December Anniversary Trip

[DizGirl20]

Hi Everyone,

We have never done it before, but I am thinking of spending a few days in mid-December without the kids... it would just be DH and I celebrating our anniversary. I will feel incredibly guilty leaving them home with their grandparents but at the same time the thought of a trip - just the 2 of us - sounds like a lot fun. Here is my dilemma: we are planning a family trip in April and have no points left to use (or borrow for that matter). So we would be paying cash . Funny, when you have DVC you are so used to not paying! I just went and looked at prices online for moderates and deluxes. And then the thought just popped into my head that we could rent points. If it was for your anniversary, which would you pick?

A. Grand Floridian
B. Coronado Springs
C. Rent points - would take whatever I could get at this point

FWIW, we have stayed at both options A & B and really enjoyed both. We already have APs so thank goodness that is one less expense. We are so used to the space of a 1-bedroom; would it be tough to return back to a moderate? Would love to hear from those DVC owners who occasionally go back to a mod. Thanks so much!

 

[allshookup]

We had to stay at ASMu last NYE because our wait list for BLT 1BR never came thru. It wasn't horrible since we only took an afternoon nap & then crashed well after ringing in the New Year. We were also really glad to still be on property so we could take advantage of WDW transportation, especially for NYE. My DS loved the icons & thought they were cool, but after 1 night of 4 of us squished into a small room, the kids were ready to go back to our 1BR.

But that was a value, the moderates are a bit nicer & bigger & especially if it was DH & I alone, I don't think I would mind at all. I plan on only staying at studios once DH & I retire to Fl. I am a little leery of the whole rent thing so we avoid it, but I know people do it without any problems. For my peace of mind & savings, I would go with a moderate. My favorite is POFQ for the size, no room is far from the main building, the beautiful iron balconies & of course the beignets, but if CSR is your favorite, then go for it!

 

[Hunclemarco]

I'd check to see if there are any places available for a points stay. I've been hearing that point reservations are very limited right now. That may influence your possibilities. You may also be able to get an AP discount on your room if you choose GF or Coronado Springs. Best wishes with your decision.

 

[rentayenta]

Rent DVC points.

 

[MinnieGi]

Since its just the two of you I'd go GF!! You will have such an awesome time!! We did a trip just the two of us two years ago and we had so much fun!! Sure, we missed the kids and talked about them a bunch, but had such a good time just being a couple again. So go for it!!!

And if you go GF be sure to do V&A's!!! Sooo nice for a couples trip!!! GF has other very nice restaurants too that feel adult. Plus you could maybe do an adult type "drink/eat around the monorail resorts night. On our adult only trip we did lots of things we don't normally do b/c of the kids being with us, it was a totally different trip to one of our favorite places.

 

[alanapapa]

I would see what is available and rent somewhere, BCV, or BWV for their ambience, if available.

 

[Cindyrellablue]

I would go for GF, you are a DVC owner, so you'll probably visit most if not all of those properties in time (or have already) so renting points won't be so "special".

You might book Coronado Springs for a night before one of your future DVC trips due to a late arrival.


The Grand Floridian would be something 'out of the ordinary' for you and therefore something that would set this adults only anniversary apart from all the other trips you will enjoy with your family.

Indulge!!!

 

[dianeschlicht]

I would NOT do GF. I'd do a 1 bedroom DVC unit at AKV and never leave the resort!

 

[gerows]

I'd do GF. We are DVC members also, and will be staying for a few days next August prior to a cruise and will be out of points also. We have never stayed at a monorail resort and was thinking of either GF or Poly.

 

[DizGirl20]

I would go for GF, you are a DVC owner, so you'll probably visit most if not all of those properties in time (or have already) so renting points won't be so "special".

This is a good point; we normally wouldn't stay at GF b/c it's not affiliated with DVC... yet!!! Which in no way do I mean to start a rumor!

 

[Mtnman44]

If you can travel on dates that fall within the offered discounted times, I would pick your favorite deluxe and go with the 40% off cash rate...However, I think the GF is only 25%.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

Since its just the two of you I'd go GF!! You will have such an awesome time!! We did a trip just the two of us two years ago and we had so much fun!! Sure, we missed the kids and talked about them a bunch, but had such a good time just being a couple again. So go for it!!!

And if you go GF be sure to do V&A's!!! Sooo nice for a couples trip!!! GF has other very nice restaurants too that feel adult. Plus you could maybe do an adult type "drink/eat around the monorail resorts night. On our adult only trip we did lots of things we don't normally do b/c of the kids being with us, it was a totally different trip to one of our favorite places.

Ditto. We took an Anniversary trip without kids in 2006 at Grand Floridian and loved it. We got upgraded to Concierge level and it was a great week. Hotter than Hades in the middle of July, but it was very nice.

 

[cseca]

If money is not an issue, I'd go with GF.
But I'd venture a guess that DVC would be cheaper... so if you hate spending more $ than you need to, I'd go with DVC

Have fun deciding!

 

[El&Asmom]

I initially thought rent DVC points, but at this point in the game, it may be tough to rent points and have any availability for this Dec. I would check with MS as to what is available. If nothing, I say get an AP or 40% off room at a deluxe. The mods are nice, but I love the deluxe resorts. (Which is one of the reasons we bought DVC). Wilderness lodge in Dec would be romantic and so cozy for an anniversary.

Have fun and don't feel guilty. Dh and I have done one parents only trip in the past and have another scheduled for this Jan for our anniversary and a conference I'm attending in Orlando. We have so much fun on our own down there. The kids have been too many times to count. They don't even mind that we are going without them.
Enjoy your trip.