how important is a resort? - sorry, long....

[mrcricket]

I agree with everyone else. Stay at the value and use the $900 to make everything else special. My family of 4 spent 7 days at the ASSports last December along with some friends. We had a blast. Sure it isn't a deluxe resort (we really like the beach club for all the reasons you like BW) but we were so busy going to the parks that we really didn't spend much time at the resort. Plus, we spent a lot of money going to nice places to eat each day with our friends. Something we couldn't have afforded if we'd stayed at a deluxe resort. So, go, have fun and don't worry too much about your room.

 

[mikesmom]

Depends on just how close the budget is. With 5 kids you can save an enormous amount on the food. When we joined DVC and started having those kitchens available I was shocked, and I only had 2 teens to feed. It's not like you have to stay in and cook every meal. We did a nice full cooked breakfast which carried everyone well into the day. I think the extras were the real savings, though. Think about the bottled water, sodas, fruit, chips, ice cream, etc. I bought sandwich buns, deli meats and cheese and made huge substantial sandwiches, wrapped 'em up tight, and the boys grabbed them for lunch or carried them into the park. If you do eat any meals out, that kitchen gives you a great place to stash the leftovers. With the size of meals at the World, you can often make lunch out of leftover dinners.

That being said, if the budget is hugely out of whack, the lower priced accomodations may be the way to go. Just don't forget to figure in the food cost differences.

 

[California Mom]

THANK YOU...THANK YOU everyone for your suggestions.... Really appreciate you taking time to respond....it's given me and my DH a lot to think about....

 

[wild4dis]

I would stay at the value resort and save the money...and stress!! When we are at WDW, myself/wife and 3 kids..we are on the go all day and night...when you come back and turn out the lights....all the rooms are the same!! We are fortunate to be DVC members at stay at OKW 2 room suite...but loved AS sport, music and Port Orleans in the past.....enjoy !!!1

 

[Jakesmom1]

Why not stay at the Values, (weve stayed at ASM) and enjoy your trip, rather then having to worry about money. I dont know about anyone else, but $900 would buy a lot of meals and treats for my family.

As far as location, its not that long a bus ride for your kids, and they would probably feel more on "thier own" so to speak taking the bus.

Just my 2cents, though, have a great trip, whatever you decide.

 

[MEK]

if that is possible. That may save you a little bit of $ and you still get to try both resorts. I agree that having a kitchen can save lots of $. Eat all your breakfasts there, pack lunches when able, bring all your drinks into the park, and cook a few dinners in. I always bring all my drinks into the park. It's a pretty heavy backpack in the morning, but lightens up fast. The cost savings is substantial.

I'm sure this is a tough decision for you. Just trust yourself to make the right one. You know your financial situation, your family's eating habits, and your expectations for a resort better than anyone else. Take all those things into consideration when you make your decision. Maybe make a written list of pro's and con's.

Good Luck!

_________________________________________

See You in August 2005!

 

[WaltD4Me]

I think you may end up spending that $900.00 on food if you loose your kitchen!!!

__________________

I agree with this statement. Having a kitchen can save you a ton! I saved a ton, just by having the fridge that's in the moderates now and bringing some groceries for breakfasts and sandwhiches, let alone a kitchen.

Only you can decide how important the resort is, you know your family best. Depending on exactly how tight the budget would be, I would probably be leaning toward keeping the BC reservation, but I'm not a big fan of the Values and I love being close to one or two of the parks, so that would play a big part in my decision.

 

[robinb]

Just to put in in perspective, that $900 is only about $130 more per day to have a full kitchen, a washer/dryer, the living room to relax in, private balconies and a pool with a slide instead of 2 tiny rooms at the All Stars. {{shrug}} Would you save $20 per person per day by having those things? Only you know for sure. I would consider keeping the BWV reservation, but for a shorter period of time, like 4-5 days. That would save you $260-$400 and you would still have the kitchen/washer/dryer, etc for the last half of your trip. I would also take your $$ and divide it up into daily amounts as someone else suggested. Your older kids could even be made responsible for their own "allowance" with the knowledge that PB&Js are always available to eat back at the room should they shoot their wad on mickey bars.

 

[MomofKatie]

You MIGHT save $$ with a kitchen, but who wants to cook while you are on vacation? I'd go with the All Stars, personally. When I'm on vacation, the farther away from a kitchen I get, the better!

 

[antkim]

You MIGHT save $$ with a kitchen, but who wants to cook while you are on vacation? I'd go with the All Stars, personally. When I'm on vacation, the farther away from a kitchen I get, the better!

If it meant staying in a deluxe resort, in walking distance of 2 theme parks, with waterslides and hot tubs, 2 bedrooms (technically a 1 bedroom villa attached to a studio) a living room, balconies and a washer/dryer etc. I would cook in a heartbeat! Now, I'm not talking gourmet meals here but I would have no problem cooking up a nice breakfast, making some sandwiches for lunch and maybe something basic for dinner. By cooking breakfast and lunch that is already saving a bunch! Also, something I think is great is if the OP stays at this resort the 2nd part of her trip then she can pack a bit lighter....has a washer/dryer to use in the villa. One thing that I love about having a washer/dryer is going home with clean clothes in the suitcases!! Nothing worse than coming home from vacation and having loads of laundry to do.

