O-oh! I'm having second thoughts. What should I do? Deluxs vs value

[tinkerbellmagic]

Hi Fantasia, I voted for POP/POFQ. I am a big fan of Poly, but having stayed there four times, I have decided after our visit there last year, that's a heck of a lot of money per night. The convenience of the mono-rail can't be beat and the grounds are spacious and beautiful, but you pay dearly for it. Plus, I think the time spent packing and unpacking for three resort stays with kids could be time better spent doing something fun. Last year we did POP/POLY/Wonder Cruise and I swore I will try never to stay in more than two locations again. Having been a Poly snob since 1999, I will book my next trip at Pop or POPQ or PORS. Good luck and have a safe, happy, trip!

Tink

 

[FINFAN]

Hey Telly...I know how much you like RPR, we love it too, so I am guessing that is some of the draw for the Poly.( I think RPR is even nicer, but it is newer) We stayed at WL this Dec, and to be honest, It was not as convenient as I had hoped to just hop over to MK. I am spoiled by CR tho, but DD loved it. I would prob hold out and stay at the WL on a seperate trip, mostly because there is a lot to do at the resort and with only a few days planned there you will just start to relax and enjoy it and then need to leave! I would also do 2 resorts, crowds being one of the main reasons...checking in/out will be a factor and even tho you can have your bags sent out, that is another $$ involved, tipping, and just the time spent packing up for the switches. I would do the value that the kids like...mine ALWAYS ask to go back to a value...in a kids eyes, heck, mine too, it is really set up great for them, and then do 4 nights at the Poly. I like to have time to enjoy a resort, and for me, that means at least 4 nights since we arein the parks so often. With the summer crowds catching the boat to MK will be crowded, and even if you walk to CR and catch the boat from there, it still takes 45 minutes or so, unless you time it just right with some luck. If you are planning on the mid-day break to factor in, stick w/the Poly. You can even make the breakfast at O'Hana's the character meal and have the ultra convenience of just wlaking from your room. When we stayed at CR and did Chef Mickeys, that was SO nice...can you tell I like things to be convenient? I generally use a $400 rule of thumb on a trip (thinking $100 per person) If we can do what we'd really like for $400 or less for the trip, we go for it. If it runs more than that, it's not worth it, starts cutting nto next time's budget. Quirky, I know, but it works for us. Let us know what you decide, and yes, check into the AP...it may make all the difference in 4 or more nights at the Poly.


Pam

 

[Nik's Mom]

HI Fantasia. How about Pop/Poly. We stayed at Poly in August 2003 and it was great to just hop on the monorail to go back to our hotel after spending time in crowded MK! Plus, the pool is great. I've never stayed at Pop, but it seems fun from what I've read.
I have to admit, I always struggle with the hotel decision. It's so hard to pick when there are so many great resorts.

 

[Alicnwondrln]

no discounts available??
wow summer prices are crazy
i got WL last year for 137 CY view including taxes not summer it was SEPT
wow!!
i guess you need to do what fits in your budget and what your family wants to do the most

 

[jugglinfish]

POP then POFQ - save the money for the nex trip. Kids always love the Values, they are a lot of fun. And you might have more fun if you're not worrying about the cost of the rooms. I know that is something I always fret over. Moving 3 times does seem like a lot.

 

[RachelTori]

Fantasia, I also voted for POP-POFQ. You and the kids can spend some time at Poly -- go to the character breakfast @ Ohanas, spend some time in the lobby, walk the grounds -- but have your rooms @ POP & POFQ and save lots of $$$

My only advice about POP is request either 50's or 70's (60's is the Preferred - that's fine too!) and also request a higher floor. We've stayed on 3rd & 4th floors and noise was never a problem.

We love POFQ for its compact size -- so easy to get around and the grounds are very pretty.

Have a wonderful vacation, whatever you decide!!!

 

[SpoonfulofSugar]

Hi Fantasia,
I didn't vote for any, I think moving 3 times on vacation is too much work. You don't want to be checking in and out of hotels that much even if they do move your luggage for you. I think you should do POP then POLY, you can't beat the theme at Pop and Poly can't be beat IMO.
But whatever you decide it's Disney and you can't go wrong!!!

 

[*Fantasia*]

Wow! Thanks so much for responding! I have enjoyed reading every each post. Thanks for sharing your tips and suggestions. It is helping me...but still trying to make up my mind.

