Four days, $2500

[Alye]

So seeing as though DW is going to grad school this January, our trip this November will probably be our last trip for a long while. Time wise, I can only allocate four days but I can spend around $2,500. We are Florida residents and transportation costs are negligible. We've always wanted to stay at one of the resorts on the monorail line, but I'm still unsure, though I don't want to spend more than $1500 on lodging.

So with that said, my question is two-fold.
1.) If you were in our position, with our preferences, what would you do?
2.) And just for fun, if you had 2 people, four days and $2500, what would you do?

Alye

 

[mskayjay]

If I were going to do Disney I'd try to stay at Poly, AKL, or WL (I'm staying in Aug/Sept and can answer better when I get back!). I'd do one "dining experience" each day and really mix up my experiences. I'd try to make sure they included special touches like being at California Grill when the fireworks are going off, doing an Illuminations Cruise if possible, making arrangements for special cakes/desserts at those restaurants so she knew how great I thought she was for doing this (*hint hint* lol), have flowers in the room, etc etc etc.

That all being said and since you are already in Florida and travel is negligible, I'd take her on a Disney Cruise instead or any kind of mini-cruise. I'd also consider Charleston or Savannah which are wildly romantic, gorgeous, gourmet cities not too far from home for you. See in a perfect world, I live half my time there and half my time at Disney! lol

 

[Alye]

I s'pose I should also mention that this is going to be a complete surprise. I'm going to tell her on our anniversery this October. I thought about not telling her until the day before, but I don't think her job would like that very much.

How are AKL and the Poly? I've never been to either but considered both.

 

[Dis31]

I would chose the Poly for a quick stay since its so close to the MK, and many dinning options or the BW/BC area. We personally didn't care for the AKL but have stayed at most other disney resorts it was to secluded for us. I might look into having something waiting in the room for her upon arrival the little touches are so fun! I have no idea how expensive it is but Ive heard of people doing the private dining at the GF which might be really nice for you guys. Have a great time

 

[MickeyNicki]

If you are going late Nov I would stay at the GF or WL for the Xmas decorations

 

[bigbabyblues]

I s'pose I should also mention that this is going to be a complete surprise. I'm going to tell her on our anniversery this October. I thought about not telling her until the day before, but I don't think her job would like that very much.

How are AKL and the Poly? I've never been to either but considered both.

My DH surprised me with a trip for our 10th anniversary last year. I ended up finding out before he'd intended for me to, but he had already called my boss and arranged for me to have the time off work. Just an idea, if you want to keep it a secret longer.

 

[adell557]

I have heard great things about the GF, has a spa too if she is into that type stuff, they also have an awesome bakery if you wanted to get her a special cake or sweet treat surprise. It is on the monorail line as well.

Also, the contemporary, what a view of the castle. Also has CG on the 15th floor for wishes fireworks and romantic dinner??

 

[a1tinkfans]

Oh the memories.....
MY DH surprised me with a birthday surprise trip from NY to Fla for an extended weekend at AKL/Dec, 4 glorious days! The decorations were beautiful! Though my heart STILL belongs to POR, LOL.
We were actually upgraded to Savanah room upon check in, what a welcome surprise that was! LOVED seeing the animals out the sliders!
What a wonderful idea this trip will be, wherever you choose, have a wonderful time!

 

[Clotho]

My DH surprised me with a trip for our 10th anniversary last year. I ended up finding out before he'd intended for me to, but he had already called my boss and arranged for me to have the time off work. Just an idea, if you want to keep it a secret longer.

One of my former boyfriends did this same thing for a trip to Vegas. I felt soooo taken care of, I loved it!

 

[Cee]

Rent some DVC points over on the Rent/Trade board and stay in a nice studio
or 1 BR. You could get something really nice for $1,500. Enjoy!

 

[mdsouth]

I s'pose I should also mention that this is going to be a complete surprise. I'm going to tell her on our anniversery this October. I thought about not telling her until the day before, but I don't think her job would like that very much.

How are AKL and the Poly? I've never been to either but considered both.

Wow! I'm impressed and I am sure your wife will be thrilled and touched that you thought so much of her to plan a surprise trip!

I think I would personally chose GF or the Poly. I have never been to either but they both appeal to me theming wise. They both seem like good choices for an "adults only" trip. They are also both on the monorail. They would be ideal for a quick trip. Both are on the monorail and so transportation to the parks and back would be much less time consuming and easier.

I think it would be romantic to plan at least one dinner somewhere you can see fireworks!