Help w/ honeymoon lodging

[SoleilLoca]

I need serious help deciding which resort to stay in for our honeymoon. Right now we have ressies at ASMusic, but I don't really think that's a honeymoon kind of resort..not a whole lot of romance. Only problem is we don't have a huge budget...ANY suggestions would be welcome!!

 

[Grumpy92]

I think I would definitely switch resorts. The AS tend to be noisy and depending on the time of year packed with cheerleaders or dance groups.

I would switch to one of the moderates.
POR - southern mansions & bayou bldgs
POFQ - New Orleans style
CSR- Mexican feeling
CBR- islands are the theme
Check out mousesavers and see what type of discounts are available. I have a feeling that with the war looming tourism will be dropping as will the prices. So keep an eye on this site frequently.

 

[wigeboo]

hi there solelLoca
Damon and myself are looking into which hotel to stay in when we get married (we are thinking well ahead april 2005 maybe)
but there so much to consider that I have started early.
At the moment no family is coming with us, as we would like to do it on our own!


I have found this website which tells you all about the hotels,
It also has photos of everything, even down to towel racks!!!

www.wdwig.com

The trouble is that they all look so nice!!!!

Where are you getting married?
Have a look and see what you think.

2000 all star movies
2001 ramada international drive
2002 fairfield inn / bellview clearwater
2003 holiday inn universal

 

[ducklite]

I would suggest that you stay at Port Orleans French Quarter. It's much smaller than the other resorts so more initmate. If ind the landscaping and architecture lends a romantic atmosphere. You can get a guaranteed kind room with a river view for a small extra charge.

It will cost you a bit more than the AS's, but IMHO it's money well spent.

Anne

 

[MelissathePooh]

If your budget is on the moderate resort side I would definitely suggest POFQ - its somewhat smaller and incredibly romantic. I would also suggest renting points from a DVC owner. At an average of $10/point you can stay in a studio for around $130 a night (Sun - Thur) at BC, BW or WL - a nice way to stay in a deluxe. Depending on how long you stay you can splurge with a concierge room somewhere for the last few days.

Swan/Dolphin also have discounts sometimes - I don't think these places are necessarily romantic, but they are convenient. And - please know this is just my opinion - I would do anything to avoid staying at AS - especially for a honeymoon. It could suck the romance right out of you with one flush of the turbo toilet!

Congratulations & Good Luck,

Melissa

 

[Lisa BC]

SoleilLoca

Hi! I'm from Henry County...Napoleon to be specific. But I live in upstate New York now.

I'll let you know right up front that I'm very biased. I like the idea of staying close to my favorite park to make taking a mid-day break easier. Other people like staying at the more remote resorts to get away from the hustle and bustle. I'm a big fan of the Epcot resorts because I love Epcot and MGM. There's so many dining choices within walking distance too.

We are always traveling on a budget and trying to get a good value. I would suggest the Swan - Dolphin resort. They have these new beds called "Heavenly Beds", and I've read on these boards that they are really wonderful and comfy.... and that's a big deal for me. You can also get great rates at the Swan - Dolphin. I think you can book for $139 through early fall. You won't get soap shaped like Mickey.... and you don't have charging privileges in the park. But you would have a great hotel with comfy beds, geared more towards adults, and a 24-hour pool at a rate comparable to a moderate resort, with the convenience of the Epcot location.

I've not stayed at the Swan yet, but we are for our upcoming trip. Check out the Swan / Dolphin thread for more infomation. Maybe you'll be convinced its the right choice for you.

I think you'll have a great time no matter what, Disney has its own magic. We've always stayed off-site and had a great time, so I think staying on site.... at any of the resorts.... is just an added bonus.

Congratulations!

Lisa

 

[Dallas_Lady]

I agree you should try to move up to a moderate. I think either POR or POFQ is great for a more romantic experience. For 2 adults, having the boat to DD is nice. You can hit the shops and clubs at night and the ride if really nice.

I wouldn't pay extra for a water view, having been to POR I don't think its worth. It's not like you have a balcony to sit on and look at your view.

I WOULD pay extra for a king bed, though. After all, it is your honeymoom

I've got some pics of POR on my website.

 

[ozziewags]

The most romantic resort is the Polynesian. I know it is pricey, so if that is a concern, I would definitely go to one of the moderates or the Swan/Dolphin. We have stayed at the Poly(2), the CBR, the YC, the WL. All are lovely. The Swan/Dolphin have discounts, and are great hotels right in the middle of the Epcot/MGM area. The Swan has been completely renovated. Go to the S/D thread for more info. There are also some great views from the balcony rooms. No matter where you stay, be sure to let them know it is your honeymoon and always ask for a complimentary upgrade, if available.

 

[sherry8253]

I would consider the AKL. It is quiet and laid back. If view is not important, check out a standard room. I thought it was romantic sitting outside at night with the full moon lighting. They usually have great codes for that resort. Best wishes and have a great time on your honeymoon! Sherry

 

[kdibattista]

I agree with everyone who said Port Orleans French Quarter. It's a moderate resort so only slightly higher $$$ than the value resorts and it's our favorite of all the moderates.

 

[Hayley]

Why don't you go over to the WDW official site and play around with rates with their new code?

Gotta give credit to csmommy for poining this out to me - I already had a discount with my disney club membership, and got another $200 knocked of with this code.

Try entering different options and if one comes up that suits you, call CRO and tell them you want to switch. I am a Poly lover - soooo romantic. Sometimes you can get rates their that are the same as the rack rates at the moderates.

Good luck!

 

[SoleilLoca]

Well, thanks to some of the tips on this board and my mom talking some sense into me, my FH and I decided to change our ressies to POR mansions. I've stayed at both ASMusic and POR (bayou), both in the fall, and I just don't think I can handle all those cheerleaders again... I put a room on hold today, AAA rate, and I'm just going to wait for some codes to come out. Hopefully I'll either get a postcard or spot a good rate on mousesavers for a deluxe (we REALLY want to stay at the Poly, but there is just no way on earth we can afford it unless we postpone the honeymoon for a year!!), but a moderate code would work too. Once again, thanks everyone for your help!!


By the way, does anyone know if the mansions at POR have balconies? we requested 3rd floor, but a balcony would be nice too.

See you at Disney!!

 

[ducklite]

Sorry, the moderate resort rooms don't have balconys.

I'm glad you decided to change, the All Stars just don't seem like a good honeymoon destination to most of us

Best wishes!

Anne

 

[ozziewags]

You will have a great time.....much better than All Stars for a honeymoon. You can save the Poly for your 2nd honeymoon!

 

[ducklite]

One thing you might want to consider--it's a little delicate, but...

Your mother obviously knows about your honeymoon plans. What are the chances that she could suggest to some relatives or freinds that you'd really like to stay at the Polynesian for your honeymoon, and ask for people to give you Disney Dollars for shower/wedding gifts to be used towards the cost of the honeymoon trip? If you knew in advance that you were going to get a few hundred dollars (or more) in Disney Dollars, you could book the Polynesian.

Last year I threw a bridal shower for a friend who was trying to get married on very tight budget, and on the invitations it was suggested that the "theme" was gift certificates to places that she was using or could use for her wedding needs--a hair salon for nails, the florist her flowers were coming from, Hallmark for misc. items, etc.

She got enough in gift certificates that she was able to have some of the wedding budget left over, and she was able to apply that towards an upgraded cabin on the cruise they took for the honeymoon.

Either way I'm sure you'll have a wonderful trip, but it's something to consider.

Anne