As the Ticker Turns...the neverending saga of the Resort Changers

[amandaw]

Ok, looking ahead to 2015....

We are going to book our April trip (baby's 1st trip!!!!) next week when the rates are released.

We definitely want a monorail resort for the larger rooms (will have crib or pack n play) and easy access to MK and Epcot.

Torn between CR and POLY, both would be CL. Really want Poly, but concerned that the pool won't be done in time (supposed to be done end of March, but if there's a delay.....?)

DH thinks we should book CR to secure that, and then switch to Poly later if pool will be done....thoughts???

We've never travelled to Disney with an infant...we waited until the girls were 3 and 5 for their 1st trip, but we are excited for the adventure!!

Advice??

How exciting!!!

Admittedly, I have never stayed at Poly or CR. Though CR is #1 on my "to try" resort list. That being said, I would probably go with CR. I agree with your DH in that at least you would have that secured. Then, if Poly gets done to your liking, you could try to switch. I just don't think I would want to be stuck at Poly if the pool isn't done & if there's still lots of construction going on. Also, I think the CR has a slight edge over Poly in that you can also walk to/from MK.

 

[pixarmom]

$1 for ponchos oh the horror of it all
Me too, I'm not packing till a few days before, being summer clothes that I'm still in, lol. Plus if I start throwing things in suitcases now, I'll forget what I've packed and have to take it all out to look I am throwing in my Rubbermaid Disney box stuff that I'll want to pack, sunscreen, waterproof cases, ponchos, etc.


Is ASMu the one with food court closed

Trish and Sue, I'm all about the packing list, and agree it's particularly important for summer. Just located our WDW misting fan, ponchos are easy to find, and looking for my summer madras disney backpack.

Trish - our dates are nearly identical - we're 8/10-8/13. Yay for last minute trips.

Sue - Yes! The food court will be closed and I'm thrilled. I'm not a fan of food courts and the craziness associated with them. I've read there will be a refill station for mugs and that's all we need. I'm hoping the food court closure will mean fewer crowds at the resort, and I know it means lower rates!

 

[letthewookiewin]

Hello RCers! Hoping for some help in NOT RC-ing! Just saw an amazing AP rate at ASMu and relatively reasonable fares for a last-minute trip . . . so I'm arriving at WDW with the kids in less than three weeks! I haven't stayed value in 20 years - the kids never have. We're going to Europe in late August, and doing AKL/GF/BWI in January for 9 nights, so there is NO changing this resort reservation. This last-minute trip is entirely based on the fact that the AP rate for ASMu is $67/night - crazy!

The boys are so excited - thrilled to be going and to have everything be so spontaneous. I may have ADRs for 10 days straight in January, but we're going to try to wing it in August!

So the great thing about this thread is that RCers have stayed at so many different resorts. Any happy thoughts to share about a return to the values?

(Just realized I'm exactly like trish - except without the GF RPC at the end!!!)

A last minute trip is so exciting!!

Ok, looking ahead to 2015....

We are going to book our April trip (baby's 1st trip!!!!) next week when the rates are released.

We definitely want a monorail resort for the larger rooms (will have crib or pack n play) and easy access to MK and Epcot.

Torn between CR and POLY, both would be CL. Really want Poly, but concerned that the pool won't be done in time (supposed to be done end of March, but if there's a delay.....?)

DH thinks we should book CR to secure that, and then switch to Poly later if pool will be done....thoughts???

We've never travelled to Disney with an infant...we waited until the girls were 3 and 5 for their 1st trip, but we are excited for the adventure!!

Advice??

Celebrating babies first Christmas is so cool!! I would for sure pick CR.

 

[hstrickland]

Good Morning all!!!



First, let me say....OMG Pixar!!!! $67 for a room!!!Are you serious?! That's a steal!! I'm so terribly jealous. I'm not a huge value fan (kids don't like the fact that there isn't a waterslide ) but for that bargain I would be there in a heartbeat!!!!! Unreal. I was telling Bill last night, and he says..."Did you check it out??!!" My reply..."We'll be back in school!!" Not fair Seriously, though, that's great news for you. Hope you have a fabulous trip!!!



