Anyone planning for 2014??

[sandym718]

Me! I am hoping to go in May 2014 We will prob go right before school lets out and right before Memorial Day. Our anniversary is the 27th of May and we've already spent 1 there lol but looking forward to another.

We were there in May 09 and it rained and rained, but the crowds really weren't that bad compared to what I thought. I know a lot of people here seemed to be canceling their trips due to the rain, but it worked in our favor

We left RIGHT before that rain hit in May 09. Literally, we drive, and before we got to Dayton, we were in the pouring rain. We watched the weather and I felt so horrible for all of you there during all that. At that point, we hadn't experienced a drop of rain in either of our trips (May '07 and '09). Well, we got it the next time - in March of '11. Not as bad as that, but 3 days of all out rain, thunderstorms, Tornado watches, etc. Very little rain again in March '12. Hoping for another rain-free '14, but I'll still take rain over the snow back home, lol!

 

[auprincess]

Me! I am hoping to go in May 2014 We will prob go right before school lets out and right before Memorial Day. Our anniversary is the 27th of May and we've already spent 1 there lol but looking forward to another.

We were there in May 09 and it rained and rained, but the crowds really weren't that bad compared to what I thought. I know a lot of people here seemed to be canceling their trips due to the rain, but it worked in our favor

We hope to stay at AoA in a Lion King or Nemo suite

Hubby and I are also hoping for a Disney Anniversary Cruise in 2020 for our 20 yr

I see you're from Alabama ~ me, too!! We will also go in May 2014 (very possibly first week of June), but we will wait until school is out. Not sure of the schedule, but if it is like it has been, it will be that Friday or so before Memorial DAy. So I'm just trying to figure out how Memorial Day will affect the crowds ~ if we should go that first week after school, or wait until the first week of June. Any thoughts?

I knew this thread would start picking up after New Year's. Look at some of us sporting our tickers already!

Anyone else considering staying off-site? I never thought we would after we stayed at POP in 2011, but after staying at SSR last time with the amount of room we had ... well, let's just say I am definitely considering it now. For everything we want (full kitchen, separate living area, etc.), I'm finding it is cheaper than an on-site stay, even factoring in car rental, parking, etc.

We've stayed off-site before, mostly with family. We did stay at the Caribe Royale on our honeymoon, however, and I was not impressed. That was many years ago, though.

Thoughts, opinions?

When we go back, we will be a Disney family of 5, so yes, we are thinking off-site. I just don't know, though. I would be fine squeezing in whatever moderate fits 5, one of the POs?? But my husband wants more space, and I do get that. AND, we are planning on staying over a week this time, maybe 10 days; doing Disney, a day at SeaWorld, maybe a beach day, and letting DH and my oldest (who will be 9 then) go to Universal for a day. So, it really would be nice to have at least a 2 bedroom.

I am having a really hard time, though. I am looking into Bonnet Creek; I love that it is on property basically, but I'm worried it might be hard to get for longer than a week. Also worried about the timeshare thing. I am also looking at Sheraton Vistana Resort, Sheraton Vistana Villages, and Caribe. I love the idea of it being a hotel, so we can book through them, but it having the condo feel; from what I have gathered, all of those places have 2 bedrooms and a kitchen. We won't cook much, but it will be nice to make a few meals on the days we are not at a park.

One of the main things I am looking for is a great pool, with a slide. My oldest loved the Volcano pool at Poly and if we're going in the summer, I know we'll spend a lot of time at the pool.

We've always stayed off-site because, as a family of 6, it's been the most affordable option. Not to mention, we've been able to book under my Dad's timeshare and have paid anywhere from $250-700 for our stays.

This past year, we'd plan to book Bonnet Creek until my Dad told us about a $199 offer to stay at Holiday Inn at Orange Lake ($500+ savings). Needs to say, we booked that! BUT, we did drive pass Bonnet Creek (on the way to DTD one night) and it looked really nice. I think we might want to give it a try in 2014.

Until I can find comfortable accommodations for our large family that will come under $1000, we'll be off-site. It would be nice to experience on-site at least once though. Perhaps when my oldest 2 are adults and I just have to worry about lodging for my two youngest children.

