Our little thread of BIG changes, the neverending saga of the Resort Changers

[bhyer]

How exciting a first WDW trip to the RC thread. I really like World Showcase but Epcot's other half is attraction and rides..you can easily fill 2 park days! Honestly, any resort would be awesome but an Epcot resorts will afford your location close to DHS and Epcot! As for a split with Universal, yes yes yes. If you have any questions I have stayed at all three. You will have NO lines with the Express pass and you can pool hop to all three hotels. Although it may be chilly. Plus you can walk or boat to the parks and Citywalk which has great restaurants and clubs! Happy planning!!

I agree some threads can be, well ummm an experience. I LOVE my RC family!!!

I know we won't be using the pools at the Universal hotels so that's not a big deal for us. I was thinking maybe the Hard Rock just because it's the closest but what were your thoughts on these three hotels? What did you think of Hard Rock? Cleanliness and comfy bed is what I want!!

 

[Rach3047]

In the process of planning my families first every WDW trip...so so so excited!

Initially booked @ AOA LM rooms. Then the discount came out so we switched to POR...until I decided to stay at our ultimate dream resort of Wilderness Lodge! Hopefully my travel agent isn't annoyed!

Not going until August, lets see how many times I change our ADRs

 

[Sparkly]

I really want to stay at AOA Cars Suites (we agreed that we liked it better then Nemo's too-muted colour scheme or Lion King's too bright one) but it's still over £200 a night. Mum really wants CBR. Hmm. Come on UK free dining so we can start really planning!

 

[pas130]

I know we won't be using the pools at the Universal hotels so that's not a big deal for us. I was thinking maybe the Hard Rock just because it's the closest but what were your thoughts on these three hotels? What did you think of Hard Rock? Cleanliness and comfy bed is what I want!!

All three had comfy beds, and while hard rock is the closest to walk to...there are boats from all three hotels. Pricewise Royal Pacific is the cheapest! All three have really nice theming and great customer service

 

[pas130]

In the process of planning my families first every WDW trip...so so so excited!

Initially booked @ AOA LM rooms. Then the discount came out so we switched to POR...until I decided to stay at our ultimate dream resort of Wilderness Lodge! Hopefully my travel agent isn't annoyed!

Not going until August, lets see how many times I change our ADRs

The wl summer rate is really good!! And , don't worry I'm sure your travel agent understands..its your first trip!! Awesome

 

[bhyer]

All three had comfy beds, and while hard rock is the closest to walk to...there are boats from all three hotels. Pricewise Royal Pacific is the cheapest! All three have really nice theming and great customer service

If all three are good then maybe I should just take the cheapest one! More money for a deluxe Disney resort. I wonder why the reviews on trip advisor are so vastly different on these three hotels. Do you generally go by those reviews?

 

[pas130]

I really want to stay at AOA Cars Suites (we agreed that we liked it better then Nemo's too-muted colour scheme or Lion King's too bright one) but it's still over £200 a night. Mum really wants CBR. Hmm. Come on UK free dining so we can start really planning!

CBR will be all done with the refurb....it's a tough one...did you finish your TRI always fall behind on those

If all three are good then maybe I should just take the cheapest one! More money for a deluxe Disney resort. I wonder why the reviews on trip advisor are so vastly different on these three hotels. Do you generally go by those reviews?

I do go by the reviews if I am not familiar with the area. When it comes to Universal and WDW I go by these boards a lot. Sign up for Universal emails and you may get a PIN. Either way ANY of the Universal hotels tend to be cheaper then the WDW deluxes. We've never spent more than $250/nt for standard rooms. So if it's a matter of price, go cheap! The beds at Royal Pacific are comfy and the resort "feels tropical", it's very relaxing....plus you can easily do both parks in 2 days at a relaxing pace!!

BOO! With the tier system at EP and our families ambivalence about TSM, It really ties our options!

Yeah, I think it stinks, but smart because it pushes people to do multi-day!!!

That's what I'm thinking!!


Thank you!! I sure hope I can!



That will be so fun!!

Dancing for both of us

 

[Koh1977]

So I've been getting info. on becoming a Disney travel agent...was hoping to get some feedback on a couple agencies, but not sure I'm supposed to mention them or not??

