Help me plan this WDW trip!

[MushyMushy]

My mind is just boggling! I got a couple of great ideas on the resort boards, but I decided to expand my search to the CB.

We're talking about taking a June trip, but DH is starting a new job and won't have enough vacation time built up to stay long. He urged me to just go alone with DD for 5 days, and he'd meet us for a long weekend. Perfect! I've been wanting a mother/daughter trip for the longest time!

Anyway, here are the basics. I want to be a bit more budget conscious on this trip. In the past, we just did a MYW package w/dining through AAA. This time, I want to try to save a bit of money.

We want to go from June 2-June 11. DD and I would be alone from June 2-June 7 and then DH would join us on the 7th or 8th. We're talking about doing a split stay between CSR and AKL, with AKL being at the end.

OR, I've just started looking into renting DVC points. I'm not sure. I'd like to hear some experiences from it before I'd look into that. Like, how did it compare to staying in a regular resort.

Also up for discussion is transportation. I H A T E flying. Intellectually, I know it's the best way to go, but I'm just scared to death, especially after a terrifying experience on our last trip. I looked into Amtrak, but man, it's SO expensive! Could it really be nearly $1,000 to go from PA to FL for an adult and child, even with a AAA discount? Would you drive that far with just you and a child?

What do you think?

 

[JennyMominRI]

My mind is just boggling! I got a couple of great ideas on the resort boards, but I decided to expand my search to the CB.

We're talking about taking a June trip, but DH is starting a new job and won't have enough vacation time built up to stay long. He urged me to just go alone with DD for 5 days, and he'd meet us for a long weekend. Perfect! I've been wanting a mother/daughter trip for the longest time!

Anyway, here are the basics. I want to be a bit more budget conscious on this trip. In the past, we just did a MYW package w/dining through AAA. This time, I want to try to save a bit of money.

We want to go from June 2-June 11. DD and I would be alone from June 2-June 7 and then DH would join us on the 7th or 8th. We're talking about doing a split stay between CSR and AKL, with AKL being at the end.

OR, I've just started looking into renting DVC points. I'm not sure. I'd like to hear some experiences from it before I'd look into that. Like, how did it compare to staying in a regular resort.

Also up for discussion is transportation. I H A T E flying. Intellectually, I know it's the best way to go, but I'm just scared to death, especially after a terrifying experience on our last trip. I looked into Amtrak, but man, it's SO expensive! Could it really be nearly $1,000 to go from PA to FL for an adult and child, even with a AAA discount? Would you drive that far with just you and a child?

What do you think?

9 Days? Have you considered getting an AP..You could save a considerable amount each day...If you did a Mod you could probably save 40$ a day. You could probably save 80$ a day or more at a deluxe..If you stayed at the AKL or WL the price would be decent. You could also do half moderate and half one of the cheaper deluxes.. As an AP holder,you could also purchase the DDE and save more money that way.
Yes,the train is expensive..It's usually more than flying

 

[MushyMushy]

With the AP, are you talking about getting AP rates at the resorts? How does that work anyway?

I'm certainly willing to get an AP because I plan on going on the Ladies Only trip in November! And I'm sure I can sneak in a trip after that too

 

[JennyMominRI]

With the AP, are you talking about getting AP rates at the resorts? How does that work anyway?

I'm certainly willing to get an AP because I plan on going on the Ladies Only trip in November! And I'm sure I can sneak in a trip after that too

Yes...I've had an AP for 3 years now and have yet to have a trip and not get a discount on the hotel...I've taken 6 trips or so..It's very simple...Book a room only rate and you can call when to code comes out,or book through one of the 2 online travel agents I use and they will apply the discount as soon as it comes out...My AP saved me 560$ on my 7 night hotel trip,plus 200$ on meals via the DDE card..Any questions you can PM me.

 

[TimeforMe]

I would not drive alone with a little one, but then again, I really don't like driving long distances anyway.

We own DVC and I can tell you that it's really difficult to stay for any length of time (for us) now in a regular hotel room. I'm not sure what kind of rates you could get renting points, but if you're trying to save some $, having a laundry and full kitchen, etc. at your disposal is awesome. We ALWAYS eat breakfast in the room; especially since my family is not big breakfast eaters. Cereal and/or fruit is just fine for us. Our last trip was spent at the Boardwalk and of course, the location can't be beat. We've also stayed at OKW (beautiful, but a little out of the way) and many of the hotels. DVC rooms are better because they're much more spacious.