As I previously wrote, I feel you on finding a place! I'd love to hear what you end up finding. Maybe when your oldest are a little older you can get 2 rooms at a value? I've never priced it out, so I dont' know if that would be under $1000, but I've seen several ppl post that it is a good, inexpensive (well, for Disney), option.

 

[BearcatsFan]

We've always stayed off-site because, as a family of 6, it's been the most affordable option. Not to mention, we've been able to book under my Dad's timeshare and have paid anywhere from $250-700 for our stays.

This past year, we'd plan to book Bonnet Creek until my Dad told us about a $199 offer to stay at Holiday Inn at Orange Lake ($500+ savings). Needs to say, we booked that! BUT, we did drive pass Bonnet Creek (on the way to DTD one night) and it looked really nice. I think we might want to give it a try in 2014.

Until I can find comfortable accommodations for our large family that will come under $1000, we'll be off-site. It would be nice to experience on-site at least once though. Perhaps when my oldest 2 are adults and I just have to worry about lodging for my two youngest children.

Being able to book into your Dad's timeshare is a nice perk for sure!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts/experiences. It's just the two of us, so really we could stay absolutely anywhere. We loved POP, and POFQ ... until we stayed at SSR. Then it was like a lightbulb came on and "Oh ... so THIS is what we've been missing!" Just don't think we can do one room again. It was too nice to have the room to spread out.

When we go back, we will be a Disney family of 5, so yes, we are thinking off-site. I just don't know, though. I would be fine squeezing in whatever moderate fits 5, one of the POs?? But my husband wants more space, and I do get that. AND, we are planning on staying over a week this time, maybe 10 days; doing Disney, a day at SeaWorld, maybe a beach day, and letting DH and my oldest (who will be 9 then) go to Universal for a day. So, it really would be nice to have at least a 2 bedroom.

I am having a really hard time, though. I am looking into Bonnet Creek; I love that it is on property basically, but I'm worried it might be hard to get for longer than a week. Also worried about the timeshare thing. I am also looking at Sheraton Vistana Resort, Sheraton Vistana Villages, and Caribe. I love the idea of it being a hotel, so we can book through them, but it having the condo feel; from what I have gathered, all of those places have 2 bedrooms and a kitchen. We won't cook much, but it will be nice to make a few meals on the days we are not at a park.

One of the main things I am looking for is a great pool, with a slide. My oldest loved the Volcano pool at Poly and if we're going in the summer, I know we'll spend a lot of time at the pool.

The only moderates that will fit 5 are POR (in Alligator Bayou) and Ft. Wilderness Cabins. My brother and his family stayed at POR this past year - they're trying Ft. Wilderness in 2014 when they go back. They said it was just too cramped for them at POR.

We have been looking into basically the same places as you - Vistana and Vistana Villages. A friend of ours stays at Vistana every single year and absolutely loves it! They won't stay anywhere else. The only thing he says is kind of bad about the place is they put the hard sell on you to buy into the time share, and they can be pretty persistent ... so persistent on his last trip, he had to unplug the room phones. He still doesn't hesitate to recommend the place, though, so it's pretty high on my list.

 

[angelmichelle]

Me! I am hoping to go in May 2014 We will prob go right before school lets out and right before Memorial Day. Our anniversary is the 27th of May and we've already spent 1 there lol but looking forward to another.

We were there in May 09 and it rained and rained, but the crowds really weren't that bad compared to what I thought. I know a lot of people here seemed to be canceling their trips due to the rain, but it worked in our favor

We hope to stay at AoA in a Lion King or Nemo suite

Hey there! My friend & I are planning for May at AoA, too (Little Mermaid Room)!

 

[auprincess]

Being able to book into your Dad's timeshare is a nice perk for sure!

Thank you for sharing your thoughts/experiences. It's just the two of us, so really we could stay absolutely anywhere. We loved POP, and POFQ ... until we stayed at SSR. Then it was like a lightbulb came on and "Oh ... so THIS is what we've been missing!" Just don't think we can do one room again. It was too nice to have the room to spread out.



The only moderates that will fit 5 are POR (in Alligator Bayou) and Ft. Wilderness Cabins. My brother and his family stayed at POR this past year - they're trying Ft. Wilderness in 2014 when they go back. They said it was just too cramped for them at POR.

