HELP! Is $2500 too much for a romantic getaway?

[Boo Bear]

I apologize in advance for the length... I want to put down my deposit for the trip ASAP but I need some serious advice about the cost of this trip.

I have been consulting my AAA travel agent about different resorts and prices for packages. I ended up deciding on the Contemporary resort because of the latest renovations and monorail. We also didn't want to stay somewhere that was heavily themed. I'm pretty sure my agent got me the best deals because when I entered everything I wanted on the official Disney World site the prices were so much higher....

The original plan was for 4 nights at the Contemporary Resort (Aug. 3-7), 5 days of Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper option for two, and 5 days of the Basic Dining Package for two. The cost of all of that with taxes is $2084.02.

I'm interested in staying an extra night, keeping the dining plan the same but paying out of pocket for dinner the night we get there, and an extra day of the Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper option. The price for that with taxes is $2470.26.

My question is.... for two adults looking for their first real romantic getaway at a hotel (not staying with family) ... is this last price too much? I was going to put down my deposit today before I go to work but I just can't decide. Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks.


Bridgette

 

[Boo Bear]

I also wanted to mention that I haven't been to WDW since I was 7 and that was in 1991. My SO has been but with family and they barely planned the trip and didn't end up doing very much. I'm planning this like a mad woman.

 

[jmwest]

My opinion is that you can't really put a price on refreshing your relationship. As long as it won't set you back too far financially (i.e. not being able to pay your bills on time), I say go for it.

 

[RFrank9504]

I apologize in advance for the length... I want to put down my deposit for the trip ASAP but I need some serious advice about the cost of this trip.

I have been consulting my AAA travel agent about different resorts and prices for packages. I ended up deciding on the Contemporary resort because of the latest renovations and monorail. We also didn't want to stay somewhere that was heavily themed. I'm pretty sure my agent got me the best deals because when I entered everything I wanted on the official Disney World site the prices were so much higher....

The original plan was for 4 nights at the Contemporary Resort (Aug. 3-7), 5 days of Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper option for two, and 5 days of the Basic Dining Package for two. The cost of all of that with taxes is $2084.02.

I'm interested in staying an extra night, keeping the dining plan the same but paying out of pocket for dinner the night we get there, and an extra day of the Magic Your Way tickets with Park Hopper option. The price for that with taxes is $2470.26.

My question is.... for two adults looking for their first real romantic getaway at a hotel (not staying with family) ... is this last price too much? I was going to put down my deposit today before I go to work but I just can't decide. Any advice would be very much appreciated! Thanks.


Bridgette

Yes! You can book a cruise for that-i think its alot of money we're going 6 people AKL for less than that.....cruises are way more romantic-this is just my opinion.

 

[antree]

Have you thought about Not doing the Dining Plan? I haven't done it but have family members that have and they say for them it was too much time eating and now that they chenged it the tip is not included and no more appetizer with your TS.
You probably will spend less money eating off the Dining plan.

Another option is changing your dates and go during the free Dining Plan Travel Dates: 8/24/08 – 9/20/08

Also going through a travel agent would be a little more money I would think, then booking everything yourself.

I hope you find what best fits your needs.

 

[pepe of ohio]

We've been to WDW 40 times and doing 41 this fall, Wilderness Lodge courtyard view and its running us 2500.00 for 9 nights. To us its time on property, we were brought up at the CR back in 1977, spent many a trip there but have widen our horizons alittle to keep the location the same but spend more time in Disney. We purchased AP's in September, spent 10 nights in WL in 2007, came back in January for 9 nights at the WL in January and are going back this August/September to get one more use out of our AP's at the WL again. For the difference in price between CR and WL, we can stay longer, still a boat ride away from the MK, we're on the lakes which we love and a boat ride away from FW. We booked with CRO, used are AAA discount and have no use for the DDP, to scheduled meeting reservations, we do not like the TS meals and are fine with CS.

