Decisions, decisions what would you do CL? Or a points saver value??

[dlm1017]

I have a trip to plan for October 2011, it is our 25th anniversary and I have booked a 3 day cruise on the Dream for 10/6 to Sunday the 9th. I want to book a studio villa for the 9th to the 15th In AKV. (I own there so I have the 11 month booking window) now here comes my dilemma… Should I book a CL studio for 111 pts or be points conservative and book the value for 57 points?!! Is CL really worth a difference of 54 POINTS?? I could get a 1BR value for the same stay for 134 or shorten the trip till Friday for 110pts. We would like to stay in 1brs for our trips now to take advantage of the kitchen but this is our anniversary and during F&W so I don’t know how much we would be cooking this time. Also, I want to do a big family trip in 2012 so I could use the extra points. Tell me is CL really worth a try?? I would most defiantly book the special safari available to CL guests but it is not THAT important for me to do that. I guess I just want to stay CL one time because I never have experienced it before and I figure what better time than a special Silver anniversary celebration!!
Thanks,

 

[rentayenta]

CL! It's your anniversary!

 

[bobbiwoz]

I've 2 CL studio stays booked. One is with DH and the other with DSis. During F&W, the concierge was able to book a dinner for us at Le Cellier and we're doing a tour and they booked a F&W event for us. It's very easy having someone else do the booking for you. We're not up the the booking time for our next trip, but with DSis, I also want to enjoy the evening offerings and a glass of wine. With her, it's going to be a more laid back trip. We're going to do some F&G things and we're celebrating her retirement.

If you won't regret using the points and can still have your big party in 2012, i think it's worth to do something special for just the 2 of you. You can get the value rooms for some of your guests!

Bobbi

 

[Pixieflip]

We tend to be a little more conservative with our points, usually. A cruise and a week at WDW is a wonderful treat alone! I don't think you would feel short changed if you stayed Value or any other level. We had a SV in January of this year and it was decadent! Would have never used that word about a hotel, but now I do. It was an unbelievable vacation resort. My husband walked around the villa on checkout day with his hand on his heart saying he just didn't want to leave. Yeah, it was that good.

Never stayed CL, but it isn't the only way to get a treat of a room.

 

[adminjedi]

I vote CL.
First time to AKV we stayed SV to guarantee the experience. Now, we stay CL every time we go to AK. We feel the %age more in pts is worth what you get in food and drinks. Plus, pretty much guaranteed all DDRs with concierge booking. Also, if you have not done Wanyama Safari, do it to celebrate your anniversary! So worth the money!

 

[LIFERBABE]

It's your anniversary, so I would choose the most decadent splurge, because isnt that why we own DVC? If you cant go hard on your Silver Anni, when can you?

I would go for the CL studio for sure. Not just because of the lounge bookings and offerings, but also because it will be more-like the cruise coming off the ship and straight to CL will be like you never left DCL Lounge, wonderful staff, and housekeeping twice a day with turndown service.

I would not want the 1 bed Value because you lose the luxury of the separate tub and shower and gain a kitchen. I love to cook on vacay, but for a Silver and no kids, I wont be cooking!

With CL, I dont need a 1 bedroom, especially since Jambo does not offer the sep tub/shower ( I love my jet tub) I will either book a CL studio or a Value studio if CL is not available. If I want a spacious 1 bed, I will book Kidani/OKW or BLT in that order.

 

[dclfun]

I would go for CL! Actually I would go for staying at BCV's during F&W fest although it may be hard to get if you don't also own points there. Whatever you do, congrats on your silver anniversary!!!---Kathy

 

[spiceycat]

generally would say value - but hey it is your 25th anniversary and after that many years you deserve something special.

would not do the sunrise safari for the CL - but the sunset safari for all AKL guests. think it is the better one.

 

[bnk1120]

Definitely do the CL!

 

[El&Asmom]

I tend to be a point saver too, but for this I say CL all the way! If you can't do it on your 25th when will you.

Congrats!

 

[mzozzietj]

I agree with all the previous posters... HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, live it up and book the CL! Go value next year when you have others with you all.

 

[shortypots]

25th wedding anniversary, this is a no brainer- CL all the way!

 

[DeeCee735]

For the 25th, I say go with CL. Why not? You're only going to celebrate the 25th once

However, that being said, we just booked a 4 night cruise in April, for just DH & I, then and added 3 nights at AKV but chose to go with a standard view. For one, the whole place is gorgeous and we love it there, so we are fine with hanging out in a veiwing area to see the animals, and we decided to be conservative with our points. Best of both worlds, especially since we took an oceanview verandah stateroom on the ship!

 

[mesabravo]

We are also going on the Dream cruise 11/6 and tried to book CL studio for 3 days before and 3 days after at the 11 month window. No luck on the studio, but did get the 1Br CL for all nights. Way more points than I wanted to spend, but since I have never stayed there, and really want to do the sunrise safari, I bit the bullet and said yes. Now I can relax and start enjoying whats to come!

 

[arthur06]

We are also going on the Dream cruise 11/6 and tried to book CL studio for 3 days before and 3 days after at the 11 month window. No luck on the studio, but did get the 1Br CL for all nights. Way more points than I wanted to spend, but since I have never stayed there, and really want to do the sunrise safari, I bit the bullet and said yes. Now I can relax and start enjoying whats to come!

Awesome!!! Good for you!

 

[AirGoofy]

1st, congrats on your 25th. Second, celebrate it. 25 years is a big deal. I would go CL and book the Savanna View tour as well. If you are really worried about points, do a split stay - 3 at value and 4 at CL. I would just do CL. Have a great trip.

 

[dgaston]

We have stayed CL twice. Definitely make the 25th completely special and book the CL. The pampering is such great fun.