We have been looking into basically the same places as you - Vistana and Vistana Villages. A friend of ours stays at Vistana every single year and absolutely loves it! They won't stay anywhere else. The only thing he says is kind of bad about the place is they put the hard sell on you to buy into the time share, and they can be pretty persistent ... so persistent on his last trip, he had to unplug the room phones. He still doesn't hesitate to recommend the place, though, so it's pretty high on my list.

There is no way we would be comfortable at POR ~ I would be willing to try it, but DH thought WL was too cramped with just 4 of us, so a smaller room with 5 would be a no go!! We have actually thought about the cabins, and they are still on the list, but I really wish there was at least a queen size bed. My DH is really tall, so it is hard for the two of us to be comfortable in a full size bed (especially when we usually get a visitor from one or two litte ones during the night).

Which Vistana are you thinking about? I think the Vistana Resort is closer, but I like the set-up look of the Villages better. I hate the thought of a pushy salesperson, though. Decisions, decisions!!

I couldn't believe when my DH actually said we should choose something in the next couple of months. I've been driving him crazy since we got back, so for him to actually want to commit to a place has me excited!!

 

[BearcatsFan]

There is no way we would be comfortable at POR ~ I would be willing to try it, but DH thought WL was too cramped with just 4 of us, so a smaller room with 5 would be a no go!! We have actually thought about the cabins, and they are still on the list, but I really wish there was at least a queen size bed. My DH is really tall, so it is hard for the two of us to be comfortable in a full size bed (especially when we usually get a visitor from one or two litte ones during the night).

Which Vistana are you thinking about? I think the Vistana Resort is closer, but I like the set-up look of the Villages better. I hate the thought of a pushy salesperson, though. Decisions, decisions!!

I couldn't believe when my DH actually said we should choose something in the next couple of months. I've been driving him crazy since we got back, so for him to actually want to commit to a place has me excited!!

Oh yeah, my brother and his family completely regretted staying at POR because it was so cramped for them. They basically said "never again". I am hoping FWC works out better for them.

I am looking at both Vistana Resort and Vistana Villages. I also like the set-up of the Villages better - it's smaller, too. Have you been over on the Orlando Hotels board yet? There's a lot of good info there if not.

My friend said with Vistana Resort, they try to get you to go to some kind of breakfast (which is a timeshare presentation). Usually if you say no firmly, they'll leave you be, but this last time they were all over them to the point of calling daily ... sometimes early in the morning, very early. So he just unplugged the phones - took care of that!

My husband likes to know where we're going way ahead of time, too. I think it just gives him that relief of knowing, "Okay, we have a place picked out" so then we can get on with planning the fun stuff!

How tall is your husband? Mine is 6'4" - there's no way we could do a full-size bed!

 

[auprincess]

Oh yeah, my brother and his family completely regretted staying at POR because it was so cramped for them. They basically said "never again". I am hoping FWC works out better for them.

I am looking at both Vistana Resort and Vistana Villages. I also like the set-up of the Villages better - it's smaller, too. Have you been over on the Orlando Hotels board yet? There's a lot of good info there if not.

My friend said with Vistana Resort, they try to get you to go to some kind of breakfast (which is a timeshare presentation). Usually if you say no firmly, they'll leave you be, but this last time they were all over them to the point of calling daily ... sometimes early in the morning, very early. So he just unplugged the phones - took care of that!

My husband likes to know where we're going way ahead of time, too. I think it just gives him that relief of knowing, "Okay, we have a place picked out" so then we can get on with planning the fun stuff!

How tall is your husband? Mine is 6'4" - there's no way we could do a full-size bed!

I have been to the board ~ very helpful, just not as much action as I'm used to seeing on the WDW resorts thread! I really do like the look of the Villages; I'm just worried about how long it will take us to get to the parks, but we'll have our own car. I'll just have to remember to unplug the phone!! My husband is 6'3"!

 

[BearcatsFan]

I have been to the board ~ very helpful, just not as much action as I'm used to seeing on the WDW resorts thread! I really do like the look of the Villages; I'm just worried about how long it will take us to get to the parks, but we'll have our own car. I'll just have to remember to unplug the phone!! My husband is 6'3"!

