Disney Resort Vortex- is there an escape?

[hereforthechurros]

Opportunity cost at WDW is REAL.

 

[SL6827]

That $500 would have kept me from changing to the Yacht Club. And it is my #1 resort.

 

[KenHutch]

I so enjoyed your comments about grandparents and being frugal. My mother is 76 and I drive her crazy when she asks the girls what I spent on vacation. My parents thought of a day at the beach as a vacation and I can spent 20K at Disney without really trying. Many times your first idea is your best idea. Now if you want off the hook on deciding do what I do ask your family. The girls (10 and 18) decide where we are staying and tell me. The only downsides are they have decided that they are deluxe girls and I have always wanted to stay at The Contemporary but they think its not Disney enough.

 

[toodycat]

I would go back to the BC. It’s a very nice resort and the balconies are not that bad. I definitely couldn’t handle the dog friendly YC if I’d lost a beloved pet. Also, our family had a great trip at BWI. I was skeptical about the clown slide, but it’s really fun. I tend to switch resorts, vacillating between my love for the GF and my desire to try every deluxe and moderate resort and my fluctuating budget. Last year, we made a last minute switch from GF to a two bedroom at AKL and I was so happy with that choice. But for me, checking my options a lot is part of the process. Good luck wherever you stay!

 

[FSU Girl]

Last year I went to the Contemporary and loved it. So wanted to get it this year but it was booked up. All we could get was the Grand Floridian. Now if that isn't "first world" complaining I don't know what is!! But I am just sort of unsettled because I *really* wanted the Contemporary and I keep checking for it and hoping. I just wish I could be happy with things and leave it as it and stop overanalyzing!

Don’t give up! I really wanted the Contemporary for my upcoming trip and was checking a few times a day. The hotel was completely sold out and then one magic refresh a room became available for my dates exactly and I grabbed it.

 

[lmhall2000]

That $500 would have kept me from changing to the Yacht Club. And it is my #1 resort.

You are convincing me!!! It’s actually $423 more for YC bc only waterview was available- I’ll be happy booking standard or garden to save the money to blow elsewhere- we will only see the view from our hotel possibly 20 minutes max the whole trip!

 

[lmhall2000]

I would go back to the BC. It’s a very nice resort and the balconies are not that bad. I definitely couldn’t handle the dog friendly YC if I’d lost a beloved pet. Also, our family had a great trip at BWI. I was skeptical about the clown slide, but it’s really fun. I tend to switch resorts, vacillating between my love for the GF and my desire to try every deluxe and moderate resort and my fluctuating budget. Last year, we made a last minute switch from GF to a two bedroom at AKL and I was so happy with that choice. But for me, checking my options a lot is part of the process. Good luck wherever you stay!

My kids are excited to stay at an Epcot resort bc we’ve never tried it, they have zero preference outside that...

I so enjoyed your comments about grandparents and being frugal. My mother is 76 and I drive her crazy when she asks the girls what I spent on vacation. My parents thought of a day at the beach as a vacation and I can spent 20K at Disney without really trying. Many times your first idea is your best idea. Now if you want off the hook on deciding do what I do ask your family. The girls (10 and 18) decide where we are staying and tell me. The only downsides are they have decided that they are deluxe girls and I have always wanted to stay at The Contemporary but they think its not Disney enough.

oh!! The Contemporary was SO Disney!!! Having the monorail run right through it made me truly see Walt’s vision- and seeing the castle every night??? Gee, it was amazing! I think you’d love it!! My kids 20,21 23 all are excited to stay at Epcot area- it’s the area we’ve never stayed...I’m just at the point of finding best savings- any view at BC/YC...just so I can eat at Shula’s and bring home a nice souvenir Thanks so much for the story! My grandparents would croak over what I pay for eggs- for 1/2 that build a coop and get 5 chickens

 

[lmhall2000]

Don’t give up! I really wanted the Contemporary for my upcoming trip and was checking a few times a day. The hotel was completely sold out and then one magic refresh a room became available for my dates exactly and I grabbed it.

So good to hear! Just checked and only one option showing- usually 6-7...hope it’s just an inventory adjustment getting inside 35 days!!

 

[KenHutch]

My kids are excited to stay at an Epcot resort bc we’ve never tried it, they have zero preference outside that...

oh!! The Contemporary was SO Disney!!! Having the monorail run right through it made me truly see Walt’s vision- and seeing the castle every night??? Gee, it was amazing! I think you’d love it!! My kids 20,21 23 all are excited to stay at Epcot area- it’s the area we’ve never stayed...I’m just at the point of finding best savings- any view at BC/YC...just so I can eat at Shula’s and bring home a nice souvenir Thanks so much for the story! My grandparents would croak over what I pay for eggs- for 1/2 that build a coop and get 5 chickens

I am going to quote you at home. At almost 19 and 10 I am fighting the good fight to stay there.

