What would you do?

[Lesley]

Okay, this is only loosely DVC related but I wanted the input of other DVCer's. Moderators, if you feel its really necessary go ahead and move this. Not sure where would be more appropriate though...

Within the last couple of weeks my family and I have decided to plan a getaway the week of July 4th (actually from the 3rd on....). We are out of points unless we'd borrow way ahead, and I don't think there would be any DVC availability anyway at this late date...so we didn't consider WDW. We ended up booking an efficiency at the beach...Rehoboth DE, oceanfront. Not a luxury place by any means, but good enough. I'm looking forward to a relaxing couple of days at the beach.

Now my dh and kids are rallying for a trip to WDW. I'm not entirely into the idea, and here's why. I'm spoiled by DVC! LOL I really don't want to just stay in a motel room (financial constraints would have us staying at the All Stars I think...not really my cup of tea) and I feel the costs of food at WDW are prohibitive. I'd have to make all the efforts to save $...I'm the mom, ya know? If we could stay at DVC and relax I'd be all for it!

So, do you think there's any chance we could go to WDW and still have me be able to relax? We have AP's and the idea of being in the parks is actually more appealing to me than sitting around the All Stars...though I guess my kids would love some walks through the resort and the pool! I have nothing against WDW...but I need some time to relax and I was really looking forward to the beach thing....on the other hand I don't want to disappoint my family.

So anyway, fellow DVCer's...in the same situation, what would you do? And if you say WDW...paint a picture for me of how I'm going to get to relax...

PS- 2 years ago I surprised my family by changing a beach vacation to a WDW one...so have I set a precedent or is it my turn to get my way? LOL

[Richyams]

In my arrogant, chauvanistic, poor spelling, way too old fashioned opinion, a wife's job is to bend to the will of her family. What you actually want, no longer matters. If All Stars is it, so be it.

Have fun!!!!!:jester:

[we3luvdisney]

Make the trip to the world!

[ohiominnie]

I'd go to WDW in a heartbeat. The only thing at the beach is...well, the beach! And there are plenty of "beaches" at WDW. May 2000 my dh and I sat on the beach by YC/BC and looked across to the BW. As dusk came the lights on the BW started coming on and it was so lovely and relaxing. It was relaxing even though we had our children with us!! They built sand castles and played on the beach.

I'll have to have ohiomickey post the picture of them playing....

WDW is as relaxing as you make it, IMHO.

[spiceycat]

If you had asked this question last month - yes - I am going because of the great rates WDW was offering for summer last month - we are staying at the Polyn - but now the All Stars are at regular price for this time it looks like it would be $122.08 (with taxes) - last month at this time I got the WL for $141 (with taxes) - so no I don't think it is worth it. but then I love WDW any time any way -

[Terry S]

Personally, I would do WDW. But, I just can't get enough of the place. You don't mention how old your kids are, but if they are old enough to be on their own for awhile, I think WDW can be very relaxing, when we bought into DVC I knew at some point my kids would be old enough to not be vacationing with us and I had to ask myself, would WDW be someplace I would want to go as an adult without kids and relax. Well I bought so I guess my answer is yes. The thought of going to WDW and laying by the pool or sitting on the beach at BC like the other poster mentioned is pure heaven to me. My kids are young so I won't be able to do this for awhile, but I also wouldn't take them to the beach either since there is nothing for them to do there. Like I said this is just my opinion. On the other hand, I don't know if you can do much relaxing at the All Stars, can't you find a code rate some place else?

[missattitude]

I am with you, I say go to the beach where you can relax and enjoy. I too am spoiled and like my space on vacation...so enjoy Rehobeth, they will appreciate WDW all the more when you go next time!!!!

[mickey7861]

Not at the All Stars....unless you plan to go commando style at the parks and will only be at the hotel to sleep. Even then I wouldn't do it. Did you try MS , if you're not picky on resort sometimes you get lucky, not likely but worth a call.

[PamOKW]

Why don't you find out whether there is still anything left at the All-Stars and what the price would be? I imagine they are among the first to book for July 4 and that could be the end of the trip discussion.

How strong are they pushing for WDW? Will you be looking at a bunch of long faces at Rehoboth? What if it rains....will you be listening to choruses of what you could be doing at WDW? That won't be very relaxing. ;)

I'm not sure what about the WDW trip wouldn't be relaxing for you. Is it the small size rooms vs. the efficiency? Just the tension of changing plans after you've got the beach trip set? I'm just wondering what button you need pushed to make the WDW trip something you'll enjoy.

[Lesley]

My kids are 2 and 7.....so, no, they can't be on their own at all! That's why I need a vacation!

And no offense meant....but the beaches at WDW aren't really beaches. Nothing for the kids to do at the beach? My kids could play in the sand for hours, ride the little rides at the boardwalk repeatedly, play in the pool (no theme, but hey...a pool is a pool.) Now, if we could stay at the Polynesian...that would be another story.

If $122 is the best rate I can get...well, its all out of the question. No way I'd pay that for the All Stars...never. But I know I could do better than that. Actually I was thinking that maybe we could swing a moderate if I can get the AP rate.....hmmm...

