you! Would you mind clarifying for me further what the differences are between non-lockoff VGF 2BR villas vs. lockoff 2BR villas? Would you recommend one over the other from a space perspective? Does a "dedicated" room refer to a non-lockoff room?

Dedicated = non-lockoff

A lockoff consists of a 1-BR and a studio villa with doors leading between the living room area and the 2nd bedroom. The doors can be "locked off" on each side so that DVC can book it as a studio and a 1-BR instead of a 2-BR villa. It will have two entrance doors - one in the "living room" area of the 1-BR villa part and the other in the studio portion. The 2nd BR will have a kitchenette.

A dedicated 2-BR villa was designed to be just a 2-BR unit. There is only one entrance door. The 2nd BR has two real beds and no kitchenette.

 

[cvjw]

Just wanted to add that the master bedroom closet in our VGF dedicated 2 bedroom was massive. You could put one, maybe 2 cribs in there. There is also a hallway that goes behind the kitchen to the master bath that could be used for a crib. The VGF 2 bedroom is one of our favorites, and we have stayed in all the DVC 2 bedrooms. The pool areas are also top notch at VGF.

One thing to note is that the fall is a very popular time for DVC bookings. If you want VGF, you need to have an owner lined up who is willing to book for you at the 11 month mark.

 

[mariamouse]

With two babies, my choice would be VGF. The monorail provides better transportation to two parks plus numerous restaurants. GF simply has more amenities then WL in general.

Thanks for the response! We're thinking the monorail might be a bit easier than the boat as well.

Dedicated = non-lockoff

A lockoff consists of a 1-BR and a studio villa with doors leading between the living room area and the 2nd bedroom. The doors can be "locked off" on each side so that DVC can book it as a studio and a 1-BR instead of a 2-BR villa. It will have two entrance doors - one in the "living room" area of the 1-BR villa part and the other in the studio portion. The 2nd BR will have a kitchenette.

A dedicated 2-BR villa was designed to be just a 2-BR unit. There is only one entrance door. The 2nd BR has two real beds and no kitchenette.

Thanks for the information! This is helpful. We're leaning toward a dedicated 2-BR villa since the extra kitchenette likely won't be necessary and it would be nice to have one long balcony, although the two entrances are nice. We'll have to give this some more thought. Are these booked separately or is a dedicated 2-BR simply a request (in that you could be assigned either)?

Just wanted to add that the master bedroom closet in our VGF dedicated 2 bedroom was massive. You could put one, maybe 2 cribs in there. There is also a hallway that goes behind the kitchen to the master bath that could be used for a crib. The VGF 2 bedroom is one of our favorites, and we have stayed in all the DVC 2 bedrooms. The pool areas are also top notch at VGF.

One thing to note is that the fall is a very popular time for DVC bookings. If you want VGF, you need to have an owner lined up who is willing to book for you at the 11 month mark.

Thanks so much! I appreciate the warning about fall bookings. We're flexible on dates, but thinking either mid-late October or early November as of now. We are planning on booking through a rental agency instead of a direct owner via the DIS, but is the latter much less expensive? I've only ever rented once through an official agency. Is the $/point typically less through a direct owner and, if so, how would I best go about finding someone?

 

[Hopefully]

Thanks for the response! We're thinking the monorail might be a bit easier than the boat as well.



Thanks for the information! This is helpful. We're leaning toward a dedicated 2-BR villa since the extra kitchenette likely won't be necessary and it would be nice to have one long balcony, although the two entrances are nice. We'll have to give this some more thought. Are these booked separately or is a dedicated 2-BR simply a request (in that you could be assigned either)?



Thanks so much! I appreciate the warning about fall bookings. We're flexible on dates, but thinking either mid-late October or early November as of now. We are planning on booking through a rental agency instead of a direct owner via the DIS, but is the latter much less expensive? I've only ever rented once through an official agency. Is the $/point typically less through a direct owner and, if so, how would I best go about finding someone?