 

[focusondisney]

I’m gonna make it hard again. With 3 college age kids, I’d totally stay at YC. The whole feel of the YC is more adult. Since the remodel they have a barn door separating the sink area from the bedroom. Will be great for extra privacy when everyone is getting ready in the morning. The balcony will be extra space too either in the mornings or if the kids want to stay up after parents are sleeping. Also there is way more storage at the YC now. For 5 people, you will need that. And there are charging ports everywhere in the room.

As for dogs, there really aren’t dogs in every other room. We have been to YC 2 or 3 times per year since the policy change. We rarely even see a dog at the hotel. Some trips never saw even 1. The chances of a dog disrupting your vacation are very slim, IMO.

We have eaten at Shula’s twice. It is OK, but really, we are not that impressed. I personally think STK steakhouse or the Boathouse were better. A good meal is nice, but I wouldn’t trade 4 nights in a more comfortable hotel for 1 meal. Maybe that’s just me. Good luck deciding!

 

[TurtleGirl32]

I am absolutely spinning in that vortex right along with you. Currently have a room booked at WL for Christmas, but can’t decide if we should try the Grand Californian/Disneyland for Christmas instead. Lots of pros and cons to each and I’m driving myself crazy!

 

[focusondisney]

I am absolutely spinning in that vortex right along with you. Currently have a room booked at WL for Christmas, but can’t decide if we should try the Grand Californian/Disneyland for Christmas instead. Lots of pros and cons to each and I’m driving myself crazy!

Wow, you’re in a whole other vortex! WDW or DL! That’s way bigger than just a resort change!

 

[eric1985]

The thing with Disney resorts is that you can never go wrong. I've stayed at most of the resorts and never had a terrible experience. Sure there are things that I liked better than others, but I can honestly say that every place has been great and I've made the best out of all of them.

 

[lmhall2000]

I’m gonna make it hard again. With 3 college age kids, I’d totally stay at YC. The whole feel of the YC is more adult. Since the remodel they have a barn door separating the sink area from the bedroom. Will be great for extra privacy when everyone is getting ready in the morning. The balcony will be extra space too either in the mornings or if the kids want to stay up after parents are sleeping. Also there is way more storage at the YC now. For 5 people, you will need that. And there are charging ports everywhere in the room.

As for dogs, there really aren’t dogs in every other room. We have been to YC 2 or 3 times per year since the policy change. We rarely even see a dog at the hotel. Some trips never saw even 1. The chances of a dog disrupting your vacation are very slim, IMO.

We have eaten at Shula’s twice. It is OK, but really, we are not that impressed. I personally think STK steakhouse or the Boathouse were better. A good meal is nice, but I wouldn’t trade 4 nights in a more comfortable hotel for 1 meal. Maybe that’s just me. Good luck deciding!

That really does help A LOT!!! Phone ports alone are critical with five of us, I guess I’ll stick with Yacht Club, forego Shula’s, and ask to be in a section away from dog rooms, we can visit the other two and get a feel for a future trip, it’ll be nice to stop looking- but I may still try to find a garden view to save a few hundred Thanks so much!!!

 

[MusicalAstronaut]

You’d think booking your resort would be the ‘end’ of the decisions. Nope, not if you’re seized by frugality and anxieties of ‘perfect planning’. I really think it’s rooted in my Depression era grandparents who sopped up every bit of gravy with the last biscuit crumb and rarely put more than 1/4 cup sugar in our Kool-Aid...you squeeze every turnip- twice!

So, I booked BC on Chase’s free dining for August deal. Never stayed at an Epcot resort and really want to try Stormalong Bay. Then, I read. I learn. Aack- people say the small balcony rooms stunk..YC has all big balconies- better insure that disappointment doesn’t hit our 4 night stay! Check for weeks and YC opens up, I also see they have walk in showers..I need that to prevent tweaking my knees climbing out of bathtub- I think Im the only one who can twist a foot stepping out of a bathtub. Win! No, because they only have Water View...and that change costs $500 more.
I spend 3 weeks convincing myself it’s worth the splurge. Then, I read a post about dogs barking incessantly being locked up in a strange room with strange noises at YC- the barking doesn’t annoy me, but we just put down our pup after 15 years of love- she traveled on lots of vacations with us- the barking would put us through the emotional ringer...now, I need to switch back to BC - but only BWI is showing availability- I hate clowns. Who else drives themselves crazy trying to find the perfect set up??? It’s only 4 silly nights!!!! But, then I remember the 4 nights we had at CR being upgraded from garden to Tower and we will never forget the aww of seeing fireworks each night from our room! It’s the magic of Disney- attacking my normally fine sensibilities! I need to get a grip- but I can’t stop trying to change back to BC to save $400-500 so we can eat at Shula’s- I’ve lost 60 pounds and 15 from final goal- I’d pay that much for a great steak! guaranteed big balcony or meal at Shula’s and some $$ for a nice souvenir...it’s maddening!!!!