Candace... Hope all is well with you Just throwing this out there...but have y'all thought about doing a villa when the new baby arrives? Might be nice to have that extra room for naps, etc. When Jesse was still taking naps, we were lucky that my parents were along and we had 2 rooms. One for napping kids...the other for those awake And I'm with Pixar on the Poly thing. Better book what you want. I have a feeling the Poly is going to be super popular when the rehab is complete. On the flipside of that....Amanda is right...walking to the MK from the CR is oh so nice. Especially at night when you don't want to have to wait in long lines for the bus or monorail. I'm not helping, am I??

 

[trishadono]

Good Morning all!!!

Morning Heather

Trish and Sue, I'm all about the packing list, and agree it's particularly important for summer. Just located our WDW misting fan, ponchos are easy to find, and looking for my summer madras disney backpack.

Trish - our dates are nearly identical - we're 8/10-8/13. Yay for last minute trips.

I also scored passholder discounts

2nd summer in a row I have gone with dd last minute in August. Dh really is sweet about giving us that girl time

How exciting!!!

Admittedly, I have never stayed at Poly or CR. Though CR is #1 on my "to try" resort list. That being said, I would probably go with CR. I agree with your DH in that at least you would have that secured. Then, if Poly gets done to your liking, you could try to switch. I just don't think I would want to be stuck at Poly if the pool isn't done & if there's still lots of construction going on. Also, I think the CR has a slight edge over Poly in that you can also walk to/from MK.

Yep

 

[pas130]

August will be here before you know it.

A 2 hour window??!! You make me nervous I really need to be more like you....life would probably be less stressful for me.

It's a stressful 2 hours..everyone leaves Mommy alone

Funny you have a packing window. Once I booked on a Friday to leave at 4am the next day. I had to pack for me and ds. Dd did her own but still, I was worried I was forgetting something

We drive and have a washer in both places so it's not a biggie to forget stuff

I was really happy for her. Hopefully, she'll get to come back to Texas soon. She has been in California while getting treatment.



We made an itinerary like that for our last road trip. When you're doing just over 5,000 miles in just 11 days, you kind of need to though.

Dh is already saying he is driving straight through come youknowwhat or high water

Hello RCers! Hoping for some help in NOT RC-ing! Just saw an amazing AP rate at ASMu and relatively reasonable fares for a last-minute trip . . . so I'm arriving at WDW with the kids in less than three weeks! I haven't stayed value in 20 years - the kids never have. We're going to Europe in late August, and doing AKL/GF/BWI in January for 9 nights, so there is NO changing this resort reservation. This last-minute trip is entirely based on the fact that the AP rate for ASMu is $67/night - crazy!

The boys are so excited - thrilled to be going and to have everything be so spontaneous. I may have ADRs for 10 days straight in January, but we're going to try to wing it in August!

So the great thing about this thread is that RCers have stayed at so many different resorts. Any happy thoughts to share about a return to the values?

(Just realized I'm exactly like trish - except without the GF RPC at the end!!!)

and AWESOME!! We love values!! The room size is small and there is no balcony..that's the downfall. The resort size is compact and my kids never complained about the pool. The theming at Pop and the quiet pools may have been their favorite nect to AKL! And with the savings maybe you can squeeze in a waterpark back home my friend!

Ok, looking ahead to 2015....

We are going to book our April trip (baby's 1st trip!!!!) next week when the rates are released.

We definitely want a monorail resort for the larger rooms (will have crib or pack n play) and easy access to MK and Epcot.

Torn between CR and POLY, both would be CL. Really want Poly, but concerned that the pool won't be done in time (supposed to be done end of March, but if there's a delay.....?)

DH thinks we should book CR to secure that, and then switch to Poly later if pool will be done....thoughts???

