Celebration World or ASmu? I just can't decide!

[jsmla]

A bit of background: This is our 27th anniversary trip. Plans for this changed drastically when we decided to go to Paris in May instead of somewhere in the States. The WDW trip budget had to be trimmed. We've been to WDW many times and don't have any real goals in mind other than just to relax and spend some time together.

We have reservations for 7 nights at ASMu with an annual pass discount. I also have an RCI certificate that I could use at CWR. I just can't make up my mind.

This is going to be a super budget trip and CWR will be best for that. To start with, a week at CWR will be $210 less than ASMu ($199 vs $409). It also has a full kitchen and we'd save quite a bit on food. I don't have a problem preparing a few meals and don't like too much counter service. Plus to CWR.

Hubby hates the Disney busses. Even if we stay on-site we'll drive to at least AK, DS and mornings at Epcot. I want the busses for the Magic Kingdom and nights at Epcot and DTD since we enjoy a cocktail or two in the evenings. Plus to ASMu (sort of).

We have a Shih Tzu that we could bring with us to CWR. This would solve a lot of problems. I absolutely will not put him in a cage for more than an hour or two. If we stay ASMu he'll have to spend at least a couple of days at the Pet Plaza here in Baton Rouge which runs about $35 a day but where he will have his own little mini-room and two play-time sessions each day. Plus to CWR since Jack will be happier and we wont be out $70+ dollars.

Hubby has never stayed either off-site or at a Value. I've stayed at both and I'm not sure how he's going to react to ASMu. It's a bit in-your-face. I, on the other hand really love staying on-site. I love the size and prices off-site but I always feel like I'm missing out somehow. I really think I want ASMu. Hubby won't commit but I get the feeling that he will be happier with the space and quiet at CWR.

I'm not posting this on the Resort Board 'cause I know what the answer there will be. I'm hoping here y'all may be able to provide me with a bit of balance.

Thanks,

Jennifer

 

[TotoToo]

We stayed at CRW last Christmas & will be there again this year for 2 weeks with our Cairn Terriers (thats Toto on the left). They loved it last year and we enjoyed the stay with them for a change rather than boarding them. I agree 100% on the buses - they are a nightmare!

I'm not familiar with the other place but if you can't bring the pup and it costs more - plus the boarding costs - I'd say take CWR.

 

[Melynny]

I am going to reply.. We are DVC owners.. love Disney but we also stay off site when we want to save points and money. We have stayed at Pop century when we have been out of points, but have more $$$ AND we have traded some of our other timeshares for some off site near WDW. So I"ll give you my 2 cents. Based on my last trip to a Value.. I'd choose Celebration World. We stayed there a few years ago and it was very very nice. The Busses were not that good at the Value.. you said you'd be using a car ( same as us). The beds in the values are really not that comfy anymore, I can really tell a difference. I think that Celebration is a very nice resort. The accom we had were upscale, clean and very well decorated. I think you will appreciate the extra room, the laundry and the kitchen. Try it and save the $$$$! It's what I would do.

 

[bearzabout]

I'd pick Celebration World. The resort isn't perfect, but I personally love the space of a condo and would always choose a condo over a hotel room. Make sure to call ahead to reserve one of the buildings that allows pets.

I also hate waiting for buses. It is only a 10-20 minute drive to the parks (depending on which park) so driving back during the day to check on your pet is quite easy.

I have not stayed on site once since I discovered that timeshares can be so nice and affordable. Keep this in mind - you may never want to stay on site again.

Try to get a two bedroom unit. Some of the one bedroom units are small.

 

[kylara]

I will start by saying I am usually very much "stay on site" person. But....

For an anniversary trip, if I couldn't do at least a moderate, I would choose the off-site condo. You don't say what time of year you are going, but there are just too many HS groups that go to the All-Stars for me to want to deal with for a special trip.

And if you save by bringing the dog and and not having so many of your meals out, that gives you a little extra to splurge on a special meal or two for your trip.

And even if you are not able to have as many cocktails on Disney property since you have to drive, you can still relax with one back at the condo...and for a lot less.

 

[spiceycat]

if you are bringing your pet - then hands down Celebration World resort. there is a charge $50 - if you stay a night or the entire week.

now if you are talking Pop - might have a problem - but ASmu - no go with CWR.

they changed management last year. the balconies are now cleaned.

the inside area was always very clean - especially for a place that allows pet.

but the outside balcony (they were screened in) - were not. lots of people want to go outside in florida - so that was a problem.

since it is now gone don't know why I am mentioning it.

do a wet rag (or paper towel) on the floor yourself - think you will be nicely surprised - I was the first time.

 

[Lisa P.]

Given your particular situation, I'd choose the offsite resort. On late nights, when you plan to drink, you could use use taxicab service. To me, there is nothing romantic about ASMu (quite the opposite, really) and you'll be able to bring along your beloved pooch.

 

[jsmla]

Thanks everyone! We've decided to go with Celebration World. We'd just be giving up too many other advantages just so I could be on-site 24/7. I think hubby will be happier at CWR and I know Jack the Shih Tzu will. I just needed to be talked into it.

Thanks again,

Jennifer

 

[spiceycat]

just be sure to get one with a full kitchen - not partial.

those partial are pretty small.