A great big pickle...sigh.

[Dawn68PA]

Ooooh the renting points thing! I didn't even think of that! We rented points for our stay at AKL last year and it was a spendid way to go. Our room was HUGE! If you have any questions about it, pm me and I'll be glad to walk you through it. Read through the stickies on the rent/trade board and make sure you rent from a frequent DIS poster. We saved thousands by doing this for our trip with 6 adults.

The drawback is that you are not in charge of your ressie, the point owner is. If you want the dining plan, they will add it for you. The plus side is you can get your tickets from Undercover tourist and save some nice change there too (especially if you subscribe to the Mousesavers newsletter)!

BUT I would try to rent points at AKV - you could probably swing a savannah view this way There's a vacation club member site that tells you how many points are required for what days, then you multiply that by how much you will pay per point.

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Good morning!

Oh gosh. Don't feel guilty about reminding me what a standard view consists of. That's my own fault for not even reading the description when I was looking at rates. I'm glad that you mentioned the view! I would much rather decide to stay there taking the risk of having a poopy view than showing up clueless and opening that door, skipping to the balcony to inhale the view, only to be smashed in the face with work trucks, garbage bins, or gutters, etc. That would be a huge disappointment and totally ruin the magic for me. At least this way, I know I did it to myself.

Woke up this morning with a big ol headache.

I'm completely undecided. Ugh. Worse than yesterday! lol

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Ooooh the renting points thing! I didn't even think of that! We rented points for our stay at AKL last year and it was a spendid way to go. Our room was HUGE! If you have any questions about it, pm me and I'll be glad to walk you through it. Read through the stickies on the rent/trade board and make sure you rent from a frequent DIS poster. We saved thousands by doing this for our trip with 6 adults.

The drawback is that you are not in charge of your ressie, the point owner is. If you want the dining plan, they will add it for you. The plus side is you can get your tickets from Undercover tourist and save some nice change there too (especially if you subscribe to the Mousesavers newsletter)!

BUT I would try to rent points at AKV - you could probably swing a savannah view this way There's a vacation club member site that tells you how many points are required for what days, then you multiply that by how much you will pay per point.

*stomping feet* NO NO NO NO!! Head.about.to.explode. I started reading over on the DVC board and my eyes started to glaze over on page 16 or so... there is so much information and it's so confusing. It skeers me!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

You know, the renting points idea is not a bad one - right now points can be rented for next to nothing (less than the cost of a mod). I get email specials from (darn, of course, I forgot the name) for points rental and he is offering $7 a point for your time frame at SSR or OKW - I know, it's not AKL, but if you decide to try renting points, it's not as overhwelming as it seems.

Right now on the rental board there are lots of points being offered - be sure to check posts of the person offering the points to see that they've been around awhile and participate on the boards on other threads. Ask for references and you should be able to be on the phone with them when they make the reservation - although we enver do this as do not feel it necessary.

I can recommend someone, but would do it privately. We loved renting points, but it did not feel like we were in a resort, but rather a condo and that could make a difference for some. Thanks, but no thanks for the kitchenette (although when we had a one bedroom, the washer/dryer was fabulous).

Your vacation planning should not include a headache!!! What does your gut tell you to do? Go with that, just do it and don't rethink rotfl your decision.

(so much easier said than done...sigh...)

Later....
Okay, so my post did not make it sound all that easy...but relaly it is..the thing about AKL villas is the std studios in Jambo are very small and no view - they are some former std rooms, so that would not help the view issue.

Honeslty, renting points can be easy, but we've dione it twice and I missed the interaction with CM's and being in the actual resort, kind of felt out of the action, except at BWV....we had a fabulous room location there very close to the elevators (unusual) and pool - main clown pool is pretty scary.

Sooo, have we made it even more difficult?? Come on - just do it....and then we can all help you plan!!!!

 

[LuvvsMickey]

What does you gut tell you to do? Go with that, just do it and don't rethink () your decision.