We've never travelled to Disney with an infant...we waited until the girls were 3 and 5 for their 1st trip, but we are excited for the adventure!!

Advice??

I was going to say CR CL, but Heather reminded me...BLT 1BR!!!!

Plus if I start throwing things in suitcases now, I'll forget what I've packed and have to take it all out to look

Candace... Hope all is well with you Just throwing this out there...but have y'all thought about doing a villa when the new baby arrives? Might be nice to have that extra room for naps, etc. When Jesse was still taking naps, we were lucky that my parents were along and we had 2 rooms. One for napping kids...the other for those awake And I'm with Pixar on the Poly thing. Better book what you want. I have a feeling the Poly is going to be super popular when the rehab is complete. On the flipside of that....Amanda is right...walking to the MK from the CR is oh so nice. Especially at night when you don't want to have to wait in long lines for the bus or monorail. I'm not helping, am I??

The location as Amanda pointed out.....CR has it
Getting home to Poly was a nightmare when it was me and the girls

 

[Koh1977]

I am thinking maybe 2 quick, short trips (either 2015 or 2016 before DS turns 10), just me and one kid at a time. Maybe to celebrate their birthday or something...? And it could just be like a 3-4 day thing, 1-2 parks only. Hmmm...

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[trishadono]

I am thinking maybe 2 quick, short trips (either 2015 or 2016 before DS turns 10), just me and one kid at a time. Maybe to celebrate their birthday or something...? And it could just be like a 3-4 day thing, 1-2 parks only. Hmmm...

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

Now which resort,or should I say resorts will you be considering???

 

[DznyCrzy11]

I'm back!!!! . I had booked AKL for one night before our cruise. WELL...... Sunday I called and got that changed to YC!!!! Why not for $37 more???? We are spending that day in EPCOT. Our flight does not land until 12:49 pm so we probably won't even be at the resort until around 2. Once we get to the resort we can QUICKLY head to EPCOT!!! Oh, and I might be going down again in November... Even if it's just for a few days I will be happy!!!

Sent from my LG-G2

 

[pixarmom]

A last minute trip is so exciting!!

Celebrating babies first Christmas is so cool!! I would for sure pick CR.

Thanks for celebrating with me!!

First, let me say....OMG Pixar!!!! $67 for a room!!!Are you serious?! That's a steal!! I'm so terribly jealous. I'm not a huge value fan (kids don't like the fact that there isn't a waterslide ) but for that bargain I would be there in a heartbeat!!!!! Unreal. I was telling Bill last night, and he says..."Did you check it out??!!" My reply..."We'll be back in school!!" Not fair Seriously, though, that's great news for you. Hope you have a fabulous trip!!!

Thank you!!! I'll admit, I'm a little nervous about a return to a value, but this is a "bonus trip" (as opposed to a major vacation) and we have realistic expectations! And every time I think about that price, I start to giggle - it's just crazy!

Morning Heather

I also scored passholder discounts

2nd summer in a row I have gone with dd last minute in August. Dh really is sweet about giving us that girl time

Yep

So fun to do this last minute. And those discounts are great all around. I checked GF just for fun, and fortunately for me, it's sold out for our dates. Good thing, because I'd be tempted. But again, it's all about the $67 room! When I mentioned it to my husband (not a Disney fan) he immediately said I should take the boys. So I couldn't pass up either the rate or my husband's really sweet reaction!

Dh is already saying he is driving straight through come youknowwhat or high water

and AWESOME!! We love values!! The room size is small and there is no balcony..that's the downfall. The resort size is compact and my kids never complained about the pool. The theming at Pop and the quiet pools may have been their favorite nect to AKL! And with the savings maybe you can squeeze in a waterpark back home my friend!

The location as Amanda pointed out.....CR has it
Getting home to Poly was a nightmare when it was me and the girls

Driving straight through! Wow!