WL is very romantic, great pool, 2 hot tubes, we hit the grocery store in route for our libations and spend alot of time in and around the pool with some drinks, even late at night. Boat over to FW for some great buffet, cheapest on property and all American style entrees. Not to rain on you parade, but looking out the window at the MK does get old, especially for the added cost of the CR, as for the monorail, you're 4th on the list to get to the MK but first on leaving and the walk from the MK really is a good poke. Not putting down the CR, as I said we spent many a vacation there but for the money, cheaper and location and the really nice atmosphere we're WL people. either way you can't go wrong, its just my opinion on resorts.

 

[Tinker*Shell*Bell]

If you have the $ and don't need it for other things I think it sounds like a great trip.
If that is not the case, scale a few things back. There can be romance wherever you make it.

 

[catne]

are you talking about August 2008? If so, I'd say forget the Contemporary for romantic anything...they may have reno'd the rooms, but now they're doing the Concourse steak house inside the CR and then there's the gigantic construction project going on right outside...lots of noise & mess around the outside, too. And the monorail is not really all that great...last year staying at the Poly, we found it didn't save much time most days and it's really irritating when the darn thing goes "down" which happened several times.

Did you look at moderates at all? We just returned from POFQ-lot less $$ and plenty beautiful scenery, etc.

 

[PEANUT1]

That seems a little steep for 5 nights. As for romance, I would say that the Contemporary is the least romantic of all of the Deluxe hotels. If it is just the 2 of you, the monorail is no big deal. I think that Animal Kingdom is romantic with its theming and lighting and the restaurants. Also, the Epcot resorts are really nice for adults because you can just walk into EPCOT and have a lovely meal in one of the countries. The polynesian is more romantic and is on the monorail...it will be a little more money though. I dont think 2500 is too much to spend...it just depends on your priorities.

Good Luck and have a wonderful trip!

 

[danceintherain]

Yes! You can book a cruise for that-i think its alot of money we're going 6 people AKL for less than that.....cruises are way more romantic-this is just my opinion.

Unless you get seasick...


It's really up to you whether or not it's too expensive. You also have to take into account how much time you're going to spend in the parks. If the largest part of your vacation is going to be spend in the parks, and not in your room, then yes, that is too much money. However, if you're planning on spending a significant amount of time in your room, then splurge!
I'm guessing it's probably the first option since you haven't been to Disney since 1991, which means you might need to do a little more planning, and figure out exactly what your priorities are.
I'm sort of in the same position as you are. I'm planning my Honeymoon for January, and I'm in the miserable position of deciding whether to go Deluxe, or not go Deluxe. I'm planning a 9 night/10 day trip, and I'm having a difficult time figuring out whether we'll be in the parks most of the time which would nix the need for the Deluxe room (AKL Savannah View is my pick) or if I should embrace the experience and splurge considering I may never get the chance again. It's a money issue for me, as both my fiance and I are college students and broke. The only reason I can even consider spending as much as I'm considering spending is because I plan to register for my honeymoon, which should hopefully add a little padding to the pot.

My difference is between $2407.16 (POR-King Bed Room) and $3982.16 (AKL - Club Level)
I will most likely choose Port Orleans due to the fact it will most likely stress me out less in the end, and I know we will be happy with anything as long as we're in Disney. (well.... that's not entirely true, but I can't see anything romantic about the value resorts or camping no matter how much I try)


To sum it up briefly, if you have the money and your heart is set on Contemporary, then go for it.
However, if the price looks high to you, then it probably is. A romantic vacation isn't going to seem worth it if after the fact you're worrying about financial issues.

Also I second the sentiment about considering the Wilderness Lodge. You would keep the Magic Kingdom proximity for a lower price tag, especially considering the construction going on at the Contemporary.

 

[asmit4]

it all depends on what you have to spend. Given that we are paying under 1K for the 2 of us during September for 4 nights, hoppers and free DDP, 2500 for 1 more night (even if it's at a deluxe) seems like a waste to me. But 'waste' is really relative...