It tells me I wanna HURL!!! What's up with this point thingy anyways? The only thing I know about points is collecting popsicle stick points when I was a kid. You saved them all up and mailed them in to get a neat gift worth about 10 cents. Man, I never ate so many popsicles in my life as I did that summer.

I need to think about this DVC thing. I think I will go mow my jungle of a backyard and ponder the idea...

I'lls be right back after these messages...

Wait. How come my banana isn't dancing?!

 

[Dawn68PA]

Don't worry about reading everything on the DVC boards. Most of that is for owners not renters. It's really quite easy. Of course, for August things may be booked up as owners can rent up to 11 months in advance. If you're really uncomfortable, maybe read up on it and ask questions for a future trip.

I would then still recommend AKL for this one. Not all standard views are bad, but IMO the resort would be worth it if I didn't have the best view.

 

[5boyz]

Go for AKL deal...Just bring a nice big poster of a safari and put it up if you get a garbage view.....

 

[robinb]

ETA: The "point thingy" is the currency of DVC. DVC members buy a certain number of points and they are allocated those points every year. They spend their points on a per night basis by booking DVC villas. The number of points it costs to rent a villa depends on the resort, (sometimes) the view, the time of year, the day of the week and the size of the unit. For instance, weekends are more expensive than weekdays and Christmas break is more expensive than the first week of December and a 2 bedroom unit is more expensive than a studio. When you rent a DVC villa you pay the owner an amount per point used for your reservation. That amount can be as low as $8 to as high as $13 per point. BUT you don't pay taxes on that amount.

I am a DVC member and checked availability for you today at AKV, OKW and SSR. Unfortunately, AKV is sold out.

There are Studios (for 181 points) and 1BRs (for 351 points) at Saratoga Springs. SSR is horse farm themed. I have stayed there in both size of unit and both are comfortable. You can request a view of Downtown Disney which is very cool. The studios have a queen-sized bed and a fold out couch. They have a kitchenette (microwave/fridge/toaster) and a regular bathroom. Laundry is at the pool. The 1BR has a king bed in the bedroom and a very big bathroom with a jacuzzi tub. It has a living room and a full kitchen and laundry in the room.

Pictures of SSR can be found here:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/saratoga.htm
http://allears.net/acc/g_ss.htm

There are 1BRs (for 326 points) available at Old Key West. OWK is tropical/Jimmy Buffet themed ... think Miami Vice colors of teal and pink, LOL. The 1BRs are the biggest in DVC ... they are huge. They have the same amenities as at SSR.

Pictures of OKW can be found here:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/Resorts/okw.htm
http://allears.net/acc/g_okw.htm

If you email me I can recommend someone reliable who rents points that may have a deal for the last minute. Most DVCers make plans 7-11 months in advance so less than 60 days is considered "last minute".

 

[Minnie&Nana]

It tells me I wanna HURL!!! What's up with this point thingy anyways? The only thing I know about points is collecting popsicle stick points when I was a kid. You saved them all up and mailed them in to get a neat gift worth about 10 cents. Man, I never ate so many popsicles in my life as I did that summer.

I need to think about this DVC thing. I think I will go mow my jungle of a backyard and ponder the idea...

I'lls be right back after these messages...

Wait. How come my banana isn't dancing?!

Did you have to quote me before I fixed the typo?????

Your banana is dancing now...

We'll be waiting to hear (I still say go with AKL, unless you want to save $$ then CBR King and request a lake view ).

Go for AKL deal...Just bring a nice big poster of a safari and put it up if you get a garbage view.....

I nearly choked when I read this...hey, but whatever works.

 

[robinb]

Two other thoughts ... if you rent a DVC villa you do not get daily housekeeping. You get a "trash and tidy" at day 3 and a full cleaning at day 8. If that is important to you then you may want to pass on renting points.

My second thought is that you are going for 10 days, right? Have you considered getting an Annual Pass for one of you? The break-even point is just about 10 days especially when you add in the AP discounts v/s rack rate. Check over at Mousesavers for information on discount codes:
http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html

You can always call for availability (and even book!) before buying an AP and only one of you needs one.

