So, update on us and the grAAvy train for our August trip...we had planned on staying at Pop for 5 nights followed by YC for 4 nights. Based on the sun & fun rates, when I first boarded the train, and the fact that values were available, this made sense and I thought I'd have the miles. But the AA situation has changed a lot in just a couple mos (why!?!?) and the current Disney promos are no longer reflected in AA rates and values are no longer an option. I'm guessing in that renegotiation of the contract with Disney, they are no longer able to offer promo rates or the values (since those are probably filling nicely for Disney direct). I'm super sad but have been working on a new plan.
Here is where I'm currently at:
first 5 nights at Pop paid OOP. One room booked with the Aug FD'ing promo (2 adults) and one room booked under the summer RO discount (3 'adults' and 1 child). I upgraded the dining to the DDP so we'd get 10 TS, 10 QS & 20 snacks. This would allow us to cover 2 character meals & pay OOP for the child at those meals.
last 4 nights at Swan. We've never stayed there but it's so cheap for our dates using AA miles. I can use 140k AA miles for BOTH rooms and those are upgraded rooms with a balcony. $135 per room due at the resort for the fees. That is something I can deal with. We wanted YC so badly for the location and the pool. We cannot get the pool by staying at Swan but we can get the location.
We will still have tons of AA miles left for our next trip. I never thought I'd stay offsite, and while swolphin is more onsite than other resorts, it's still offsite to me. However, Disney pricing is just getting so ridiculous and it seems they cannot play nice with any of the points programs so this is where they are pushing us. Having said that, dh & I walked over to Swolphin when we stayed at BC last month and we were overall impressed. I think we will be ok