I cannot decide...

[GPC0321]

I did look into DVC Rentals, and I thought about it for a while, but my trip for April is a split stay. I'm going April 12-23, 2017. April 12-17 will be at Best Western Orlando Gateway, for Star Wars Celebration, which is April 13-16, then on April 17, I am transferring to Disney Property where I will stay until I check out on April 23, 2017.

I am thinking about a 2nd shorter 2017 trip for December; to attend MVMCP, and be in Disney for the release of SWVIII, and I am definitely considering renting DVC for this one, but my April Trip, it just seems too complicated already to try something new like that. In December, I will have a bigger budget, as I won't need to save money to spend at the Celebration Event, so I will definitely be looking at something other than values for that trip

Gotcha! That all sounds very fun! I hadn't even thought about SWVIII coming out in Dec. 2017. We're going for a very short trip then too (three nights) to do MVMCP and CP (never been to WDW at Christmastime). We'll arrive on the 17th, so I might have to make time to go to Disney Springs to see SWVIII too!

I wish I could be more help, but I'm sure any of those choices will be great!

 

[Shellyb84]

Thanks for the info! I have not considered CSR, I have heard multiple times from guests that that resort is more of a convention area, and I've read more bad reviews about it than good. So I'm not sure about that one.

We loved CSR! It did not feel like a convention area at all. It's one of the more relaxing resorts I've been to. Out of the mods, I've only stayed there and CBR - CSR feels much more upscale.

Out of the options you listed, I would go with POR in a standard room. I would always choose the highest tier of resort that I can afford. It really makes a big difference.

 

[Aliceacc]

I haven't stayed at any of the resorts you mention-- we're a family of 5. But here's my input anyway:

Why not stay at POP, and find other ways to express your sense of adventure? You're comfortable with the resort, and you would be getting a preferred room. I imagine that means close to transportation-- important when you're traveling alone.

Take the money you're saving, and take a tour, have lunch with an Imagineer or splurge on some other brand new treat.

 

[maltdizzy]

We liked POR (certainly more than I did CBR, but that was a long time ago) and the Royal Rooms are nicely decorated, the LED fireworks are cool. But if working with a budget, I recommend POR or POFQ Standard and not paying extra for Princess theme as a compromise between Moderate "Royal" and Value "Preferred."

Haven't stayed at the Values.

 

[JediAng]

Gotcha! That all sounds very fun! I hadn't even thought about SWVIII coming out in Dec. 2017. We're going for a very short trip then too (three nights) to do MVMCP and CP (never been to WDW at Christmastime). We'll arrive on the 17th, so I might have to make time to go to Disney Springs to see SWVIII too!

I wish I could be more help, but I'm sure any of those choices will be great!

WDW at Christmastime is my absolute favorite. Normally I would NEVER plan an April trip. Crowded, hot, higher prices hence the crowds, spring break, just no lol. But the fact that I'm already going to be in Orlando for the Star Wars Celebration Event at the Orange County Convention Center, I figured this would be the perfect opportunity to focus on seeing all of the new rides, shows, and meet and greets that have recently opened.

The BEST time of the year to go is the first two weeks of December, after Thanksgiving, before Christmas/New Years, Kids are taking finals so it's harder for families to get them out of school, it's cooler, and I've noticed rates are reasonably cheaper. Also, you can still enjoy all of the Christmas activities and decorations without fighting the crowds on Christmas. When I go for the release of Episode 8, I will probably leave 1 day for MK / MVMCP, a day for Studios, a day for premiere night, & a day for EPCOT. Just a quick trip, nothing fancy, but since it's shorter I will be able to afford a nicer room!

I was there for premiere night of episode 7, and of the entire 10 months of my college program, that was the BEST day I had. It was incredible. But now I'm spoiled, and feel like there's no other way to experience a Star Wars Movie's opening night, haha.

 

[JediAng]

We loved CSR! It did not feel like a convention area at all. It's one of the more relaxing resorts I've been to. Out of the mods, I've only stayed there and CBR - CSR feels much more upscale.

Out of the options you listed, I would go with POR in a standard room. I would always choose the highest tier of resort that I can afford. It really makes a big difference.