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

Hello I'm Sam

I'm so happy to have found this thread! We are booked for Beach Club in October for F&W. I'm actually taking my dad for his birthday. I want it to be super perfect bc my parents always took me to WDW on awesome trips, so I keep going back & forth. (But, in fairness, I do this EVERY trip.)

It's as if the hotel is your most important decision in life ever!

Anyway, I was tinkering with the idea of doing CL at Yacht (since BC club rooms will be under renovation), but am more now thinking I'll switch us to the GF. Buuuut since we're at F&W, BC makes so much more sense. Plus, staying put at BC saves $$$.

I've never stayed at BC, and I do love GF & that is my dad's fave - which makes this a harder decision.

So, now you understand why I was so happy to find somewhere I belong!

 

[pas130]

Hello I'm Sam

I'm so happy to have found this thread! We are booked for Beach Club in October for F&W. I'm actually taking my dad for his birthday. I want it to be super perfect bc my parents always took me to WDW on awesome trips, so I keep going back & forth. (But, in fairness, I do this EVERY trip.)

It's as if the hotel is your most important decision in life ever!

Anyway, I was tinkering with the idea of doing CL at Yacht (since BC club rooms will be under renovation), but am more now thinking I'll switch us to the GF. Buuuut since we're at F&W, BC makes so much more sense. Plus, staying put at BC saves $$$.

I've never stayed at BC, and I do love GF & that is my dad's fave - which makes this a harder decision.

So, now you understand why I was so happy to find somewhere I belong!

Hi Sam

I'm Jeanette, I've obsessed over resorts for as long as I can remember. My thoughts...F&W YC!!! Save CL, you will be doing lots of snacking and save the $$ for Park Hoppers or snacks!! YC will also pretty much guarantee a balcony AND away from the renovations. GF is awesome, but for an Epcot heavy trip...an Epcot resort makes sense. Happy planning!!

 

[LisaTC]

?? If we've always stayed at POR, would we like AOA? Just thought DD would like it more. ALso interested in BC, but see that is is being refurbished in Oct? Thank you!

 

[pas130]

Now that our DL trip is totally planned and booked, I can hopefully get more time to keep up here. We ended up booking at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel. Our plans are
5/16 - Pick the boys up early from school and get from the DFW area to Albuquerque, NM
5/17 - Check out the Meteor Crater site in AZ and the Grand Canyon before checking into a cabin at the KOA closest to the Grand Canyon. Cook hot dogs and S'mores over a camp fire for dinner.
5/18 - Detour through Phoenix, to see where DH lived and went to school there, on the way to Anaheim.
5/19 - DCA day
5/20 - DL day
5/21 - LA/Hollywood/Beach Tour
5/22 - Check out of the Marriott then, stop at the La Brea tar pits on the way to San Francisco. Check into a hotel near the fisherman's wharf. Eat at Bubba Gump's on Pier 39 and the 7D-Experience
5/23 - Drive to the Redwood forst, and then check into a hotel in Redding, CA (where DH lived once)
5/24 - Drive to Salt Lake and check into a hotel
5/25 - Drive to Estes Park, CO and take picture of the boys at my favorite picnic spot. Then check into a hotel at Colorado Springs
5/26 - Drive home

Then there have been some changes on my girls only trip. We thought about renting DVC points and have bounce around nearly every MK and Epcot DVC location. We finally narrowed it down to BLT or BWV, both of which are booked up through a company we found that rented points for $12 a point.
I solemnly swear this change is our last change...there will be no other resort changes (except for me calling tomorrow and changing it to a normal bathroom from a roll-in shower bathroom). We have landed at the WL Courtyard view, with the same dates of Sept 20-24.

LOVE ALL the plans and the latest RC

 

[pas130]

?? If we've always stayed at POR, would we like AOA? Just thought DD would like it more. ALso interested in BC, but see that is is being refurbished in Oct? Thank you!