Again, I love the value resorts...I would sleep on a sidewalk if it was in WDW! If the OP was splitting her stay in a value and a regular deluxe then I would definately say to spend less on the room but she is staying in a villa which can be a money saver in itself. She also mentioned that she is getting a great rate that she may never see again which she might want to take advantage of! My last thought is that she is traveling with teenagers and the value might just be a bit cramped for all them?

I am not the one making the decision and I do not know the financial part. I just wanted to offer an opinion FOR the villa's. Only the OP knows what will work best.

Kim

 

[California Mom]

thanks

 

[kath1210]

Go for the AStars and enjoy yourself, have you thought about adding the dining plan? It is 35 per person(adult) a day and covers 1 Table Serv, 1 snack and 1 Table Service a day. Great Value for big eaters. You can get breakfast at the counter service for 6-7 a day.

Just out of curiosity, I added up how much it would cost for this family to get the dining plan - it's $2300 for 10 days!! Ouch!!

 

[tnkrbell]

If it meant staying in a deluxe resort, in walking distance of 2 theme parks, with waterslides and hot tubs, 2 bedrooms (technically a 1 bedroom villa attached to a studio) a living room, balconies and a washer/dryer etc. I would cook in a heartbeat! Now, I'm not talking gourmet meals here but I would have no problem cooking up a nice breakfast, making some sandwiches for lunch and maybe something basic for dinner.

I agree!!

 

[StrwLady]

Have you thought about the Swan and Dolphin. I'm not sure what rate you are getting at the BWV but I checked Dreams Unlimited (put in dates 7/5 to 7/11) and the 5th was $299 but the 6th to the 11th was was $179 a night or $169 with an entertainment passbook discount. I have never stayed at the Swan and Dolphin but so many seem to rave about it. And if the rate works for you then you would still be in the Epcot resort area.

Good Luck on deciding how go get over this budget hump!

Take Care
Jamie

 

[Cannot_Wait_4Disney]

I would do all stars and pay just $10 extra a night for a fridge in the room.

I don't necessarily see this as a save on food or save on room choice. I think you can do both.

Just purchase the stuff for sandwiches or salad fixins and some potato salads at the super, purchase some breakfast items like sticky rolls. And you've now got some breakfasts and lunches. There are tons of choices at reasonable prices for a dinner on or off site. If you get the hankerin for eggs and bacon, go to the counter and get them. You can also buy a rotisserie chicken at the super if you need to also. Then you can store the leftovers in the fridge.

Or you can eat your lunch at the parks and use the hogies for a light supper.

That's what I would do in your situation.

 

[maxaroni]

Late in answering but I would stay at the value the whole trip. I know how you want to give your kids all that you can but in the whole scheme of things, the fact you are together as a family and able to go at all is far more important, IMO. As parents, it's one of the things we have to do and if it comes down to money...it's better in your pocket than spending it on a place to sleep...again, my opinion.

Before we started pricing out for this years vacation, we had said to our ds that if we couldn't stay in a mod like we had before, would that be ok...he said he didn't care if he slept in the car, as long as we were together and at disney. Kids do understand more than you realize.

 

[LindaBabe]

I my view, leave the resort stay as it is and save money somewhere else. You've got a two bedroom villa that comes with a full kitchen and washer/dryer and access to a n ice themed pool.

I believe the quality of your vacation will be higher with direct access to EPCOT and MGM instead of ages on crowded buses. You can have breakfast and supper in your villa and have your big meal at lunch. Or breakfast and lunch. or all three. have delivery pizza a couple nights - or from the freezer. eat counterservice out. drink water not soda, share meals. use the meal deal at Animal kingdom. Limit souvenier buying.

 

[California Mom]

LindaBabe and everyone - thanks for the suggestions
but LindaBabe...what is meal deal at AK?

 

[robinb]

Now, I'm not talking gourmet meals here but I would have no problem cooking up a nice breakfast, making some sandwiches for lunch and maybe something basic for dinner. By cooking breakfast and lunch that is already saving a bunch!

I would also recommend frozen pizzas and maybe a cook-out. BWV provides a grill, you bring the charcoal and the food. You can easily find one of those small single-use MatchLight bags at the local grocery store.

 

[antkim]

I would also recommend frozen pizzas and maybe a cook-out. BWV provides a grill, you bring the charcoal and the food. You can easily find one of those small single-use MatchLight bags at the local grocery store.

Didn't even know about the grill! One more reason...nothing like a meal cooked on a charcoal grill! After our stay at FW cabins my Dh insisted that we buy a charcoal grill.....we prefer if over the gas grill!