I'm reviewing photos and videos of ASMu rooms so that I won't be surprised upon arrival. Since it's been 20 years and three kids ago since I stayed in a value, my memory is fuzzy. But I do like those large windows that I've seen in the ASMu photos - that might help a little bit. Getting our youngest ready for "no snack room." On the flip side, there will probably be more on-the-fly snack purchases in the parks - fun to mix it up a bit!

As for Poly, as much as I love it, same here! Seems it's so hard to get home from MK to Poly. Honestly, in January of 2013, it took us 1.5 hours from MK to our room. Granted, that was in the evening, but it was value season and we were really surprised. My husband was looking at the bus to BC thinking it would have been faster if we were staying there!

I'm back!!!! . I had booked AKL for one night before our cruise. WELL...... Sunday I called and got that changed to YC!!!! Why not for $37 more???? We are spending that day in EPCOT. Our flight does not land until 12:49 pm so we probably won't even be at the resort until around 2. Once we get to the resort we can QUICKLY head to EPCOT!!! Oh, and I might be going down again in November... Even if it's just for a few days I will be happy!!!

Sent from my LG-G2

Love the change! We stayed in the Epcot area pre- and post-cruise and thought it was perfect.

 

[Koh1977]

Now which resort,or should I say resorts will you be considering???

DS keeps asking to stay at CR. Not sure DD really cares right now, but she'd probably love the kids splash area at GF and it's definitely more girly. If it's only a couple nights, maybe we could swing CL at both...Can you tell I'm all over the deluxes now? ;-)

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[jewels1916]

Made another change today! Ha! I don't think I have ever stayed at the first resort I've booked! I thought I was safe because my August trip was last minute. But today, with 30 days to go, I switched from Pop to a Royal Guest Room at POR!

 

[hstrickland]

It's a stressful 2 hours..everyone leaves Mommy alone

You're killing me Tell hubby to take them OUT of the house...will make the packing process much easier...

I am thinking maybe 2 quick, short trips (either 2015 or 2016 before DS turns 10), just me and one kid at a time. Maybe to celebrate their birthday or something...? And it could just be like a 3-4 day thing, 1-2 parks only. Hmmm...

DS keeps asking to stay at CR. Not sure DD really cares right now, but she'd probably love the kids splash area at GF and it's definitely more girly. If it's only a couple nights, maybe we could swing CL at both...Can you tell I'm all over the deluxes now? ;-)

for another trip! The CR of GF sounds fantastic, and yes that splash area at GF looks great for kids. Hope it pans out for ya Have fun planning!

I'm back!!!! . I had booked AKL for one night before our cruise. WELL...... Sunday I called and got that changed to YC!!!! Why not for $37 more???? We are spending that day in EPCOT. Our flight does not land until 12:49 pm so we probably won't even be at the resort until around 2. Once we get to the resort we can QUICKLY head to EPCOT!!! Oh, and I might be going down again in November... Even if it's just for a few days I will be happy!!!

Smart switch! Makes total sense. You'll only be a short walk to EP for a little afternoon fun. Will Disney be taking you to the cruise?

Thank you!!! I'll admit, I'm a little nervous about a return to a value, but this is a "bonus trip" (as opposed to a major vacation) and we have realistic expectations! And every time I think about the price, I start to giggle- it's just crazy!

Beyond crazy

I'm reviewing photos and videos of ASMu rooms so that I won't be surprised upon arrival. Since it's been 20 years and three kids ago since I stayed in a value, my memory is fuzzy. But I do like those large windows that I've seen in the ASMu photos - that might help a little bit. Getting our youngest ready for "no snack room." On the flip side, there will probably be more on-the-fly snack purchases in the parks - fun to mix it up a bit!

We did ASMu on our mini Christmas trip and it was totally fine. Of course we still crack up laughing about our room location...as far away as one could possibly be from ANYTHING We called it our swamp view....because that's what we were looking at. The first thing Faith asked...."where's the balcony?"




In all seriousness, it wasn't bad because there was NO foot traffic and noise...a very quiet location. Y'all will have a great time, and simply because YOU'RE ONLY PAYING $67!!!!!