Yes... as long as there's Mickey..I'll always come back. So this is not my last trip.. though my next trip after June would probably be next year during Easter.

I guess that's the reason why we can take 2X or 3X trips in a year. I usually can get that general discount code...but those were the days.. and we usually stay at the moderate and value resorts. So we usually do a budget trip. And with this trip... I kind of want to splurge... but yes, worried about spending too much here and there...on foods and whatever little things. I have enough souviniers, so I don't think we will be spending much. I usually get my kids one or two toys and each a garment. And I usually buy couple of magnets and buy the refillable mugs to use and for souviniers. And my other kind of souvinier are the pictures we take in Disney.

I think my problem is that I fall in love with the resorts and I can't seem to keep away from it. Like if I do the Poly/WL/POFQ, I know I will miss my POP. And if I don't stay at the WL, I know I am going to miss WL. And if not POFQ, then I will miss POFQ. But at the same time, I would also like to try a new resort. So... I had this crazy crazy thought that maybe if I do Poly/POP/WL/POFQ... then maybe I will be satisfied. But that is impossible. That would be too much for a short period of time (8 nights). Ha ha ha.. 2 nights here... two nights there... two nights here... and two nights there. Yeah...right!

I think my other problem is that yes, I can do the Poly/WL/POFQ... but it may probably not be too fun when I am thinking of where to cut and stay within the budget. And I am always going to think if buying a turkey leg at Epcot or eating at Sci-Fi at MGM is going over the budget. I think I am starting to see thing better, a little bit more clearer and what I need to do. And by looking at the poll... with the majority vote... I think you guys are right that I should just do the POP and POFQ. I know I don't have to worry about money too much.

Next year is Easter and my birthday falls around Easter... so hopefully if I can get a discount code for next year, I would love to treat myself to Poly and WL! The only thing is that Poly won't be done with refurbishment. I won't get to stay at their brand new room. They won't be done next year in Summer.

Thank you..thank you..thank you!!! You guys are GREAT!!

Telly

 

[clutter]

"I guess that's the reason why we can take 2X or 3X trips in a year. I usually can get that general discount code...but those were the days"

So why in the world do you not have APs? You're there 8 days this trip. Planning to go back spring break. The cost of the APs would be easily covered if you do POP/POFQ, which it sounds like your kids would like.

We're like you, we're down there 2 or 3x a year. But with the AP, we don't pay for tickets for most of our trips, and the discounts are still coming!

We're heading to POFQ and BC on Friday!! I must say, BC with a discount, is the most I've ever paid for a room in my entire life!!!

Good luck deciding, have fun.

 

[maxsmom]

~Fantasia~
This sounds so much like me and trying to decide. We always love everywhere we've stayed. And I do miss those codes so much. We fell in love w/ the YC and the awsome pool, but will not pay that price. We had a water view room that over looked the rose garden gazeboo and the boardwalk across the lake for less than $200 a night. In fact I think it was like $169. We also love WL. It truely takes you away to another place while you are there and it is beautiful. We've had some bad luck w/ transportation though. We've also longed to stay at the Poly, but aren't about to fork over that amount of cash. We'd like to stay at all the resorts eventually (although we do keep going back to the WL) and figure a deal will come along some day for each. I've done a split stay when it was just DH and I and it wasn't hard. The tough part was going from the WL to CSR. At the time I was only somewhat happy when we 1st arrived b/c I was expecting the things the WL had. Once I got adjusted I realized how beautiful CSR in its own right and really began to enjoy the resort. However I would not go backwards w/ value only up unless there was no other option. I don't think I'd switch more than 2 though.

This trip we were torn b/w the Swan at $149 a night and the POP for $84 a night. We had the $, that wasn't a problem. We just kept looking at the $600 price difference and the ammenties that we would actually use. We decided it just wasn't worth it. The main thing that we'd miss would be the fridge and we could still get one if we really wanted it. We might not miss it since we're flying and won't have a car anyways. No grocery stop or bringing stuff with us. We love the boadwalk location, but just thought our 15mth ds would love the big icons at POP better. Some people may think that's nuts, but he gets a kick at a lot of things even if he won't remember them. Well I've rambled on long anough. I don't know if I was of any help either. I know you've really wanted to stay at the Poly. So maybe do a few nights there and spend the rest at the POFQ. Or it sounds like you'd be just as happy at only POFQ or ther and the POP. Good luck and let us know what you finally decide.

