Is a Deluxe resort possible with this budget?

[katie01]

Wondering if a budget of $7000 (not including airfare) would allow for a stay at a Deluxe resort on property for approximately five days, with park tickets (no park hoppers, just one park per day), for 7 people and two rooms (we can split up into 4 and 3 to a room or however that would work best)? There are three kids but all are above age 12, so it would be adult rates.

Willing to consider different dining options with this but we would probably be looking at at least getting the Table service dining plan daily.

Thoughts on if this is doable, and if so, which deluxe resorts would even be an option?

 

[alldiz]

Gonna say no.
I just priced 8/19-24th for 5 nights for 4 people (adults) 5 day park tickets.
Total was lil over $4000 before adding dining plan at wilderness lodge. Prob cheapest. I figured I would just double price for 8 people.
You might want to look into David rental. Rent Dvc points for a villa. You can cook some meals2 BR or maybe 2 studios... buy tickets undercover tourist.
Happy planning
Kerri

 

[katie01]

Gonna say no.
I just priced 8/19-24th for 5 nights for 4 people (adults) 5 day park tickets.
Total was lil over $4000 before adding dining plan at wilderness lodge. Prob cheapest. I figured I would just double price for 8 people.
You might want to look into David rental. Rent Dvc points for a villa. You can cook some meals2 BR or maybe 2 studios... buy tickets undercover tourist.
Happy planning
Kerri

Thanks Kerri! That's kind of what I figured, but it's ok, we had a perfectly lovely time last time at a Moderate, and I'm sure we'd be happy with a Value too! I'll check into the rentals, thank you. Good luck with your planning too!

 

[alldiz]

Thanks Kerri! That's kind of what I figured, but it's ok, we had a perfectly lovely time last time at a Moderate, and I'm sure we'd be happy with a Value too! I'll check into the rentals, thank you. Good luck with your planning too!

The moderates are very nice and you would probably be happy at a value also ... hey it’s Disney.... and they are putting queen size beds in!!
I am very happy we purchased Dvc in 2006. Prices are insane!!! I am point deprived now and we are staying 2 nights at all star movies this oct before 3 nights at WLV. I am excited to try all stars and I’m hoping for a refurb room. With the new beds I hope I don’t think.... why am I paying these dues LOL
Happy planning
Kerri

 

[pixiegoose]

I just did some random calculations using a DVC rental site and undercover tourist and for about $5400, you could get 5 day base tickets and 2 studios at Old Key West (I used July 20- July 25 for the dates, just to use an “average” points time of year that included a weekend, when points are slightly higher). If you added Disney’s quick service dining plan, it would be an additional $1800 or so. So, total about $7200.

So, depending on time of year and if you’re flexible with resorts, you could make it work. Just remember that booking DVC, even renting, works best when booking 11 months out, there’s generally no changes/cancellation allowed (when renting), and you don’t get daily mousekeeping. But it’s still something you should seriously consider.

 

[katie01]

I just did some random calculations using a DVC rental site and undercover tourist and for about $5400, you could get 5 day base tickets and 2 studios at Old Key West (I used July 20- July 25 for the dates, just to use an “average” points time of year that included a weekend, when points are slightly higher). If you added Disney’s quick service dining plan, it would be an additional $1800 or so. So, total about $7200.

So, depending on time of year and if you’re flexible with resorts, you could make it work. Just remember that booking DVC, even renting, works best when booking 11 months out, there’s generally no changes/cancellation allowed (when renting), and you don’t get daily mousekeeping. But it’s still something you should seriously consider.

Thanks for running the numbers, that helps give me an idea of what’s out there!

 

[DizneyMommy]

We are at $4100 for a family of 4 (plus a free 2 year old) with all kids Disney adults, in June, 5 park days, 6 nights at a Value, including the QS dining plan and with a 20% room discount. That’s without air.

 

[starry_solo]

For that many people, have you thought about going off-site and renting two cars?

 

[baler31]

A budget of $200 per person all classed as Disney adults, per day all in for tickets, dining, and lodging will be very difficult on site. The table service dining plan alone is $75 per day.

 

[katie01]

For that many people, have you thought about going off-site and renting two cars?

