Resort Board Community :) .... General Resorts discussion, open to all!! :)

[teentoddlermom]

I need to have a pity party!!!!!! We had to cancel our March trip and reschedule for May. DH has a conference out east he needs to attend and we just couldn't make it work. Of course it being Easter week was insane already, room rates were so high, and I'm a spoiled baby when it comes to the deluxe resorts, so we made the executive decision to just do May instead. The kids last day of school is May 24th so we will go that following week. It hits memorial weekend but at least I can get decent AP rates. In fact a room at the YC in May was LESS than what we were paging for CSR in March!!! Crazy

So now I have 3 months to wait but I will have lots of planning to keep me busy. Not to mention getting DS ready for high school!!! Which seems totally impossible to believe.

Hope everyone is well and let's hope this miserable winter ends soon!!!!!!

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Hi Erica!
Just finished your January report and loved it!
I so agree with you about the unfortunate habit of other guests to be unkind in the concierge lounge. It seems that if people would just think how they would feel if they were the one waiting for a seat, it sure would be nice. I used to be a deluxe cl girl too, but I just started to feel ripped off and the chaos in the lounges really began to rub it in!
I also am so Disney obsessed like you and trying hard to stay that way, but I have experienced more and more situations similar to what you described at BLT. That would have been unheard of just a few years ago!

I hope you have a great May trip!!!!,

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Hi Erica!
Just finished your January report and loved it!
I so agree with you about the unfortunate habit of other guests to be unkind in the concierge lounge. It seems that if people would just think how they would feel if they were the one waiting for a seat, it sure would be nice. I used to be a deluxe cl girl too, but I just started to feel ripped off and the chaos in the lounges really began to rub it in!
I also am so Disney obsessed like you and trying hard to stay that way, but I have experienced more and more situations similar to what you described at BLT. That would have been unheard of just a few years ago!

I hope you have a great May trip!!!!,

CL has definitely lost some of its appeal. But there are still benefits. I love rolling out of bed and being steps away from breakfast, even if I don't have a seat. Plus my boys snack and drink enough to justify most of the cost. I swear they are always thirsty and hungry!!! However, to make it work I HAVE to have a good discount , there's no way I'd fork over rack rate. Poly CL was $900 a night spring break and $620 a night even in May. Totally insane for seven nights. I'm not spending $10,000 to go to wdw.

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[rcraw45425]

CL has definitely lost some of its appeal. But there are still benefits. I love rolling out of bed and being steps away from breakfast, even if I don't have a seat. Plus my boys snack and drink enough to justify most of the cost. I swear they are always thirsty and hungry!!! However, to make it work I HAVE to have a good discount , there's no way I'd fork over rack rate. Poly CL was $900 a night spring break and $620 a night even in May. Totally insane for seven nights. I'm not spending $10,000 to go to wdw.

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I'm paying $420 a night with a discount for STANDARD view for week of June 1! It's insane!

 

[Sparkly]

So I'm starting to think about 2015, and I want to stay onsite for a few nights

I liked AKV, but not all the walking to the lobby, and I didn't like not having a food court right there.

We probably need a 1 bedroom or two rooms at a value. Mum wants to rent points again, but I think two value rooms will be cheaper anyway.

 

[chocovrdmicears]

I need to have a pity party!!!!!! We had to cancel our March trip and reschedule for May. DH has a conference out east he needs to attend and we just couldn't make it work. Of course it being Easter week was insane already, room rates were so high, and I'm a spoiled baby when it comes to the deluxe resorts, so we made the executive decision to just do May instead. The kids last day of school is May 24th so we will go that following week. It hits memorial weekend but at least I can get decent AP rates. In fact a room at the YC in May was LESS than what we were paging for CSR in March!!! Crazy

So now I have 3 months to wait but I will have lots of planning to keep me busy. Not to mention getting DS ready for high school!!! Which seems totally impossible to believe.

Hope everyone is well and let's hope this miserable winter ends soon!!!!!!

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I have been reading your trip reports for years - looks like we might be crossing paths in May! Hope to see you there on 2 good feet!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

So I'm starting to think about 2015, and I want to stay onsite for a few nights

I liked AKV, but not all the walking to the lobby, and I didn't like not having a food court right there.

We probably need a 1 bedroom or two rooms at a value. Mum wants to rent points again, but I think two value rooms will be cheaper anyway.

I love Kidani You can easily get groceries delivered for breakfasts and snacks. The villas are beautiful there. Or maybe a family suite at AoA??? I haven't tried one but they look nice for big families.

