I just can't decide

[jenjersnap]

which resort to book for our mom and DS trip in late January. I really, really, really wanted to rent points and try a DVC at BCV or BWI, perhaps with the deluxe dining, but I am striking out every where I turn. So bummed.

I will say upfront - I hate Disney bus transportation so I am looking for a somewhere with dedicated bus service, the fewer stops the better. The bus thing makes me reluctant to consider POR/POFQ. Values just aren't our thing anyway. I love everything about WL except the infernal transportation that kept us from getting anywhere timely, boats not running but no info letting us know, no MK bus at the time, shared buses that went all over.. not good.

The Poly, CR tower and GF are out - too expensive when its just the two of us. CR wings would be great ... but down one building, snagging a discount doesn't seem likely and I really hope to get either an AP or general one. Regular BC, YC and BW room are also out of our range unless there's again a heck of a discount coming (unlikely, it seems).

I'd consider Swan/Dolphin but the rates are still very high for late January.

I was liking CSR but restaurants aren't on DDP so I'd have to risk that they'll be added.

I know almost nothing about CBR. How is the atmosphere? Lots of internal bus stops? The only thing I've ever picked up about it is that the rooms are large but possibly in need of rehab.

OKW is too out of the action, IMO. SSR is a possibility, I guess. It seemed sleepy when we visited but at least it's near DTD.

I guess that leaves AKL. AKV is unavailable. Is construction of the new building disruptive at all? Haven't heard much lately.

I would never have thought Disney didn't have enough choices for me! Am I missing anything? Any info about ones I have dismissed that might make me re-assess? Sorry this is so long, it helped me talk through my options.

 

[Cinderella]

I honestly wouldn't rule out OKW and SSR. I also used to think Old Key West was out of the action, but it really isn't and the rooms are huge.

And Saratoga is amazing. I used to be a die hard Wilderness Lodge fan until I stayed at Saratoga and I liked it better. The bus service was really efficient last time I was there and it's great just to be able to walk to downtown disney.

 

[jenjersnap]

Thanks, Cinderella! I think SSR is on my wishlist for our next family trip.

I just booked WL with the new Disney Visa code, lol. Against my better judgment but my DH talked me into it.

 

[spiceycat]

sometime try Pop.

it bus system goes directly to the parks.

I have never waited long on their buses. (time it with a stop watch)

know what you say about values - but just try it once. if you still hate values - fine.

 

[Cinderella]

That's great - you will love it. What rate did you get?

 

[SplashMtnCrew]

According to your siggie, it appears as if you haven't been to WL in a couple of years. We were there in Jan and the transportation was great. As a matter of fact, they now have a bus to the MK as well as the boat. We didn't wait longer than 8 mins for a bus and only 10 mins for the boat. We also are not value people, and POR had good transportion when we went. We had to downgrade to CBR from WL for our end of Jan 08 trip that's life sometimes though. Have a great trip!

 

[jenjersnap]

That's great - you will love it. What rate did you get?

I haven't had a chance to figure out the nightly rate but the new package includes a modest room discount plus free parkhoppers and water parks and more. Saved $410.48 over rack.

 

[kimsuenew]

which resort to book for our mom and DS trip in late January. I really, really, really wanted to rent points and try a DVC at BCV or BWI, perhaps with the deluxe dining, but I am striking out every where I turn. So bummed.

I will say upfront - I hate Disney bus transportation so I am looking for a somewhere with dedicated bus service, the fewer stops the better. The bus thing makes me reluctant to consider POR/POFQ. Values just aren't our thing anyway. I love everything about WL except the infernal transportation that kept us from getting anywhere timely, boats not running but no info letting us know, no MK bus at the time, shared buses that went all over.. not good.

The Poly, CR tower and GF are out - too expensive when its just the two of us. CR wings would be great ... but down one building, snagging a discount doesn't seem likely and I really hope to get either an AP or general one. Regular BC, YC and BW room are also out of our range unless there's again a heck of a discount coming (unlikely, it seems).

I'd consider Swan/Dolphin but the rates are still very high for late January.

I was liking CSR but restaurants aren't on DDP so I'd have to risk that they'll be added.

I know almost nothing about CBR. How is the atmosphere? Lots of internal bus stops? The only thing I've ever picked up about it is that the rooms are large but possibly in need of rehab.

OKW is too out of the action, IMO. SSR is a possibility, I guess. It seemed sleepy when we visited but at least it's near DTD.
I guess that leaves AKL. AKV is unavailable. Is construction of the new building disruptive at all? Haven't heard much lately.

I would never have thought Disney didn't have enough choices for me! Am I missing anything? Any info about ones I have dismissed that might make me re-assess? Sorry this is so long, it helped me talk through my options.

We recently stayed at SSR and absolutely LOVED it! It is beautiful and quiet but has a a nice CS (and TS) restaurant, daily activities, beautiful grounds and decor, nice pools, and several (non shared) bus stops. We would love to stay again but simply could not afford to, so we are staying at Pop.

 

[catbertdave99]

We've stayed at WL and AKL, but we honestly prefer CBR! Our rooms have been in great shape, and we really enjoy the beaches and hammocks at a moderate price. The food court is great, and there are 7 pools (one main pool and 6 quiet pools). There is a bus stop at every village plus Old Port Royale (food court and main pool) so you're never far from a bus stop. The resort is absolutely beautiful, and has a great 1.4-mile walking path around the resort's own 45-acre lake. Some people don't like how spread out it is, but we love that -- it keeps the resort quiet even when it's full!

Just our opinion, but we liked it so much we went back there again this year! Photos in my links below, if you're interested....