I'm going crazy

[tabbytrekker]

Hello all, I need opinions/advice from all you friendly, awesome people!

I have no idea where I want to stay.



My original plan was to stay the first night at Animal Kingdom Lodge the night of December 7 and then the 8th through the 21st, stay at Fort Wilderness campground in a tent. (the economical choice)

But then I started to think about how much I'm paying for staying in a tent to sleep on an air mattress and share showers/bathrooms. (Yes, I know Fort Wilderness has amazing comfort stations - and I do really love Fort Wilderness). Plus since it is only me going - I know I can set up my tent easily by myself - but its just a lot of gear to set up and take down by myself.

So now I'm tweaking my plans!

I'm planning on keeping my Animal Kingdom Lodge stay. But then I'm hoping (haven't booked it yet) going on a four night Disney Cruise. That means I need somewhere to stay the 12th through the 21st (possibly 22nd).

But I dont know where. And Im driving myself (and likely travel agent) crazy.

In my past Disney experiences& Ive stayed at the Fort Wilderness campground, Wilderness Lodge (when it first opened  and I was 9), Fort Wilderness Cabins (by myself), and did a quick mom/daughter trip during the F&W Festival and stayed at Pop (which is didnt really enjoy&)

I love Wilderness Lodge, especially during Christmas (so that was my original thought). But since Im hoping to do a cruise, I thought it might be nice to theme the hotel with the cruise and try Polynesian or Caribbean Beach. Somewhere tropical-ish even though I'm not a very tropical person. Then I was also considering the Dolphin  but I know its not a true Disney hotel. A

And again, driving myself crazy.

If money wasnt a factor, Id probably definitely try Polynesian, since I've heard so many nice things about it  but money is definitely a factor. And there has been no word on room discounts for December yet. So Im not sure if its worth the splurge/price.

So recap:

1.) Just myself going.
2.) Need somewhere to stay for multiple nights in December.
3.) Since it is just me going, I could probably handle splurging a little, but money is still a factor. (I'd like to be able to go and still buy food and souvenirs!)
4.) I'm going crazy.

Sigh. Maybe I should keep my camping plans. That just means driving... ugh.

Any suggestions? Thoughts? Opinions?

Anything would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[auntpoly]

do you have an annual pass?

 

[minnie61650]

I would stay in a preferred room at AllStar Music.

All Star Music usually has more Adults then the other value hotels because the theme appeals more to adults.

The preferred rooms are in the Calypso or Jazz buildings which are the nearest to the pool, food court and bus stops.

The All Star music resort is laid out so that it looks smaller than other resorts ,at least when you stay in a preferred building since you only see the preferred buildings unless you decide to take a walk to the back of the resort area.

Wherever you decide to stay have lots of fun at WDW!

 

[tabbytrekker]

do you have an annual pass?

Not yet - but I'm seriously considering getting one.

I would stay in a preferred room at AllStar Music.

All Star Music usually has more Adults then the other value hotels because the theme appeals more to adults.

The preferred rooms are in the Calypso or Jazz buildings which are the nearest to the pool, food court and bus stops.

The All Star music resort is laid out so that it looks smaller than other resorts ,at least when you stay in a preferred building since you only see the preferred buildings unless you decide to take a walk to the back of the resort area.

Wherever you decide to stay have lots of fun at WDW!

I'll look into it, thanks for the reply!

 

[eeyoresmom]

I am not a camper, but won' t you freeze in a tent in December? We are northerners and find even the daytime temps in Disney in December uncomfortably cold. I like the ASMU idea as I prefer to keep all distal points of my body intact

 

[Tink415]

I agree ASMu preferred room is an excellent choice if money is a factor.

 

[tabbytrekker]

I am not a camper, but won' t you freeze in a tent in December? We are northerners and find even the daytime temps in Disney in December uncomfortably cold. I like the ASMU idea as I prefer to keep all distal points of my body intact

lol... I'm from Michigan, so I'm a northerner tooooooo. So Hi!

I've stayed at Disney twice in December. Once when I was four, at Fort Wilderness in a pop-up camper. I have vague memories of this trip. I remember lots of rain. I also remember (this is back when my parents would just drive all night) we got a flat tire in the middle of the night. My mom still mentions how it was below zero when dad was trying to change the tire. I was in and out of consciousness seeing how I sleep like a baby in cars/vans - especially since I'm an only child spoiled brat so I had the entire back of the van to myself. I guess it was a cold winter/December that year!

Then when I did my solo trip in 2011, I stayed in the cabins and the weather was just absolutely beautiful. In the evening it was a tad chilly compared to the day (which was 60s/70s) - but nothing a light sweater or hoodie couldn't fix.