So, Yacht Club is my "home" resort, and I think you should totally stay there! I'm there way too often lol. I've also stayed at Beach and there's nothing wrong with the balcony-less rooms! I thought they were beautiful. I always want a balcony and then I never spend any time on it. I've also never heard nor seen a dog at Yacht Club (and I've been at least 4 times since they allowed pets), so I wouldn't worry about that. Just like how the majority of Orlando resorts have stupid parking fees, a lot of them surprisingly allow pets. I think I saw someone walking a dog once outside YC but that's it. All that to say, don't drive yourself crazy! You will ALWAYS find reasons to switch resorts, change your dates, move your ADRs, etc. I'm a super planner and when I actually get to Disney so much of that goes out the window because I'm having too much fun in the moment. Plan ahead, but know that in the end you will have fun no matter what.

 

[Pamela M]

This sounds like my impromptu trip to Disneyland. I've changed hotels 3 times. I rent a car and drive and I've gotten 3 different reservations for that. Always looking for the best deal at the best hotel.

 

[PollyannaMom]

I hem and haw a lot when I'm researching, but at some point, you just have to relax and trust your gut, or you'll drive yourself crazy. My mantra is: "Once I book, I don't look!"

 

[lmhall2000]

I hem and haw a lot when I'm researching, but at some point, you just have to relax and trust your gut, or you'll drive yourself crazy. My mantra is: "Once I book, I don't look!"

Why can’t this be me???? I completely identify with Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch- there’s something ‘homey’ about seeing all these briars (choices/opinions) and navigating a clear path to vacation planning ‘ahhhh’ completion.
I had decided to stick to YC, but was annoyed all my options had disappeared the past 2 nights- just had to check ‘one’ more time (aka 3x today), and there it was “Beach Club Woods/Garden View”..only water view still showing for YC. And that sweet look of $$ back in my pocket...but before biting- I’ve got to go back and look at recent room pics- I see that carpet and think, ooh, sand will come off a lot easier on that...I see the lighter/brighter colors and remember I promised one daughter a beach vacation- this room looks way beachier...it’s starting- I’m being sucked in AGAIN! The actual price difference is $376. That’s 2 weeks of groceries...the wonder in my husband when he sees a credit on our CC statement and I did book a half day cabana- that more than covers my planner’s guilt...DONE!! What was the ultimate deciding factor? I became convinced I would love Yacht Club better- if I do it first- BC may disappoint- better to go one step different- so the next visit we can try YC!!! Now, if YC woods view opens up....dear, all that is right- set me straight!!! But, for now, I’ll wait for that smile from dh that I found more $$ to use

 

[focusondisney]

Why can’t this be me???? I completely identify with Brer Rabbit and the Briar Patch- there’s something ‘homey’ about seeing all these briars (choices/opinions) and navigating a clear path to vacation planning ‘ahhhh’ completion.
I had decided to stick to YC, but was annoyed all my options had disappeared the past 2 nights- just had to check ‘one’ more time (aka 3x today), and there it was “Beach Club Woods/Garden View”..only water view still showing for YC. And that sweet look of $$ back in my pocket...but before biting- I’ve got to go back and look at recent room pics- I see that carpet and think, ooh, sand will come off a lot easier on that...I see the lighter/brighter colors and remember I promised one daughter a beach vacation- this room looks way beachier...it’s starting- I’m being sucked in AGAIN! The actual price difference is $376. That’s 2 weeks of groceries...the wonder in my husband when he sees a credit on our CC statement and I did book a half day cabana- that more than covers my planner’s guilt...DONE!! What was the ultimate deciding factor? I became convinced I would love Yacht Club better- if I do it first- BC may disappoint- better to go one step different- so the next visit we can try YC!!! Now, if YC woods view opens up....dear, all that is right- set me straight!!! But, for now, I’ll wait for that smile from dh that I found more $$ to use

When are you going? BC is apparently getting some kind of quick updates soon. No info yet on what all will be done. But keep on eye on the Y & B thread for updates.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...-on-page-1-post-1-13-14.3400342/post-60810854

 

[lmhall2000]

When are you going? BC is apparently getting some kind of quick updates soon. No info yet on what all will be done. But keep on eye on the Y & B thread for updates.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/d...-on-page-1-post-1-13-14.3400342/post-60810854

Bwahaha!!! THAT must be the week I’m going! And reason why garden view popped up when it hasn’t on YC.. I told my kids we switched- they exclaimed, “But mom, you said you’ve always wanted to stay at YC”...I had a brief regret- but I think I’d like YC better if it were just me and dh- we’d actually enjoy the balcony- when we are with the kids- it’s park’s from 8am to midnight...