Help with my (limited) resort options

[Hmbldr]

Hi everyone! I am trying to plan a vist to WDW in April and with that short notice am finding my options raher limited. Of course, I can always hope for some changes and things to open up, but I need to pick something for starters. 6 nights.
My first choices were AKL or WL. I had booked AKL, but that ended up only for 4. Current plans need to be for 5 - Me, DW and 3DS - 11,13 and 17. We haven't been to WDW for 9 years and with college on the long range horizon, it may be a few more before we return. So currently, my options appear to be...

AKL 2 rooms $3341
CBR 2 rooms $2142
WL cabin $1865
Dolphin $1962

These are AAA and thru Dreams Unlimited
POR is booked out for AAA rates

So, what do you think?
What do you think are my chances that things will move around and something opens up?

I have tracked Travelocity for a week or more and it seems things do open up and especially into the near two week period, rooms do significanly open up, probably as people firm up their ressies and cancel other options.

Thanks for all your input. I have gained tremendous tips and info reading here the past few weeks.

 

[ashef]

I would choose the Dolphin if I were you, because it's in the Epcot resort area and there would be lots more for you and your boys (separately or together) to do at night and when you aren't in the parks. All your other options are much more isolated from nightlife and restaurants. I think with kids the ages of yours, the area around the Dolphin -- which includes Epcot itself and the WDW Epcot resorts -- would be much more entertaining than isolated & tranquil resorts.

PS: You say "WL cabin" but do you mean Ft. Wilderness cabin? I don't know of any Wilderness Lodge cabins. I assume you do mean FW cabin.

 

[Hmbldr]

I would choose the Dolphin if I were you, because it's in the Epcot resort area and there would be lots more for you and your boys (separately or together) to do at night and when you aren't in the parks. All your other options are much more isolated from nightlife and restaurants. I think with kids the ages of yours, the area around the Dolphin -- which includes Epcot itself and the WDW Epcot resorts -- would be much more entertaining than isolated & tranquil resorts.

PS: You say "WL cabin" but do you mean Ft. Wilderness cabin? I don't know of any Wilderness Lodge cabins. I assume you do mean FW cabin.

Yes, I meant Ft. Wilderness cabin. I appreciate your pointing out the nightlife activities that Dolphin and EPCOT Resorts offer. Though I expect we will be out for extended hours at parks, dining and such. By the time we head back to the hotel, a little tranquil might be just fine.

 

[wilde_oscar]

CBR... it is the right mix of price location and peaceful setting.

 

[nurse.darcy]

I would go for the Dolphin. That way you have 2 parks DHS and Epcot that you can do commando style and your resort is right there. Also, instead of taking a bus to MK, you can enter Epcot and take the monorail there to the TTC and transfer to the MK monorail. Probably takes longer than the bus but it is sure more fun. . .

 

[ccw]

CBR... it is the right mix of price location and peaceful setting.

Is the main pool at CBR closed for refurbishment during those dates? Might want to double check if that is important to you.

 

[Aliceacc]

Other options that may or may not be available on short notice:

Contemporary Garden Wing (1 room- there's a daybed for the 5th person)
All Star Music Family Suites
Polynesian (again, 1 room with a day bed)
Beach Clug (again, 1 room with a daybed)

You may find that the Deluxes are your best bet, some giving you monorail access to the MK and Epcot, and still less money than 2 rooms at a mod. It would mean that 2 of your boys have to share a bed... I know that teenage boys sometimes have a problem with that.

But if they can live with the thought, it might save you some money and put you close to the monorail!!

 

[Hmbldr]

Is the main pool at CBR closed for refurbishment during those dates? Might want to double check if that is important to you.

Yes, I understand it is down for refurb Jan thru Sept. I think with the older boys it won't be missed that much. We'll do 1 or both of the water parks, so we'll get our fun in there and for a quick dip the small pools will do OK. Thought the larger themed pools of the WL or AKL look very inviting and I sure would have liked to try those.

We twice stayed at CBR many years ago and actually never made it into the main pool. Just the smaller pools. First time, DS was young and we were right next to a small pool on opposite side of lake. Second time we hit a cool spell and went in the small pool once, just to say we went in. Brrrrr.

 

[Hmbldr]

Other options that may or may not be available on short notice:

Contemporary Garden Wing (1 room- there's a daybed for the 5th person)
All Star Music Family Suites
Polynesian (again, 1 room with a day bed)
Beach Clug (again, 1 room with a daybed)

You may find that the Deluxes are your best bet, some giving you monorail access to the MK and Epcot, and still less money than 2 rooms at a mod. It would mean that 2 of your boys have to share a bed... I know that teenage boys sometimes have a problem with that.

But if they can live with the thought, it might save you some money and put you close to the monorail!!