Any comments on the crowds at this time...I know I can't relax at the pool with 12,000 other people trying to trample my 2yo. We're talking staying at a place with 96 rooms as opposed to a place with 2000 rooms....

Still conflicted...but no one has convinced me I can relax and Rich has pushed me towards the beach even more (my job to bend to the will of my family? HA! Now...bending the will of my family can be done if I decide to do so....)

Oh, one last note, we drive from PA....4 nights at WDW with a 16-20 hour drive on each end...not sure how sensible that is!

Ah, PamOKW...you are the voice of reason! Perhaps I need to make a phone call just to know the possibilities. What am I looking for? Hmmm....quiet. A place where my senses won't be bombarded at every moment. Nature. The place we have reservations for is not on the boardwalk, but in a quieter area. Dh and I cook together at the beach...affordable, fun and good! Dh and ds say they'd be okay with it if we go to the beach, but dh gets so mopey....I feel bad then angry because I feel manipulated by it! If I could have a 1br at WDW I'd do it in a heartbeat! Also, I don't want to spend the whole trip saying no....a big issue at WDW. Heck, I want to be bored!

[GraceDVC]

Try for one of the hotels near the Marketplace. We went to the Buena Vista Palace years ago and spent more time at the hotel's pool and walking to Marketplace, only going into the parks once a day. We found it very relaxing. Some of the other resorts, like the Grovesnor are less money, I think, and have specials during the summer. Enjoy whatever vacation you decide to go on!

[disvaclub92]

We spent a week in Seaside Heights, NJ last summer. After a day of being there, DH suffered severe sunburn on the top of his feet - don't ask how. We never sat on the beach again and just spent money on the boardwalk.

The whole time we talked about how we could have went to WDW instead - stayed at the AllStar, used our AP's, etc. Mousesavers.com has prices for AllStar using AP discount - $70-$76 from now till 8/25 - after 8/25 it is $54.

Forget the beach - go to WDW and relax.:cool:

[DeeP]

Rehoboth Beach, DE will be very crowded over 4th of July weekend. It is the most crowded weekend of the summer. Rehoboth is a seashore resort that gains the majority of their income from the summer tourists, the rest is from the outlet shoppers year round, but the vast majority is the summer tourists. At the seashore, 4 th of July is a BIG weekend. I live at the Jersey shore right inbetween AC and Ocean City and us local do not even attempt to go to the beach on the 4th it is so crowded. Not to discourage you but I don't think you will get much relaxation on the beach over 4th of July weekend.
I would most definitely go to WDW, it too will be crowded but it will also be much nicer than Rehoboth, DE. Nothing against Rehoboth, I only live about 1 hr, 45 min away and we go to Rehoboth alot and enjoy it very much but not nearly as much as we love to go to WDW. Also we have stayed at the All Star resorts several times and they are nice resorts especially for the cost. If you want more quiet go to one of the quiet pools, although I have never had a problem at the main pool with noise other than your normal pool noise. It certainly won't be any noiser than beach at Rehoboth will be. The bus service from the All Stars is the fastest on WDW propert, the rooms are almost identical to a moderate resort and the food courts have normal food court offerings at reasonable prices. Again the food at the All Stars food courts is much better and the same price if not cheaper than what you will find at Rehoboth Beach, unless you go to a sit down resatuarant in Rehoboth which is also an option at WDW. I too, love my DVC home but if it was either not go to WDW or stay at a non DVC resort I would pick the non DVC resort in a minute and have done so quite a few times when we have used up our points or when we got a fantastic deal on a non DVC resort and were saving our pts for another trip at a DVC resort.
Another option is: have you called CRO to see if anything is available at any of the DVC resorts paying cash?
Good luck!

[llane]

I loved to sit on the beach and listen to the waves rolling in. There was nothing more relaxing to me.... until I took my 4 yr old and 2 yr old last year for the first time. The waves were no longer relaxing. I was afraid they'd pull my little ones out to sea. My children enjoyed the sand but the sound of the waves scared them. We walked back to our hotel and used the pool. It'll be awhile before I head back to the ocean.

[CaptainMidnight]

I doubt you'll be able to relax at the All-stars, I'd go for a good rate at Downtown Disney hotel instead of the All-stars.

[zulaya]

Do a search on the Budget Board...supposedly I think the Courtyard by Marriott - it's one of those hotels near DD - has rooms for $20.02 per night! If they have that rate available, I think you might think twice about going to WDW

[sgtdisney]

If it were me, I would stay at a DD Hotel if you can't find anything on property in your budget, or even consider a 'suite' type hotel off property. You can always spend your time not at the parks, resort hopping and doing other Disney things. You could even vist the DVC properties. ;)

I am like the others here. I would rather be in Orlando and at Disney World than just about anywhere else. Especially if you have APs and the cost of the tickets isn't a factor.

[WDWLVR]

With AP's in hand I would head for the world. The great thing about having AP's is that you know you've been there before and you will be back again so you don't have to do everything. Take that time to relax. I've been spoiled by DVC too and I know that All Star's isn't that appealing, but a day at WDW is better than a day anywhere else.