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[TigrLvsPooh]

I have been reading your trip reports for years - looks like we might be crossing paths in May! Hope to see you there on 2 good feet!

I hope so!!! I still need to switch out airfare from march to may. Luckily it's southwest.

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[Sparkly]

I love Kidani You can easily get groceries delivered for breakfasts and snacks. The villas are beautiful there. Or maybe a family suite at AoA??? I haven't tried one but they look nice for big families.

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We're not a big family, only three adults. But we need our privacy! We shared a studio at Kidani and it was squashed, and we only had overnight bags!

I really want to stay at AOA at the Lion King section, but it's far too expensive for us unfortunately.

Two value rooms for next March is about £2000 for two rooms for 7 nights with tickets but no dining plan, staying at the All Stars. That's £300 per night, or £100 per person per night.. I'll have to see what Disney offers next year.

 

[babyberger]

I need to have a pity party!!!!!! We had to cancel our March trip and reschedule for May. DH has a conference out east he needs to attend and we just couldn't make it work. Of course it being Easter week was insane already, room rates were so high, and I'm a spoiled baby when it comes to the deluxe resorts, so we made the executive decision to just do May instead. The kids last day of school is May 24th so we will go that following week. It hits memorial weekend but at least I can get decent AP rates. In fact a room at the YC in May was LESS than what we were paging for CSR in March!!! Crazy

So now I have 3 months to wait but I will have lots of planning to keep me busy. Not to mention getting DS ready for high school!!! Which seems totally impossible to believe.

Hope everyone is well and let's hope this miserable winter ends soon!!!!!!

Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

I am sorry you have to change your plans and have to wait even longer to get back to WDW But you are right the price difference is huge. Did you book YC?

CL has definitely lost some of its appeal. But there are still benefits. I love rolling out of bed and being steps away from breakfast, even if I don't have a seat. Plus my boys snack and drink enough to justify most of the cost. I swear they are always thirsty and hungry!!! However, to make it work I HAVE to have a good discount , there's no way I'd fork over rack rate. Poly CL was $900 a night spring break and $620 a night even in May. Totally insane for seven nights. I'm not spending $10,000 to go to wdw.

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I have to agree, the CL costs are insane. We paid about $125 more a night at CR for CL in December making it about $575 a night (Bay Lake view, NOT TPV) with an AP discount Compared to our average rate of about $330/nt in Feb with the AP disc for CR TPV non-CL room. I honestly don't think we benefit from CL at that cost. We enjoyed the extra space and like you said rolling out of bed and being steps away from breakfast but for us, it just doesn't pay. And now that we know DS has wheat allergy and has to be gluten free, CL definitely does not pay for us. When we were back at CR in Feb (non-CL) I just brought extra soda, water and snacks with us and we honestly did not miss CL.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

We're not a big family, only three adults. But we need our privacy! We shared a studio at Kidani and it was squashed, and we only had overnight bags!

I really want to stay at AOA at the Lion King section, but it's far too expensive for us unfortunately.

Two value rooms for next March is about £2000 for two rooms for 7 nights with tickets but no dining plan, staying at the All Stars. That's £300 per night, or £100 per person per night.. I'll have to see what Disney offers next year.

Have you tried Pop? I really think you'd like it over the All Stars! It's our favorite value resort. I hope you get some good deals next year, though I fear the really good bargains are gone for the most part. Which is a bummer!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I am sorry you have to change your plans and have to wait even longer to get back to WDW But you are right the price difference is huge. Did you book YC?



I have to agree, the CL costs are insane. We paid about $125 more a night at CR for CL in December making it about $575 a night (Bay Lake view, NOT TPV) with an AP discount Compared to our average rate of about $330/nt in Feb with the AP disc for CR TPV non-CL room. I honestly don't think we benefit from CL at that cost. We enjoyed the extra space and like you said rolling out of bed and being steps away from breakfast but for us, it just doesn't pay. And now that we know DS has wheat allergy and has to be gluten free, CL definitely does not pay for us. When we were back at CR in Feb (non-CL) I just brought extra soda, water and snacks with us and we honestly did not miss CL.

Yep! We just switched everything over yesterday! Went with YC CL for seven nights, and the kids are THRILLED to be there during Star Wars weekends. I paid a little extra for GV over Standard, I'm not really sure what difference it will make but it was only an extra $5 a day. Maybe a slightly better view than the front entrance??? I will have to research that. Really I think time will go by quickly, I'm actually sort of relieved to have extra planning time. Plus with the kids being out of school we won't have to worry about homework or make-up work! Our flights were so much cheaper I got a $400 credit towards our next trip. Gotta love that!