We are spending 3K for a trip to Mexico in October for 7 nights. Many people don't like Mexico and would never go there.

What you envision your trip to be and what your budget is a matter of personal preference.

I will say though- I've read lots of quotes on here and 2500 for a 5 night trip is on the high end from what I've seen people getting- especially for only 2 people.

 

[drgnfly30]

I've been on many a romatic getaways on all different budgets. I've also stayed at CR. I agree with the others about it being the least romantic hotel in WDW.

Right now if I could plan a getaway to WDW, I'd stay at BW; DH & I always have a great time at Jellyrolls. As far as convenience, it's within walking distance to Epcot (WS is the most romantic park at night IMHO), a boat ride to MGM, and if you cut through Epcot a Monorail ride away from MK.

There are so many different options.. I've had a great time at POR too! Unless you have your heart set on CR, check out some of the other posters suggestions!

 

[DisDancerina]

Yes! You can book a cruise for that-i think its alot of money we're going 6 people AKL for less than that.....cruises are way more romantic-this is just my opinion.

How do you do that? We're a family of three. We're going July 1st-9th. Nomatter what time of year, we never seem to get good rates. . Sorry this is off topic, but it's between life and death for this 13 year old.

 

[*wdwvirgin*needhelp]

DH and I do not have kids and when we travel, we like to do and see a lot. However, we DO spend time relaxing, and have spent entire days lounging around the hotel/resort and POOL!

If you can afford the $2500, then GO FOR IT! Especially if you are planning to have kids, you may have not get the chance to be as spendy for many years! Also, take some time to relax and enjoy the hotel AS WELL AS going, going, going at the parks.

Before almost EVERY trip we take, from weekend B&B's to 2-week-long vacations, I look up the best/most expensive room and try to justify wether or not we can stay there! If you can make it happen financially, this may be the ONLY chance you get to do it - you don't know what tomorrow will bring...

 

[kelleigh1]

$2500 seems high to me, but I've never stayed at the Contemporary.

It's always just hubby and I, and while we do stay at Moderates, both trips were less than $1500, including 7-day park hoppers plus the water parks option. And the last one included the dining plan. Personally, I felt the dining plan was well worth it. I know many people disagree, but for us, it was definitely worth the $$.

I think that part of the reason your trip is on the high side is the time of year you're planning. I believe early August is a peak time, so everyone is out of school, which kind of takes away from the "romantic getaway" in my opinion. Also, you're talking less than 2 months from now, so you're not getting any kind of "early booking" savings. Booking at this point can end up costing significantly more.

I'd say that if the thought of spending $2500 is making you think twice, then maybe it is too much for you to spend on a short trip. Maybe try for a different time of year.

(And just my 2 cents on the resort choice, but we found POFQ to be quite romantic. It's not on the monorail, and I've never stayed at the Contemporary, but it's never really appealed to me either.)

 

[disneysuncat]

You mentioned adding a night, adding an extra day of tickets, but paying out of pocket for food that first night. With the dining plan, credits are based on nights, not days, so if you stay five nights, you'll have five (days) worth of credits. For instance the second you check in, your food credits are good, and they're good until midnight on the day you check out.

You didn't mention (or I missed) what time of day you're getting into WDW. If you're not getting in until say 4 PM or later, I'd suggest maybe staying at a value that first night, going over to Downtown Disney for dinner, paying out of pocket, then the next morning go over to the Contemporary and check in for your package deal. You could have dinner that first night, come back and play in the pool or just check out the Downtown Disney nightlife.

You'd save a few bucks that way, as a value is pretty inexpensive. It wouldn't be as romantic that first night, but if you're getting in later that first day, it's an option.

All of that said, personally I think the cost of your vacation and the worth is a very subjective thing. If you have the $$$ to spend, and that's what you want to do, of course it's worth it to you. I hope you have a great time!