Booking directly with an owner will be $1-$2/ point less in general. But the real advantage of lining up an owner in advance is Villa availability. VGF can be hard to book. An agent has to have an owner at VGF with enough points lined up. This isn't always the case. Rental demand far exceeds rental inventory availability.[/QUOTE]

 

[Marionnette]

Thanks for the information! This is helpful. We're leaning toward a dedicated 2-BR villa since the extra kitchenette likely won't be necessary and it would be nice to have one long balcony, although the two entrances are nice. We'll have to give this some more thought. Are these booked separately or is a dedicated 2-BR simply a request (in that you could be assigned either)?

Lockoffs and dedicated 2-BR villas are booking categories at VGF, CCV and BRV. The number of points required is the same, so you may need to make your preference clear to the agency you use or the owner you are dealing with. However, you may also want to let them know that you're willing to take a lockoff if a dedicated 2-BR is not available.

 

[shairpdrh]

Thanks so much! I appreciate the warning about fall bookings. We're flexible on dates, but thinking either mid-late October or early November as of now. We are planning on booking through a rental agency instead of a direct owner via the DIS, but is the latter much less expensive? I've only ever rented once through an official agency. Is the $/point typically less through a direct owner and, if so, how would I best go about finding someone?

We rented through an owner directly for VGF for this December and I can add a few things from my experience. I checked with two rental agencies and both would only work with me ~12 months ahead and would only start looking for an owner at 11 months. I realized that with the number of points I needed (340 for our stay) it might take a while for them to find an owner. I know 2 BRs are not as popular, so I probably didn't need to worry, but our travel was during the first two weeks in December. I will admit I got nervous and wasn't very flexible with dates, so we found an owner directly through the board here. It was $2 less than through the broker, but that wasn't my main motivation. We also decided to do a split stay at BWV because the owner only had enough points for 5 nights and we were interested in trying out the EPCOT area. (We have a smaller group, so not suggesting that!) I haven't completed my stay, but I was happy with the contract the owners used. The owner walked the reservation for us and we got exactly what we wanted. Good luck whatever you decide!

 

[Deb & Bill]

You might want to consider BLT because a two bedroom villa will have three full bathrooms. You'd want a dedicated two bedroom because the second bedroom will have two queen beds instead of one queen and one double sleeper sofa and a kitchenette. You really only need the one kitchen and the kitchenette will take up space. If you are in the living room, you'd have your own bathroom just off the entrance to the villa. You can walk to the MK from BLT. Your parents could book a room at the Contemporary (it would be more spacious and comfortable than the BLT studio).

Your only problem will be booking a villa in October or early Nov. That is part of DVC busy season (early Sept through the marathon in January), so you'd need to book your stay closer to 11 months out than after seven months out.

Copper Creek villas are smaller than Boulder Ridge. BRV were just completely renovated a couple of years ago, maybe two or three. You might have an easier time booking CCV on cash than with points (but they won't be cheap). It will be hard to come by CCV points before seven months out. At seven months out, there will be a lot of competition for what villas are available for points. Most will not be until they sell more inventory to members. CCV are only eight plus one under the age of three in the two bedroom villa. Studios don't sleep five and neither do one bedrooms.

With the GFV, you'd have to take the monorail or boat to the MK. The villas are set back from the main building, so a bit further from dining and shopping. They are beautiful though. We just spent six nights in a one bedroom. The two bedroom lockoff villas have two murphy beds, one in the living room and one in the second bedroom.

The studios at BRV do have the murphy bed for one of the little ones. It would be in the studio portion of the lockoff villa. A dedicated wouldn't have the murphy bed.

 

[mariamouse]

Booking directly with an owner will be $1-$2/ point less in general. But the real advantage of lining up an owner in advance is Villa availability. VGF can be hard to book. An agent has to have an owner at VGF with enough points lined up. This isn't always the case. Rental demand far exceeds rental inventory availability.

[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the insight! I'll have to check out the rental forum and keep tabs on what's available there.

