Where to stay DVC (or Marriott for mid-April 2023) for family of 4

[AC168]

For a family of 4 coming from the west coast, where would you recommend staying for an 8 day trip in mid-April 2023? Two adults, two kids - one is 8 year old boy and one is 16 year old female. We will probably be jet-lagged and will want evening activities for the first few nights -- such as fireworks, electrical parade, etc. I doubt early entry to parks will matter much. We own DVC VGC resale and have some points we can use and also own Marriott Timeshare Points so we have some flexibility where we can stay. Because the adults may have to work for part of the trip, we'll book a 2 bedroom for sure and we usually prefer the nicer option.

Thanks for any suggestions! We've been to WDW once 10 years ago, and I remember it being a far larger and more complicated place than Disneyland and California Adventure.

 

[TheHolleys87]

As an owner, you can check DVC availability at WDW for your dates - it’s probably sparse, given that we’re within the 7-month window and mid-April is still Spring Break, so popular. However, if you find a 2BR for your dates, book it! (Unless it’s at Riviera, if your resale VGC points don’t qualify to book there.)

As far as Marriott goes, I’d look at the 3 Marriott Palms resorts across I-4 from WDW - they’re all lovely, and it’s a very easy drive from there to WDW. There are other Marriott resorts in Orlando that are also very nice, I just don’t have personal experience with them.

Once you have accommodations and are therefore certain of your dates, I’d buy park tickets and make park reservations ASAP. AFAIAA none of the park reservations for April are full, but to avoid being shut out, I make them early and then plan to modify as other plans firm up.

 

[AC168]

Thank you for everyone's great suggestions. Booking Marriott Vacation Club is fairly available (except Lakeshore). DVC at 7 months out is significantly tougher, but doable. We're going to go with MVC Sabal Palms 2-bedroom for the first part of our trip and then AKV 2-bedroom Savanna for the second part of our trip. Staying at Sabal in case there is a lot of traffic and with hopes that we will be able to use the new water park next door at World Center. Worst case, we'll go to Disney water park which isn't too far away either.

 

[jancpa]

I have stayed at Sabal Palms for the last few years. From what I have heard the new water park is not complimentary for exchangers.

 

[rickandcindy23]

I have stayed at Sabal Palms for the last few years. From what I have heard the new water park is not complimentary for exchangers.

She has Marriott points.

 

[dvc_john]

I don't think the water park is complimentary for anyone. For hotel guests there's a pretty hefty resort fee that covers it.
For Palm's guests, (according to the last info I heard), it's $20 per person per usage day.

 

[okw1]

Old Key West one or two bedroom would fit your needs at WDW. Very large rooms.

 

[frytard]

As an owner, you can check DVC availability at WDW for your dates - it’s probably sparse, given that we’re within the 7-month window and mid-April is still Spring Break, so popular. However, if you find a 2BR for your dates, book it! (Unless it’s at Riviera, if your resale VGC points don’t qualify to book there.)

As far as Marriott goes, I’d look at the 3 Marriott Palms resorts across I-4 from WDW - they’re all lovely, and it’s a very easy drive from there to WDW. There are other Marriott resorts in Orlando that are also very nice, I just don’t have personal experience with them.

Once you have accommodations and are therefore certain of your dates, I’d buy park tickets and make park reservations ASAP. AFAIAA none of the park reservations for April are full, but to avoid being shut out, I make them early and then plan to modify as other plans firm up.

I have a trip for March 3-10 AKL. Should i buy my tickets now and start the reservation process?

 

[noreenkate]

I have a trip for March 3-10 AKL. Should i buy my tickets now and start the reservation process?

YES!

 

[bnoble]

They are not going to get any cheaper.

 

[AnnaS]

I have a trip for March 3-10 AKL. Should i buy my tickets now and start the reservation process?

Yes for sure. We go back in March. Reservations made two months ago.

 

[TheHolleys87]

I have a trip for March 3-10 AKL. Should i buy my tickets now and start the reservation process?

Most definitely! Your dates are during the beginning of Spring Break season, so it’s likely to be busy. (Thanksgiving is already booking up, a month in advance.) This is a good time to make park reservations so that you have them. You can change them as time gets closer, if availability allows, but at least you won’t be blocked out.