Am I crazy for not doing this?

[Metsoskil]

Right now we have a trip planned for August. We'll be at Disney for 10 days total - 3 days at the POP, 2 Days with Family off-site, and 5 days in a BWV studio rental.

Here's the struggle - Right now our trip is right within our budget. After running the numbers I realize that I can switch my 3 nights at the POP, rent a studio at OKW and get the DDP. I'd get a nicer resort, bigger room, and be able to add meals at the Rose and Crown before Illuminations and the Whispering Canyon Cafe for about $198 more than what I'm paying now.

Making the switch would put us a little over our budget, and we'd be unable to take advantage of any August room-only discounts that come along. Also, we budgeted for gas at $3.50 per gallon, so if gas goes up higher than that, we'd be over budget by even more.

DW also reminds me as she reads over my shoulder that we are saving for a DVC purchase in a year or so, and anything over our budget comes out of the DVC fund.

Would you switch the ressie and rent the studio?

 

[CoolPool]

Gas is $3.50 (for 89) in Los Angeles now. So you getting a deal! LoL.

Hold out for a room only discount, sure. Historically its a good bet. You can always add dining later under the new rules...

Are you renting points, is that why this switch would be a more "locked in" position?

 

[Frankiesmom]

yes, I would! As a dvc owner I would really do as you posted. Sounds like a great plan to me and then you can really decide if you enjoy disney and DVC as much-before you decide to buy! We bought sight unseen into saratoga; and my fave place is the poly and I trade my points to stay there!

 

[Metsoskil]

yup, I'd be renting and figured the price at $11 per point, which I think is pretty realistic. I don't think it would be cost effective to add the DDP to the POP reservation, though, unless there is a good deal going on. I get a pretty decent ticket discount through AAA that I'd lose if I booked a package.

 

[mickeybrat]

Pop is not a bad resort. Could you add the DDP to your exsisting reservation?

 

[Metsoskil]

I could add the DDP to the POP reservation, but the cost of the package would make the total trip cost only $30 less than if I rented at OKW. If I'm going to blow the budget, I'd rather do it at OKW, which we really liked last year.

Also, since we're planning to eat 2 meals during those 3 days in the room, it would be beneficial to have the microwave and fridge at the studio. I guess the problem is that we set a number that we were comfortable with for the vacation, and renting the studio would put us $200 over that number, even though it's a great deal. The cheap side of me, the side of me that loves great deals, and the side that wants to do all the cool things every trip to Disney are all at odds here.

 

[CoolPool]

The cheap side of me, the side of me that loves great deals, and the side that wants to do all the cool things every trip to Disney are all at odds here.

Oh gosh do I know those words. My deluxe-amentity side always wins!

 

[Native NYer]

I would upgrade to OKW and the DDP. But I always go for the more spacious accomodations over saving $.

However, if the $200 is really going to mess up your budget, then I'd stick with POP.

 

[goinback]

Here is my 2 cents..... You are going to be at a deluxe after your stay with family, so you will get the deluxe experience. I really think your little ones would LOVE POP! It is so colorful and larger than life! If you are looking to be DVC owners, and will likely be staying deluxe from then on, why not take this opportunity to stay somewhere that will completely appeal to the kids? An added bonus is that you will stay within your budget! My family stayed there in Sept and my DH and I have many precious memories of how our 3 kids fell in love with the icons, pools, games etc!

 

[StayFLA]

If you have children going (I see a family or four in your sig), Go the cheapest route and let them play at POP. Buy the DVC and then plan stellar vacations. My girl's 8 yrs old. I wish I bought this when she was four. I got in late, but not too late. Where is Hiranyaloka? If you want to visit a lot or every 3rd year, DVC is the way to go. Buy a contract that suits your visit schedule.

Ralph

 

[Kaler131]

I vote to keep Pop too. Kids LOVE Pop!

 

[cmwade77]

Gas is $3.50 (for 89) in Los Angeles now. So you getting a deal! LoL.

Hold out for a room only discount, sure. Historically its a good bet. You can always add dining later under the new rules...

Are you renting points, is that why this switch would be a more "locked in" position?

I have to ask where are you guys buying your gas that is so expensive? I live in Long Beach (CA) and commute to Torrance, the highest I have seen in either area or in between is $3.25 per gallon, I usually pay around $3.03 a gallon.

 

[bumbershoot]

Does the 189 over include the tips for the more expensive meals you would be booking those nights?


Personally, if I had my budget down that close, I'd stick with what I had.

 

[Metsoskil]

I took everything into consideration that I could think of including tips for TS meals on the DDP. (I figured $18 tip for each TS).

I think we're leaning toward sticking with what we have for now and seeing if come June or so Disney runs a special or someone needs to rent points that are expiring in a couple months for 8 or 9 bucks a point.

Everyone says that kids love the POP (although they loved OKW last year also. DS couldn't get enough of the boat ride to DTD).

 

[RMulieri]

I am going to go against the popular opinion here and tell you to stick with what you have.A vacation is no fun if you have to wonder every second whether or not you are over budget...besides POP is awesome

 

[Allison]

If the extra money is going to come out of the savings for DVC and put that dream a little further away, I wouldn't do it.

 

[Disneychix]

Right now we are booked at POFQ for our Sept trip. I spent over an hour (not including waiting for a call back) to try and get switched to the BWV because I did the math and it was only going to be about $180 more and blah blah blah. Well we are still booked at POFQ and I've accepted it and am thrilled again. Turns out I could've switched to BWV but a lot of factors were not going in my favor and it meant no rental car and more $$.
Stay with what you have and save for next time!

 

[CoolPool]

I have to ask where are you guys buying your gas that is so expensive? I live in Long Beach (CA) and commute to Torrance, the highest I have seen in either area or in between is $3.25 per gallon, I usually pay around $3.03 a gallon.

I live in Studio City in the SF Valley. Its 3.50 here for 89. Cheaper for the 87.

 

[southtexasmom]

I would stick with POP. If you are planning to become DVC members, this most likely will be the last time you ever stay at POP. We love POP, have stayed there twice but after becoming DVC members we are spoiled to the space of the villas and can't imagine staying at POP again.

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I would have to say to stick with POP - kids love it!!! I am in Alabama and gas today here was $3.11 a gallon - It cost me $70 to fill up - and that was the cheapest gas at the cheapest place!!! I hate to see the price of gas by our June trip!!