After following the DVC forums on DISboards for many years, my impression is that DVC buyers most often think of DVC as replacing their hotel room. In fact, the "Guides" (sales persons) often use "stay in a Deluxe studio for less than the cost of a Moderate hotel room!" as a slogan, and many potential purchasers, not to mention owners, use the comparison between the cost of a hotel room and the cost of DVC ownership to justify their purchase. So the idea is that you want DVC because it will save you money over paying for a hotel room every year for however long you own DVC.It is a strange dynamic for sure that studios are so popular with DVC, when studios are the least popular units in basically every other timeshare system.
OTOH, there are a few like my family, who had the good fortune to enjoy vacations in 2BR timeshare resorts with my parents before we bought our own. For us, the decision to buy DVC was because our family of 4 (including 2 kids who couldn't share a bed) had outgrown a hotel room with 2 queen beds and a single bathroom, and we wanted all the benefits of a 2BR timeshare villa with kitchen and laundry.
Then again, there's another recurrent statement on DISboards - "Be careful about staying in a 1BR, because you'll never want to go back to a studio and will have to buy more points!"
I could have sworn I see posts on TUG about 1BR and 2BR weeks coming up for exchange.
I would agree. I have stayed at HGVC Tuscany numerous times and it is a great option based on your needs !!I would try for HGVC Tuscany Village if available your dates. Not too far to Disney via Lyft (has a deal with Disney - better drop locations), not sure about shuttles. You have Premium Outlets through a private gate. A few good restaurants (Ford's Garage, Outback, Cheesecake Factory) and lots of fast options a shortish walk, many more a short uber. Publix and Walgreens right across the street. Have never stayed here, but have an OGS for DD who is heading down in October as it is a great location.
We've been members at Blue Tree (POA, not Westgate) and taking family and friends there since the late 90s. Yes, I understand it was an apartment complex built in the 1980s. No building more than three stories. If you don't have a washer or dryer in your unit, there are some on the property you may use. The 2-bedroom deluxe units all have them, plus a jacuzzi in the master bedroom suite, and a large screened-in porch with a table and chairs. The 2-bedroom executive units are smaller without the jacuzzi, a smaller porch with no table ... some have W/D and some don't. All the 2-bedroom units sleep 6. Their 1-bedroom units sleep 4. Sleeper sofas account for two of the allowed in all units. The POA is responsible for pools 1,2 and 4 which are all heated. Their maintenance fees are very reasonable. We were there from 18 March to 1 April with six units ... great family and friend times. You can rent directly from them if you wish. The couple above us was from Canada and stayed there for 13 weeks.
May-June is going to be hot, humid and rainy. Don't plan on walking too far and too long without carrying an umbrella.
Plus traffic around Disney is horrendous. You might be able to walk, but it could be a hazard to your health trying to cross some of the roads around Disney.
I would agree. I have stayed at HGVC Tuscany numerous times and it is a great option based on your needs !!
We enjoy both the HGVC Tuscany and HGVC Seaworld. We have always had a car, but often walk to Seaworld from the latter. There is a Lynx bus stop that runs from Seaworld to Disney Springs, if that would work for transportation.
The Brightline train will be servicing Orlando starting this summer. I used it to go from West Palm Beach Shores to the Fort Lauderdale Airport last year and it will be a welcome addition to public transportation in Central Florida.
The Brightline does go between West Palm and Ft. Lauderdale but it is downtown and I think $10 or more for a "Smart ticket" or a premium". It takes about 45 minutes. I'm looking forward to the Brightline serving Orlando this summer!Very interested in your experience with Brightline from FFL-
My son lives in west palm- and unfortunately, there are no nonstops or direct flights from my location, FFL on the other hand is reasonable and non-stop.
I would check car rentals through priceline or somewhere else anyway. When you add up the Uber/lyft fee to and from the airport plus any RT fares to the parks or any stores, it may be slightly more expensive or even the same amount to rent a car.Thanks, definitely don't want to rent a car though. I would like to have some stuff (restaurants, stores etc.) close enough to walk to. TPUs aren't a major concern as long as it isn't too high (i.e. up to low twenties is okay). It would just be nice to have to use less.
The parking fee of $20-25 or more per day at the parks makes the rental car option less appealing! I'm not the OP, but our situations are similar. I'm going to do public transportation and resort shuttles.I would check car rentals through priceline or somewhere else anyway. When you add up the Uber/lyft fee to and from the airport plus any RT fares to the parks or any stores, it may be slightly more expensive or even the same amount to rent a car.