We would be open to off site, but I don’t know about two cars, because only one of the four adults feels comfortable driving in unfamiliar high traffic areas (two are elderly, one is just nervous lol—me)

 

[larissawbb]

Perhaps Wyndham Bonnett Creek resort? My in laws recently stayed there and really enjoyed it.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Are you restricted to certain dates? There are definitely deals to be had if you are flexible.
I wouldn’t waste money on the dining plan, but if you prefer dining and a moderate or value resort that works. I just prefer the deluxe resort and no dining plan.
I could plan your trip in your price range, but I’m flexible on dates. If you are then I’d google for good wdw discounts around Labor Day.

ETA: also watch orbitz etc as you can stack their discount codes with Disney sales.

 

[Animal]

I would recommend a moderate resort or Swan/Dolphin and no dining plan.

 

[starry_solo]

Wyndham Bonnet creek might work out too.

 

[katie01]

Are you restricted to certain dates? There are definitely deals to be had if you are flexible.
I wouldn’t waste money on the dining plan, but if you prefer dining and a moderate or value resort that works. I just prefer the deluxe resort and no dining plan.
I could plan your trip in your price range, but I’m flexible on dates. If you are then I’d google for good wdw discounts around Labor Day.

ETA: also watch orbitz etc as you can stack their discount codes with Disney sales.

Yes, we are restricted to dates during which the kids are on school holidays, which of course will put us at the most expensive times. We are thinking of next year's spring break, or summer

 

[katie01]

I would recommend a moderate resort or Swan/Dolphin and no dining plan.

Swan and Dolphin is on my list to research more. As I understand it, you can get certain perks that come with Disney resorts, but not others with the Swan and Dolphin? No Magical Express, but all the other forms of transportation? No dining plan possible? Fast Passes, but maybe not able to book as far in advance as the other Disney resorts? Is that about accurate?

 

[ClapYourHands]

PP covers the DVC angle. A few other options:

1) Split stay. Do the first few days at a value. Pop just got renovations and new queen beds. Spend those days going commando in the parks. Then switch over to a Deluxe, and slow down to enjoy the resort.

2) Look at the Swan/Dolphin. It's often called a deluxe at moderate prices. No, it's not technically Disney, but it has most of the perks (60 day fast pass, EMH), and the facilities are more in the deluxe category than the moderates (check out the pools and hot tubs!). It's also right on the lake, so walking distance to Epcot and HS, though it also shares the friendship boats with BC/YC and BW.

3) Off site semi-locally, and drive or Uber. Check out the Wyndham Bonnet Creek thread. You can rent a 2 bedroom condo with full kitchen and laundry for a fraction of the cost of a deluxe. Check out the pools and lazy rivers! It's basically on Disney land (on three sides) and an easy drive. You could probably manage the drive because it's not very extensive, but if you don't feel comfortable driving at all, it's a quick Uber/Lyft ride away. Downside is there's no FP+ or EMH. The Hilton Bonnet Creek is another good option with great amenities. They're hotel rooms rather than condos, but the plus side is there is a fairly good free shuttle service, which you could supplement with an occasional Uber/Lyft as needed.

 

[Animal]

Swan and Dolphin is on my list to research more. As I understand it, you can get certain perks that come with Disney resorts, but not others with the Swan and Dolphin? No Magical Express, but all the other forms of transportation? No dining plan possible? Fast Passes, but maybe not able to book as far in advance as the other Disney resorts? Is that about accurate?

No Magical Express. No room charging privileges. No dining plan. You CAN take advantage off all the other Disney transportation, 60 day fast passes, and everything else you can get at the Disney resorts.

I do understand the allure of the dining plan, but unless you eat 4000 calories a day or want to do character dining EVERYDAY, it just doesn't make sense.

 

[ClapYourHands]

Swan and Dolphin is on my list to research more. As I understand it, you can get certain perks that come with Disney resorts, but not others with the Swan and Dolphin? No Magical Express, but all the other forms of transportation? No dining plan possible? Fast Passes, but maybe not able to book as far in advance as the other Disney resorts? Is that about accurate?

Swolfin doesn't have: free magic bands (though you can buy/use your own at the parks); room charging at parks; Magical Express; dining plan
Swolfin does have: EMH; 60 day FP+; all Disney transportation, including friendship boats to Epcot and DHS.

ah - cross posted

 

[DetroitAvant]

I think it's possible, around labor day we've gotten deluxe under 300/night and this year our tickets were buy 3 days get 3 days. Dining might push you over, we've never done a dining plan so I don't know what that runs.