We bought into the Riviera a few months ago and are coming up to the 7 month mark of our first visit home (we’re from the UK). We are planning to do a split stay to decide where else we would like to add on resales.
We have decided against sleep around points and have visited CCV, AKL, BLT, VGF and Poly but not stayed at any.
As we have an Epcot resort we are interested in a MK or AK resort. My husband has ruled out poly as our preference is 1 beds as we have 2 kids (7 and 5) and CCV just wasn’t for us.
We need some help please. We will be staying for 2 weeks and I was thinking we should try 2 DVC resorts in addition to Riviera. I know it is personal choice but any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!
I understand that the choice could be taken from us depending on availability.
Thanks!
Based on your apparent wishes, I believe you've already narrowed your list fairly well.
MK - BLT, VGF, Poly, CCV, BRV
AK - Honestly, only AKL
Let's see, you didn't like Poly due to the only options being studio or bungalow. I agree. Nice resort but we too often want a 1BR and sometimes a 2BR that doesn't require mega points. You also visited CCV, BLT, and VGF, so at least you're familiar with them a little. Same with AKL.
VGF: Lovely but among the most expensive when it comes to points. To conserve points, I'd likely not buy there. It is convenient to a lot of restaurants, and it's the second best-decorated resort during the holidays.
BLT: Great locale. Rooms are a bit tighter than most, but the 1BRs have that extra bath. While a bit busier than, say, the Wilderness Lodge, it's not obnoxious and it's very convenient to not only MK but monorail locations.
AKL: Seems like it's far removed from things, but we didn't find it that bad. It also has 2 baths in the 1BRs in the Kidani section. Gorgeously appointed and savannah views make this a wonderful resort.
CCV/BRV: Beautiful resort and best decorated of them all during holidays. For some, the older DVC property, BRV (what I prefer to call by its older name, VWL) is too dark, though they lightened the rooms quite a bit during a refurb a few years back. Very quiet. Easy access to MK. Soon will be a new resort nearby--Reflections. CCV is newer and in the main Lodge so a bit more convenient. However, they do not have an extra bath in the 1BRs, and I'm not a fan of the shotgun style kitchen.
So, for your needs, based on what I've read and intuit, I'd do my other nights at BLT and either CCV or BRV. For BLT, you'll experience the closeness to MK, the monorail, and access to restaurants off the monorail, and all for less points than VGF which offers similar advantages.You can also see how much you love having the extra bathroom. For either CCV/BRV, since they don't have an extra bathroom, you can get a feel for those style rooms, as well as the majestic nature of the theming which AKV has, as well, which isn't surprising given that the same architect, Peter Dominick, designed both. The only thing those two suggestions don't cover in your wish list is AK proximity, but that's going to be so even if you stay at AKL.
Have fun deciding!