I actually prefer the values to the moderates, I enjoy the theming..in my opinion AoA is AMAZING!!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Now that our DL trip is totally planned and booked, I can hopefully get more time to keep up here. We ended up booking at the Anaheim Marriott Hotel. Our plans are
5/16 - Pick the boys up early from school and get from the DFW area to Albuquerque, NM
5/17 - Check out the Meteor Crater site in AZ and the Grand Canyon before checking into a cabin at the KOA closest to the Grand Canyon. Cook hot dogs and S'mores over a camp fire for dinner.
5/18 - Detour through Phoenix, to see where DH lived and went to school there, on the way to Anaheim.
5/19 - DCA day
5/20 - DL day
5/21 - LA/Hollywood/Beach Tour
5/22 - Check out of the Marriott then, stop at the La Brea tar pits on the way to San Francisco. Check into a hotel near the fisherman's wharf. Eat at Bubba Gump's on Pier 39 and the 7D-Experience
5/23 - Drive to the Redwood forst, and then check into a hotel in Redding, CA (where DH lived once)
5/24 - Drive to Salt Lake and check into a hotel
5/25 - Drive to Estes Park, CO and take picture of the boys at my favorite picnic spot. Then check into a hotel at Colorado Springs
5/26 - Drive home

Then there have been some changes on my girls only trip. We thought about renting DVC points and have bounce around nearly every MK and Epcot DVC location. We finally narrowed it down to BLT or BWV, both of which are booked up through a company we found that rented points for $12 a point.
I solemnly swear this change is our last change...there will be no other resort changes (except for me calling tomorrow and changing it to a normal bathroom from a roll-in shower bathroom). We have landed at the WL Courtyard view, with the same dates of Sept 20-24.

Wow! That is a jam packed schedule!

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

?? If we've always stayed at POR, would we like AOA? Just thought DD would like it more. ALso interested in BC, but see that is is being refurbished in Oct? Thank you!

You'll be fine for sure! We stayed at AoA last year in the Little Mermaid rooms & POR the year before and I didn't feel like there was a huge difference. Though the walk from the Mermaid rooms to the bus stop & restaurant was a bigger haul than I expected.

Only CL of BC is under construction - the rest of the hotel is OK. They say it should not interrupt the guests.

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

Hi Sam

I'm Jeanette, I've obsessed over resorts for as long as I can remember. My thoughts...F&W YC!!! Save CL, you will be doing lots of snacking and save the $$ for Park Hoppers or snacks!! YC will also pretty much guarantee a balcony AND away from the renovations. GF is awesome, but for an Epcot heavy trip...an Epcot resort makes sense. Happy planning!!

Good idea - thanks for straightening me out! That gives me something else to consider. I like the decor & colors of the Beach Club, but I really do want a balcony. I'm going to go obsess about that for a bit while I fold the laundry.

 

[DznyCrzy11]

In the process of planning my families first every WDW trip...so so so excited!

Initially booked @ AOA LM rooms. Then the discount came out so we switched to POR...until I decided to stay at our ultimate dream resort of Wilderness Lodge! Hopefully my travel agent isn't annoyed!

Not going until August, lets see how many times I change our ADRs

How exciting!!! I'm sure your TA understands. The WL is a great resort!!

Hello I'm Sam

I'm so happy to have found this thread! We are booked for Beach Club in October for F&W. I'm actually taking my dad for his birthday. I want it to be super perfect bc my parents always took me to WDW on awesome trips, so I keep going back & forth. (But, in fairness, I do this EVERY trip.)

It's as if the hotel is your most important decision in life ever!

Anyway, I was tinkering with the idea of doing CL at Yacht (since BC club rooms will be under renovation), but am more now thinking I'll switch us to the GF. Buuuut since we're at F&W, BC makes so much more sense. Plus, staying put at BC saves $$$.

I've never stayed at BC, and I do love GF & that is my dad's fave - which makes this a harder decision.

So, now you understand why I was so happy to find somewhere I belong!

Hi Sam! I say stick with BC. Since you will be spending a lot of time at F&W being at an Epcot Resort would be perfect!!

Hi Sam

I'm Jeanette, I've obsessed over resorts for as long as I can remember. My thoughts...F&W YC!!! Save CL, you will be doing lots of snacking and save the $$ for Park Hoppers or snacks!! YC will also pretty much guarantee a balcony AND away from the renovations. GF is awesome, but for an Epcot heavy trip...an Epcot resort makes sense. Happy planning!!

YC would also be a great one!! I agree, skip CL during F&W.