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Go for AKL deal...Just bring a nice big poster of a safari and put it up if you get a garbage view.....

LOL!!!

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Alright. As I was mowing the lawn...I made a decision.












I really hate mowing the lawn and would rather take the trash out.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Alright. As I was mowing the lawn...I made a decision.










I really hate mowing the lawn and would rather take the trash out.

Perfect!! If you get a room overlooking the garbage you'll feel right at home!!!!

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Minnie&Nana:

Eggzactly! See, it all works out in the end. I don't know why I ever wasted my time worrying about it. SNORT! <------ Yay! I found him!

 

[5boyz]

Perfect!! If you get a room overlooking the garbage you'll feel right at home!!!!

Good One!!!! So do I take it you are going with AKL with trashy view and bringing your poster?

 

[LuvvsMickey]

Good One!!!! So do I take it you are going with AKL with trashy view and bringing your poster?

Well duh! Who would pass that up! With a little bit of pixie dust, maybe I'll get super duper lucky and see some raccoons or sumpin' digging in the garbage bins!

I will have my mind made up tomorrow morning and will be making the call to the reservation center to make the change...if there will be one.

 

[5boyz]

Ok well I am up at 6:45am....so I will be waiting!!!!!!

 

[LuvvsMickey]

OK. DVC is out for this trip. I will definitely consider it for a future trip though. Thanks to all who suggested it.

I took a peek at the Pepper Market thread. Interesting read... If I am understanding correctly, the tip is included in the QSdining plan, right? If I am purchasing the QSdining plan, I don't want to be paying out of pocket for anything. I need to save my pennies for DTD shopping!


So... ... what do ya'll think of Coronado Springs for a romantic getaway? *ducks and runs!!!*

 

[karibritt01]

LOVE IT!!!

CSR is our favorite resort. Rooms are comfy, queen-size beds, quiet, excellent bus service, mexican themed music throughout the resort, gorgeous pool and HUGE hot tub, strolling around the lake by lamplight. We have had standard views both times, and were looking out over the courtyards. The resort is very quiet. We like the Ranchos section, but I think we are in the minority according to the boards. Oh, well! Just makes it quieter for us!

Pepper Market: We love it there. Always eat there at least twice per trip. Their quesadillas are my favorite! Unless it has changed for this year, tip is included. I love that they seat you and serve your drinks... none of that walking around with a full tray of food looking for a table crap! Worth the tip to me! On DDP, PM is the best QS on property. Huge portions and freshly cooked!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Well, you asked the million dollar question! CSR is either loved or hated around these here parts.

Here is the end of the CSR thread, but the first page has great info. The last couple of pages have some very recent reviews, so that will be helpful..and there is a photo thread as well.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2107175&goto=newpost

The resort is beautiful - loads of palm trees and a 3 themes within one resort. I understand the resort is very good about couples celebrating anniversaries etc.

Nicest of all, it is just finishing a complete refurb, now has queen beds (or king), flat screen TV's and the rooms now have a more deluxe feel to it than the other mods. It is large like CBR, but not quite as large. No preferred room locations, so anyone has as good a chance getting a request as anyone else. I have read several times that at check-in CM's have done their best to find a room location a guest hoped for if the request was not met already. Often a manager is in the lobby chatting with guests and helping with requests etc.

CBR was my fav mod for years - but not now with the Nemo or Pirate theme - it's just not the same for us.

CSR is definitely romantic! I've read some guests who love the Pepper market and others who hate it...the 10% tip I think I read is included and you get a lot for quick service meals. I find the place confusing, but have not taken the time to learn the ropes.

I'll try to find the photo thread (tho lots of photos on the faq thread as well).

Why not the faq thread and see what you think?
p.s. just read on the CSR thread that all queens ar enow in the rooms - about 40 rooms left with dbls are being converted to king.

Photo threads:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1849807

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2107062