Good to know, thanks

 

[JediAng]

I haven't stayed at any of the resorts you mention-- we're a family of 5. But here's my input anyway:

Why not stay at POP, and find other ways to express your sense of adventure? You're comfortable with the resort, and you would be getting a preferred room. I imagine that means close to transportation-- important when you're traveling alone.

Take the money you're saving, and take a tour, have lunch with an Imagineer or splurge on some other brand new treat.

I have been thinking about it, and I think I've definitely narrowed it down to either POP or AS Movies for this reason. Thanks!

 

[JediAng]

We liked POR (certainly more than I did CBR, but that was a long time ago) and the Royal Rooms are nicely decorated, the LED fireworks are cool. But if working with a budget, I recommend POR or POFQ Standard and not paying extra for Princess theme as a compromise between Moderate "Royal" and Value "Preferred."

Haven't stayed at the Values.

As I mentioned earlier, I may consider this for my quick trip in December, but for this April trip, I think I have definitely narrowed it down to either POP or Movies, just for the sole purpose of saving money. Might put that extra money towards a backstage tour, memory maker, etc. Thanks, though

 

[2kidsForMe]

OP, I think your choice to book value is a good one. You will save money. That's a big bonus. For a solo trip, I would choose value too. I know Disney is a very safe place, but if I was alone I would prefer the layout, lighting and general activity of the values, especially if you book preferred.

 

[maltdizzy]

As I mentioned earlier, I may consider this for my quick trip in December, but for this April trip, I think I have definitely narrowed it down to either POP or Movies, just for the sole purpose of saving money. Might put that extra money towards a backstage tour, memory maker, etc. Thanks, though

You've stayed at POP, you like POP, it seems most people prefer POP over the older Values. You are already familiar with its layout and transportation, which I see as a plus since this is a short, solo trip. I would go with POP, repeating the caveat that I have never stayed at a Value.

 

[crazylady]

So, I'm booking my resort package for 2017 on July 1st. These are the resorts I have my choices narrowed down to.....

1. Port Orleans Riversaide- Royal Room - I originally had my heart set on this one, but with the extreme price hikes announced on June 21st for 2017 packages, this is nearly out of my $200/night budget now... I could pull off this room if I REALLY wanted to, but I would have to sacrifice other things like my dining plan, and I plan on doing many character meals, plus nice sit down meals like Teppan Edo, and a steak meal, which are all expensive, so that would suck.

2. POP Century Preferred- This is my usual choice, I am comfortable here, I know it, and I would be perfectly fine with this choice, but with this trip being my first adult solo vacation without my parents, where I'm planning it all completely on my own, I want to try new things I haven't done before, and that includes staying at a resort I haven't already stayed at 3x. This is so tempting though, because, 1. It's the best deal, cheaper, own bus line UNLIKE the All Stars, close proximity to my favorite park HollyWood Studios, I love the food court, I love the theming, and it's considered "My home" when at Disney.

3. Art of Animation Little Mermaid Room- Similar to POP, I have stayed here before, I LOVE the theming, and food court, it's the newest, and at a decent price. Last time I stayed here, I felt there were a ton of little kids compared to places like POP, and it was super crowded, like I almost got knocked over in the food court when kids were running and not paying attention. it was shoulder to shoulder packed, which is a turn off for me despite how much I loved the actual room, and dedicated bus route.

4. All Star Movies- Obviously the cheapest option, which is what tempts me. Also, I ABSOLUTELY LOVE TOY STORY, so that aspect of the theming here draws me to it. If I choose this resort, I could get a deluxe dining plan no problem, but one major thing concerns me. SHARED BUSES. I don't want to have to wait forever for a bus because it's shared with 2 other resorts. This is a major turn off for me, big enough to mark this one off my list all together. But the idea of saving money, still attracts me to it, somewhat.

I'd like your pros & cons of each of these resorts, if you have stayed there, if you would stay there again, why you wouldn't, etc. I really appreciate any opinions. TIA!

Since you're planning trips in a year, have you considered getting an AP and using the AP discount in your rooms?

I guess I'm more of a resort than a food person, because I would choose POR in the mansions. I love that resort. And one table service a day is more than enough table service meals for me.

