Need your opionion on longer stay at a value resort vs shorter stay nicer resort

[jaw62901]

I think I read a post a couple of months ago about this, but can't remember what was said.

Since I am planning my first WDW trip in 23 yrs for Dec 26 to Jan 3 (possible a couple of days longer ?) I was wondering what the theory is about length of stay and where you stay.

I currently have reservations for the Swan Club level for Dec 26 to Jan 3 and was thinking about extending it a couple of days to the 5th of Jan, if I did this, I would need to stay at a value resort probably AS-Sports which I would like to try anyways.

Do you normally stay at a nicer place and shorten your vacation or do you stay at a basic disney resort like a value to accomidate a longer trip?

I don't know if this makes a difference in your response, but my plan is to go to the parks early, comeback and rest and then go back to the parks for the evening.

Really the only problem, is I would have to change my airline resevation which would cost around $200 to change and the price of the new flight home.

I would really like to know your guys opionion on this.

Thanks,

 

[Snowlet24]

I would say that it depends on when you plan on going back. We like going back several times in a year so we usually stay at a moderate. We stayed at AS Music once and it was ok also.

If this is your big trip and you can afford it then stay at the higher priced resort.

 

[susy]

Jason,
Since you are going at one of the busiest times, I would stay put at the Swan. You just aren't going to have the same atmosphere at ASSp. Adding two days at this time of year won't make up for the difference between the Swan and AS. Am I making sense? You will not see EVERYTHING on this trip. I have been going to WDW MANY times since I was 8 (grew up in FL) and STILL haven't done it all-even with 7 trips last year. Enjoy each moment of your vacation and don't waste one second worrying about what you are NOT seeing. As a solo traveler, you will enjoy the atmosphere of the Epcot area.

 

[Lewisc]

If you need to save a few dollars downgrade from Club level.

You might hold off changing your airline reservations. If there is a schedule change of more than an hour or so you might be able get the reschedule you without any change fees.

 

[jaw62901]

I was just looking into this to make sure that I have the best deal possible, and it looks like I do.

I am going to leave it just like it was, unless some kind of unusual great deal comes out for this time (like FTP being extended or cheap rooms at AKL).

Thanks again,

 

[Crazy4mandms]

I just got back from 8 nights at the AS Sports....two observations that I can give...one, we are not used to big fluffy towels and five star service, so we weren't disappointed that we didn't get those things and the kids couldn't have cared less (and there was plenty of room and we did spend a few hours a day in there relaxing). On the other hand, there were ALOT of groups of kids there with class trips and sports trips Memorial Day weekend who seemed to be around with very little or no supervision....which you can guarantee causes problems...as an example, there was a group of kids in the home run pool climbing all over Goofy (where it was posted NO CLIMBING), but the worst part was that two kids were doing VERY OBSCENE things with Goofy. No lifeguard on duty and obviously no chaperones willing to confront these kids. The whole week we really enjoyed ourselves until the weekend when these groups came in and it was much less enjoyable with the bad language, etc! I'd def do AS-S again, however, I'd try for a time when there weren't as many school trips (Feb, Oct maybe?). Hope this helps.

 

[peachgirl]

I always vote for a shorter stay/ nicer resort. For me, the resort is extremely important. If I don't like where I'm staying, why would I want to stay there longer?

You've got a decent length trip planned staying at a beautiful resort. I'd stick with it if I were you. I wouldn't however expect any discounts being available for the time you're going to be there. It could happen, but I think it would be a first for any discounts to be out after 12/20 or so.

 

[pokeysmom]

You might check into room rate if you come in late on Christmas night, we flew in on Christmas and actually got into the hotel at 3am but because our reservation started on Dec 25 we got a reduced rate for our entire time at WL, it actually saved us around $100 per night and we still enjoyed almost all of Christmas day, my kids thought it was the most awesome Christmas ever. This might help you with being able to stay at AKL. Good Luck!

 

[susy]

We usually do this in the reverse!

If we stay two nights- it's the AS! Any longer and I want a little more room and amenities! I love the AS for value, but can't fathom being there a week! In that case, I would do a mod or split the week beween a value and a deluxe.