How many threads....but here is another on budget disney!

[Iott Family]

We have not been back since xmas of 2004. We are now 6(DH, Me, DD11, DS10,DS3,DD1) instead of 5. I am in need of a great Disney fix. So I am looking at Oct 2007. I priced out 5 nights at por w/ 5 day MYW base tickets at 1992.00
I priced out 5 nights sun-friday at BW at 90pts x$10 =900
Another 950 for tickets
100 per day food allowance
500 travel expenses=gas/lodging with realtives in GA on the way down so I only need a room around tenessee/kentucky on way back and packing a cooler both ways so food will be minimum.

The POR version is 1992.00 plus 500 travel 500 food=2992.00
The BW version is 900 for 1bdrm 950 for 5day MYW base tickets 500 food 500 travel = 2850.00

Which way would you go? Im really liking the BW version because of the mini kitchen, sitting area, king bed, epcot proximity, etc.
I like POR because of access to two themed pools and we dont go to water parks so this would be a nice alternative and it looks beautiful, rooms have seperate sinks so two can get ready at a time.....and I am nervous about renting DVC points from an owner

Opinion please. Other alternatives/suggestions welcomed. I will keep bumping myself if I get lost in Dis heaven I trust the WDW veterans to guide me!

This will be our 3rd family trip and my 5th personal.

Thank you

 

[Elmo888]

Since you are driving, a place with a kitchen might be the way to go. Can you calculate the money that you would save on dining if you could go to the grocery store and have breakfast in your room (even just cereal, milk, oj, and bagels would save $)?

I think that I would go with the BW version for more space and a kitchen. And have you seen pics of the pool at the BW??? I can't find any - maybe someone else can. It looks like a water park.

 

[Desnik]

My answer may be bias because we are DVC'ers!! We just stayed in a 1 bedroom and there is no comparrison to a hotel room!! The kitchen isn't a mini kitchen, but a real full kitchen. Real full size stove, fridge, micro, dishwasher, all cooking supplies and utensils, plates, cups, etc.... Also a washer/dryer, much larger room, seperate bedroom, the list goes on and on! No question the BW is a better choice. I cannot imagine a family of 6 in a POR room!! We are 4 and the POR room was small for us! Don't forget you will have the pack n play out and open taking up space in the room as well. My only question is where is everyone going to sleep in either of the rooms? Will the 11 and 12 year old sleep together? In the 1 bedroom I guess you could let the 3 kids sleep in the king, you and DH in the sleeper sofa and the 1 year old in the pack n play. FYI, in the 1 bedroom you also have 2 sinks, a shower, 1 toilet and a jacuzzi tub. The BW pool is great and has a great slide. Plus not only are you in walking/boat distance to Epcot you are also the same distance to MGM. Not to mention the other resorts around the lake, the dining options are so plentiful in this area!
Don't worry about renting from a DVC'er. We did it a few times before buying in a few years ago. Just make sure you rent from someone who has been on the boards along time, has alot of post counts. Then what we did was let them make the ressie for us, we gave I think a small deposite at that time, then paid in full 30 days before our trip. We always got a copy of the ressie in our name sent to us by the owner. We also used paypal for all transactions.

 

[Desnik]

Here is a link with BW pictures:
http://www.allearsnet.com/acc/g_bwv.htm

 

[all4fun]

ITA with Desnik and of course, I am also partial to the The Boardwalk, since it's our "home" resort and our favorite place to stay at WDW.

I can understand being nervous about renting points...we have rented out some of our points in the past (ones we couldn't use up) and it's a two way street because the DVC member also assumes some risk as well. I encourage you to read the the Sticky thread at the top of the DVC rent/trade board. It has several tips on how to go about renting and making sure everything is on the up and up. We have never been "burned" by any of our renters though so we have had a good experience with it and would do it again if we have points that we couldn't use up for some reason (usually that takes a medical emergency though, lol).

Hth.

 

[HeatherC]

I think you will have an awesome time!!! But if money is a concern that may stop you from going and your heart is not set on onsite, I'd suggest looking into staying offsite at a villa. I think that October is a great time for great deals on SkyAuction. You should be able to get a 2 or 3 bedroom villa for about $270 a week including all taxes.