 

[*Fantasia*]

So why in the world do you not have APs? You're there 8 days this trip. Planning to go back spring break. The cost of the APs would be easily covered if you do POP/POFQ, which it sounds like your kids

I know huh! Why in the world do I not have AP! I have no idea. I should.. I know I should. It is kind of stupid of me not to have one. I do sometimes get mad of myself coz I know I could already been saving some $$!! You are so right! I may consider buying an AP for me and probably the kids too. And I do understand that there is no guarantee that there would be an AP discount at any given time. AP is for the parks...just that. And other discount that may come along... that would be just a bonus!

 

[vanyel]

I know it's a bit late to add to the discussion but I have to say I agree with those that think 3 resorts are to many for your length of stay. I didn't vote because I would have leaned toward Pop/Poly based on remembering you mention something about wanting to stay at the POLY. I loved it there!

Going with what you have - I'd choose Pop/POFQ. I went from POP/AKL to CSR because DH doesn't want to move and he liked the looks of CSR over the other mods.

WHatever you choose, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

 

[Cindy B]

Pop POFQ.

My kids don't care about hotels, they are just thrilled to be at Disney World. WL is nice, but for me personally, not worth the money. I was lucky to go once, and honestly, once was enough.

Poly doesn't do a thing for me. It reminds me of the cheesy Hawaii Brady bunch episode. No one in our family likes the Poly, so thats an easy decision for us.

 

[rantnnravin]

You know, it probably wouldn't hurt to call and see if an AP rate is available for the resorts you're looking at. You wouldn't need the AP to book, just at check-in and even if you already bought tix, you could use them toward the upgrade purchase price.--you're going back next Easter, right??? What better way to start off with a low budget for the trip???
I was/am a value resort gal. (why spend all that money on a beautiful room when you'll have your eyes closed most of the time that you're in it?) Love POP (so close to Epcot/MGM) and ASMo. Of course, once we went on the SSR tour (and subsequently bought DVC), staying at POP lost its luster for us-- so I can understand your wanting to stay in a deluxe once in a while for the convenience and such. What's the worst that can happen, they say "sorry, all booked up" and you lose nothing? aahh, but the gain....

 

[Joy]

Sweetie, You are making yourself sick over this. (& I should know because I do the same thing.) I can't enjoy myself it I spend too much money on something. Even though we could probably afford to stay at the Poly or GF, I would rather save the money for other things at home or nice meals, etc on our trip.

Here is my opinion: you are planning on spending about $2000 on the 8 nights and you will have to move twice! Why not stay at the moderate for 5 nights and the Poly for 3 nights. It would only cost about $1800 and you will get one more night at the Poly - which is your dream resort & you will only have to move once. Your son doesn't care about the WL so do it another time like at Christmas when all the decorations are up.

Staying at POR would be nicer than the POP - IMHO. Whatever you pick, you will be staying a WDW which is more than lots of folks can afford.

Good Luck!

 

[judydvc]

Sweetie, You are making yourself sick over this. (& I should know because I do the same thing.) I can't enjoy myself it I spend too much money on something. Even though we could probably afford to stay at the Poly or GF, I would rather save the money for other things at home or nice meals, etc on our trip.

Here is my opinion: you are planning on spending about $2000 on the 8 nights and you will have to move twice! Why not stay at the moderate for 5 nights and the Poly for 3 nights.

Whatever you pick, you will be staying a WDW which is more than lots of folks can afford.

Good Luck!

I agree. While it's fun to plan sometimes it can be too much. I also would not want to move more then one time in a short stay. I love the Poly but I stayed there in the 1980's when it was much cheaper. I have never stayed at AS or POP but if your kids like them stay there for part of the trip. I also love POFQ because it's the smallest of the moderates and everything is so close.

I really enjoy trying different resorts when I visit WDW. I love the moderates but as a DVC member I mostly stay in DVC resorts.

Sounds like your family will love which ever resorts you pick.

 

[goofyfordisney]

We've only been to WDW once (I'm planning another trip for next year) and I had such a hard time deciding on which resort would be best for us. My kids were 8 & 13 last time when we went 3 years ago at Thanksgiving time and we spent 10 days in Orlando. We had a blast but we spent too much time moving around between resorts. We stayed in 5 different hotels!!!

Sorry to bore you with our story...but, it might help pursuade you to think hard about choosing too many resorts...