Lockoffs and dedicated 2-BR villas are booking categories at VGF, CCV and BRV. The number of points required is the same, so you may need to make your preference clear to the agency you use or the owner you are dealing with. However, you may also want to let them know that you're willing to take a lockoff if a dedicated 2-BR is not available.

This makes sense, thanks! We'd likely be open to either given the competitiveness of the fall season for DVC rental, but will likely note the dedicated 2BR as our preference.

We rented through an owner directly for VGF for this December and I can add a few things from my experience. I checked with two rental agencies and both would only work with me ~12 months ahead and would only start looking for an owner at 11 months. I realized that with the number of points I needed (340 for our stay) it might take a while for them to find an owner. I know 2 BRs are not as popular, so I probably didn't need to worry, but our travel was during the first two weeks in December. I will admit I got nervous and wasn't very flexible with dates, so we found an owner directly through the board here. It was $2 less than through the broker, but that wasn't my main motivation. We also decided to do a split stay at BWV because the owner only had enough points for 5 nights and we were interested in trying out the EPCOT area. (We have a smaller group, so not suggesting that!) I haven't completed my stay, but I was happy with the contract the owners used. The owner walked the reservation for us and we got exactly what we wanted. Good luck whatever you decide!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience and I'm glad it worked out so well for you! I'm relieved to hear that the 2BRs are typically less popular than other room types.

You might want to consider BLT because a two bedroom villa will have three full bathrooms. You'd want a dedicated two bedroom because the second bedroom will have two queen beds instead of one queen and one double sleeper sofa and a kitchenette. You really only need the one kitchen and the kitchenette will take up space. If you are in the living room, you'd have your own bathroom just off the entrance to the villa. You can walk to the MK from BLT. Your parents could book a room at the Contemporary (it would be more spacious and comfortable than the BLT studio).

Your only problem will be booking a villa in October or early Nov. That is part of DVC busy season (early Sept through the marathon in January), so you'd need to book your stay closer to 11 months out than after seven months out.

Copper Creek villas are smaller than Boulder Ridge. BRV were just completely renovated a couple of years ago, maybe two or three. You might have an easier time booking CCV on cash than with points (but they won't be cheap). It will be hard to come by CCV points before seven months out. At seven months out, there will be a lot of competition for what villas are available for points. Most will not be until they sell more inventory to members. CCV are only eight plus one under the age of three in the two bedroom villa. Studios don't sleep five and neither do one bedrooms.

With the GFV, you'd have to take the monorail or boat to the MK. The villas are set back from the main building, so a bit further from dining and shopping. They are beautiful though. We just spent six nights in a one bedroom. The two bedroom lockoff villas have two murphy beds, one in the living room and one in the second bedroom.

The studios at BRV do have the murphy bed for one of the little ones. It would be in the studio portion of the lockoff villa. A dedicated wouldn't have the murphy bed.

Thanks so much for sharing! This is all really helpful information. We most likely prefer the VGF theming over BLT enough to sacrifice the added bathroom space and walkway access to MK, but this is good to know. We're also not too concerned about the walking aspect at the GF since we love the grounds, etc. Thanks for the insight about CC vs. BR too - it's sounding increasingly like BR would be the better bet if we stay at the WL since it offers more space (despite our preferring the CC decor). I'm glad to hear that you had an enjoyable recent stay at the VGF!

 

[NicoleLarson]

VGF are absolutely wonderful, so if you can get in there...DO IT!. That's not to take anything away from CCV or BRV, they are nice too but VGF are top notch. I didn't see anyone bring this up but I'm confused on where everyone would stay. You say, your mom and dad would get the studio part, so that only leaves a pull out in the living room and the master with a king bed. If the two couples took those, where are you sleeping? I think a dedicated 2 bed is a must for your family. That way the 2 couples and their kids get the 2nd bedroom with real beds, mom and dad have the master and you are on the pullout in the living room. Also what are the schedules of the two babies? Is one a night owl and the other an early riser? Will they wake each other and everyone else up? Just FYI the couch pullout is NOT A comfortable bed. I'm 5'10" and I don't fit on it. The pull down bed from the TV is very small, my 5'3" friend slept on it 1 night and said it was like sleeping in a coffin. So I wouldn't count on that bed unless you are putting a child in it.

