Going against conventional wisdom on 1st split stay...

[ptrbryant]

Nearly everyone says that you should be sure to "upgrade" on a split-stay, going from one level to a higher level (i.e. Value to MOD, or MOD to Deluxe). Because we're renting points to stay at a DVC studio and the timing for Star Wars Weekends, etc. we're ending up doing the reverse! It will be our first split-stay as well as the first time we've tried any WDW resort other than WL/VWL.

However, the more I think about it, the less worried I am---please let me know if I need to adjust my thinking to avoid disappointment!

We'll be at Saratoga Springs (studio)...DH, DS9 and myself. After 4 nts., we're going to POR (Mansions) for 3 nts. Now, the main thing I was wary about with the MODS is the whole exterior hallway thing. I realize that Saratogoa Springs is also without interior corridors. So, that should get me used to that idea. Next, room size. As much as we love WL, I don't think the guestrooms there are much bigger at all than at POR (according to resort fact sheets). The DVC studios are about the size of a WL guestroom. So, again, it wouldn't seem like a "let down" to go to a MOD for that reason.

Am I great at rationalization? Or, in fact, will the difference between resorts be minimal? (BTW, we always drive to the parks--DH wants the flexibility--and don't really use resort restaurants much. Our goals are simply pretty grounds, clean and attractive guestrooms and a relaxing, peaceful environment.)

Thanks!

Karla B.

 

[NCombs]

We did this last year going from BC to POR. Not a let down at all. The rooms are definitely smaller but that is the only thing I can say was a negative from one to the other. The definite positive we noticed in going from Deluxe to Moderate was having the food court access at POR. That was great because we found BC lacking in access to a quick meal.

You will not be let down. POR is beautiful and relaxing.

 

[Desnik]

I don't know what the exact measurements are, but we felt our room at WL was small and not much bigger than at POR. But when we stay at BWV in a studio, the room feels and appears to us to be much larger than WL, and POR.

I don't think you will feel let down, both resorts offer something different and IMO are both really beautiful. I have split our stays and usually go value, DVC, deluxe, but that's just what works for us. You will have a great time, so don't worry about it!

 

[Desnik]

I just did a search on the square footage of the resorts because you sparked my curiosity! The WL rooms are 340 sq.ft., POR is 314. I didn't "feel" it was that much of a difference. SSR studios are 355 sq.ft. So still not that big of a difference from POR that you would feel so disappointed with the size. However SSR will "feel" more spacious because of the 1 bed and couch as opposed to 2 beds at PORtaking up alot of room.

 

[goofy4tink]

We're going from 6 nights at BCV in June to POR for the last two nights of our trip. My dh will be with us for the first 4 nights but then it's just my dd, 11, and myself. We can't wait to get back to POR. Love it there.
We have no issues staying at any resorts since we bought DVC. It's all about expectations...we don't expect large rooms, hot tubs and slides at AllStars. Or inside hallways and queen size beds at the moderates. But, then again, we don't expect to be able to grab a quick meal at a food court at a deluxe either!! They all have their special charms!!!

 

[tar heel]

We moved from the YC to POR once, and it really was fine. Don't get me wrong -- we definitely preferred the YC, but we knew we couldn't afford to stay there for eight nights and were fine with POR. My kids loved the food court there and liked trying out a different pool. We also hung out more at the resort while we were at the YC and were more park-oriented at POR.

 

[ptrbryant]

Exactly what I was hoping to hear!!!

Karla B.

 

[yecats]

I don't consider that a let down going from SSR to POR. I think you'll have a great time at both as both are somewhat similiar in size and location with slightly different amentities. Either way your going to have a wonderful time at two great locations.

 

[daannzzz]

I have done the opposit a couple of times and we had an awesome time. in 98 we did 3 nights at the GF and then 3 nights at the WL and then 3 nights at CS. CS was new and we had noever seen it so that was a good adventure. In 01 we did three nights at the AKL and then moved to POFQ for 5 nights and that was fine too. It is all in what YOU make of it. The Disney resorts are almost all fun and enjoyable so you can do trhem in any order.