Help help! - Splitting my ressies

[StuartMI]

Alright folks - I need expert opinions here!

I've been listening in great detail to everyone here talking about splitting their Land & Sea packages up to WDWTravel and DCL. At present we have this:

* 3 Nights booked at Beach Club Concierge w/ Lagoon View
* 4 Nights booked on DisneyWonder Cat 6

The total for this is $3480.94.

As you all well know, DCL does not offer two things that we *really* wanted for our vacation. Those are: a) accommodations at the Wilderness Lodge and b) Dream Maker Silver package.

So, being curious, I called up WDW travel and found out that a Standard View Room at the WL for the 3 nights that we would be at the Beach Club WITH Dream Maker Silver would be $ 1617.60. Then, talking to DCL, to drop our Land & Sea down to a Sea-Only package, the total would be $1961.70.

This totals $3579.30 and is only $98.36 more than our original DCL reservation. The pro's to doing this would be that we can stay at the WL which we LOVE, we get the added bonus of the fireworks VIP viewings, and most importantly the magical wishes which we DEFINITELY use at places like Fultons, etc. We've done DM-Silver before and we know how to get our money's worth.

My question to all of you is this:

What other pros/cons would be in play here? I realize we would have to check out and check in from the resort to the port. We've already got transfers purchased with Tiffany Towncar, so that isn't an issue either, but what else am I forgetting?

I mean for $98.36 more, I think I'd be willing to sacrifice the "prestige" of staying concierge for 3 nights and instead have pretty much all of our meals pre-paid.

Can anyone help. What do you think? Would you do it if you were me? We've been to WDW many times but this will be our first cruise and I want it to run as smooth as possible. Have any of you done this, and if so, what problems did you experience? How did you base your decision?

Many many thanks!

 

[Carlnne]

It sounds like you already know what you want to do- make the change! I never saw the advantage to land sea combos. I have always done better making the arrangements individually. Checking in at the port is really no big deal and if you have a towncar you can arrange to get there before the big rush. Good Luck- do what makes you happy- you dont get to do it often enough to make concessions!

 

[Greysword]

I agree. Your plan is tailored to you, so you will have a better time. Go with your package and truely enjoy yourself!!

 

[StuartMI]

Alright folks. Based on these two wonderful replies I got, then talking it over with the different CM's from CRO and DCL I have officially made the change!

So now we are:

* 3 nights at the Wilderness Lodge in a Standard View with Dream Maker Silver
* 4 nights on the Disney Wonder Category 6 with Romantic Escape At Sea package

CRO total is $1,685.60
DCL total is $2,260.70

Total = $3946.30 which is + $465.36 over the original quoted package. (I also added in the Romantic Escape at Sea package which we weren't originally going to do).

Still, we're looking at eating at probably Fulton's, Shulas, and a few other high-end restaurants as well and I could easily see us spending over $400 on meals that will all now be free thanks to the 12 magical wishes we'll have. So, all in all, please everyone comfort me and tell me this was a wise and economical decision that I made?

 

[EmmasGrammy]

I definately think you made the right decision. Having your meals (and good meals that is) pre paid is such an advantage. (We love the silver plan!!) Plus you got to stay where you wanted. Don't have to depend on DCL transfers to get you to the port by a certain time. And you got the cabin catagory you wanted. The price difference is sooo worth it. It's a win, win situation for you. I only wish I would have known about booking the package seperately. Oh well... live, read the DIS, and learn!!!

Have a great time making the rest of your vacation plans!! Are you going to call for PS's?

 

[StuartMI]

Oh yes. DW and I have been to WDW 3 times together and we are very familiar with the PS rush. I'm so excited we're going to be staying at the WL again though!!!

 

[mmouse37]

I have stayed in Yacht & Beach Concierge and quite honestly, although it was nice....I do not think it was worth the extra money we paid.

We just stayed at the Beach Club standard view room this weekend and we overlooked a beautiful courtyard and were quite happy with our room....plus we saved money!!!

I think you made the right choice and Wilderness Lodge is just a beautiful place as well!!!

Have fun!!!


MJ

 

[Hygiene99]

Sounds like u are doing great So Far StuartMI

2 Questions come to my mind after reading what u have posted

1) what are u doing for passes ?? To the Park ?

2) WHO IS YOU CRUISE Booked through if it is DCL?


if it is dcl u can do better on the price of the cruise possible Dropping the price of the cruise as much as $500.00

Intrested let me know... I will share several options with u ..

Boston Pétér

 

[StuartMI]

Originally posted by Hygiene99

2 Questions come to my mind after reading what u have posted

1) what are u doing for passes ?? To the Park ?

2) WHO IS YOU CRUISE Booked through if it is DCL?

I am on Dream Maker Silver, which includes the Ultimate Park Hoppers in addition to everything else.

And I did book my cruise through DCL.

Sorry if I was unclear.

 

[StuartMI]

Alright, so I just cancelled the CRO component with the WL and re-booked it through AAA Michigan.

I got a rate of $1575.60 for 3 nights on DM-Silver with a Woods view room (the CRO reservation was about $100 more and was only a standard view room).

So:

DCL Portion - $2260.70
WDW Portion - $1575.60
Total - $3836.30

So, $110 cheaper and a better room. Hey, every penny, right?

 

[sters]

I'm jealous, of course! I think you are making the wise move, but I hesitate to say that anything at Disney is truly "economical." It sounds like you've planned a great trip without comprising anything. Are you eating at Artist Point? It's one of our personal favorites!

 

[Hygiene99]

Stuartmi I sent u a personal message

Good luck...


Also Go to this site will help u understand some of the stuff in the pm..

www.disneycruiser.com

can u telll me what the add on includes ??? Sorry not familur i have annual Pass lol ...

 

[StuartMI]

Originally posted by sters
I'm jealous, of course! I think you are making the wise move, but I hesitate to say that anything at Disney is truly "economical." It sounds like you've planned a great trip without comprising anything. Are you eating at Artist Point? It's one of our personal favorites!

Sters:

We stayed at the WL for our honeymoon in one of the honeymoon "suites" but no, we didn't eat at artist point. We might on this trip though! It's on the "to-do" list!



Thanks!

 

[jilljill]

Originally posted by StuartMI
Alright, so I just cancelled the CRO component with the WL and re-booked it through AAA Michigan.

I got a rate of $1575.60 for 3 nights on DM-Silver with a Woods view room (the CRO reservation was about $100 more and was only a standard view room).

So:

DCL Portion - $2260.70
WDW Portion - $1575.60
Total - $3836.30

So, $110 cheaper and a better room. Hey, every penny, right?

Did you price out your cruise with AAA? They include the soda mugs for everyone in your party.