Decide my housing options please

[zarapipe]

I'm so indecisive. Going in January for 5 nights. 2 adults and 2 kids, ages 6 and 2. We like space so staying in one hotel room is not an option.

Option 1 is this VRBO, or something similar- www.vrbo.com/3876194ha Total cost would be $638

Option 2 is a 1 bedroom at AKL through DVC. I wouldn't book until next month when it is under 7 months. I think it would be $1140 ($500 more than option 1).  How do I even know if there is availability? Can someone check for me?

Option 3 is waiting for a winter discount and staying at a hotel. I have no idea how the prices will shake out and I would only want 2 hotel rooms or a AOA suite. I could always wait and see and if the prices are too steep jump on a VRBO.

[lala]

I'm anti off site, so I will choose onsite every time. I also find staying in a studio with kids not a big deal, but some do.

I'd probably book a one bedroom dvc now and not depend on a code. If you're basing your pricing off of the value level - I think they go quickly?

While I love the AKL, I hate that it's further to everything. I prefer to be able to walk or monorail or boat to one of the parks. But again, that's all preference.

[zarapipe]

lala, I've heard it's further away and that is definitely a disadvantage. While I'd like to stay at the Poly or BLT it's out of the budget. We would possibly swing OKW or Saratoga...maybe the Boardwalk. Thoughts?

[lala]

Out of those, Boardwalk!

And I'd still do AKL over offsite.

Look how much cheaper a studio is, though. You could stay on the monorail for the price of a cheap one bedroom... or a longer trip!

[littlemermaid]

We stayed at Art of Animation in a suite. It was spacious and it has 2 full baths.

[zarapipe]

lala, I so want to stay on the monorail but idk if I can give up the space. It's so tempting though....

[ilikedonuts]

What are your dates? If you try to book less then 7 months out, you could be somewhat limited DVC wise. January is slower but there is the marathon and mlk weekend as well.

[littlemermaid]

Jun 9, 2016 11:21:47 GMT -5 zarapipe said:

lala , I so want to stay on the monorail but idk if I can give up the space. It's so tempting though....

Polynesian has suites

[zarapipe]

ilikedonuts, it is looking like January 15th-20th, but the dates are flexible by a day or two each way.

[ilikedonuts]

Jun 9, 2016 11:35:58 GMT -5 zarapipe said:

ilikedonuts , it is looking like January 15th-20th, but the dates are flexible by a day or two each way.

If you want something other then AKV, SSR, or OKW for those dates DVC wise, I would make sure you have a rental company to book it for you on the day the 7 month window opens. MLK weekend is super popular DVC wise.

[zarapipe]

ilikedonuts, ty, this is super helpful. So is it 7m out from the first day of the reservation? If I am looking to check in on January 15th when would I put my request in to Davids?

[ilikedonuts]

Jun 9, 2016 11:40:44 GMT -5 zarapipe said:

ilikedonuts , ty, this is super helpful. So is it 7m out from the first day of the reservation? If I am looking to check in on January 15th when would I put my request in to Davids?

You should contact him today if you can if you know where you want to stay. Yes 7 months from the first day and then you can book a 10 day trip. So you'll whole trip will be covered.

Since you are booking 7 months out, it will be much easier for him to find someone who has points for you.

[zarapipe]

ilikedonuts, thanks again! idk now I'm leaning toward a studio at the poly. We could put dd2 in a pack in play in the 2nd bath.

[ilikedonuts]

Jun 9, 2016 11:48:02 GMT -5 zarapipe said:

ilikedonuts , thanks again! idk now I'm leaning toward a studio at the poly. We could put dd2 in a pack in play in the 2nd bath.

I think you'll love being on the monorail if you do that! my kids always end up sleeping in bathrooms on our disney trips! 

[lala]

DO IT!!!

[zarapipe]

@fivedogs, thanks for your thoughts. We will be driving. Right now I would like to do Crystal Palace (pre park opening if we can get it), Ohana and maybe Akershus.

We will probably do 3 days at MK, 1 at Epcot and 1 undecided. I'm just so undecided on the location vs. size of room

I will check out that other site, thank you!