DH not sold on mods or deluxe! HELP!!!

[ms.ojo]

Here's the deal. DH allows me free reign planning Disney trips. We've all enjoyed staying at ASMo in the past (and the Dolphin as part of a conference). This yr we are fortunate enough to have 2 trips to Orlando so we're becoming APs for the year. I thought GREAT! this will be our oppty to try a moderate or deluxe at a super rate. But....so far, no AP rates have been released for our trip the end of April. And ds, dd and dh are all looking forward to ASMo that week anyway! The 2nd trip isn't until Dec., value season. So I'm thinking that's the time to book the pricier resort hopefully w/ an AP code. But after reading so many diff't threads on here, I am completely at a loss as to where to stay.

DH and I both like the theme idea of CBR...and I think the kids would really enjoy digging in the sand and the pirate themed/cannon pool. The bus svc sounds good too. But then I look at POFQ and I think I bet they'd LOVE that pool. But the theme of the resort isn't as appealing to dh & me....and it does take longer for Disney bus svc from that resort to MK which is our major park.

Then I thought hey, why not live it up. Do 4 nights at a deluxe! If I could get the rate at $150/night or less, I think I could justify it to dh. Does anybody know if that's possible during value season w/ AP? He does agree being on the Monorail line would be pretty cool. I suppose we could do 1 or 2 nights at deluxe, then ASMo, then our conference hotel....but that's a lot of moving around. Friends of ours LOVE WL....and I've seen a lot of good things about it here too....but would you stay there over the Contemporary? I have a feeling the Poly is just way out of our price though I'm sure that would be VERY cool. The AKL is also appealing, but again, further from the parks and I'm not sure about its food court for picky eaters.

What DH likes about ASMo is all the DISNEY feel around the hotel and swimming in a pool w/ Fantasia Mickey. Although many feel CR is w/out theme, I think DH would find it most "disney" since it has the monorail...and of course Chef Mickeys, and the talking elevators. And just think, a walk to MK if you prefer! how do you get to the other parks from there???? Monorail to TTC and then bus/monorail?

Well, I know this was a long post...and you're probably all tired of giving your 2cents worth on hotels, but I could really use some help. We DO love ASMo, and it IS a great value....but won't we enjoy the other hotels too? Will going to a deluxe vs a moderate give us more magic for the $$ and make us feel it was worth it???? Or should I just hang tight w/ the moderate for Dec? (Value is out then as we'll be traveling during PopWarner week and dh agrees the values will be overrun w/ teenagers. Sorry, not PW bashing...just don't want to be anyplace where you're the odd man out. Not that much fun kwim?) Look forward to hearing your replies. I know it seems ages away...but we were talking about it last night and I just realized how dh really feels: That ASMo is a great deal AND enjoyable...so why go elsewhere. Save the $$ for the meals and gifts. While I agree....I just REALLY want to try someplace else while it is more affordable. But it has to be GOOD! so much pressure...

 

[keith-atl]

Well Im not sure if you want to do this but you could always look at buying into someones DVC points and stay at a deluxe that way, and in the offseason rooms will be like $110 a night at $10 a point. Course that is just a thought. Codes usually come out but there is no guarantees ofcourse

 

[ms.ojo]

I don't understand how you go about doing it..and makin sure it's all legit. Is there a thread on that somewhere that tells you how to do this that i've missed???

 

[DisneyMomx7]

I don't think you'll find a monorail resort for $150 but you can get a WL usually during value season with an AP code for $150 less. I think your kids would love it and you have the boat service to MK. Why not take a look at it on your first vacation, maybe eat at Whispering Canyon and then you'll get more of a feel for it.

 

[DancingBear]

First, regarding the moderates, it sounds like you might like Coronado Springs, particularly in the Cabanas section, it is similar to CBR, has lots of sandy beach areas (and hammocks), and it has an awesome pool like POFQ.

Regarding Contemporary vs. WL, I'm sure you'd enjoy either one. WL has nicer surroundings, pool, landscaping, and such, but the Contemporary is exciting, right on the monorail, and an easy stroll to MK.

 

[goofy4tink]

You could get a good deal on either WL or AKL, maybe around that $150 mark. But I'm not too sure you will get close to that for the other deluxes. I like the moderates a lot. You have to decide what is important to you. We like the mod pools, the theming is good on the grounds, food courts are good and larger than what you will find at a deluxe. The mods do have a table service restuarant in them. POFQ shares one with POR. The deluxes have multiple table service restaurants and very small food courts. The mods have outside hallways, deluxes..inside. It's all about what you want in a room. I would go with a moderate in Dec. I think the Pop kids are there early on in Dec and I will say that we were with them in '03 and found them to be no problem at all. I think that if your dh is really set on a value in Dec then it would be fine.

 

[The4OfUs]

I don't understand how you go about doing it..and makin sure it's all legit. Is there a thread on that somewhere that tells you how to do this that i've missed???

Go to the Disney Vacation Club forum, there's a forum there for renting points. There are FAQs and such to help explain it. HTH!