We flew in late from California and we didn't want to waste money on the Hard Rock Hotel for the first night--so we stayed at the The Castle Hotel (thru Hotwire) it was cheap...this was our FIRST mistake...we should have just paid the extra money at HRH. We loved the HRH!! The next 2 nites we stayed at HRH and did Universal/IOA and the City walk. We loved the comfy beds and great pool.

Then we moved over to AKL for 2 nights...great resort...but guess what...we didn't even get to enjoy our resort because we were at the parks all day & night!!! The last night staying there, my youngest son and I went out on Arusha rock and looked at all the animals. We didn't even use the pool! We did enjoy the balcony overlooking the savannah during our stay. We loved it there and in hindsight, we should have just stayed there for the remainder of our trip!

Then we were off to the Beach Club for 3 nights. Once again, we didn't really enjoy the resort like we should have. We did enjoy being able to walk to Epcot and enjoyed the Boardwalk area. The SAB was so crowded mid-day that we only used the quiet pool. This was the least favorite of the resorts we stayed at.

Our last night we decided to stay at the Hyatt at MCO because we had an early morning flight home to California. We used our Hyatt points so, this was a freeby, but once again...we should have just paid the money and enjoyed our last night in WDW! We were at the parks late and drove to our hotel. My youngest son fell asleep in the car...we put him on a luggage cart and rolled him up to our room. He doesn't even remember staying there!!!

I guess what I'm trying to say is...pick one, maybe two places and be happy with it!! We never thought we'd be able to go back to WDW so I wanted to do it ALL!! Now, looks like we're going back and we will get to try ONE new resort!

When I ask my family what was the best vacation we've ever been on, they all agree that it was WDW/Universal/IOA...EXCEPT for switching to so many hotels!!!

Next time, I'm going to get the family more involved picking the resort and we will have a vote. We will pick one WDW resort and one Universal/IOA resort!

The bottom line is...no matter where you stay, you will have a great time with your family. If money is an issue, keep your lodging costs down by staying a moderate. Try to pick ONE resort (maybe two if you are really torn!) You can always visit the other resorts and decide which one you would like to stay at on your next visit.

I think that the whole code/pricing issue with WDW/DL hotels is a BIG challenge. In general, their deluxe hotels are very overpriced compared to other resorts. We paid $150 less for an ocean-front room in Maui at the Westin than we might pay for a lagoon-view room at the Poly! That's crazy!

Fortunately, I enjoy planning our vacations and consider it a challenge to get a great deal on our accommodations. It's part of the fun for me!
We only paid $99.00/nite for HRH, $154.00/nite for AKL and $169.00/nite for WV at BC when we went 3 years ago...looks like that will be hard to come by for our next trip.


Good luck deciding...and have a great time with your kids!

P.S. I voted for POP/POFQ

Sue

 

[dgaston]

I also think you should invest in APs. You go often enough to make use of the ticket itself, and I hope there would be some hotel discounts too.

 

[Purrrrfecta]

Current:
Poly GV $355 X 2 = 710
WL CY$310 X 3 = 903
POFQ $150 X 3 = 447 (booked thru Travelocity)
Total of 8 night stay.
I am booked at Poly for $355 a night for 2 nights. I thought if I just do POP, it would be $245 less per night! I also have WL booked for 3 nights for $310 a night, and this would be $190 less per night.

OMG Telly, you are totally bugging out!!!!!!!
Call Disney and see if you can change your ressies to APH. On Mousesavers the APH rates are as follows:
(Totals include tax)
Polynesian - $254 garden view 563.88
POFQ - $109 standard 366.47
Wilderness Lodge - $139 standard 462.87

This comes to $1393.22

Even if you get one APH you still come out ahead. Go on, Telly Give the CRO a call and see what you can come up with.

 

[epcotfan]

I also think you should invest in APs. You go often enough to make use of the ticket itself, and I hope there would be some hotel discounts too.

I agree. We will have spent 26 days at WDW in the past year. With the AP room discounts we've received the tickets have paid for themselves plus an extra $800 plus in discounts. So it was like getting into the parks for free plus saving another 800 dollars.
(Numbers rounded)
1 Rooms CSR Aug saved $50 a night savings X 8 nights= $400.00
1 BCV Studio $90 a night savings X 8 nights=$720.00
1 Room CSR summer $50 a night savings X 10 nights savings= $500.00

Total savings off rack rates $1620.00 - cost of 2 Aps (806.00) = $814.00