Have you checked into prices at Fort Wilderness? That would be more quiet and relaxing the the beach there is a real beach.

Good luck in whatever your decision. It is your vacation too so you should enjoy it!

[Lesley]

Okay, here's where we are right now....
We have ressies for POR ($119 AP rate). Nothing available for the 4th just about anywhere but at the moderates...but we like them and haven't stayed at Riverside yet. And I do believe that place can be described as relaxing!

Beach ressies are not yet cancelled. Crunched the #'s and it seems we'll actually save money by going to WDW (weird..yes). So I plan to cancel them....I think.....

I was feeling really cool and happy about it all when my 7yo ds (who was a large voice in the rallying cry for WDW) says he's changed his mind and wants to go to the beach. Then dh gets ticked off and says "just take the kids to the beach..I'm not going" ARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH! Did I mention I have to two moodiest males on earth in my house.......geesh, ya'd think they've got PMS!:mad: :rolleyes: Whoever said boys are easier to raise than girls is nuts!

So, when the guys get back to their senses I can make the final call. At this point I'm good with it either way (as long as dh's coming....I don't want a vacation alone with the kids...I need a break!) Hmmm...maybe I should just go to WDW all by myself....:D

Next year when we don't have AP's we can hit the beach!

[madcoco]

And pass up a trip to WDWhttp://www.colute.net/cwm/contrib/sarge/Disappointed_anim.gif;)
http://www.colute.net/cwm/contrib/anym/nike.gif
Enjoy your stay wherever you endup.http://www.theunholytrinity.org/cracks_smileys/otn/other/usa.gif

[hoosiergirl]

My 2 cents--have you considered Vero Beach? If you don't have any points left, maybe you could rent. After 10 years doing WDW every year, VB has become our newest "favorite." It combines the Disney flavor (and quality) with the beach-- a great combo. Granted, it's very laid back and not a lot to do on property in comparison to the parks, but there are a lot of activities for kids. Also, maybe you could combine WDW WITH the beach!

I know what you mean by needing a relaxing vacation--even when we declare that "this time we'll take it easy and go more slowly", once we reach WDW--watch out! Commando-mode sets in!

Good luck! :)

[Lesley]

:D Beach is cancelled :D Only cost me $25:(

:bounce: We're going to Disney World :bounce:

Ds was just feeling sad about not going to the beach....but my sil has given us an open invitation to come to her house this summer (DeeP...she must live near you...she's in Port Republic) and go to the beach I told him we'd take her up on that and get to the beach sometime. Dh was just being reactionary...now that he knows there's an enight and we're all on the same page I think he's happy! Even dd is still running around wanting "Dwizn Wuud"

And I get to relax at the beautiful Port Orleans Riverside! Yes! We might only do the parks in the evenings....try fishin' at the fishin' hole, relax in the shade...ahhhhhhh. Life is good!

[mickey7861]

POR-Mansions are my favorite moderate rooms. Very relaxing resort. I love the walk along the canal. Have a great trip.

just a note......your comment about raising girls being easier than boys. I have to say ...just wait, your DD is only 2....wait until they're both teens, then you'll see. :D

[erikthewise]

Since you've already decided I won't offer a recommendation, just a slogan:

"If Momma ain't happy,
Ain't NOBODY happy!"

You should take it to heart!

[Lesley]

Thanks, erikthewise! I'm happy. Not sure how I got there...but I'm very happy. Actually, I think it was PamOKW's suggestion of figuring out what I really was looking for and how I could get that while my family got what they wanted too.

[wdwcrazy]

If you can't get a great hotel on Disney property - avoid the All-Star at all costs. The rooms are extremely tiny, the food is not the best and the pool will be overwhelmed with people. My suggestion is if you must and I do mean must part with cash use it at the Fairfield, Courtyard or Spring Hill Suites across I-4 and stateroad 535 at the Lille Lake Bryan Marriott Village. This is a marriott village that is only about 1 years old. They offer complimentary breakfast and have a shuttle to Disney if necessary. I have stayed here when I could not get a great rate or room at Disney and have never been disappointed.

To relax, set rules. If you give in to the family set time limits. Let them know that you will go to the parks for a certain amount of time each day and then spend the balance at the hotel pool relaxing. Spend a day or so at Typhoon lagoon- a book on the beach or a lazy river ride for an hour or so usually unwinds even the crankiest of people.

Good luck in whatever you decide but 4th of July is going to be crowded anywhere you are.

[Rock'n Robin]

Have fun on your trip Lesley! We did a quick weekend at WDW last December so I could fulfill my dream of seeing the Christmas stuff--didn't use points because of our summer trip and wanting to save a lot for a possible cruise in 2003--stayed at the Poly with a great AP rate.
Robin M.

[invalid_char]

erikthewise, that was exactly what I was going to post.

Lesley, now that you've compromised, perhaps your husband would be willing to occupy the kids for designated times each day, so you knew you'd have time to completely relax each day.

Hopefully, being aware of your sacrifice, atleast your older child will be especially well-behaved.

Anyway, I hope you do find the time to relax!