Have fun planning!

 

[MushyMushy]

TimeForMe, my DD is 11, so she's not really little. I don't mind driving at all, but that is a very long drive -- it would probably take us two days down so I could stop overnight, and then two days back with an overnight stop.

Before I had kids, I wouldn't have thought twice about traveling alone, but now that I have kids, I've become more cautious. I'm not sure if my fear of flying outweighs the driving considerations or not. And I sure don't want to pay $1000 to go in a train, which would be fun.

 

[slk537]

My advice? I would get there on the 2nd and stay in a value that night. Then rent DVC points from the 3rd until the 8th. Then stay at AKL for the weekend with your DH. If you can rent DVC points for $10/point, you're looking at $100 a night for OKW up to $130 a night for Beach Club, Boardwalk, or Wilderness Lodge. Nice price for lots of room, kitchenette, and a deluxe resort. I'm not sure, but I think you can get the DDP when you rent points as well...might want to check on that. With an AP for the 9 nights, you could save for the first night at the value and for the last nights at AKL.

Saturday and Friday nights at DVC's are much more "expensive" points wise, (13 vs 29 at BCV, BWV, and VWL for example) so that is why I recommended a value the first night...or else plan to arrive on Sunday (3rd).

If you have any questions about the DVC's feel free to PM me - I do have to admit that after almost 3 years and 5 trips as members we are biased

 

[miss missy]

I have gone on 3 mother/DD trips. She was 10, 11 and 12. I would of driven if I could have but its too far.

We stayed cheap at the POP and loved it. Dining was free for 1 trip and we had way too much food. The others we did fine on our own and didn't have to have so many ressies which was nice. We slept in and stayed till closing at the latest park each night. We are night people so it was great for us.

I did get a rental that I didn't really need, but that was just for security and to get to and from airport in a breeze which was worth every penny! On trip I had it for 10 days and only used it 3 times the whole trip.

If you have questions, let me know. We did fine. Felt safe the whole time.

 

[MushyMushy]

My advice? I would get there on the 2nd and stay in a value that night. Then rent DVC points from the 3rd until the 8th. Then stay at AKL for the weekend with your DH. If you can rent DVC points for $10/point, you're looking at $100 a night for OKW up to $130 a night for Beach Club, Boardwalk, or Wilderness Lodge. Nice price for lots of room, kitchenette, and a deluxe resort. I'm not sure, but I think you can get the DDP when you rent points as well...might want to check on that. With an AP for the 9 nights, you could save for the first night at the value and for the last nights at AKL.

Saturday and Friday nights at DVC's are much more "expensive" points wise, (13 vs 29 at BCV, BWV, and VWL for example) so that is why I recommended a value the first night...or else plan to arrive on Sunday (3rd).

If you have any questions about the DVC's feel free to PM me - I do have to admit that after almost 3 years and 5 trips as members we are biased

That idea sounds interesting! It means a lot of moving, but the first night we wouldn't even have to unpack more than a duffel bag.

I do have one question about DVC regarding maid service. I understand that they don't provide maid service the same way as in a resort room, but what about towels? Do they drop off extra towels and toiletries?

 

[MushyMushy]

I have gone on 3 mother/DD trips. She was 10, 11 and 12. I would of driven if I could have but its too far.

We stayed cheap at the POP and loved it. Dining was free for 1 trip and we had way too much food. The others we did fine on our own and didn't have to have so many ressies which was nice. We slept in and stayed till closing at the latest park each night. We are night people so it was great for us.

I did get a rental that I didn't really need, but that was just for security and to get to and from airport in a breeze which was worth every penny! On trip I had it for 10 days and only used it 3 times the whole trip.

If you have questions, let me know. We did fine. Felt safe the whole time.

I don't know why I'm so anxious about the travel issues. I've driven places alone quite a bit!

Anyway, I'm really looking forward to the mother/daughter aspect of it. I used to get jealous when I'd read about other mothers doing it.

 

[poohandwendy]

TimeForMe, my DD is 11, so she's not really little. I don't mind driving at all, but that is a very long drive -- it would probably take us two days down so I could stop overnight, and then two days back with an overnight stop.

