Can I ask for all of the Resort Board expert opinions on this please?

[MegaDisney]

Here is my dilemma. My DH wanted to bring me to WDW from 9/26-9/30 as a last hurrah of sorts- our first baby is due in January. We booked CBR, found out it was closing, and were lucky enough to receive the amazing deal at the Poly for just a few dollars more a night. Well, just found out last Friday that my work will not allow me to take the Friday/Monday off that I would need, so the trip has to be cancelled. While I'm very disappointed, there is nothing I can do so I refuse to wallow in self-pity (although, I did just a little this weekend).

So, where am I going with this? Well, DH feels so bad (he really wanted to do this for me) that he agreed we can go either next Fall or in January of 2004 (I love January at WDW) for 7-10 days. Of course, we will have our baby by then, but the good news is that my best friend has offered to come along with us and help us out with the baby. She will pay her own way, but I'm trying to figure out what lodging would work out best for us as we have offered to help with her lodging costs. I would love to stay on the monorail, but I'm not sure we can swing the price of 2 deluxe rooms for the length of time we would like to be there. We always rent a car, so I have considered 2 rooms at the All-Stars, but even then when the baby is asleep we would have to be quiet as well (unless we has 2 connecting rooms, which of course cannot be guaranteed). I was considering perhaps looking into one of the DVC resorts, with the one or two bedroom option. But once again, I'm not sure of the cost- if anyone can offer what they have paid in the value season for these accomodations I would love to hear it.

Is there some other simple solution I am completely overlooking here? If it helps, I am a DC Club Member and also would consider purchasing an AP if the discounts were deep enough. Sorry for the long post, but was wondering if anyone else has done what we are considering doing, and what worked best for them. Planning this out is helping me get over the disappointment of losing out on my Poly experience, which I was really looking forward to!

Thanks in advance for everyone's help/advice/suggestions.

Mega

 

[Bob NC]

You may want to check out the FW Cabins. We found they were the least expensive of the Home Away From Home options. The bedroom has a queen bed and bunkbeds, plus they all have cribs. The living room has a Murphy bed which we didn't plan on using, but it was so comfortable we slept on it every night. The full kitchen is nice. Since it is separated from the neighbors, a crying baby wouldn't disturb anyone else.

 

[Mickeycrazie]

I would check out OKW. We stayed there in 2000 with my parents in a 2 bedroom and it was wonderful. I didn't think they were all that expensive. They have a real kithchen and living room area and huge bathrooms connected to both bedrooms. If you are a member of AAA or the Disney Club you could probably get some good discounts. Also, try Dreams Unlimited.

 

[MHopkins2]

If you decide to go the OKW route (or any of the other DVC resorts), definitely check out the DVC Rent/Trade board here at DIS. There is a great FAQ thread there that covers the ins and outs of the process - it's not difficult, it just requires some trust on both sides. You can save major $$ going this way vs. the "cash" price, even after discounts - I stayed in an OKW studio last November for $80/night (Sunday-Thursday) that had a rack rate of ~ $240 plus tax. I believe the savings are similarly amazing for a 2-bedroom, just don't have those rates in front of me.

Side note - congratulations on your impending arrival!!!

 

[Mickeycrazie]

Saw this on the boards and I thought I'd copy and past it for you. Good luck!

Mickeycrazie


Just back from BC & OKW!!!
Hi- we just returned from Beach Club & Old Key West! We had a great time, crowds were alittle heavier due to labor day weekend.

Beach Club: A little disappointing......Had a std view room and were on the ground floor right off the lobby. The location was nice w/ a view of a coutyard sort of facing the lagoon area. But the patio was so overgrown w/bushes we fely like we were in the rainforest!!! Very buggy outside on the patio. The room itself was a little run down, paint chipping on the ceiling in the bathroom. The room overall was definetely in need of rehab!
***But the pool was definetely the highlight! Our 3yr old LOVED THE SANDY BOTTOM POOL!!! We could relax by the pool w/drinks while she swam all by herself- it was only about 2.5ft deep!
***We also loved being able to walk to epcot and boardwalk at night!

Old Key West: LOVED IT, LOVED IT, LOVED IT!!!!!
We had a 1BDRM Villa and it was almost as big as my apartment at home! Full laundry room, full kitchen, sleeper sofa, loveseat, & chair, beautiful bathroom w/whirlpool bath, BIG gazebo style patio w/table & 3 chairs, 2 TVs, VCR, etc...