[QUOTE="DINKsAtDisstay]

Good idea - thanks for straightening me out! That gives me something else to consider. I like the decor & colors of the Beach Club, but I really do want a balcony. I'm going to go obsess about that for a bit while I fold the laundry. [/QUOTE]

Haha, no worries, I obsess over which resort as well. My DH and I are flying in a day before our cruise. We were going to stay at airport Hyatt, that became POFQ, and now it's BC...... Well, he hasn't exactly said "yes" to BC but I keep telling him that's where we are going to stay and he says "OK", lol.

Sent from my LG G2.

 

[dimndgal1]

I feel the same way!!! Back in 2009 we were at WDW the same time as my cousin and her family, they always stay at AKL so we visited them and ate dinner at Boma. I love the food there and the atmosphere but I can't get past the location!!! I also saw something on Food Network, it was something about Disney restaurants and I believe it was late January I saw it and they talked about the restaurants at AKL. I agree, it's a great resort but the only transportation is bus.

We stay at the AKL when we were there in September. We all loved it!! I don't remember the buses being an issue on our trip at all. I know it looks far on the map, but it didn't feel that far on the bus.

*considers* it's not that I mind the buses but while we have a stroller and a high probability of needing to go back for a break, I think AKL is just 'too far'. I def am thinking it would be a great resort for when LO is 3-5 and will want to watch animals. DH also thinks that the pool/splash area would be better when she's older and can do more on her own. So, I'm hoping that's his way of committing to a 2016 trip!!!

In the process of planning my families first every WDW trip...so so so excited!

Initially booked @ AOA LM rooms. Then the discount came out so we switched to POR...until I decided to stay at our ultimate dream resort of Wilderness Lodge! Hopefully my travel agent isn't annoyed!

Not going until August, lets see how many times I change our ADRs

Changing ADRs is fun because you can look at options and change without your TA I basically emailed mine to say "pay no attention to those changes..." and she laughed.

I really want to stay at AOA Cars Suites (we agreed that we liked it better then Nemo's too-muted colour scheme or Lion King's too bright one) but it's still over £200 a night. Mum really wants CBR. Hmm. Come on UK free dining so we can start really planning!

Hope you all get your discount soon!!! We have some RAF guys in squadron with us and they have extended family watching rates trying to plan trips... the guys keep bothering DH with questions because he mentioned I was 'in the know'.

Yeah, I think it stinks, but smart because it pushes people to do multi-day!!!

*considers* I suppose, though I am hoping it eventually opens up. I know people with APs that are not thrilled with the constraints - these are people who like to go after work and hit a ride at HS and then grab dinner and a ride at EP. I know those aren't the big spenders but it does seem like a weird group to alienate.

Hello I'm Sam

I'm so happy to have found this thread! We are booked for Beach Club in October for F&W. I'm actually taking my dad for his birthday. I want it to be super perfect bc my parents always took me to WDW on awesome trips, so I keep going back & forth. (But, in fairness, I do this EVERY trip.)

It's as if the hotel is your most important decision in life ever!

Anyway, I was tinkering with the idea of doing CL at Yacht (since BC club rooms will be under renovation), but am more now thinking I'll switch us to the GF. Buuuut since we're at F&W, BC makes so much more sense. Plus, staying put at BC saves $$$.

I've never stayed at BC, and I do love GF & that is my dad's fave - which makes this a harder decision.

So, now you understand why I was so happy to find somewhere I belong!

Welcome!
I think that your statement (bolded) should be the motto of this board!

I agree with pas, save CL and indulge in the snacks of F&W. YC will def give you the balcony and still enjoy the amenities of BC. Enjoy and I totally understand about wanting the perfect trip - DH's family has this random decision to do Christmas at Disney this year and while I am not thrilled with the idea of the crowds, I am KILLING myself trying to plan the perfect trip!!! Luckily I can escape into our Sept trip when things get stressful... so that I can change something there in the meantime

?? If we've always stayed at POR, would we like AOA? Just thought DD would like it more. ALso interested in BC, but see that is is being refurbished in Oct? Thank you!

You'll be fine for sure! We stayed at AoA last year in the Little Mermaid rooms & POR the year before and I didn't feel like there was a huge difference. Though the walk from the Mermaid rooms to the bus stop & restaurant was a bigger haul than I expected.

Only CL of BC is under construction - the rest of the hotel is OK. They say it should not interrupt the guests.

