Can't do it!

[lonegirl]

Let me explain. I am the frugal one in the family. I pay the bills, cut coupons, wear ratty old clothes so my kiddos can have new, etc. We are doing well for a single income family, but I still watch every dime like a hawk. We have not had a true vacation since Disney in 2007 (other than spending a week with family in other states--staying for free, eating at relatives' homes, only paying airfare), except for weekends here and there at the local beach.

SO DH has agreed to another Disney trip this fall, but he wants to stay at Wilderness Lodge and treat ourselves. BUT IT IS $900 MORE than the moderate package!!!! I know a lot of women would love for their husbands to want that, but it feels so wasteful to me, especially since our last trip at Port Orleans was wonderful, and we were barely in our room. So should I bite the bullet and treat him (he really does not like Disney and only does it for the kids), or save the cash???
I swear, even if we won the lottery tomorrow, I would never lose these frugal ways!

 

[coastermom]

Let me explain. I am the frugal one in the family. I pay the bills, cut coupons, wear ratty old clothes so my kiddos can have new, etc. We are doing well for a single income family, but I still watch every dime like a hawk. We have not had a true vacation since Disney in 2007 (other than spending a week with family in other states--staying for free, eating at relatives' homes, only paying airfare), except for weekends here and there at the local beach.

SO DH has agreed to another Disney trip this fall, but he wants to stay at Wilderness Lodge and treat ourselves. BUT IT IS $900 MORE than the moderate package!!!! I know a lot of women would love for their husbands to want that, but it feels so wasteful to me, especially since our last trip at Port Orleans was wonderful, and we were barely in our room. So should I bite the bullet and treat him (he really does not like Disney and only does it for the kids), or save the cash???
I swear, even if we won the lottery tomorrow, I would never lose these frugal ways!

We are never in the room ... I usually stay at the all star music suite because we drive to FL and eat in the room for breakfast and have snacks there too ... I did an extra special trip for my DD when she was sweet 16 to the HRH at universal and now that second DD is sweet 16 I booked WDW at the Beach Club ... It is a huge expensive trip but I am doing it for her !! We work three jobs here between the two of us and have two private schools to pay for . This is the resort she choose . I do put a lot of money into the vacation time because as a child we never did and I feel these are memories that they will always enjoy ... on the other hand I feel that because the sweet 16 is so much more then a regular trip I should stay at the resort more !!! I have to say I would save the money and use it for extra special gifts for the kids !!

 

[rnorwo1]

We have DVC (small resale contract) because I couldn't bear to pay deluxe prices. I also thought the moderates were just fine, so for me I would also have trouble paying the extra.

Have you asked your DH why he really wants that one in particular? How important is it to him? If it is very important, then I would probably go with it, but do your best to get a discount, perhaps even buying an AP if they will have AP discounts during your dates. You can also try renting DVC points and staying in a studio there, which has a kitchenette and may help you save on food.

Lots of luck with your decision and have fun!

 

[Lovedisney77]

My husband also is not a disney fan. (Really not a fan,I mean after the first time we went as a family in 2004 he said never again!) however I convinced him to try it one more timein 2006 and I took him to WL. We've been back 2 more times since and asks when we will go again

I say go for it, if you can afford to splurge then do it and treat your family. You will definitely love it. My kids enjoy the lodge and all it offers as much as the parks!

 

[Helene]

How often do you go to Disney?? Over the years, staying deluxe has become important to us because we no longer are pressed to see/do everything in the parks and enjoy taking advantage of the resort ammenities.

If you still plan to do commando style touring, I would pass on WL and stick with your original plan.

 

[Vacation Lover]

Let me explain. I am the frugal one in the family. I pay the bills, cut coupons, wear ratty old clothes so my kiddos can have new, etc. We are doing well for a single income family, but I still watch every dime like a hawk. We have not had a true vacation since Disney in 2007 (other than spending a week with family in other states--staying for free, eating at relatives' homes, only paying airfare), except for weekends here and there at the local beach.

SO DH has agreed to another Disney trip this fall, but he wants to stay at Wilderness Lodge and treat ourselves. BUT IT IS $900 MORE than the moderate package!!!! I know a lot of women would love for their husbands to want that, but it feels so wasteful to me, especially since our last trip at Port Orleans was wonderful, and we were barely in our room. So should I bite the bullet and treat him (he really does not like Disney and only does it for the kids), or save the cash???
I swear, even if we won the lottery tomorrow, I would never lose these frugal ways!

I you answered your own question. Isn't it worth the extra money to ensure that he has an opportunity to enjoy the vacation as much as you and the kids do?

 

[Tinkerbellah]

Let me explain. I am the frugal one in the family. I pay the bills, cut coupons, wear ratty old clothes so my kiddos can have new, etc. We are doing well for a single income family, but I still watch every dime like a hawk. We have not had a true vacation since Disney in 2007 (other than spending a week with family in other states--staying for free, eating at relatives' homes, only paying airfare), except for weekends here and there at the local beach.