 

[mariamouse]

VGF are absolutely wonderful, so if you can get in there...DO IT!. That's not to take anything away from CCV or BRV, they are nice too but VGF are top notch. I didn't see anyone bring this up but I'm confused on where everyone would stay. You say, your mom and dad would get the studio part, so that only leaves a pull out in the living room and the master with a king bed. If the two couples took those, where are you sleeping? I think a dedicated 2 bed is a must for your family. That way the 2 couples and their kids get the 2nd bedroom with real beds, mom and dad have the master and you are on the pullout in the living room. Also what are the schedules of the two babies? Is one a night owl and the other an early riser? Will they wake each other and everyone else up? Just FYI the couch pullout is NOT A comfortable bed. I'm 5'10" and I don't fit on it. The pull down bed from the TV is very small, my 5'3" friend slept on it 1 night and said it was like sleeping in a coffin. So I wouldn't count on that bed unless you are putting a child in it.

Sorry, my initial post was a bit confusing -- my parents would get an entirely separate hotel room or studio (as opposed to sharing the 2BR villa with us). My plan was to take one for the team by sleeping on the pullout in the living room while my sisters take the bedrooms with their husbands and each of their babies (I'm only 5'2"), but thanks for the warning about the comfort level. If we have a dedicated 2BR and I hate the pullout, I could potentially just sleep on one of the queen beds in the guest room. We likely won't have use for the trundle bed at all since the boys won't be big enough for them and a PP mentioned that railings around them likely won't work.

We don't have a way to know what the babies' sleeping schedules will be like in over a year (they're only 7 and 3 months right now), so we'll just have to cross the fingers on that front. This is why the separate hotel rooms option is still a consideration for us, though, despite the convenience of the kitchen and living room space in the 2BR villa.

Thanks for sharing your review of the VGF! That definitely seems to be the frontrunner if we go the 2BR villa route.

 

[NicoleLarson]

Sorry, my initial post was a bit confusing -- my parents would get an entirely separate hotel room or studio (as opposed to sharing the 2BR villa with us). My plan was to take one for the team by sleeping on the pullout in the living room while my sisters take the bedrooms with their husbands and each of their babies (I'm only 5'2"), but thanks for the warning about the comfort level. If we have a dedicated 2BR and I hate the pullout, I could potentially just sleep on one of the queen beds in the guest room. We likely won't have use for the trundle bed at all since the boys won't be big enough for them and a PP mentioned that railings around them likely won't work.

We don't have a way to know what the babies' sleeping schedules will be like in over a year (they're only 7 and 3 months right now), so we'll just have to cross the fingers on that front. This is why the separate hotel rooms option is still a consideration for us, though, despite the convenience of the kitchen and living room space in the 2BR villa.

Thanks for sharing your review of the VGF! That definitely seems to be the frontrunner if we go the 2BR villa route.

Got it, yes that should work well! Then I wouldn't worry too much about the babies waking each other. They'll be on opposite sides of the room. Having a kitchen and just more room to spread out is WONDERFUL with little ones!

 

[happypaws]

Our family just went through the same decision. We are going to Disney in January 2018. It is my sister, her husband, her three boys 7,4,1 (ages at time of travel), our parents, and myself. We were debating WL 2 bedroom villas or VGF. Briefly considered getting two studios (I would have stayed with our parents), because my brother-in-law really wanted to stay at the Poly, but in the end we just decided on VGF. We were able to rent DVC points. It is so convenient with strollers to be right on the monorail. No folding them up, like you have to on the boat. Also walking distance to the Poly, so my brother-in-law can get his fix in
I'm going to be taking the fold out couch on our trip too, I've heard they are fairly comfortable.