Anniversary trip--Should I Use My Pts for GF???

[aes74]

Hello all--

Well, my husband and I have made it to FIFTEEN YEARS!! Holy cow! As we live only about two hours away, we are thinking to leave the kids with my family and head north to Disney to stay for a few days. We don't have a lot of money to spend, but we do have points! Our trip is targeted to the second week of May. Last year was a busy year, we didn't get to Disney much, and we have about 220 points left over. Our UY is in August. We have always wanted to stay at GF, but it was also cost-prohibitive, and I didn't want to spend a bucketload of points on it. But now I'm wondering if it would be fun to use them on our anniversary. My hope is that it would be kind of romantic to stay there. Obviously, it would probably be a better use of points to keep to DVC, but I don't know...I would love to try this, but I don't want to be unwise.

What are your thoughts? Have any of you tried this? Would you recommend it or advise against it?

 

[sweetdana]

I think you would be ahead of the game renting/transfering your points, and using one of Dis 40% off promos at the GF. Check the math, when I checked for a night at FQ, it was equilivent to something like 300 - 400$ a night, I imagine IT would be even more outta line for GF.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

We got our Vacation Planner last night, and DW was looking at the points required for GF.

Garden View ranges from between 48-87 points per night!
Lagoon View ranges from between 55-100 points per night!
Club / Conceirge level ranges betwee 82-135 points per night!

I would definitely try calling David's DVC rentals to move your points.

For comparison's point 48 points per night (at $10/point) is the equivalent of $480 per night.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Hello all--

Well, my husband and I have made it to FIFTEEN YEARS!! Holy cow! As we live only about two hours away, we are thinking to leave the kids with my family and head north to Disney to stay for a few days. We don't have a lot of money to spend, but we do have points! Our trip is targeted to the second week of May. Last year was a busy year, we didn't get to Disney much, and we have about 220 points left over. Our UY is in August. We have always wanted to stay at GF, but it was also cost-prohibitive, and I didn't want to spend a bucketload of points on it. But now I'm wondering if it would be fun to use them on our anniversary. My hope is that it would be kind of romantic to stay there. Obviously, it would probably be a better use of points to keep to DVC, but I don't know...I would love to try this, but I don't want to be unwise.

What are your thoughts? Have any of you tried this? Would you recommend it or advise against it?

Congratulations on making it to 15 years! DW and I spent our 6 year anniverary at GF. Got upgraded to Concierge level for nothing and it was awesome! Plus a bottle of champaigne, a rose, and an anniversary card from Beast & Belle!

 

[aes74]

Wow! You guys have really caused me to seriously think about renting our points. I am a complete novice at it. What is David's DVC rentals? Is that a good option?

sweetdana, what are the 40% promos you're referring to?

 

[Disneycouple99]

Go to the WDW web page and place the pointer on tickets and packages and select special offers. There is a 40% room discount for late spring.

 

[sweetdana]

http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/
Depending on your travel dates, ect.

If you need more assistance PM me and I will assist.


You are looking to go to special offers on the disneyworld homepage.

 

[ddhoeg]

We splurged for our anniversary a few years ago and stayed at the GF in the concierge level. We really enjoyed our stay, but for us, it was still just a pretty regular hotel room. We felt like a better splurge would have been to have a 1 bedroom at a DVC location all to ourselves for a few days. That would have been even better and more relaxing in our opinion. That is just another option for you and may be more economical use of your points. YMMV. Happy Anniversary!

 

[dzorn]

Personally I would find a one bedroom more relaxing than a single room in GF or one of the other resorts.

Denise in MI

 

[Pakey]

I've stayed at the GF in RPC, the highest level you can do with the points. I would not spend points on it. It's just not a good bang for your buck IMO.

I'd get a one bedroom savannah villa at Kidani. Or a one bedroom MK view at BLT. I think both of these are a better use of the points while still providing some extra magic.

 

[Tink6666]

Maybe consider conceirge level at AKL instaed of GF? you could then try to get on the sunrise safari as something special. We have stayed there just for one night but really enjoyed the conceirge lounge and the sunrise safari. Congrats on 15 yrs...we will celebrate 23 yrs this August.

 

[aes74]

Maybe consider conceirge level at AKL instaed of GF? you could then try to get on the sunrise safari as something special. We have stayed there just for one night but really enjoyed the conceirge lounge and the sunrise safari. Congrats on 15 yrs...we will celebrate 23 yrs this August.

You know, I have never stayed at AK. I don't think we've ever even been there...and I didn't know there was a concierge level. What is it like?

 

[dzorn]

You know, I have never stayed at AK. I don't think we've ever even been there...and I didn't know there was a concierge level. What is it like?

I've never stayed that level but we love the resort. All concierge is in Jambo House and it is very limited in number either 10 or 20 rooms(cannot recall).

AKL also has three nice TS Boma, Saana, and Jiko.



Denise in MI

 

[lauriegs]

when dh and I celebrated our 15th anniv. at disney we stayed at BWV in a one - bedroom with a great boardwalk view. we loved all the space, the jacuzzi tub, and being able to walk to epcot. but I do love AKL as well! good luck with your decision - definitely think you should consider a one bedroom somewhere though.

 

[Tink6666]

You know, I have never stayed at AK. I don't think we've ever even been there...and I didn't know there was a concierge level. What is it like?

We had a 1 bedroom unit, the same layout as most of the other DVC units. King bedroom suite, washer dryer, kitchen, living room. We had a savanna view and saw some giraffes out the balcony. The conceirge area had a nice breakfast and had sodas, juice, milk, water and some specialty drinks available all day. There were dessert choices in the evening. I can't tell you what was available for the rest of the day as we were in the parks. The sunruse safari was GREAT! You go on the same trail as you do for the safari ride at AK, but they actually go slow and you stop so you can take pictures of the animals and since it is in the am before the park opens it is right as they are feeding for the am. After the safari ride you go have a buffet meal that was very good. You are allowed to leave the area at the time of rope drop. You are a little a haed of others at this point, but not too much.

As another poster noted they are limited in the numbers of conceirge rooms that are available, but even if you only do the conceirge for a couple of nights its worth it.

Good luck with you decision.

 

[nolanboys]

I would try for a 1 bdrm over GF. More space a jacuzzi tub. Much more romantic

 

[Sammie]

The way I look at it, they are my points therefore I use them as I like.

I would not worry about it.

The discount for cash reservations during the time you are going is :Save 30% at select Disney Deluxe Resorts


And not always available at the Grand Floridian.

 

[aes74]

Everyone, thank you so much for my help. We ended up booking a room at the Bay Lake Towers with MK view. We have never stayed there before, and I am really excited about trying it out. I am so grateful for everyone's point of view...it really made me consider all my options. Can't wait til May!

 

[nolanboys]

That sounds great. Very romantic... MK view....can see the fireworks with music piped into room... Jacuzzi tube.

DH and I went alone for his 40th and our 15th anniversary. Had a great time. WDW is great with kids, but also great without them!

 

[Cisco]

Bottom line: anything OTHER than using your points at one of the designated DVC resorts, you're better off renting and converting the points to cash and then paying for the accomodations out of pocket. This includes GF and things like the Disney Cruise. It will take more effort on your part but you'll end up saving your points.