But honestly, I've camped with an ex in March in DC and Pennsylvania. It was chilly (especially at night) - I'm thinking Pennsylvania may have had a few patches of snow on the ground. But a good sleeping bag was all that was really needed.

So if I did camp I'd likely bring a small heater or maybe just a heating pad. But the reason I chose December to tent camp was because I hate heat. Ugh. I'd rather be cold in a tent then too hot. (I've done August in a tent at Disney - it was awful!)

I agree ASMu preferred room is an excellent choice if money is a factor.

Definitely going to look into ASMu. Thank you for your reply! Never really considered the All-Star resorts, don't know why. But sounds promising! And money is a factor, but it isn't at the same time. It is just me going, and it is my only trip this year (I'm not counting my trip to DC a couple weeks ago as this year ), so I can splurge a little cause I'll be saving all year. But again, I want to make sure I can still eat food and buy souvenirs for my parents (and possibly friends). Not blow my entire budget on a room I'll likely only be in at night.

 

[Angeejoe]

It really wouldn't hurt to look into Swan/Dolphin (I know it's not a "true Disney resort") because I think you can get lots of deals there if your working with a budget. Though weve never stayed at Swan/Dolphin, the EPCOT area is a great place to stay & the boats to EPCOT &DHS are so handy. Maybe check out the Swan/Dolphin board.

 

[tabbytrekker]

It really wouldn't hurt to look into Swan/Dolphin (I know it's not a "true Disney resort") because I think you can get lots of deals there if your working with a budget. Though weve never stayed at Swan/Dolphin, the EPCOT area is a great place to stay & the boats to EPCOT &DHS are so handy. Maybe check out the Swan/Dolphin board.

Thanks for the tip!

 

[Li Li]

Hubby and I just stayed at Animal Kingdom- Kidani village in January. It was a very nice resort, but we both agreed that we missed the location convenience of the Dolphin where we stayed last September. I liked the beds at Dolphin better too.

 

[tabbytrekker]

Hubby and I just stayed at Animal Kingdom- Kidani village in January. It was a very nice resort, but we both agreed that we missed the location convenience of the Dolphin where we stayed last September. I liked the beds at Dolphin better too.

I did hear the beds at the Dolphin are great. And I'm all for being close to EPCOT, since it is my favorite park. I think my main hesitation to book the Dolphin is transportation. Yes there are buses to the parks, but no bus from the hotel to the airport - no Magical Express.

But I'll look into a little bit more! Thanks for your reply! I appreciate it!

 

[goofynut41]

The Caribbean Beach would fit in nice with your cruise.. maybe even a pirate room

 

[tabbytrekker]

The Caribbean Beach would fit in nice with your cruise.. maybe even a pirate room

A pirate room would be fun!

 

[sharadoc]

How about a studio at Boardwalk Villas? For the amount of time you'll be there, it would be nice to have a sofa and kitchenette, plus free laundry in the hall! You can usually get a 30 or 35% discount at the villas during that time, so you won't spend a whole lot. There's so much to do in that whole area that I think it's perfect for a solo traveler.

 

[tabbytrekker]

How about a studio at Boardwalk Villas? For the amount of time you'll be there, it would be nice to have a sofa and kitchenette, plus free laundry in the hall! You can usually get a 30 or 35% discount at the villas during that time, so you won't spend a whole lot. There's so much to do in that whole area that I think it's perfect for a solo traveler.

I have actually never even been to the boardwalk at Disney. I'm hoping to make it to the area this trip since I'm going longer! I think this will be the longest time I've ever been at Disney!

A villa would be great. I've been spoiled by my parents' time share (Sheraton) in the past. So I imagine it is similar. The free laundry is definitely a plus on longer vacations! I already pack soooo much. Would be great to have more room for souvenirs if I could do laundry.

So thanks for the tip! I'll definitely look into the Boardwalk! I'm trying to go out of my comfort zone a bit on this trip - or at least try new things

 

[blackacex2]

Life is too short to stay in a tent at fort wilderness. You deserve better

 

[tabbytrekker]

Life is too short to stay in a tent at fort wilderness. You deserve better

Awww, thanks! That is so sweet to say!

I do have to say though, in my tents defense, it is a pretty nice tent. I own an Asashi 4P (I think it is the first model version since I've had a few years) by NEMO Equipment. They make some pretty nice stuff. If I were to camp, I'd probably also buy one of their screen tents/shelters to go with it. Which I have no idea if I can set up by myself!

