Help!!!!

[Terk-1]

Ok. So because I did not get a chance to call CRO yesterday, I missed out on alot of the standard rate discounts for AP holders. These are my current options:

1. Arrive & check into Caribbean Beach for one night (standard view rate @ $79/night + tax) and stay the other 9 nights at Animal Kingdom Lodge (pool view rate @ $149/night + tax). Total $1,583.35

2. The next option is to keep my current reservation at the Swan (AP rate of $165/night w/tax. Total $1,650.00

The difference between the 2 above would be $67.

3. A final option would be to stay at the CBR for 5 nights (standard view) and AKL (pool view) for 5 nights. Total $1,271.15

The difference between option 1 & 3 is $312 and the difference between option 2 & 3 is $379.

HELP!!! What would you do????? I have never stayed at any of these.

 

[Luv2Travel]

OOOhh, tough one.
If it were me though, I would probably go with #3. That way you can fully experience both resorts. I've never stayed at either, because I have a family of 5 and can't, but I've always wanted to! The CBR would be my first choice for a moderate. I would love to stay at the AKL, but I don't know if I'd want to spend 9 nights there because it seems so remote to everything else. I just think 5 nights at each resort would be perfect and you could see what all each of them have to offer. Not to mention the money you would save! Think of the meals and souveniers that would buy. Just one woman's opinion - hope it helps a little.

 

[n2mm]

I would choose #1.

My reasons (though others would disagree). I'm not a big fan of moving from resorts to resorts (if I want to try different resorts, I just book another trip). This way you can pack the things you need for the one night at CBR and not have to unpack your other bags (i.e., unpacking all means packing them back up twice later).

I've stayed at both, and while CBR is a nice moderate, I think there is a huge difference between moderates and deluxes and would much rather stay at a delux.

I find it much more relaxing once I've checked into a resort, unpacked everything and not have to worry about changing rooms mid-stay.

We had to do this in July because I could not get extra days on my existing ressie at the CR, so stayed at the A/S 2 nights prior. I just kept thinking, I have to go and pack this evening, then tomorrow we go to the park, then back to the resort, then move to the new resort then checkin, then unpack, and acclimate ourselves to the new resort. Way too much thinking for me while on vacation.

I'm sure you'll get lots of post recommending you should split your stay between the 2 and that is nice too, but not for me....been there, done that. I like to check in and settle in for my stay and when I pack, it's to go home, not to change resorts.

But, at least you're doing it right, i.e., going from a mod to a delux, never do it the opposite way....it's a real let down then. We liked the AKL when we stayed in January, it was very relaxing.

 

[pstepka]

I agree with n2mm. We just got back from 5 nights at BCV then 2 at CB. It WAS a letdown going from a deluxe to a moderate. While CB was a WONDERFUL resort...it was not BCV! If you do it the right way and do the moderate first, it will be better, but I know I still would have thought, 'gee, I wish we would have stayed at the deluxe the entire time'!

I, also, found changing resorts to be a pain and we won't be doing it again. I would have preferred to unpack and get settled and not have to worry about repacking, etc. Plus, we used the valet service so we had to tip them and so right there we spent 40.00 to change resorts so we could save money. (We had lots of bags!)

Obviously, these are just opinions and what doesn't work for some, certainly is fine for others.

Pam

 

[mep319]

I would choose #1...

I wasn't impressed w/ CBR...I seem to be in the minority w/ that opinion. I will note it was prior to renovations but it was beyond that, wasn't impressed w/ the lay-out or transportation either. That being said.... AKL is a wonderful resort w/ soooo many things to explore you will be surprised, 9 nites will not be too much! It really isn't remote. It may "feel" remote but it not! Part of allure I think! I love the transportation...which seems to be the bigeest concern with most. You do not share transportation...there is only one stop, never had to stand. Staying at an Epcot resort I hated when I had to use the buses...seemed to take forever! I'm sure you will enjoy where ever you stay but my vote is for #1!

 

[Terk-1]

This is getting MUCH harder to decide than I thought.

My family stayed at the AKL on their last trip for 2 days and although they said it was nice, they said that they would not necessarily want to be there for an entire week.

I was at the Polynesian on my last trip for my entire stay and LOVED it!!!

I also thought of spending most of my stay at the Swan and the last couple of days at the AKL. What do you think?

 

[Terk-1]

I'm starting to lean towards just keeping my ressie at the Swan. I can always try the AKL & CB on another trip.

Am I going to regret it?

 

[Michelle]

I would definitely keep the Swan reservation, with MAYBE a couple of nights at AKL. I'm one that likes AKL for short stays only too; I feel much too isolated there for anything more than a couple of days. The Swan is right in the middle of so many other things...MGM, Epcot, all the Boardwalk/YC/BC restaurants.

I don't think you'd regret it a bit to skip AKL or CB this trip...of the two CB is definitely the most "skippable".

 

[Terk-1]

After mulling things over in my head on Friday, I was planning on calling CRO back and just stay for 2 nights at the AKL and stay the rest of the time at the Swan, since the AKL was just not appealing to me for 9 nights. I called CRO back early yesterday morning and was able to get the Wilderness Lodge for an AP rate for 8 nights, so I am going to stay at the Swan for my first 2 nights, then head over to the WL for the rest of my stay. When I stayed at the WL once before, it was only for a couple of nights and really did not get to take advantage of everything there. This way I can try the Swan for the first time, then spend more time at the WL. If I like the Swan, my next trip I will spend more time there.

Thanks everyone for your input!!

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I would keep the Swan reservation, no doubt! The location can't be beat, and I feel that nights at the AKL would be boring. That's one of the main reasons why we haven't stayed there. Also I don't really like the theme, it's too dark for me. I just love the Swan... it's bright, cheery, the rooms are beautiful, the location is ideal, lots of dining options, nightlife, heavenly beds, the boats to Epcot and MGM, need I go on???