Agree with analysis of AoA - everyone I know who has been there LOVED the themeing but complained about how far LM rooms were... especially those with little tuckered out kiddos!!! I think as long as you are aware of that and consider it in your planning, you'll be good -- no surprises and you'll be able to enjoy the ambiance more!!!

*~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~*

We got LO the new crawling Minnie Mouse to try to entice her to crawl (she loves to roll but sort of swims in place when trying to crawl). She learned how to catch Minnie's belly on her foot so Minnie also crawls in place so I have spent the better part of the day watching my LO outsmart me. Contrary so young!!!


No changes but starting to watch airfare!!!!

 

[letthewookiewin]

In the process of planning my families first every WDW trip...so so so excited!

Initially booked @ AOA LM rooms. Then the discount came out so we switched to POR...until I decided to stay at our ultimate dream resort of Wilderness Lodge! Hopefully my travel agent isn't annoyed!

Not going until August, lets see how many times I change our ADRs

Congrats on planning your first trip!! people that change resorts on them all the time.

Hello I'm Sam

I'm so happy to have found this thread! We are booked for Beach Club in October for F&W. I'm actually taking my dad for his birthday. I want it to be super perfect bc my parents always took me to WDW on awesome trips, so I keep going back & forth. (But, in fairness, I do this EVERY trip.)

It's as if the hotel is your most important decision in life ever!

Anyway, I was tinkering with the idea of doing CL at Yacht (since BC club rooms will be under renovation), but am more now thinking I'll switch us to the GF. Buuuut since we're at F&W, BC makes so much more sense. Plus, staying put at BC saves $$$.

I've never stayed at BC, and I do love GF & that is my dad's fave - which makes this a harder decision.

So, now you understand why I was so happy to find somewhere I belong!

Basically, I was thinking exactly what Jeanette posted below.

Hi Sam

I'm Jeanette, I've obsessed over resorts for as long as I can remember. My thoughts...F&W YC!!! Save CL, you will be doing lots of snacking and save the $$ for Park Hoppers or snacks!! YC will also pretty much guarantee a balcony AND away from the renovations. GF is awesome, but for an Epcot heavy trip...an Epcot resort makes sense. Happy planning!!

LOVE ALL the plans and the latest RC

Wow! That is a jam packed schedule!

Thanks y'all. There is only one thing I am worried about. The day we check out of our DL good neighbor hotel, we are stopping at the La Brea tar pits before we start our drive to the Redwood National Forest. I just wonder how safe the parking at La Brea is, since we will have all of our luggage and stuff in the minivan. Does any know anything about that area and if it's not a safe area, or if I'm just being overly paranoid?

*considers* it's not that I mind the buses but while we have a stroller and a high probability of needing to go back for a break, I think AKL is just 'too far'. I def am thinking it would be a great resort for when LO is 3-5 and will want to watch animals. DH also thinks that the pool/splash area would be better when she's older and can do more on her own. So, I'm hoping that's his way of committing to a 2016 trip!!!

True, we have never had to deal with strollers. The DH insisted on waiting to go until the boys were big enough to not need a stroller or diaper changes. The animals are great. Just don't forget to do the night time viewing. All though for some reason, it made me a little dizzy feeling.

We got LO the new crawling Minnie Mouse to try to entice her to crawl (she loves to roll but sort of swims in place when trying to crawl). She learned how to catch Minnie's belly on her foot so Minnie also crawls in place so I have spent the better part of the day watching my LO outsmart me. Contrary so young!!!


No changes but starting to watch airfare!!!!

I bet it is so cute!! One of the boys in my friend's in home day care, started puling up and standing on things like the couch, the same week he started crawling.

 

[DINKsAtDisney]

I agree with pas, save CL and indulge in the snacks of F&W. YC will def give you the balcony and still enjoy the amenities of BC. Enjoy and I totally understand about wanting the perfect trip - DH's family has this random decision to do Christmas at Disney this year and while I am not thrilled with the idea of the crowds, I am KILLING myself trying to plan the perfect trip!!! Luckily I can escape into our Sept trip when things get stressful... so that I can change something there in the meantime

Thanks - I think I will call tomorrow & change to Yacht Club! YC looks jsut as cute & I read that it's closer to the boats to EPCOT & HS, which would be great for my dad.

YAY, I get to make a change! You all are so helpful