SO DH has agreed to another Disney trip this fall, but he wants to stay at Wilderness Lodge and treat ourselves. BUT IT IS $900 MORE than the moderate package!!!! I know a lot of women would love for their husbands to want that, but it feels so wasteful to me, especially since our last trip at Port Orleans was wonderful, and we were barely in our room. So should I bite the bullet and treat him (he really does not like Disney and only does it for the kids), or save the cash???
I swear, even if we won the lottery tomorrow, I would never lose these frugal ways!

I am the type to look @ it like I could go on 2 vacations to WDW or a cruise or whatever for the price of 1 time in a deluxe. So I understand. To compromise & save $. Here is my suggestion. Do 1/2 the time @ a value & 1/2 the time @ WL. Disney sends your luggage while your in the parks, so it's hassle free. It's a nice compromise. I like totreat myself but saving $ is a treat too!

 

[SandrA9810]

I love the Lodge, and there's fun stuff to do there and at the campgrounds. Forgo the commando parks, and enjoy what the resort has to offer.

It's beautiful, secluded, and much quieter than the other deluxe resorts, like the contemp, poly, or beach club.

On the other hand, Port Orleans is beautiful in it's own way. I enjoy that resort a lot too.

 

[disneysnowflake]

Maybe you could try a different moderate resort and save the $900.
We had planned to go to the Poly at the end of October, but decided to save a lot of money and stay at POFQ. I was really sad about downgrading since we've never stayed at the Poly, and our last 2 trips were at CR and BLT. I'm truly looking forward to POFQ.

I enjoyed the convenience of walking to MK, riding the monorail, etc., but with the high cost of our home heating oil this year, I'll be happier to hand that Poly cash over to the oil company.

If you can swing the extra $900, then go for it, but if it's going to be tight then try another mod. That's my suggestion.

 

[usnuzuloose]

I am frugal as well, but I cant even begin to justify the costly trip. If someone can go then I think its wonderful. If your DH says its affordable then do it. There may be other ways to cut somee costs to do.

 

[momof1princess]

OP, we have the exact same problem! my DH would LOOOOOVE to stay at the wilderness lodge, but we are only in our room to shower and sleep, so, in my painfully frugal mind, there is no way i can justify the cost of a deluxe room vs. a room at pop century! you're not alone!

 

[KennesawNemo]

If you don't feel like doing it and if your husband does not say he has to do it, than don't.

I have been to Disney 4 times and only stay on property once because there was free dinning offered during that time. Affordability was never the problem. I just don't see the point of spending the extra. I agree with one of the PP that we only spend so many hours a day in your room sleeping.

On the other hand, everyone has a different view on vacation. So try to make your family agreen on your final choice and go for it.

 

[princessmorgan]

I have the same mentality as you, but we go to Disney more often, so that's a lot of the reason we stay in values most of the time. If I only went every few years or more, I would probably splurge on the deluxe if that's what DH really wanted. It's his vacation, too. And when we do stay deluxe, I definitely enjoy it!.....As long as I don't think of the extra money

 

[Phlip]

Check out the Dolphin. Deluxe, great location and really affordable.

 

[wishesuponastar]

I would show my DH the cost of the WL vs. value and then if he really wants to go to WL then I would indulge him. But only this one time

 

[Bren's Mom]

If he really isn't a Disney person but IS interested in a little luxury, I would look at some off site homes...the big ones with their own pool in the back, a game room, themed rooms for the kids, etc. Even with renting a car you'll come out ahead from the cost of a WL room.

 

[budafam]

I am super frugal as well. I go back and forth whether or not we should do another trip (but I just love Disney so much)... we decided to go back but the prices even for a value were coming out to be insane. I looked at a rental house and wow... it costs LESS than a value resort and we're getting the whole house (with private pool, full kitchen, 4 bedrooms, lcd tv's & game room). I'll never stay on property again. This is allowing us to splurge on meals a bit more and other extras (like BBB & Pirates League for the kids).

 

[lonegirl]

okay,
so I called again this morning to change weeks and now animal kingdom is coming out only 600 more than Riverside (dixie landings to me!)

is akl worth the long bus rides?

 

[mdsoccermom]

It is because you can't afford it or just don't want to pay for it? If it's something you can afford, then I would do it for your husband. He's the one that brings in the money. It's his vacation, too. I think it would be worth it so he can maybe enjoy Disney just a bit more (since you say he's really not a Disney fan).

 

[GatorMama]

We compromised. We stayed 7 nights off site and then 2 nights at WL. We're SO glad we stayed at WL because we'd always wanted to. We wish it had been longer, but we just didn't have the time or money. When we resort hopped to check out CR, GF and the Poly... DH still really only wanted to stay at WL again next time.