The deluxes single for 5 would be great choices and location on the monorail would be a plus. Unfortunately, they are currently not available for our date, 4/20 - 4/26. We are going to keep checking to see if something opens up. Bed sharing shouldn't be a big issue witht he younger pair as they currenly share a room and have shared a bed on other trips. The oldest will get the day bed. Two rooms would give us 2 baths, privacy and more bed space.....and more costs. The toughest part is that I am weighing fairly varied options of accomodations, locations, theming and costs. Ugh!

 

[cheerforchelsea]

I would spend as little as possible on the rooms - I am sure your 3 sons will be happly to help you spend the money you save.

 

[Macysmom32]

Dolphin for sure, especially with those ages of children. So much to do, especially at night. Boardwalk area always hopping - great pizza, outdoor activites, great restaurants, all lit up and fun. EPCOT and the Studios within walking distance and/or boat ride. How fun is that? Great price for that area too........fun hotel. Go for it and have FUN>>>>

 

[Silver Queen]

I agree with wildeoscar. We really enjoy the CBR. It's nice to return to a lovely, tranquil environment after the parks. Good luck with your decision!

 

[plutolovr]

I have to vote for Ft. Wilderness Cabin if you're looking strictly cost.
The cabin will give your boys each their own bed with the bunks and double bed and you and your wife can sleep on the Murphy bed in the living room.

The full kitchen is great especially with growing boys who may want to snack once back at the room. We usually will just have breakfast there and keep some snacks on hand for later in the evening.

 

[wilde_oscar]

Yes, I understand it is down for refurb Jan thru Sept. I think with the older boys it won't be missed that much. We'll do 1 or both of the water parks, so we'll get our fun in there and for a quick dip the small pools will do OK. Thought the larger themed pools of the WL or AKL look very inviting and I sure would have liked to try those.

We twice stayed at CBR many years ago and actually never made it into the main pool. Just the smaller pools. First time, DS was young and we were right next to a small pool on opposite side of lake. Second time we hit a cool spell and went in the small pool once, just to say we went in. Brrrrr.

and I heard if you ask properly, they discount the room because of it.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I would go with the Dolphin. We have 3 teen ds too and have done the dolphin. We have had their rollaway, I dont know if they still charge $25 a night for that if its for a child but we have brought our own air mattress too. Its a little tight in the room but we spend so little time in the room it really didnt matter. Their grotto pool is great and transportation options are good. Also you have the boardwalk right their for options too. Its a great location. The food at Picabus is a little overpriced I think though if you have hungry teens like we do. We bring snacks from home and do a soda stop before checking in to cut expenses too. Also does your rate include the $10 resort fee I have heard they are adding again and also if you self park you have to include that fee as well and sign up for Starwoods frequent guest program. Best of luck deciding and enjoy your trip.

 

[HopperFan]

Another vote for Dolphin

 

[dizneyluv]

I don't know if I'd want to do the one room at the Dolphin with three boys! That's just me though. I need more space. The two rooms gets you two bathrooms too.

The cabin would be nice for the peace and quiet. We ate at Trails End Buffet and walk all around and loved loved Fort Wilderness. I want to do a cabin but DH insists we need two bathrooms. He hates going in a bathroom after a teenager!

Anyway the Dolphin location is great and if everyone can hang in one room that would be the best location. If not the Fort Wilderness location is pretty good too!

 

[Hmbldr]

I have to vote for Ft. Wilderness Cabin if you're looking strictly cost.
The cabin will give your boys each their own bed with the bunks and double bed and you and your wife can sleep on the Murphy bed in the living room.

The full kitchen is great especially with growing boys who may want to snack once back at the room. We usually will just have breakfast there and keep some snacks on hand for later in the evening.

TA from DU spent a lot of time with CRO today. There is nothing available, unless I am feeling Presidential or a 3BR villa at SSR for $8800!

BUT, the FW Cabin is available. So I guess I am going to have to reconsider the Cabins and/or hope for options to open up. If it is the only option then I guess my decision process just becomes that much easier.

 

[Hmbldr]

I looked into the Cabins and I think that for this trip it is not what I am looking for. I've rented vacation houses that were cabin like this and loved it. But that was a different type vacation. I'd like to be a bit more close to the action and feel like I'm in a resort hotel atmosphere. As we;ve not been in 9 years and may not again for a while, I think I'm also ruling out values. At least for now.

 

[Hmbldr]

I looked into the Cabins and I think that for this trip it is not what I am looking for. I've rented vacation houses that were cabin like this and loved it. But that was a different type vacation. I'd like to be a bit more close to the action and feel like I'm in a resort hotel atmosphere. As we;ve not been in 9 years and may not again for a while, I think I'm also ruling out values. At least for now.

So this morning, 2 rooms opened up at CBR and I am booked into that and dropped my single(4p) room at AKL. At least for now I have a place to stay for my family of 5! I'll continue to check and see if other things open up. From your responses here and reading many other threads, the EPCOT resort area looks great and would indeed be a ideal fit for us. Plus we have never stayed in that local before and it would be something new! We'll keep trying.