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Old 01-20-2010, 02:32 PM   #1
julieb
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Question Which Villas have the best 2 bedroom units?

Hi everyone - we have a trip planned for this October, and are paying cash (gulp) for a 2 bedroom unit at BLT. I'm anticipating taking a DVC tour on this trip, and just wondered what you thought of the various villas that have 2 bedroom units. Maybe we will buy resale points at AKV, or just stick with BLT, where I assume that DVC is currently selling points. We are a family of 4, but hope to purchase enough points to cover 2 bedroom units so that we can bring additional family members. Any thoughts on 2 bedroom units at AKV, BLT, or other villas would be appreciated. Thanks!
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Old 01-20-2010, 03:35 PM   #2
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I guess that depends upon how you would define "best" in these circumstances.

BLT, AKV (Kidani) and the Grand Californian are the newest resorts and their two bedroom villas are a bit larger than others. They have about 10% greater square footage, an extra bathroom and have a twin sleeper chair in the living room so that they legitimately sleep 9 guests.

The Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas also sleep 9, have 3 separated bedrooms (with twin bunk beds in one), but only have 2 full bathrooms.

Old Key West only has two bathrooms but those villas are larger with a full-size balcony. A refurbishment scheduled for 2010-11 will add the twin sleeper chair.

All other resorts are pretty much identical. Two bathrooms, small balcony, only sleep 8.

Those are the main functional differences in the villas. But the resorts themselves all have different themes, benefits (transportation, recreation, annual dues prices, location) and drawbacks (contract ending date, dues, transportation, etc.)
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Old 01-20-2010, 05:17 PM   #3
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I guess that depends upon how you would define "best" in these circumstances.

BLT, AKV (Kidani) and the Grand Californian are the newest resorts and their two bedroom villas are a bit larger than others. They have about 10% greater square footage, an extra bathroom and have a twin sleeper chair in the living room so that they legitimately sleep 9 guests.

The Saratoga Springs Treehouse Villas also sleep 9, have 3 separated bedrooms (with twin bunk beds in one), but only have 2 full bathrooms.

Old Key West only has two bathrooms but those villas are larger with a full-size balcony. A refurbishment scheduled for 2010-11 will add the twin sleeper chair.

All other resorts are pretty much identical. Two bathrooms, small balcony, only sleep 8.

Those are the main functional differences in the villas. But the resorts themselves all have different themes, benefits (transportation, recreation, annual dues prices, location) and drawbacks (contract ending date, dues, transportation, etc.)
got it. Lots to consider! I appreciate all the info.!!!
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Old 01-21-2010, 02:22 PM   #4
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blt has a slight different layout than the others. AKV bathroom is also different.

most of the others are a copy of OKW - except they are all smaller.

if you intend to spend most of your time at the parks then BWV, BLT or BCV - might be better.

if on the other hand you will be spending alot of time at the resort - then OKW, SSR or AKV - not to mention HH or VB - might be better
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Old 01-21-2010, 04:46 PM   #5
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most of the others are a copy of OKW - except they are all smaller.
Don't agree with this at all.

BWV, BCV, VWL and SSR are all virtually identical. But the layout of OKW villas is very much different--kitchen island/tv cabinet, dedicated laundry room, full porch or patio, both sofa and loveseat in living room, etc.
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Old 01-21-2010, 07:26 PM   #6
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Don't agree with this at all.

BWV, BCV, VWL and SSR are all virtually identical. But the layout of OKW villas is very much different--kitchen island/tv cabinet, dedicated laundry room, full porch or patio, both sofa and loveseat in living room, etc.
sorry Tim - the layout is similiar to OKW (it was the first) - they just cut the size of everything. made everything smaller.

now the studio will agree - at the others you get the bathroom/kitchenett first. at okw you get the beds.
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Old 01-21-2010, 05:37 PM   #7
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Good luck with your decision! Hope you find what you are looking for.
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Old 01-22-2010, 01:35 AM   #8
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Just so you know--DVC is still selling points at AKV and I think the incentives are a bit better than the incentives for BLT! The two bedroom at AKV Jambo is just gorgeous. I haven't seen the two bedroom at Kidani--but buying points at AKV allows you to book at either resort at 11 months--which is a big plus! AKV also has the only concierge rooms at a DVC resort.
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Old 01-22-2010, 06:15 AM   #9
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Maybe we will buy resale points at AKV, or just stick with BLT, where I assume that DVC is currently selling points. We are a family of 4, but hope to purchase enough points to cover 2 bedroom units so that we can bring additional family members. Any thoughts on 2 bedroom units at AKV, BLT, or other villas would be appreciated. Thanks!
As Heather said, Disney is still selling points at AKV. Also, you probably know this but just to be sure - you can use your points at all the DVC resorts, no matter where you buy points. The only difference is that you can start making reservations at your home resort (= where you own points) 11 months in advance while at all the other resorts, you have to wait till 7 months out.

Good luck deciding. We bought our DVC membership two year ago and love it!
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Old 01-22-2010, 03:12 PM   #10
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We stayed in 2 BRs at both AKL and BLT over Thanksgiving. I expected to love BLT more than AKL but I was surprised! Given the choice now, I would choose AKL but that's just personal preference. I liked the layout of the villa at AKL more than BLT. I didn't like that the bathrooms at BLT didn't have locks on the door and I didn't like the way the bathroom in the second BR was laid out in BLT. We also preferred the balcony at AKL which ran the length of the villa and could be accessed from either bedroom or the living room as opposed to the two small balconies at BLT. I also thought the room we had at BLT was the noisest we've ever had at any DVC resort. We heard noise from rooms next to ours, above ours, from the hallway - and we've never had that at the other resorts. I also much preferred the pool area at AKL, I thought it was much more tropical and had more for the kids to do. The lack of quick service dining at Kidani Village could be a drawback but we don't eat much quick service at the resort so it wasn't a big deal. Just my humble opinion, but I hope it helps!
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Old 01-23-2010, 09:56 AM   #11
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We stayed in a 2BR at Jambo House in August and really enjoyed the layout of those. I like being in the main lodge with access to everything there. I also enjoy the balconies which are very spacious. I haven't tried Kidani yet, but I can say that I'd stay in a 2BR at Jambo anytime.
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Old 01-26-2010, 12:32 PM   #12
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I'm going to add from my experience here are the 2 bdrm's i stayed at
OKW, BWV, SSR , and the biggest and the most comfortable one i loved the best was OKW . good luck on choosing .
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