Oh the joys of stressing over a resort...

[Jacklynn]

We are staying in Disney May 7-14th, 2008. Originally we were going to stay POFQ with DDP, then WL with DxDDP well I just was playing around comparing resort prices on disney's website and saw how much cheaper we could stay if we stayed at a Value. I have only had a real vacation there one time, and we stayed at a Mod (CBR). We had fully decided on WL. If we were to change to say All Star music or something would we end up being disappointed that we didn't just stick with the WL?

We will be on there on our 1 year wedding anniversary/college graduation trip/possibly starting to try to start a family/making up for a honeymoon mishap.

We have ressies at some places to eat such as CG, WCC and Grand Floridian Cafe (though we may cancel that one). Is it too much of a pain to go from resort to resort from the values?

Is it worth it to go from $2,400 for DxDDP at a value to $3,800 for DxDDP at WL? Especially if we have ressies at other resorts? (But all of the ressies are at times in which we would leave straight from the park and go back to the park anyways, except for our CG ressie on our anniversary at 8:00).

So pretty much I am asking is it silly to pay $1400 more for a resort, even if it is more convienent and more 'romantic'?

 

[plutospup]

We will be on there on our 1 year wedding anniversary/college graduation trip/possibly starting to try to start a family/making up for a honeymoon mishap.

Honeymoon mishap? Stick with the WL.

 

[conmama]

It always comes down to the money, doesn't it? For an extra $1,400 is there anything special you would like to purchase at home that you don't have? That money would buy a really nice new flatscreen TV. If money is not an issue (well, it's always an issue, but not a HUGE issue), then go for the deluxe since it is a special vacation...not just a normal one.

The first time we went to Disney, our kids were 11 and 8. We had waited years for them to get to that age for our big trip. We decided to go all out and stay at the AKL. We loved it and the deluxes are very, very special with all the extra touches you don't get from the Mods on down.

Our second visit was not the "first time", not AS special in a sense, so we decided to save some money and go with a Mod (POFQ). We're very happy saving the money, but I do miss the AKL pool.

 

[brergnat]

Absolutely do NOT switch from the WL to the All Stars....you will be so disappointed. It seems like you have a LOT to celebrate, and the WL is perfect for couples. I stayed there on my honeymoon and it was just perfect. I have stayed at the All Stars and Pop too, a few times, but those are NOT the places I would stay for such an important trip. In fact, I will never stay at those again, after last time. I am done with the values. The money saved is one thing, but if your whole trip is full of hassles, then really, it's not worth it.

What I would suggest is ditch the DELUXE dining plan. In fact, ditch the dining plan altogether. You will save a lot of $$ by just sticking to eating breakfast in your room (you can bring a box of cereal and keep some milk in the fridge and eat all week for like $10) and doing counter service meals for lunch. Go out to a couple really nice dinners, share your meals so you get to try a lot of stuff but not waste food and feel full the whole trip. Honestly, the dining plan takes up a LOT of time (getting to/from restaurants, mostly). Last time I went, we did the dining plan for 5 days and by the end we realized how much time we lost by having to travel to/from the different locations where we were going to eat. It was pain, and really took away a lot of spontaneity. I would recommend that if you DO the dining plan, rent a car, but that just adds another expense.

If I were you (and I'm not, but if I were in that situation), I would stay at the WL, room only (no dining plan). I would try to score some sort of discount on the room (AAA, AP, general code) and hope for the best. I would make a couple ADR's, but definitely NOT one for each day. Make your meals special, and wing the rest. You will have a great time and probably save some money by not eating at a sit down every day.

Oh, and did I mention...STICK WITH THE WILDERNESS LODGE!!!

 

[Tink415]

MHO If you'll be spending most of your time at the parks no it is not worth it.
Rent a car or use a cab for your dinner ressies and save the $1000 plus extra for something else.