Of course, if your heart is set on staying onsite...then by all means go for it!!! I'm not trying to start an onsite/offsite debate, just wanted to throw it out as an option to really cut down on the price if that's what you needed or wanted to do. It would also allow you to stay longer if time permitted.

If you feel you would miss out on the Magic, however, then I think onsite is definitely the way to go. But if you are looking to save money and have a lot more elbow room, this is just another option.

I personally wouldn't mind staying two weeks in a 2 bedroom villa at the Wilderness Lodge. But alas....my poor budget won't let this happen at this point in time. I like to go too often to ever save enough to do that...even with renting from a DVC owner.

Have a wonderful trip and lots of fun planning for it!!!

HeatherC

 

[Iott Family]

Ohhh, thank you all so much for replying. I showed DH our options and we are going for the BW. As for sleeping arrangements DD1 is in a crib, DS3 sleeps with us mot nights anyways, and the two older could share the pull out or take turns on an air mattress. As for renting point I will read the sticky....how soon should I post on the rent boards for what I need?

Thank you all so much!!!

 

[Zoemakes5]

If I can still insert my two cents. If you're staying onsite, I'd definitely go with the villa, but of the properties, with the age kids you have, I'd check out the beach club. I think the pool area (Stormalong Bay) is more geared to a larger range of kids, it has a big kids slides and little kids pools. I'd recommend renting those points as soon as you're able and getting that reservation locked in.
You'll be able save money with staying in the villas and eating in, not to mention the additional space. With the age range, you could eat breakfast in the room, come back for lunch in the room and then naps for the smaller ones and maybe some pool time, and then splurge on some nicer dinners out. I do think $100 a day for six is a bit low of a number. I know the last time we were at WDW, we had 7 of us at buffets, though the 7th one was free, and we spent $100 on one meal at Chef Mickey's. Your 10 & 11 yo's will be adults for all their meal purchases, at least those places that are your all you care to eat/buffets.
Something I find that people "forget" to do is include in their budget is to include the cost of doing things they'd typically do. For example, I spend about 50-75 per week on gas (for some it's on public transportation) and $150 per week on groceries and about 15-20 on lunches at work. I include the amount that I would be paying for those things that I'm not spending on them because I'm on vacation into my vacation budget. Using my example, that would increase the amount I could use to budget for vacation by 215-245. Some people also decrease the cost of groceries right before by doing a "clear the cupboards" week, making only what's in the fridge and/or cupboards and then using the extra at WDW. Some count things like the amount saved from less electricity, too. Depending upon where you're from and what time of year you're going, that can be significant. If your monthly electricity bill is 200, you'd save close to 50 not running extra electricity. Same for water and gas. It's a way to "find" money that you wouldn't think of.

 

[dis-happy]

If you can get the 1 b/r standard at BWV, go for it. You'll save a lot of money by being able to cook in the full sized kitchen. I bring a crock-pot and liners and dinner cooks away while we're at the park. In order to book the BWV standard rooms though you'll have to book right away, finding someome who has BWV points and is able to book at the 11th month window. Those standard rooms go quickly (and especially since BWV is walking distance to Epcot during the F&W Festival). Another option for the same amount of points is OKW----and there's a lot more room there. Both places will have spacious baths with double sinks.

 

[poohfriend]

you can buy into the dining plan, but it's expensive.

Last year (and the year before) they have offered free dining in august and sept. If you could move your trip up, you are almost guaranteed a lower price when the promotions come out (I'd start looking in mid-may to june)

Plus you'd have the option of adding free dining. If you rent points, and dining is offered you won't have that choice.

The dining plan for your family would cost $200 PER DAY since you have two over 10!

I have friends that traveled in Oct. this past year and saved $300+ over the original moderate price with the discounts/packages offered.

If staying on-site is not a must, I'd rent a villa off-site and take get two bedrooms. Many have nice pools too. Another option is caribe royal.

I suggest you become familiar with mousesavers and the options mary presents! Sign up for her monthly newsletter if you haven't already!

Because your planning early, you'll be ready to hop on any deals that show up.

Enjoy your trip!