If not CR, where?

[NYCANC]

We stayed at the CR in Oct. and loved it especially the convenience to MK.
We are thinking about going back Jan. 2017 after school starts back up for most (around the 5th) but before MLK weekend.
It's me, my DH and kids 8 and 10 (kids are in year round school).
My DH also loved the CR but would rather spend less this time on the hotel.
I am set on the CR

So will CR be any cheaper in Jan? We went beginning of Oct. last year.

If not, where would you stay?
We would spend most of our time at MK, then Epcot (1 day), then HS (probably 1 day) and maybe 1/2 day at AK.
We would stay for a week.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Babsy]

I doubt that any other resort will be as convenient to the MK as the CR. I understand why you are set on the CR, I love it there too!!!

The Good news is that the time you are going could well be value season. What the prices will be for 2017, I don't know, but we can hope for a good discount. They do happen sometimes in January (although not as frequently as they once did). If you are flexible with your dates you can watch for discounts when they are released and try for the dates with the best rates. Staying in the garden wing will shave some $$$ off the cost of staying here vs staying in the tower.

Other options on the monorail are the Poly and the GF, but it is unlikely that you will get a rate cheaper than the garden wing at the CR. It is worth checking though.

If you are looking for a lower priced deluxe, you might consider the AKL. It is an amazing resort for the price. Although it does only have buses to the theme parks, the extra time to the furthest park (MK) is only about 5 - 10 minutes and the bus only stops at Jambo and Kidani, so it isn't really a big deal. WL is also a lower priced deluxe, but it will have extensive construction for the foreseeable future, so I wouldn't recommend a stay there until the construction is finished.

Another good option is to consider the moderate resorts. CSR business class is a really good value, IMO. You have a beautiful resort with lots of good dining options, a great pool with a nice slide and large hot tub. CBR has a really nice tropical island theme that is very relaxing. The pool is nice themed and the preferred rooms in particular are quite convenient. the other moderate option is POR or POFQ, which are 'sister' resorts meaning you can stay at either and use the facilities of both. We prefer POR but many love the smaller size of POFQ. The boat ride to DS is very nice from both of these.
I would look at the threads for these resorts and choose whichever theme appealed to me the most. They are all great. With kids aged 8 and 10, you will not have any issues staying in a moderate IMO.

Good luck!! I will keep fingers crossed for a good rate for you in Jan at the CR! But if it doesn't happen, you may find a new favourite in one of the mods!

Enjoy!

 

[NYCANC]

Thanks so much Babsy! Really appreciate the post.
I totally forgot about the garden wing. When we went we had theme park view.
So hopefully there is a way to stay at the CR resort cheaper.
Will also look a the mods you mentioned.
Thanks!

 

[Eastern]

The Garden Wing was going for $292 per night (through a TA) when we went this past January (11-16). The tower rates were high. I think I got 15% off? (around $625 per night for 2 people for CL Bay Lake view). The year before, I waited for a discount to book and it never came. I think they had a Florida resident rate going during the marathon. I booked Poly that year.

 

[Babsy]

You are welcome!!!

The GW is a bit different than staying in the Tower TPV, but it is still very convenient! Request ground floor for the patio!

Thanks so much Babsy! Really appreciate the post.
I totally forgot about the garden wing. When we went we had theme park view.
So hopefully there is a way to stay at the CR resort cheaper.
Will also look a the mods you mentioned.
Thanks!

 

[NYCANC]

The Garden Wing was going for $292 per night (through a TA) when we went this past January (11-16). The tower rates were high. I think I got 15% off? (around $625 per night for 2 people for CL Bay Lake view). The year before, I waited for a discount to book and it never came. I think they had a Florida resident rate going during the marathon. I booked Poly that year.

Was that a special deal your TA had? Thanks!

 

[Eastern]

Was that a special deal your TA had? Thanks!

Yes, she said they rarely get deals for the tower.

 

[Sue M]

I'd wait to book untill discounts come out, then you can see availability for resorts. I would stay away from WL with all the construction going on. Book the moment they come out. They go fast, esp CR wing.
For moderates I'd look at POR. It's our fav. It's centrally located, so not a long bus ride anywhere, and a beautiful resort. We prefer the mansion section, and request either Acadial House or Magnolia Terrace and ask for a location close to foot bridge. POR has some nice extras like a boat to DTD, carriage rides (even if you don't follow it, it adds to the ambience) and evening entertainment in the lounge. Bob Jackson puts on a great show.

 

[CuseWazowski]

The garden wing will give you the convenience at a much lower rate than the tower. It's a one minute walk from the garden to the tower and a few extra minutes if you're in a more distant part of the gardens. If you can sacrifice the view, it's a great option.

 

[Noah S.]

One great option could be renting points for DVC. We stayed at the poly in a standard room 2 months ago, and after our visit, we found out we would have saved a lot by renting points for a studio. You could rent points for a studio at any of the 4 resorts in the magic kingdom area and you will probably find it a lot cheaper.

 

[Sue M]

If you decide to rent points, I'd Ho with a reputable company, and not privately. Lots of people like David's.
Studio will give you 1 queen & pullout. I've heard BLT studios are tiny.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I've heard BLT studios are tiny.

You've not heard wrong. They're good for two adults, but if you need to leave the sofa out for any period of time, it can be a bit claustrophobic. BLT is a good example of how studio villas aren't really comparable to the deluxe resort rooms in many cases -- it's a queen and a sofa bed, and a bunch of floor space is used for a kitchenette. The CR rooms have 2 beds and a fold-down third bed, and use space differently.

That said, BLT 1 and 2BRs are really nice. And for some, the proximity to MK of BLT is worth the trade on studio size.

 

[sharadoc]

The cabins at Fort Wilderness are convenient to MK via boat. It's a cool option and costs much less than CR.