I totally understand what you're saying about CL. It isn't a good deal for every family. My son was on a gluten-free diet for several months back in 2009 when we thought he had Celiac. We took a trip to WDW during that time and the restaurants were so great about making food for him, but obviously there was nothing in the lounge he could have. We took him to a specialist for a second opinion and it turned out to be IBS instead, so he was lucky to go back on a normal diet shortly after we came home. We are paying about $110 extra per night for CL on this upcoming trip, but we will definitely get our money's worth on breakfast and snacks. My boys will go back and forth getting sodas and drinks all during the day and night, from the pool or the room, and they love the hot apps at night before heading to the parks. I usually make our dinner ADRs for 7:00 or 8:00 to allow time to be hungry again. They are eating machines I swear. My 13 year old eats every 2 hours like feeding an infant.

 

[rcraw45425]

Yep! We just switched everything over yesterday! Went with YC CL for seven nights, and the kids are THRILLED to be there during Star Wars weekends. I paid a little extra for GV over Standard, I'm not really sure what difference it will make but it was only an extra $5 a day. Maybe a slightly better view than the front entrance??? I will have to research that. Really I think time will go by quickly, I'm actually sort of relieved to have extra planning time. Plus with the kids being out of school we won't have to worry about homework or make-up work! Our flights were so much cheaper I got a $400 credit towards our next trip. Gotta love that!

I totally understand what you're saying about CL. It isn't a good deal for every family. My son was on a gluten-free diet for several months back in 2009 when we thought he had Celiac. We took a trip to WDW during that time and the restaurants were so great about making food for him, but obviously there was nothing in the lounge he could have. We took him to a specialist for a second opinion and it turned out to be IBS instead, so he was lucky to go back on a normal diet shortly after we came home. We are paying about $110 extra per night for CL on this upcoming trip, but we will definitely get our money's worth on breakfast and snacks. My boys will go back and forth getting sodas and drinks all during the day and night, from the pool or the room, and they love the hot apps at night before heading to the parks. I usually make our dinner ADRs for 7:00 or 8:00 to allow time to be hungry again. They are eating machines I swear. My 13 year old eats every 2 hours like feeding an infant.

What I liked about YC CL when we stayed there was they didn't lock it up during the daily down time. The lounge at WL would be padlocked in the afternoon and you'd have to try to find a CM to get a soda, and then they acted like it put them out to do so. Of course the YC may have changed it's policy but they used to be very friendly and helpful. Definitely worth the upgrade from standard view there. I remember one stay there and we wound up standard, view was as you said, front area, although we were conveninet to the lounge!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

What I liked about YC CL when we stayed there was they didn't lock it up during the daily down time. The lounge at WL would be padlocked in the afternoon and you'd have to try to find a CM to get a soda, and then they acted like it put them out to do so. Of course the YC may have changed it's policy but they used to be very friendly and helpful. Definitely worth the upgrade from standard view there. I remember one stay there and we wound up standard, view was as you said, front area, although we were conveninet to the lounge!

At both our 2012 stays the BC and YC lounges were open overnight for soda and snacks It was nice to swing by there at 2:00 and 3:00 AM after long evenings in the parks for EMH when all the other drink stations were closed.

 

[Angeejoe]

I was just lurking on here , I'm always looking for a friendly board! Our last 2 stays we're at BC & YC, and I loved it there. I'm open though to trying new places, whereas DH feel BC/YC is home & never wants to risk going anywhere else when he has found a place that he loves. I'm open to try WL, CR, & AKL. I also would love to try CL, but DH loves deluxe dining plan & those 2 don't seem to mix! Thanks for letting me read along!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I was just lurking on here , I'm always looking for a friendly board! Our last 2 stays we're at BC & YC, and I loved it there. I'm open though to trying new places, whereas DH feel BC/YC is home & never wants to risk going anywhere else when he has found a place that he loves. I'm open to try WL, CR, & AKL. I also would love to try CL, but DH loves deluxe dining plan & those 2 don't seem to mix! Thanks for letting me read along!

My DH also loves YC/BC. He loves SAB and being so close to Epcot. Now that my kids are older they really prefer it as well. So I'm sort of the odd man out on the MK resorts. You guys should definitely try AKL! It is one of my favorites. The views and the theme of the resort are so amazing. The only down side is the location, you do feel really removed from any nightlife out there. But I think it's definitely worth trying once to see it. The one bedroom villa at Kidani is my favorite! So spacious and luxurious! WL and CR are lower down on my list of favorites. WL is nice but the rooms are small and similar to AKL you don't have the nightlife you would get at the Epcot resorts. CR is my least favorite deluxe. The location is amazing but I don't like the resort itself or the rooms.