Made another change today! Ha! I don't think I have ever stayed at the first resort I've booked! I thought I was safe because my August trip was last minute. But today, with 30 days to go, I switched from Pop to a Royal Guest Room at POR!

Great resort!!! We loved POR!! Even my boys liked the princess rooms. Which Royal room did you book? You'll love the landscape around POR...very peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to walk over to POFQ and look around. Another beautiful resort!





Hope everyone has a great day!!!
Heather

 

[pas130]

I'm back!!!! . I had booked AKL for one night before our cruise. WELL...... Sunday I called and got that changed to YC!!!! Why not for $37 more???? We are spending that day in EPCOT. Our flight does not land until 12:49 pm so we probably won't even be at the resort until around 2. Once we get to the resort we can QUICKLY head to EPCOT!!! Oh, and I might be going down again in November... Even if it's just for a few days I will be happy!!!

Sent from my LG-G2

All good!!!!!

Driving straight through! Wow!

I'm reviewing photos and videos of ASMu rooms so that I won't be surprised upon arrival. Since it's been 20 years and three kids ago since I stayed in a value, my memory is fuzzy. But I do like those large windows that I've seen in the ASMu photos - that might help a little bit. Getting our youngest ready for "no snack room." On the flip side, there will probably be more on-the-fly snack purchases in the parks - fun to mix it up a bit!

As for Poly, as much as I love it, same here! Seems it's so hard to get home from MK to Poly. Honestly, in January of 2013, it took us 1.5 hours from MK to our room. Granted, that was in the evening, but it was value season and we were really surprised. My husband was looking at the bus to BC thinking it would have been faster if we were staying there!

DD9 did the "aww no snack room" then she fell in love with OKW pool so we are all good. Luckily she understands money a little and I showed her with the savings all the snacks in the world she can try and Daddy won't say no I love Poly too, but we have had better luck with buses than the monorail...how crazy right??

Made another change today! Ha! I don't think I have ever stayed at the first resort I've booked! I thought I was safe because my August trip was last minute. But today, with 30 days to go, I switched from Pop to a Royal Guest Room at POR!

Sweet!!! We will be there at the same time..I'm at OKW

 

[pixarmom]

Made another change today! Ha! I don't think I have ever stayed at the first resort I've booked! I thought I was safe because my August trip was last minute. But today, with 30 days to go, I switched from Pop to a Royal Guest Room at POR!

Exciting change! We've stayed at POR, but not in a Royal Room. Our boys just said POR is their favorite of the mods, and would be their pick for a mod stay. We stayed in AB earlier this year because the RR was sold out, but will definitely book RR next time if available!

We did ASMu on our mini Christmas trip and it was totally fine. Of course we still crack up laughing about our room location...as far away as one could possibly be from ANYTHING We called it our swamp view....because that's what we were looking at. The first thing Faith asked...."where's the balcony?"

Great resort!!! We loved POR!! Even my boys liked the princess rooms. Which Royal room did you book? You'll love the landscape around POR...very peaceful and relaxing. Make sure to walk over to POFQ and look around. Another beautiful resort!

Heather

Great photos as always, Heather!! And not a bad swamp view - better than a parking lot! I remember your family is similar to ours in that you jump around from one category to another depending on the circumstances, so your posts are so helpful!

All good!!!!!

DD9 did the "aww no snack room" then she fell in love with OKW pool so we are all good. Luckily she understands money a little and I showed her with the savings all the snacks in the world she can try and Daddy won't say no I love Poly too, but we have had better luck with buses than the monorail...how crazy right??

So true! Our youngest is all about trying the Calypso pool at ASMu and the Fantasia pool at Movies. Keeping fingers crossed on the buses! As much as I love to walk out the international gateway and back to our room at BWI/BC/YC, it's not quite as wonderful in the summer heat! Good thing we're saving that for January.

Question for all: Do you all bring your own towels at values? Or just bring them from the room? I'm considering buying new fun towels for the boys, but still undecided.