So for the money it costs to stay at a resort, I could probably turn my tent into a pretty decent luxury tent. It has been a weird goal of mine since high school to own a luxury tent. I'm not even much of a camper.

But luxury tents don't have its own bathroom with plumb... or hot shower/bath... and I'd have to drive down with all my gear. So staying at a hotel sounds a bit more stress-free.

Disney comes with lots of decisions to make though - I also have to decide if I go the annual pass route or just buy lots of days of park hopper tickets... on top of trying to figure out what resort fits me best!

So everyone that has replied - I do really appreciate your input and trying to help me with my decision. Thank you thank you thank you!

 

[vinmar4]

Hello all, I need opinions/advice from all you friendly, awesome people!

I have no idea where I want to stay.



My original plan was to stay the first night at Animal Kingdom Lodge the night of December 7 and then the 8th through the 21st, stay at Fort Wilderness campground in a tent. (the economical choice)

But then I started to think about how much I'm paying for staying in a tent to sleep on an air mattress and share showers/bathrooms. (Yes, I know Fort Wilderness has amazing comfort stations - and I do really love Fort Wilderness). Plus since it is only me going - I know I can set up my tent easily by myself - but its just a lot of gear to set up and take down by myself.

So now I'm tweaking my plans!

I'm planning on keeping my Animal Kingdom Lodge stay. But then I'm hoping (haven't booked it yet) going on a four night Disney Cruise. That means I need somewhere to stay the 12th through the 21st (possibly 22nd).

But I dont know where. And Im driving myself (and likely travel agent) crazy.

In my past Disney experiences& Ive stayed at the Fort Wilderness campground, Wilderness Lodge (when it first opened  and I was 9), Fort Wilderness Cabins (by myself), and did a quick mom/daughter trip during the F&W Festival and stayed at Pop (which is didnt really enjoy&)

I love Wilderness Lodge, especially during Christmas (so that was my original thought). But since Im hoping to do a cruise, I thought it might be nice to theme the hotel with the cruise and try Polynesian or Caribbean Beach. Somewhere tropical-ish even though I'm not a very tropical person. Then I was also considering the Dolphin  but I know its not a true Disney hotel. A

And again, driving myself crazy.

If money wasnt a factor, Id probably definitely try Polynesian, since I've heard so many nice things about it  but money is definitely a factor. And there has been no word on room discounts for December yet. So Im not sure if its worth the splurge/price.

So recap:

1.) Just myself going.
2.) Need somewhere to stay for multiple nights in December.
3.) Since it is just me going, I could t handle splurging a little, but money is still a factor. (I'd like to be able to go and still buy food and souvenirs!)
4.) I'm going crazy.

Sigh. Maybe I should keep my camping plans. That just means driving... ugh.

Any suggestions? Thoughts? Opinions?

Anything would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

I would try to rent some points from an AKV DVC owner to try to stay at AKV. I went over some numbers and you would need 137 points to stay in a standard studio from the 12 to 22, less if they can book you on a value or at least part of your stay in a value. I don't know your budget but if you rent at 10 dollars per point, that would be 1370.00 for all those days.
I never rented and I'm a DVC member but if I wasn't that is what I would do to stay in a deluxe! I wished I knew about renting when we went for the first time, if would off saved a lot of money,
good luck!

 

[tabbytrekker]

I would try to rent some points from an AKV DVC owner to try to stay at AKV. I went over some numbers and you would need 137 points to stay in a standard studio from the 12 to 22, less if they can book you on a value or at least part of your stay in a value. I don't know your budget but if you rent at 10 dollars per point, that would be 1370.00 for all those days.
I never rented and I'm a DVC member but if I wasn't that is what I would do to stay in a deluxe! I wished I knew about renting when we went for the first time, if would off saved a lot of money,
good luck!

Huh.

Now you got me thinking that I should just become a DVC member. lol

I thought about it last year, but didn't think it was the right thing for me at the time. But maybe it is a better way to "invest" my money.

Thanks for the tip on renting though! I'll look into it, cause I know absolutely nothing about it.

 

[vinmar4]

Huh.

Now you got me thinking that I should just become a DVC member. lol

I thought about it last year, but didn't think it was the right thing for me at the time. But maybe it is a better way to "invest" my money.

Thanks for the tip on renting though! I'll look into it, cause I know absolutely nothing about it.

I read that a lot of people rent for years and that's all they do.
I'm learning myself, but if you go aback to the top of the page and click on the first disney discussion boards, under the DVC section, you will find DVC rent/ trade section, go in there and look for information and ask all the questions that you have. My sister wants to also buy DVC but she can't do it now so she is going to start renting because she loved AKV when I took her with her children.