Deluxe Dining just doesn't appeal to our family. We like fast breakfasts and lunches, we don't like to spend a lot of time in restaurants except for dinner. And even with dinner we don't do a sitdown every night. My ideal dinner is a mint chocolate chip waffle bowl sundae on Main Street while I watch the fireworks. You should try CL at least once. YC CL is really nice. the CM's are friendly, the lounge is convenient for drinks and snacks, you'd like it I'm sure.

 

[Angeejoe]

My DH also loves YC/BC. He loves SAB and being so close to Epcot. Now that my kids are older they really prefer it as well. So I'm sort of the odd man out on the MK resorts. You guys should definitely try AKL! It is one of my favorites. The views and the theme of the resort are so amazing. The only down side is the location, you do feel really removed from any nightlife out there. But I think it's definitely worth trying once to see it. The one bedroom villa at Kidani is my favorite! So spacious and luxurious! WL and CR are lower down on my list of favorites. WL is nice but the rooms are small and similar to AKL you don't have the nightlife you would get at the Epcot resorts. CR is my least favorite deluxe. The location is amazing but I don't like the resort itself or the rooms.

Deluxe Dining just doesn't appeal to our family. We like fast breakfasts and lunches, we don't like to spend a lot of time in restaurants except for dinner. And even with dinner we don't do a sitdown every night. My ideal dinner is a mint chocolate chip waffle bowl sundae on Main Street while I watch the fireworks. You should try CL at least once. YC CL is really nice. the CM's are friendly, the lounge is convenient for drinks and snacks, you'd like it I'm sure.

Epcot is our favorite park & we dislike the buses so BC/YC make for an awesome place to stay. Though a monorail resort makes a great alternative too from what I've read. I think if we ever did AKL it'd be more for some down time. I just want to go now!! We were planning a big family trip for sept but SIL found out she's pregnant & due in oct so I don't think trips happening now. So bummed.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Epcot is our favorite park & we dislike the buses so BC/YC make for an awesome place to stay. Though a monorail resort makes a great alternative too from what I've read. I think if we ever did AKL it'd be more for some down time. I just want to go now!! We were planning a big family trip for sept but SIL found out she's pregnant & due in oct so I don't think trips happening now. So bummed.

I know the feeling. I got our ME packet yesterday and wanted to cry. But its only 86 days of waiting until we go back. Hopefully it goes quickly.

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[singastory]

I just found this board!! Erika... your signature.... I HAVE FOUND MY PEOPLE! I love all the resorts that I've been to so far (which isn't many) and my dream is to spend an entire year trying them all out. I have over 10 Disney trips, mostly spent offsite, but only because I wasn't the one making the decisions! Trying to choose where to go next is terrifying. I've got GF, YC, and Poly under my belt. My next trip is next January and I know I'll be spending a few days at AKV Jambo but the days on either side are still up in the air. AoA family suite? BLT MK view? BC for my beloved Boardwalk? POFQ? SSR? So many choices, not enough vacation days

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I just found this board!! Erika... your signature.... I HAVE FOUND MY PEOPLE! I love all the resorts that I've been to so far (which isn't many) and my dream is to spend an entire year trying them all out. I have over 10 Disney trips, mostly spent offsite, but only because I wasn't the one making the decisions! Trying to choose where to go next is terrifying. I've got GF, YC, and Poly under my belt. My next trip is next January and I know I'll be spending a few days at AKV Jambo but the days on either side are still up in the air. AoA family suite? BLT MK view? BC for my beloved Boardwalk? POFQ? SSR? So many choices, not enough vacation days

BC would go nicely for a split stay with AKL. The resorts are totally different and would feel like two vacations in one! BLT MK view would be nice for January since it might be too cold to use SAB. I would not recommend SSR, it is my least favorite of all the wdw resorts. Too far away, too spread out, doesn't feel like a resort, feels more like an apartment complex.

My signature has taken many years of obsession to accumulate! The other day when I booked YC they said welcome back for your 55th stay. LOL That's just a secret between me and my DISboard friends.

 

[goofyredraider]

BC would go nicely for a split stay with AKL. The resorts are totally different and would feel like two vacations in one )

I'm so glad to hear you say that because that's what we have planned for June.