 

[Jacklynn]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts... I just think I am thinking wayyyy too much about which resort we are going to stay at, especially since we are booking REALLY soon. We don't have any children and we are pretty outgoing in our early twenties so we will only be at the resort to sleep and unwind a little before bed, but I do want the ease of staying at the WL. So I do appreciate your honest thoughts!

 

[Coconuts]

If the WL will make you happier and put your mind at ease, then it is worth the extra money. If you are staying there and don't have a car, then I would do the DxDDP because WL really doesn't have many counter service options like the values or mods If you rent a car then you can buy small amounts of food for breakfast in the room or snacks and forego the DxDDP. Hope this helps.

 

[PKWallaby]

My vote would be to consider a moderate...what about POR or POFQ? That way you could still "save money"(who really saves money when you will just find another place to spend it? ) and still have a wonderful vacation without feeling you "sacrificed" alot downgrading from WL. We have only stayed at POR, never POFQ, but even with 2 kids, it felt "romantic" to me...from taking a carriage ride, riding the tandem bikes to snuggling together on the boatride to DTD, there are a lot of things to do together as a couple that would make the time extra special.

Also:we always have had good luck at Boatwright's and found plenty of choices in the foodcourt at either resort...and having access to the pools at either resort was also a plus.

Regardless of your decision, have a super time planning and enjoying the fruits of all your hard work when you finally get there!!!

 

[libinatorsmom]

Go with Wilderness Lodge I have heard GREAT things about it!!!!

 

[of the seas]

I say stay at the WL.

You said it is like a honeymoon, and you will be starting a family soon, I would stay at the WL. You probably will be back after you have kids and it might be more economical to stay at a value after you have kids and stuff.

 

[jenjersnap]

I'd book a king-bedded room at a mod and rent a car. IMO, the deluxe plan would be a pain from any of those locations without your own transportation - if you want to try some of the great resort restaurants - unless you like spending lots of time on a bus.

I love WL - I will be there next week - but transportation always turns out to be an issue for us.

 

[DISNUT21]

I would def. go with the Wilderness Lodge. I haven't stayed in the actual lodge but I have stayed in the Villas. It is a wonderful resort, it is somewhat secluded therefore making it all the more romantic. Going from the WL to Pop Century you'll only become dissapointed with what you expected out of your vacation. Have a great trip! Just remember your in Disney whatever you choose you'll still have a great time!

 

[gigi1313]

how 'bout a split stay?! maybe do half at pop w/the regular dining plan and half at WL w/the DxDDP?

 

[JohnnyB2]

Have you looked at the Swan or Dolphin?

 

[drewswife]

We love the WL. If you truely feel you will not be spending much time at the hotel - then it is probably not worth the extra money. As beautiful as it is it is not worth $1400 more just to sleep. If you are going to spend parts of your day at the pool or the evenings having a drink or relaxing in the lobby then the WL is great.

 

[maciemouse]

I think you need to stay at the Wilderness Lodge and just get the regular DDP. The regular DDP is still so much food, I couldn't imagine the deluxe. I do think the dining plan is worth your money and the regular dining plan gives you plenty. I have stayed at all three resorts. If it was a quick trip I would go with POP. But if you are looking for something more romantic I would stick with the wilderness lodge. It has a beach, a super nice pool, a hot tub, and not to mention it is beautiful. I would describe the values more "fun" and "kid friendly." I feel the Wilderness Lodge would be more quiet than a value. Don't get me wrong, there will be kids everywhere at both places. But it never seems as loud when I stay at a deluxe. Relax! Have fun! And watch Stacey!

 

[Nicole721]

Have you looked at the Swan or Dolphin?

But if the OP is set on DDP, it isn't available at the Swan or Dolphin.

Or, at least it wasn't when we wanted to stay there last year (we ended up at the GF because of this very reason).

 

[ADisneyQueen]

I think I would do what someone suggested and stay at a moderate and do the regular dining plan.