I'd love your opinion, please!!

[wiigirl]

Our silver anniversary is next summer.

We're doing a week at the Beach Club, with DDP.

We already have $3200 saved. Since we're a family of 5, we still have a ways to go. That's OK; we still have over a year.

Nice!

 

[StuckInKS]

I would rent at Boardwalk and do food OOP for two adults. When going with my kids, a value resort with FD takes the cake (unless they are passing out a "kids free" discount ), but for two adults I think boardwalk will be nicer, plus you can walk over to Epcot. Not sure how much more this would be than doing a value with FD though.

 

[timmac]

Realistically, I think for a trip only two months away, you have about zero chance of getting the DVC rental you want. (If you were willing to stay at OKW or SSR it might be a different story.)

I'd upgrade to the basic dining plan. Deluxe would be cool, but by the end of the week, you may be less than interested in eating so much food.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I think if you're concerned about the amount of food, it might be less of a good value for you if you waste credits. Last time we did the dining plan, we had an unbelievable amount of unused credits. We got food to go for the ride to the airport (and still had unused food credits) and were stuffing snacks in paper bags at the resort food court to take home. Big waste. Plus we didn't like having to eat when we weren't hungry or having to stick to reservations that dictated our touring. But that's just us. Now, we prefer to pay OOP and eat where and when we want. It probably saves us money in the long run.

 

[plummer925]

I think if you're concerned about the amount of food, it might be less of a good value for you if you waste credits. Last time we did the dining plan, we had an unbelievable amount of unused credits. We got food to go for the ride to the airport (and still had unused food credits) and were stuffing snacks in paper bags at the resort food court to take home. Big waste. Plus we didn't like having to eat when we weren't hungry or having to stick to reservations that dictated our touring. But that's just us. Now, we prefer to pay OOP and eat where and when we want. It probably saves us money in the long run.

That is a concern! And I also think if we had it we'd be more likely to order the more expensive thing on the menu, even if it wasn't what we necessarily wanted, to get the best "deal" with it, which, honestly, makes no sense!

You all gave us SO much to think about!! Thank you all SO much for your opinions and well wishes!!!

 

[buzz2400]

I like pop century because of the location. The last time we stayed there we were in the building all the way on the left side (can't remember the era) facing the parking lot. This was very good because it was a short walk to the restaurant and lobby. Other times I always ask for a room facing the parking lot away from the pool areas and it is quiet. I never had a problem with noise.

One thing you have to account for with the upgrade to full dining. I belieive the tip is no longer included so that is an additional expense. Also we hated the full dining because you had to plan ahead and then you had to rush to the appointed place that you made the reservation. That is just my opinion.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

I am going completely outside the poll. DH and I rented a home for our anniversary trip. We had our own private pool and we found that very romantic. It was quiet and peaceful after a long day at the parks. It was also nice to have 2 bathrooms to get ready in the morning, and a full sized refrigerator. (We had cocktails by the pool.)

I know you have to add in parking and car rental. My DH likes to drive so that is not an issue. If you can find a lower price for a home/townhouse then the car rental and parking just about evens out to a moderate.

We also cooked dinner at home a few nights during the week (DH loves to cook) and we had appetizers at home before going out to eat. Again these little things saved money on the overall cost.

 

[susanv]

Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary! That's awesome!

 

[susanv]

Congratulations on your 20th Anniversary, that's awesome! DVC is definitely worth checking out, I have gotten reservations 2 months out before, even at The Villas at Animal Kingdom Lodge, although you would have the most chance getting into Saratoga. Even Saratoga can be lovely for an Anniversary, although Beach Club or AKL would be nicer. You can still get the Dining Plans through renting DVC. DxDP would be only $1248 (actually I think $1200 as I had heard they have not increased it for DVC owners) + tips as taxes are already included. The DxDP is A LOT of food. We get it most every time we go but always have extra food credits left over. We save money with it every time so far just because of our "must do" meals being Character meals/buffets/Signature Dining. Only thing is when we use three meals a day we find we are spending most of the day just eating so we don't tend to use three credits a day unless one is a Signature.
Have a great time.
My vote between CBR and POP for an Adults only would be CBR.

 

[poohguys]

I would say if you are not in to booking all of the places to eat then skip the dining plan and go for the DVC. Plan a really special dinner one night for your anniversary.

We like Free Dining. I would choose POR though as others have said the Caribbean is a big resort. POR has Queen beds in the rooms.

Hope you have a great trip and happy 20th anniversary!

 

[Kathi OD]

Realistically, I think for a trip only two months away, you have about zero chance of getting the DVC rental you want. (If you were willing to stay at OKW or SSR it might be a different story.)

This. Although SSR is not as bad as people make it out to be. We stayed there for the first time this past fall, during F&W and it was a lovely resort. We didn't even have any trouble with the buses.

Pay OOP for your food.

 

[jimandami]

This. Although SSR is not as bad as people make it out to be. We stayed there for the first time this past fall, during F&W and it was a lovely resort. We didn't even have any trouble with the buses.

Pay OOP for your food.

We stayed there in January before the marathon and we really like it as well!