I also liked the DVC studio rental idea for a solo trip. A bottle of wine with cheese and crackers for dinner on my balcony sounds very relaxing!

How many characters do you want to see? If you do the Pirates and Pals Fireworks cruise, you get to see Peter.

 

[JediAng]

Since you're planning trips in a year, have you considered getting an AP and using the AP discount in your rooms?

I guess I'm more of a resort than a food person, because I would choose POR in the mansions. I love that resort. And one table service a day is more than enough table service meals for me.

I also liked the DVC studio rental idea for a solo trip. A bottle of wine with cheese and crackers for dinner on my balcony sounds very relaxing!

How many characters do you want to see? If you do the Pirates and Pals Fireworks cruise, you get to see Peter.

I don't go enough for an AP Discount to be worth it. I think right now I have it narrowed down to POP Preferred Table Service Dining Plan or All Star Movies Deluxe Dining Plan. I like seeing characters (most through character meals if I can to avoid waits), and Peter Pan and Captain Hook are always at the top of my list, along side Rapunzel. I have never met Hook before, and I think the Pirates & Pals Cruise is the only way you can, which is why it is a high priority for me this time. My parents never did anything extra like that, but for my first solo vacation, I want to add a little extra magic for myself.

 

[crazylady]

I don't go enough for an AP Discount to be worth it. I think right now I have it narrowed down to POP Preferred Table Service Dining Plan or All Star Movies Deluxe Dining Plan. I like seeing characters (most through character meals if I can to avoid waits), and Peter Pan and Captain Hook are always at the top of my list, along side Rapunzel. I have never met Hook before, and I think the Pirates & Pals Cruise is the only way you can, which is why it is a high priority for me this time. My parents never did anything extra like that, but for my first solo vacation, I want to add a little extra magic for myself.

Sounds like your adding alot of magic. I think you'll have a great time.

 

[robinb]

Personally, I would not pay $200 per night to stay in a resort all by myself. It's just not worth it to me without someone to share it with.

I would go with the cheapest resort and spend your money on other things.

 

[Aflyingbuttress]

The royal rooms are in the mansion section, building next to them is a standard rate.
Swan/Dolphin look and act like a deluxe but at certain times of the year, the rooms can be around $165/night, that is not including the $20/night resort fee or taxes. Add those and you can still get in for under $200/night, not all the time but it's possible.

I literally had a banner ad for $165 per night at the Swan & Dolphin 30 seconds ago. Looks like they're having a special right now.

*ETA Not sure whether that'll apply to next year though.

 

[JediAng]

I literally had a banner ad for $165 per night at the Swan & Dolphin 30 seconds ago. Looks like they're having a special right now.

*ETA Not sure whether that'll apply to next year though.

That's probably for right now. I don't think any special rates for next year have been posted yet.

 

[cannmom]

I think I would stay at POP. You might be glad to have something that's not new on your first solo trip. I wouldn't stretch the budget to stay at POR (even though it is one of our favs) if it means you have to cut your budget in other areas.

 

[JediAng]

I think I would stay at POP. You might be glad to have something that's not new on your first solo trip. I wouldn't stretch the budget to stay at POR (even though it is one of our favs) if it means you have to cut your budget in other areas.

I think I've narrowed it down to POP Preferred Deluxe Dining Plan. Sacrificing the idea of a moderate for a better meal plan. I can't justify downgrading to All Stars. POP just has my heart I guess

 

[Starclassic]

I'd definitely go Value. You'll have more in the budget for dining and souvenirs, which is always a plus! Between the ones you listed, I'd pick Movies. You said you'd like to branch out and try something new, and you love Toy Story. You could put in a request for the Toy Story section. The only con/concern you seem to have listed is the buses. I've stayed at Music during a super busy time twice before and I never had any issues with the buses. I honestly think people on here tend to make it sound a lot worse than it really is. I do understand wanting to stay where you know and are already comfortable with though.

 

[Aliceacc]

OK, so if you've decided on POP-- what else are you doing?

Can I put in a plug for something I already mentioned: Lunch with an Imagineer? I got it as a Christmas present a few years ago for my husband, and he raved about it. It's on my bucket list for someday.