Yeah, those boards don't get nearly the action the Resort board gets, you're right about that!

I don't know how long it took my friend to get to the parks from Vistana. You know I never even thought to ask. All I could think about was the money I'd be saving!

 

[Meetmeinmontauk]

DBF & I will be staying at POFQ January 4 - 12, 2014

I am thrilled to say that our trip will be here in under a year

 

[BearcatsFan]

DBF & I will be staying at POFQ January 4 - 12, 2014

I am thrilled to say that our trip will be here in under a year

Oh yay! Another 2014er! Welcome to our little group!

I think I started reading your PTR at one point in time ... your avatar looks familiar ...

 

[Meetmeinmontauk]

Oh yay! Another 2014er! Welcome to our little group!

I think I started reading your PTR at one point in time ... your avatar looks familiar ...

I have an older PTR that I think I just stopped updating

 

[BearcatsFan]

I have an older PTR that I think I just stopped updating

No, the "Lady & The Fox" one is the one I was reading. I just went over there and checked. I was wondering the other day when you'd be adding more. I love to read TRs, but I'm definitely more of a lurker in them.

 

[BearcatsFan]

I wish we had a post somewhere that listed all of our names and dates/possible hotels ... OP, you still following the thread?

 

[auprincess]

I did a little more resarch today about where to stay ~ didn't help much, I am still so undecided!

I'm pretty sure we are going to stay off-site, but I did look into AoA suites ~ but quickly decided I didn't want to spend that much after getting a quote!

I also looked more into Shearaton Vistana Villages and Caribe Royale. I originally thought we would get a 2 bedroom, but after looking at the suites, that might be the route we go. It's a lot less expensive, and we get a seperate sleeping area, which is what we wanted. The girls can either sleep on the pull-out sofa while DH and I hang out in the room to watch tv or they can all fit in one of the queen beds easily in the room ~ DH and I can watch tv in the living area, and then go sleep in the other queen. They don't have a full kitchen; we look at it as our vacation and we don't want to cook, lol. Although it would be nice to make a couple of easy dinners to save some money (and after awhile we get tired of eating out) and I read a great idea that someone said they make a couple of breakfast casseroles ahead and then heat them in the mornings; I like that idea, too. I'm just really torn! One of the suites, Caribe, I think, did have a washer/dryer in the room, I need to see if Sheraton does as well ~ that would be a big plus for me!

And if we do decide to go with a 2 bedroom, I haven't ruled out WBC, either!

 

[liltoot]

Can you book with Disney for February 2014 already? If so, what happens if the rates lower or they run a special? Can you change or are you out of luck? TIA

 

[BearcatsFan]

Can you book with Disney for February 2014 already? If so, what happens if the rates lower or they run a special? Can you change or are you out of luck? TIA

Yes you can - you can book at WDW 499 days out at everything but DVC resorts. Just be aware, because the rates aren't out for 2014 yet, if they go up, you will have to pay the higher rate once they do come out.

If they run a discount, you can call and have it applied, but you can't "stack" discounts (meaning, if you are already using one discount code, such as AAA, you couldn't add another one on top, such as Free Dining or additional % off the room). Also, if you book through a TA, the TA is the one who would have to call to have the discount applied for you.

HTH

 

[BearcatsFan]

I did a little more resarch today about where to stay ~ didn't help much, I am still so undecided!

I'm pretty sure we are going to stay off-site, but I did look into AoA suites ~ but quickly decided I didn't want to spend that much after getting a quote!

I also looked more into Shearaton Vistana Villages and Caribe Royale. I originally thought we would get a 2 bedroom, but after looking at the suites, that might be the route we go. It's a lot less expensive, and we get a seperate sleeping area, which is what we wanted. The girls can either sleep on the pull-out sofa while DH and I hang out in the room to watch tv or they can all fit in one of the queen beds easily in the room ~ DH and I can watch tv in the living area, and then go sleep in the other queen. They don't have a full kitchen; we look at it as our vacation and we don't want to cook, lol. Although it would be nice to make a couple of easy dinners to save some money (and after awhile we get tired of eating out) and I read a great idea that someone said they make a couple of breakfast casseroles ahead and then heat them in the mornings; I like that idea, too. I'm just really torn! One of the suites, Caribe, I think, did have a washer/dryer in the room, I need to see if Sheraton does as well ~ that would be a big plus for me!