 

[pas130]

So true! Our youngest is all about trying the Calypso pool at ASMu and the Fantasia pool at Movies. Keeping fingers crossed on the buses! As much as I love to walk out the international gateway and back to our room at BWI/BC/YC, it's not quite as wonderful in the summer heat! Good thing we're saving that for January.

Question for all: Do you all bring your own towels at values? Or just bring them from the room? I'm considering buying new fun towels for the boys, but still undecided.

I think we took them from the room, and Mousekeeping will bring you more! It'll be great!!

You're killing me Tell hubby to take them OUT of the house...will make the packing process much easier...

They stay out of the way. DS13 is packed and DD9 has a drawer with stuff she is packing...so 2 out of 7 will be done if it makes you feel a wee better my friend

 

[letthewookiewin]

Made another change today! Ha! I don't think I have ever stayed at the first resort I've booked! I thought I was safe because my August trip was last minute. But today, with 30 days to go, I switched from Pop to a Royal Guest Room at POR!

Since they did the renovation of the Royal Guest Rooms, I wanted to stay in one of those rooms. I showed them to my boys and they thought they were "too girly".

We did ASMu on our mini Christmas trip and it was totally fine. Of course we still crack up laughing about our room location...as far away as one could possibly be from ANYTHING We called it our swamp view....because that's what we were looking at. The first thing Faith asked...."where's the balcony?"




In all seriousness, it wasn't bad because there was NO foot traffic and noise...a very quiet location. Y'all will have a great time, and simply because YOU'RE ONLY PAYING $67!!!!!

Cute kids!! I agree, you can't beat that price.

Hope everyone has a great day!!!
Heather

Beautiful picture!!

Question for all: Do you all bring your own towels at values? Or just bring them from the room? I'm considering buying new fun towels for the boys, but still undecided.

We always bring our own towels. For each of us, I bought the extra large beach towels that we just use on WDW trips. Since we drive, we don't have to worry about them taking up too much room in the luggage. I have a green Disney beach bag that I bought before our September 2013 trip to tote the towels to the pool in.

 

[pigletgirl]

Hi ladies!

It's been busy around here. We have been dog sitting for some friends of ours and sadly they were in a pretty bad car accident and both are in ICU. The family who were watching their children had another family emergency so we've graciously opened our home to the children being watched until their family can get things organized. It's been a little nuts around here with a 5, 3, two 1 year olds. DD is loving all the activity! Truthfully I'm just ...

As for the Disney front, not too much going on. We're getting to the 45 day mark here and I'm making sure everything is done.

Enjoying this peace and quiet before another productive day. Hope everyone is well!

 

[letthewookiewin]

Hi ladies! It's been busy around here. We have been dog sitting for some friends of ours and sadly they were in a pretty bad car accident and both are in ICU. The family who were watching their children had another family emergency so we've graciously opened our home to the children being watched until their family can get things organized. It's been a little nuts around here with a 5, 3, two 1 year olds. DD is loving all the activity! Truthfully I'm just ... As for the Disney front, not too much going on. We're getting to the 45 day mark here and I'm making sure everything is done. Enjoying this peace and quiet before another productive day. Hope everyone is well!

How terrible. Sending prayers they both heal quickly. They are very lucky to have you in their lives, to be able to step in like you are.

 

[pas130]

Hi ladies!

It's been busy around here. We have been dog sitting for some friends of ours and sadly they were in a pretty bad car accident and both are in ICU. The family who were watching their children had another family emergency so we've graciously opened our home to the children being watched until their family can get things organized. It's been a little nuts around here with a 5, 3, two 1 year olds. DD is loving all the activity! Truthfully I'm just ...

As for the Disney front, not too much going on. We're getting to the 45 day mark here and I'm making sure everything is done.

Enjoying this peace and quiet before another productive day. Hope everyone is well!

Hope they heal quickly with no long term issues! And you are wonderful to help them!!

YAY for 45 days