Help me decide which resort? UPDATE: We've decided

[cybrkitn]

We're starting to plan for our October 2008 trip. Last October we stayed at Pop due to an awesome deal through Disney Visa.

This time, however, we would like to treat my mom to Disney. But I'm not sure which resort. Our family consists of me, DH and DS5 (who will be 6 by the time we go again). Now add my mom to that mix. I've done some pricing and have come up with the following:

Our dates: 10/24-11/1/08
Package to include: 7 day park hopper tix, basic DDP

Value (ASMovie or Pop)
2 rooms
Room 1 for us: $2390.17
Room 2 for Mom: $1481.19
Total: $3871.36

Moderate (CBR or POR)
2 rooms
Room 1 for us: $2980.25
Room 2 for Mom: $2071.27
Total: $5051.52

Deluxe FW
1 Room with bunk bed
$5501.52

The moderate wouldn't be beneficial b/c for an extra $450 we could go with FW. My mom also loves the type of decor that FW has (as do we). However, I don't know if we can afford it.

Allearsnet had a few comments regarding FW rooms with the bunk beds. Out of three comments the basic complaint was the lighting was not good (not enough). The other was about the bed being ok if you under 5'5; not a problem there, mom is 4'11" anyway. I'm thinking, if we go this route, that the bunk beds would be a great idea. DH and I would get the queen bed, DS5 has already shotgunned the top bunk laughing: ) and my mom could get the bottom bunk. Can anyone tell me how the bunk bed rooms are?

We had no problem staying at Pop last year except that DH is Pooh size (I'm getting up there too) and double beds are kind of tight between us.

I just don't know whether or not to stay at the Value and get two rooms or one room at FW . We have never stayed at a deluxe before.

Any suggestions?

 

[DAISY DUCK FAN!]

In the cabins in FW, there is also a Murphy bed that you pull down from the wall in the living room (see photos at All Ears).

When we did the Pop last year with two rooms, the main benefits were two of things: 2 bathrooms, 2 tvs, 2 sinks and 2 sets of beds ~~ four beds in all (there were five of us so we automatically got connecting rooms). We each got a bed while our youngest slept in a pack-and-play.

Personally, I'd take the cabin at FW. That is my dream resort and perhaps someday, we will.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Aliceacc]

How about a family suite at All Star Music? There would be a bit more room, but it would cost less than a moderate.

 

[minnie61650]

How about a family suite at All Star Music? There would be a bit more room, but it would cost less than a moderate.

A Family Suite would cost less than 2 rooms at a Mod.


For comparison, the price of a Family Suite is $9-11 more then 2 Standard Rooms, or $13-15 less the 2 Preferred Rooms, depending on season.

Also a fridge is included in AS Suite.

Fridges cost $10 a night to rent when staying at a value . Don't forget the Queen size bed,a coffee pot and microwave are also in Family Suites.


--------------------------------------------------------------------

DH and I stayed in a Family Suite at All Star Music ( a value resort) last Sept. (2006)

We really enjoyed the Queen size bed, the kitchenette with the microwave, having a sofa and cushioned chair to sit on and relax after a day at the parks before retiring for the evening.

I thought the pullouts very comfortable.

They are designed so the back cushion and seat cushion of the pullout support the pullout. There is no meatle bar to hurt the sleepers back.

Info thread--Pullouts in Family Suites at ASMU with photos of how the pullout is supported.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?p=18100990#post18100990

Here is the layout of the Family Suites:

Here is my review of the Suites:

www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=17640774&postcount=7

For more photos and info please see this info thread:

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1392879

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!

 

[cybrkitn]

Ooohhhh, I forgot that they recently added that! That may be better for us. Minnie61650 thanks for the link and thanks Aliceacc for the suggestion! I didn't know that both the sofa and the chair convert into beds. That would definately work and would mean that DS and Grandma won't have to share a bed ! And DH and I would be more than comfortable on a king size bed

 

[trivial]

Have you looked into renting Disney Vacation Club points? You can get a fantastic preferred-view studio for less than the cost of a standard-view moderate. I highly recommend looking into it if you haven't already.