And if we do decide to go with a 2 bedroom, I haven't ruled out WBC, either!

The numbers for the AoA suites are scary, I think! And DVC is so much, even to rent points, that for us it isn't worth it.

I think you have a great plan in mind, especially with making the meals ahead. For us, it's just my husband and I, so we'll probably do frozen breakfast sandwiches and out the door we'll go. I have some other meals planned out (pre-cooked chicken with pre-made mashed potatoes, salad, green beans ... along with some others) that will only take a few minutes to put together but won't be "take-out" so we don't get sick of it, like you said.

WBC definitely looks nice! Make sure you look into VU, VS, or VRBO to get better price quotes than you would directly through the resort, though. Caribe Royale ... we stayed there years ago for our honeymoon (1999). We had a rough experience there with the room conditions, unhelpful staff. However, that was nearly 15 years ago, so I wouldn't rule them out if I were you based on my experience.

IIRC, SVV does have a washer/dryer. I noticed something when I was pricing out some rooms there, though, that you might want to keep in mind. I kept wondering why there was a price difference in the 1-bedroom villas - seemed like they all had the same amenities, so I couldn't figure it out. Reading through ALL the amenities, some of them have a full kitchen and others have a KITCHENETTE ... and of course the ones with a full kitchen are priced higher. Just so you know, make sure you read everything and book what you want carefully!

 

[mom2val]

Dh and I were talking today and we are thinking Nov 2014. We are doing a DCL Nov 2013.

 

[BearcatsFan]

Dh and I were talking today and we are thinking Nov 2014. We are doing a DCL Nov 2013.

to the group! I'll be starting a Nov. 2014 thread eventually, but for now there are so few of us that I figured I might want to wait. Have any dates in mind or where you are considering staying?

 

[auprincess]

The numbers for the AoA suites are scary, I think! And DVC is so much, even to rent points, that for us it isn't worth it.

I think you have a great plan in mind, especially with making the meals ahead. For us, it's just my husband and I, so we'll probably do frozen breakfast sandwiches and out the door we'll go. I have some other meals planned out (pre-cooked chicken with pre-made mashed potatoes, salad, green beans ... along with some others) that will only take a few minutes to put together but won't be "take-out" so we don't get sick of it, like you said.

WBC definitely looks nice! Make sure you look into VU, VS, or VRBO to get better price quotes than you would directly through the resort, though. Caribe Royale ... we stayed there years ago for our honeymoon (1999). We had a rough experience there with the room conditions, unhelpful staff. However, that was nearly 15 years ago, so I wouldn't rule them out if I were you based on my experience.

IIRC, SVV does have a washer/dryer. I noticed something when I was pricing out some rooms there, though, that you might want to keep in mind. I kept wondering why there was a price difference in the 1-bedroom villas - seemed like they all had the same amenities, so I couldn't figure it out. Reading through ALL the amenities, some of them have a full kitchen and others have a KITCHENETTE ... and of course the ones with a full kitchen are priced higher. Just so you know, make sure you read everything and book what you want carefully!

Thanks for the tip about Vistana ~ I also kept getting different prices and couldn't figure out why ~ I bet that is why! If I could get a suite with a full kitchen, that would be great; I bet it would be less than a 2 bedroom (which does have a full kitchen). I have made note to check the prices at WBC through VU and VS. ONe of them I have already priced, whichever has the pricing on the website. I guess it still seemed high, although still much cheaper than our last stay (at the Poly). Some people just have posted some really great deals they have gotten! I just need to realize that we are going at a busy time, not the value time we have often gone during in the past.

Do you know any other sites/agencies to book Vistana from? Or do I just have to go directly through Sheraton?

I still am a little nervous about the lack of Disney magic ~ the rooms off site are just, well, rooms, lol! Not all mickey-ed out. That's why I at least want to stay at a place with a kind of wow factor from the outside; and so far seeing the pics of the common grounds for WBC, Caribe, and SVV have impressed me.