Another justifying the money post...

[robinb]

I am now totally leaning against sharing a room and really like the idea of getting 2 rooms but at WL. Of course, unless there are codes--which I know are hard for WL--I would be spending more than I am now.

Actually, the WL and AKL are the 2 deluxe resorts which have the deepest discounts when the codes come out. I've paid as little as $129 per night at AKL and I've heard of WL going for about the same. Right now both are $139 for Annual Passholders (until 7/4) and it may be worth it to you to buy one AP just for the discount. If you choose to stay with a regular Disney resort, then DU is the way to go. They will automatically call to have any discounts applied to your reservation and Life if Good.

 

[BeccaGrace]

If I could get that rate I would totally do two rooms at WL...so now the dilemma becomes if I wait for codes (historically the end of August for November/December) the I would likely lose out on my chance for renting points.

I think I'll take my chances on that one because I'd love to stay in the lodge itself or I can have AKL as a backup...then my worst case scenario would be nothing left to rent on points and I'd have to pay rack at WL or see if there were codes on a Deluxe room.

So that keeps me back at staying status quo until code activity starts at the end of summer...funny how I keep finding ways to agonize this when no action needs to be taken for months...I think I am just trying to avoid working and prefer daydreaming about vacation instead!

 

[robinb]

If I could get that rate I would totally do two rooms at WL...so now the dilemma becomes if I wait for codes (historically the end of August for November/December) the I would likely lose out on my chance for renting points.

I think I'll take my chances on that one because I'd love to stay in the lodge itself or I can have AKL as a backup...then my worst case scenario would be nothing left to rent on points and I'd have to pay rack at WL or see if there were codes on a Deluxe room.

So that keeps me back at staying status quo until code activity starts at the end of summer...funny how I keep finding ways to agonize this when no action needs to be taken for months...I think I am just trying to avoid working and prefer daydreaming about vacation instead!

Just so you know ... by waiting until late August you are really already making the decision. DVC resorts are full to capacity the first week of December. The Christmas decorations are up and the points are low, low, low. I would be very surprised if there would be any availabity by August. That doesn't mean you shouldn't try! Just don't get your hopes up.

 

[BeccaGrace]

Thanks Robin...yeah, I figured that is the biggest dilemma...go with renting points now or wait and hope for codes...although it seems like the points are a better deal. I just worry about renting and then something going wrong or what would happen if we had to cancel the trip for any reason...it just seems more stressful when you involve someone else in the equation. Am I overanalyzing things?

 

[robinb]

I just worry about renting and then something going wrong or what would happen if we had to cancel the trip for any reason...it just seems more stressful when you involve someone else in the equation. Am I overanalyzing things?

No, I don't think you're overanalyzing things. You're trying to set up the best vacation you can. I have been on both sides of the rental equation. I have rented points from people and I have rented out points to other people. All transactions and trips went smoothly.

There is a degree of trust involved. As a renter you have to trust that the DVC member will make and keep the reservation. As a DVC owner, you have to trust that the renter will pay you on time. Each DVC member who rents makes up their own rules. Some expect full payment up front, some will make payment terms. Some have a no cancellation policy, some allow cancellations. For instance, when I rent out points I accept 2 payments 50% when the renter receives the written confirmation and 50% 90 days before the reservation. I also allow people to cancel (for a small fee) as long as I can rent out the points again at the same price. I treat my renters the way I would like to be treated and I get repeat customers .

Given that you will be staying 6 nights (180 points for a 1 BR) it looks like the regular AP code rate (I think you can book 2 rooms on one AP) and the 1BR would be about a wash. I am sure that your DU agent keeps historical rates for December and s/he will be able to tell you what kind of rates to expect if you stick with 2 WL or AKL rooms. There is a lot to be said for 2 regular rooms, the least of which is 4 beds and 2 bathrooms .

Good luck with your decision!

 

[DisOrBust]

If I have your dates correct you are going AFTER THanksgiving. That is historically a low attendance time. AP rates have been out at least the past 4 years have bee out during that time. I have paid 174.00 Sav view AP rate with tax during that time.
A Deluxe Sav view has the Daybed and can fit 5 people. If I remember correctly it was "around 40-50" more a night. If you have AAA you can reserve it now with a AAA rate and then wait for AP rates. You can also do this for WL.

We loved our stay also at WL but I have to say we had transportation issues. Actually after having stayed at GF, Poly, WL and YBC we ffound AKLs transportation OVERALL the best. Yes some have advantages to certain parks but in the BIG Picture we found AKLs system the best.

I really encourage you to revisit the AKL its just such a unique resort & experience.

 

[DiznEeyore]

I think I am going to hold off on switching now and just change my AP code wish list for my travel agent and see what is available at that point but I am not going to shut out the WL anymore just because it's not on the monorail.

The more I think about it I just totally don't care for the Poly theming and the WL just takes my breath away when I look at it...even if I paid rack at WL it would be nearly $100 savings per night and my only justification is the monorail...hmmm, I feel like I am back to the drawing board...Thanks everyone for your help!

I didn't read all the way through the thread yet, but wanted to mention one thing that came to mind when I read this. When we were staying at the Poly, we often found there to be loooong waits for the monorail to arrive. There always seemed to be something holding it up. (In fact, when my brother and family were there a couple of months back, they got stuck on the monorail for 45 minutes after park closing with two tired and cranky kids .... one of the trains in front of theirs was broken down.) We eventually gave up on it altogether and just took the boat to the MK or drove our rental car to the other parks.

We own at the VWL and have never found transportation there to be a problem. The boat to the MK is wonderful, and it's my understanding they recently implemented a direct bus to the MK, too!

 

[CarolA]

Maybe it's just me, but I don't find the monorail worth paying for. The only place it is even halfway good for is MK. It takes forever to change and go to Epcot and of course you still have to bus to AK and MGM.


I really won't pay Disney rates for the monorail hotels. Did it once for GF and that was the biggest rip off!

 

[Jakesmom1]

Please dont hate me for even suggesting this, but Embassy Suites ( I know I know off site ) is a great value. Every room is a suite so you have two bedrooms in a manner of speaking. There are 3 in the area (we have stayed in two) and all the rooms are beautiful. They are all within minutes of the Parks, and they have free full breakfast including cooked to order, every day. I know folks dont spend much time in hotel rooms, but as I tell my DH, when Im on vacation, I like to have a little bit of luxury, even if its only to lay my head down. The suites also have full kitchens (albeit small).

We do stay on site a lot more now, but off site can have many benefits too, a lot more restaurants to choose from after a long day at the park, many other attractions that you wouldnt even know about if you stayed with in the parks only.

Hopefully I didnt confuse your issue even more, just trying to give another viewpoint. Either way, you will truly enjoy the magic,

Jakes Mom