 

[maryliz]

Another vote for WL -- and if you keep checking here or with CRO directly, you have a good chance of scoring an AP rate in value season. The boat ride to MK cannot be beat! And there's a boat to CR too so you can go and walk around. I personally wouldn't want CR unless I was paying the $$$ to stay in a tower room. The North/South wings don't do anything for me. I don't see much theming there, but I've never actually stayed there so I could be mistaken.

The Villas at WL are great too! We had a studio that was a corner room overlooking the lake and the Villas pool. Was totally awesome! Check into the point rentals ... I think that 11 points per night during the week for value season was what we paid. Much higher on weekends though

Good luck with your decision! We love the All Stars too, but having the boat to MK this past trip was definitely a plus!

MaryLiz

 

[robinb]

You could get a good deal on either WL or AKL, maybe around that $150 mark.

I had the Contemporary Resort booked for last Christmas for $131+tax per night. We ended up at AKL in a Savanah View for $151+tax.

 

[HB2K]

What DH likes about ASMo is all the DISNEY feel around the hotel and swimming in a pool w/ Fantasia Mickey.

This is precisely the reason we won't stay at a mod or a deluxe. We gritted our teeth on our honeymoon and settled for the All Star Movies. Our normal trips were with my parents at Shades of Green.

We have NEVER been back to a mod or deluxe since. We fell in love with them. I wish they offered rooms with a Queen sized bed but other than that, we love the atmosphere, the food court is fantastic, and all in all just love them.

That ASMo is a great deal AND enjoyable...so why go elsewhere.

BINGO!

I'd say save the money for other expenses and stay with what you know!

 

[robinb]

One more thing ... I wanted to agree with keith-atl about renting DVC points. If your December trip dates are set in stone, then you should look into staying at a DVC resort in a studio.

You can stay at Beach Club Villas, Boardwalk Villas or the Villas at Wilderness lodge for no more than 106 points for a whole week for the first 3 weeks of December. That's $1060 for the week at the going rate of $10 per point with no taxes. That comes out to $151 including taxes or the equivalent of $135 before taxes. If you stay a shorter amount of time and over a weekend the average will be more expensive per night (2 weekdays/2 weekends = $680 or $170 per night). If you don't stay over the weekend it will be much cheaper (4 nights, Sun-Thurs = $480 or $12o per night). Each weekday (Sun-Thurs) costs 12 points and each Fri/Sat costs 22 or 23 points depending on the week.

In a studio you'll find a queen sized bed and a double sized fold out couch (except at OKW, they have 2 queen beds). Almost every unit has a balcony. Plus you'll have your own small fridge, a microwave and a toaster. The downside is that you will not have housekeeping.

BTW, you can save even more at OKW or SSR. OKW is 82 points for the same weeks ($117 per night -- 8 points per weekday, 20/21 per weekend). SSR is 97 points (11 points per weekday, 20/21 per weekend).

 

[ms.ojo]

I am going to have to go over to the DVC board and learn more about this option! Of course I'm not sure how keen I am on the no housekeeping thing.

 

[ms.ojo]

I had the Contemporary Resort booked for last Christmas for $131+tax per night. We ended up at AKL in a Savanah View for $151+tax.

Boy, if I could get that rate for CR I'll be very happy!!!!!! Otherwise.....I'm thinking maybe we just continue to enjoy ASMo while the kids are young and save our $$ for all the fine eating. It's just so hard to change from a resort that's been nothing but great! The bus svc, the food court, the pool, the atmosphere...and yes, the $$ savings. Well, it's many mths away...I'll just have to see what deals come along....Maybe as someone suggested we can try to do more hotel touring on our April trip. It will be easy to work in the Monorail loop....but a bit of a stretch to check out CBR or POFQ. I also think in Dec about how the hotels themselves will be decorated...and perhaps WL would be a good pick. but then, we can set aside a day for lobby touring during that trip too. I guess the big thing is, where do most of the PopWarner kids stay during their trip? Is it ASMo...or ASSp??? Anyone know???

 

[lmhall2000]

I hate to sound DECISIVE...but I just have to be!

WILDERNESS LODGE!!!! You are a perfect family...two kids..will fit in just fine with two bed or even the bunkbeds which would be way cool. The lobby is beyond "DISNEY"....the pool is great and relaxing...you have a quick boat ride over to MK...since that's where you spend most your time...GREAT for quick jaunts back to swim/rest and reappear for nightly fun. And all this from someone who has NEVER been there! I helped plan a trip for a dear friend and her family and I lived vicariously through their experience. Alas, my poor family can't make it to WL because we are a family of five and their deluxe room is more than the Poly or GF!!! Your husband will LOVE WL and having Whispering Canyon right there is a hoot. Maid service everyday...sitting by the roaring fire....and don't even get me started about their Christmas decorations!!! You have NO other choice!

There ya feel better?
Tara

 

[ms.ojo]

You certainly make it sound wonderful!!!!!!! And the theme is something I think we all would enjoy. And I DO think it would be beautiful at Christmas!!!!