Major Problem - Room Booking w/FD

[POOHsie]

I had the same situation come up (wanted a MOD), since I had never really considered a Value before. Did some research on the boards and did the math on upgrading the QSDP and decided to book a value resort for the first time. We'll be staying in POP mid-November. We'll save money on the room from a MOD and still get to enjoy all the character meals the kids love so much for (practically) free!

This is exactly what we decided to do. We always stayed Moderate. This time, for the very first time, we are going to Pop/AsMo with upgraded DDP. I'm a little apprehensive, but others swear by the Value resorts, so here goes!

 

[aubriee]

When free dining comes out you have to book the moment it's released. Yes, it's true. WDW only puts a certain # of rooms for each promo, and when those are booked, that's it.
So book what ever you think you'll like that's left. CBR or pirate. You can keep checking to see if something else is released, and switch if there is. But book something now that you can live with.

True and some resorts are not even included in the promos. I don't do free dining, but was watching for an AP discount for my Sept 1st-8th trip. Hearing the rumers that AP discounts were going to be released on a certain day, I called the very day they were released at 0700ET, just to find that POFQ was not even being offered under the discount for my days.

The other mods were available at that time. However, I went back and checked again a couple of weeks later and the only mod I could get an AP discount for was at CBR (the ones that were available just a couple of weeks before at CSR and PORS were gone).

 

[adventure_woman]

your not alone.....we decided to go 3 days after it was released. our dates are not flexable, and the mods were gone except the pirates room. so we opted for pop century (we have stayed value many times) upgraded to DDP
for couple of bucks and it is still like 300 cheaper than pirate room. you asked for comparison with ASMU. well the biggest thing i have to say is pop has its own busses, ASMU shares with sports and movies. i read that AOA isnt even sharing busses with pop yet. for a 5 day 4 night with your daughter i would say a value (pop century) would be a good decision. upgrade to DDP is like
100 or so.

I have to correct this ... The All stars do not always share busses. Usually only during the slower times. ASMusic is my favorite resort (well value).

 

[jenrose66]

Although Fall FREE DINING came out only about 3 weeks ago, I am having major trouble booking a MOD resort. The only selection left under the FD offer is Pirate Room (Water View) at CBR and FTW Cabins.

I called Disney travel yesterday and they told me the same. I would love to upgrade to AKL which is still available, but just can't see spending the extra $700 plus for Deluxe. They do have all the VALUE available, but then I have to upgrade the dining plan from QS to regular DP. I asked the cast member is they open up rooms at a later date, but she said they only a lot so many rooms for FD offer and once sold they are gone.

Is this true? Should I check back or book CBR or just to do the upgrade at a value. It's just a 4n/5d trip and it's just me and my daughter. My concern with CBR is the pirate rooms are far from main OPR food and main lobby.

Just don't know what to do. Any help or suggestions are welcome.

Have you considered just doing the value and keeping QSDP? I actually like the flexibility of not being tied to reservations and there are a lot of choices so it's not like you will be stuck with burgers all trip.

If not I guess I'd take the mod. It would irk me to pay the upgrade at a value when, at that point I could have been at a mod for just a little more. Good Luck, you will have fun with whatever you choose

 

[bcarson]

wow, I just called and got POFQ yesterday. I actually have a November package I have to cancel. Since they extended the free dining. I had wanted to go later anway.

 

[Amy&Dan]

If you are really set on doing the DDP, I would do the pirate room. We love CBR and while the pirate rooms are the furthest out, I find the walking distances can be a bit exaggerated. You only need to go to the Custom House to check in and check out. Guest services at OPR can do everything else you need.

As for a value, we have stayed in all of them and have always had very positive experiences. I will say we much prefer the mods and will do whatever we can to stay in one vs. a value. But not because the values are bad. Our kids are just older now and with four "adults" in the room, its nice to have a bit more space.

I would book CBR ASAP, then keep checking to see if you can snag a standard or preferred room. People cancel all the time.

Now if the QSDP is good for you, go with the value. We love Music and Pop. It would save you money on the resort and the gratuities. But I would never stay at a value and then pay the upgrade for the DDP since that makes the savings dwindle to the point its simply not worth it to me.

Good luck!