 

[cybrkitn]

Have you looked into renting Disney Vacation Club points? You can get a fantastic preferred-view studio for less than the cost of a standard-view moderate. I highly recommend looking into it if you haven't already.

I was thinking of that, too, since we have a few friends that are DVC members. But wouldn't that also mean that we couldn't add the DDP to it?

The other thing I noticed with the family suites at ASMusic is that Disney's site lists the rates for this year, but not 2008. When I go through the whole thing to get a quote, the only option available is a standard room . I know these suites are fairly new and limited. Maybe that's the reason why it's not listed?

 

[Aliceacc]

I was thinking of that, too, since we have a few friends that are DVC members. But wouldn't that also mean that we couldn't add the DDP to it?

The other thing I noticed with the family suites at ASMusic is that Disney's site lists the rates for this year, but not 2008. When I go through the whole thing to get a quote, the only option available is a standard room . I know these suites are fairly new and limited. Maybe that's the reason why it's not listed?

The new rates only came out on Sunday... I'm guessing they just haven't gotten around to posting them wherever you're looking.

 

[dwheaton]

I think the choice depends largely on how much time you'll be spending in the rooms. Personally, I'm fine with staying at POP or a similar Value Resort because I prefer to take most of our time in the parks. If you'd prefer to use the hotels more and take advantage of the amenities, than the Deluxe hotels are worth it. I also agree that a Family Suite might be a good move.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Are you looking for free dining? We did the dining plan as dvc members but paid to add the DDP on. Still a good deal! I would rent points if the dining plan makes sense. If not, I would pick two moderates if you can afford to do it but look for discounted rates. The rates you are quoting seem high. It might be cheaper rent DVC property and buy the DDP.

I think Coronado Springs also has a suite

 

[cybrkitn]

Thanks everyone for the help. I think we've narrowed it down to staying at Pop again. Since we are paying for my mom to come along, we figured it would be best to keep the cost down (within our budget) and the values allow us to do that. I've also got a no obligation quote from Dreams Unlimited as well.

My mom hasn't been down since 1993 when my parents gave a trip to Disney as a H.S. grad present to my brother. That was our last family vacation.

The reason for contemplating the deluxe was b/c of the queen size beds (DH is pooh sized and it's also the size we have at home). I can live without the ammenities.

 

[trivial]

I was thinking of that, too, since we have a few friends that are DVC members. But wouldn't that also mean that we couldn't add the DDP to it?

Nope -- the DDP can be added to your DVC stay. You simply need to ask the DVC owner to state that you'd like to purchase the DDP on your reservation, and you'll be required to pay for it when you check-in.

 

[cybrkitn]

Nope -- the DDP can be added to your DVC stay. You simply need to ask the DVC owner to state that you'd like to purchase the DDP on your reservation, and you'll be required to pay for it when you check-in.

That's a lot all at once for us. I like being able to pay for it over a period of time. Granted, we can save up the money for it ahead of time, but I like the feeling of having everything paid for prior to us arriving. It's just one less hassle to deal with.

I think we'll stick with the value resort again. Cost is less and we enjoyed Pop last time. Maybe in a few years, we might be able to try the DVC or even stay at a deluxe.

Thanks for the help.

 

[katieandemismom]

What about getting a king-sized bed at the POP for you and dh and letting ds stay in the room with your mom?

 

[cybrkitn]

What about getting a king-sized bed at the POP for you and dh and letting ds stay in the room with your mom?

You know, that might be something to think about. The only possible issue I can see is that we would like to surprise my mom with this trip once it's already booked. I would hate to let her know on her birthday where she is going and then tell her that DS would be sharing her room b/c we booked a king size bed. I just can't see us doing that to my mom. Granted, DS and Grandma have a very special bond together (and my mom and I are close as well), but I just can't push DS on her like that unless we talk about it a head of time and she is ok with it (prior to booking it). But then that would mean the surprise factor would be gone.