Also the main pool area was so relaxing- it had a kiddie pool, main pool, sandy play area, swings and slides. Nice bar, restaurant, marina, & gameroom/community hall with activities for the kids!

A very realxing resort- request a room near the main pool- it was great!!!!

(SORRY SO LONG

 

[bigs1923t]

Try a cabin in FW. you can put the baby to bed in the bedroom while you aduts relax in the living room at night. Also you & hubby can stay in the bedroom with the baby at night & have some privacy. Another plus is there are sidewalks all over to enjoy a walk with the baby. You also have the plus of a full kitchen, you may want to eat out but you can keep things for the baby & prepare the babys meals there.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

Personally, I don't like the Fort Wilderness Cabins, so I vote for OKW! Second choice would be adjoining rooms at a moderate resort.

 

[beansmom]

Meg!
Congrats. I don't have any room advice except the adjoiners at AS...but I will give you (and I'm sure you haven't had any ) 'mommy' memo: You should carry on life as normal when the baby sleeps...otherwise they will get used to complete quiet and not be able to sleep in any other circumstances. We left the tv on, did dishes, vacuumed (not in the same room, of course) and did not tiptoe around. It makes for a very finicky sleeper.

Boy or girl???

 

[eeyore0062]

I totally agree with Beansmom! We lived in a small apt, where DD's bedroon was right outside of the living area... we watched TV, talked, vacuumed, played the stereo, etc, and she slept right through it! To this day,(she is now 8) she can sleep through just about anything you do!

 

[MegaDisney]

I want to be able to have some info to go over with DH, and this is great. I think I am definately leaning towards either the FW Cabins (I love the woodsy, campground atmosphere there) or OKW- I've heard a lot of positive revires about that resort.

Bob NC- have many did you have staying in the cabin? Did you feel cramped at all? Also, do you think the bedroom is big enough to fit the crib in?

Mickeycrazie- thanks for the great info on OKW. The description of the room sounds wonderful- I'm assuming you felt like you had more than enough room?

MHopkins 2- I may PM you to get your thoughts on your DVC renting experience. This could be the way for us to go. I can't seem to get the resort calculator to work, so I can figure out how many points I need, but I'm hoping someone on the DVC board can help. And thanks for the congrats!!

And to everyone who gave advice regarding "soundproofing" the baby- I totally agree!! Fortunately, we don't have all that big of a house right now, so I don't think I could keep it quiet even if I wanted to. And I really don't want to!

beansmom- see my signature...we don't know, and won't know until the doc announces it!

Thanks again everyone,

Mega

 

[Bob NC]

Bob NC- have many did you have staying in the cabin? Did you feel cramped at all? Also, do you think the bedroom is big enough to fit the crib in?

We had 2 adults and 2 kids, (4 & 8). We did not feel at all cramped, there was plenty of room. We loved being able to put the kids in bed and CLOSE THE DOOR, while we stayed up and read or watched tv, or sat on the large deck. Since you would not be using the bunk beds, there should be plenty of room for the crib, (ie: you wouldn't have to worry about having easy access to the bunk beds).

We also liked having the full sized fridge and COFFEE MAKER. We didn't use the kitchen for cooking, though if we ever stay there again we would probably plan to cook some meals either in the kitchen or on the grill.

 

[spiceycat]

OKW 2-bedroom
value season - January 1-31, Sept 1-30 and Dec 1-14
lowest season
sun - thur 22 points per night
frid - sat 54 points per night

1-bedroom same season
sun 0 thur 16 points per night
fri-sat 40 points per night

generally points sell for $10 a point, however, sometimes you can find a sale.

on a Sept or Jan stay Sun-Thur will be 110 points or $1,100.00 this is arriving on Sunday and leaving Friday morning.

 

[ukcatfan]

Have you considered resting yurself during nap time? We had our now 16 month old with us at WDW at 3 months, 7 months, 11 months, and at 14 months. We had help on both summer trips (at 3 months and 14 months). We almost always rest during the baby's nap time. It takes more energy out of you than you think to have a little one with you. We though we would be prepared having brought our other two children, now 4 and 9, a number of times before. I has gradually gotten easier on each visit and we have been able to make in the room nap time shorter and shorter.