Before I had kids, I wouldn't have thought twice about traveling alone, but now that I have kids, I've become more cautious. I'm not sure if my fear of flying outweighs the driving considerations or not. And I sure don't want to pay $1000 to go in a train, which would be fun.

Wouldn't bother me at all to drive with a child that age, I would see it as an adventure. You just plan ahead. Obviously, a dependable car is a must. Plan stops at well traveled (busy) exits only. Always top off when you stop (just in case). Make motel reservations ahead of time, if possible. Great time to teach your DD how to read a 'map quest driving directions' print out. (you can practice beforehand in your area)

It's sounds like fun and I would do it in a heartbeat.

 

[ADisneygirl]

I also suggest getting an AP. The AP discounts are substantially more than AAA on your resort room.

As far as DVC goes, you might have more luck on the DVC board getting answers to those towel/toiletry questions. I believe that as a DVC member you only get towel service something like every 7-8 days, not every day unless you pay more for it. Same with maid service. Renting points is a good way to stay deluxe for al ot less, but compare the prices to the AP discounts too for June. There might not be much difference and you get maid service/towels/toiletries every day.
These are the AP rates up to the end of March. June rates are not out and are not a guarantee, but they usually come out unless the resorts are all booked up without offering AP rates.
Just to give you an idea of the discounts:

For travel dates: 2/15/07-3/30/07. AP Discounts are $40 off per night at Value resorts, $61 off per night at Moderate resorts and $131 off per night at Deluxe and DVC resorts. Book by 3/30/07. Code is FCQ.

 

[phorsenuf]

To me driving places is no big deal. I drive all over with the kids by myself. We've gone from NH to NC, non-stop. NH to VA again nonstop. I've driven to NH to MO with one stop. When we drive to Florida (with DH) and we do stop we'll stop around SC. That's about a 15-16 hour drive for us. When DH and I drive we switch off every tank of gas which is about 400 miles or so. We drive down a couple times a year so after a while it's old hat. I guess that's why driving isn't such an issue to me, but I know some people can't stand it.
It will save a lot of money.

How far are you from Florida? If you do drive and want to stop along the way plan out your trip and estimate where you want to stop for the night. Then get on priceline and find a great deal on a hotel for the night. It'll save alot of trouble while enroute if you have a goal in mind and know you have a room waiting for you.

As far as where to stay you could look into renting points. Staying at DVC is wonderful. Be careful tho because you may get hooked! I haven't stayed in a studio yet but I love the one bedrooms.

As far as tickets go for the AP especially if you are considering the ladies trip.

 

[phorsenuf]

That idea sounds interesting! It means a lot of moving, but the first night we wouldn't even have to unpack more than a duffel bag.

I do have one question about DVC regarding maid service. I understand that they don't provide maid service the same way as in a resort room, but what about towels? Do they drop off extra towels and toiletries?

With DVC you do not get maid service daily but you get trash and towel service on the 4th day, full cleaning on the 7th. You can request extra towels (for a small fee) and you can request daily maid service too again for a small fee.
So if you really want those things than DVC may not be the way to go for you. In a 1 bedroom they have washer and dryers so to me it's no big deal to throw a load of towels in the wash if need be.

 

[TimeforMe]

Would you drive that far with just you and a child?

What do you think?

Oh, I'm sorry I really thought you wanted opinions on whether or not others would drive, so I gave mine. Seems like you've already decided you're OK with driving, so go for it.

 

[MushyMushy]

Oh, I'm sorry I really thought you wanted opinions on whether or not others would drive, so I gave mine. Seems like you've already decided you're OK with driving, so go for it.

I did want opinions -- I just wanted to clarify that she's not little, that's all. I didn't know if that would make a difference to you or not, because you'd said you wouldn't with a little one.

I'm not set on driving -- I'm about 50/50 with driving and flying. I feel far more comfortable driving, but when you compare a trip that would take 20 hours to one that would take 2 (plus airport security time), it makes it a rough decision.

 

[phorsenuf]

What state are you in?

 

[MushyMushy]

What state are you in?

SW PA.

It's around 950 miles from us. We drove the first year we went, but then flew last year. When we drove, we ended up stopping somewhere in NC -- in the boonies! We found this clean little hotel that was only $30 for the night. I doubt I'd be able to find it again.