All or nothing...should we split our stay?

[herewegodisney]

Which plan would you do? We plan on getting APs and have already booked next September for free dining. I like the free food but found it to be a bit restrictive when making park plans.

--Plan A-
April - 2 nights in AKV concierge then 7 nights in a AKV studio
Sept- 8 nights in a value (free dining)

Pros: no moving hotels, may not need to rent a car, immediate DVC gratification using up all of our points , already booked
Cons: more expensive, too much free dining in Sept.

--Plan B-
April - 4 nights in a value then 5 nights in a AKV studio
Sept - 5 nights in a value then 3 nights in AKV concierge

Pros: get to stay at AKV twice next year, extra concierge night since points are lower in Sept., less expensive
Cons: moving hotels with young children, may need to rent a car, pain to move groceries between resorts

Thanks,
Melissa

 

[dianeschlicht]

First of all, I didn't buy DVC to still be paying rack rate for a room, so I would NOT do the value resort just for the free food. That of course, also assumes they will again do the free dining next year, and that too is not a given. Secondly, with the dining no longer covering the tip, it would end up being a lot more expensive than it appears on the surface. Then, of course there is the moving....Nope, I wouldn't do it. I'd likely get a nice 1 bedroom villa and stay put for the duration.

 

[Kimmumum]

I would not pay for a value....that is why I bought DVC. Also, changing rooms is a pain in the butt. In July we had a studio at SSR for 5 nights and then had to switch to a one bedroom (that was all that was available). We had to be out of the room by 11 but had to wait for the bellman to get our stuff. We had to pack up our refrigerator stuff in their cooler things then when we had to call to find out when our new room was ready, check back into the hotel, go to the room and WAIT for the bellman again to bring all of our stuff again. It worked out fine but there was alot of waiting around, it screwed up our day as to the timing of things and we had to pay more in tips for bellman we wouldn't have had if we stayed in the same room.

It wasn't a hard thing but we will not change rooms much less hotels ever again.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Do you already have those concierge at AKV reservations? If not, they could be hard to get.

 

[DisDaydreamer]

First of all, I didn't buy DVC to still be paying rack rate for a room, so I would NOT do the value resort just for the free food. That of course, also assumes they will again do the free dining next year, and that too is not a given. Secondly, with the dining no longer covering the tip, it would end up being a lot more expensive than it appears on the surface. Then, of course there is the moving....Nope, I wouldn't do it. I'd likely get a nice 1 bedroom villa and stay put for the duration.

DITTO... couldn't have said it any better.

And... Deb is right.... get those reservations done now....

 

[kgc07]

I wouldn't stay at a value for free dining. If you want to get the free dining offer (if offered), you would have to also buy park tickets. That doesn't sound like free dining anymore if you already have an AP. The concierge rooms in April might be hard to get if you don't already have them booked.

 

[alldiz]

After staying DVC.....you will probably NOT want to go value....
Even for FREE FOOD

I love split stays.....but I would cut the value part out unless
you want to go for a few days.....cause you need to
try every resort...

If you must do free dining at value....I would add a few nights
at AKV to have something real nice to look forward to.
Kerri
edit....I send a ups box down with snacks and some food....I keep box and put food back in...
Call bell services....have them bring box and luggage to my cab....and go to next resort

 

[ldo]

3 days value (POP), then 4 days SSR 1 BR. It was fine. Personally, I could not have stayed in value for 8 8days. 3-4 days is perfect--kids have fun doing the silly pools, resort stuff and semi-commando Disney parks.
THEN--we switch to DVC and Mom can relax in hottub, Mom can sleep better with quieter surroundings, kids are ready to spend time in the nice pools with slides, etc. and we spend more time at resort, kids love the community room, games, etc. PLUS--kids LOVE getting 2 DIFFERENT pool selections on the same trip, so they don't get bored.
You won't have many groceries b/c you were in a value without cooking stuff. You can heave bellman move your luggage and just hop on resort bus with a few carry-ons---good chance room is ready at DVC, if not just check it with bellman and had to parks or pool.
So, I would vote split stay.

 

[dianeschlicht]

Do you already have those concierge at AKV reservations? If not, they could be hard to get.

She wouldn't be able to book the Concierge AKV for September just yet.

 

[Eddie]

Stayed at Value this year for 1st time. Usually stay at Port Orleans French Quarter but we had 2 other lengthy and expansive vacations so went cheap at Dis. this year

Will not however stay at value again. Nothing wrong with resorts, infact arrived late Sat. night and it was fine to about Tues. We were at Sports and when teams came in for I guess tournements the place was an absolute zoo!!!

People were friendly and nice both CM and guest but the noise levels went up a ton. Even at midnight food courts were still a mob scene.

Nothing against the place but will stay at least at a moderate resort on future stays.