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

[dimndgal1]

Thank you!! So are we! She was very close to dying so we got really lucky that we were able to save her!

The trip is paid but I did not get the dining plan so we would still have to pay for the food. We usually do the dining plan and really enjoy it but we hadn't decided on it yet. I guess since we are still looking at $$$ for food for the week seems like it would be a better idea to get the dining plan at POR and save the GF for a special occasion. My DH will not be with us so it does seem like maybe it's worth waiting for.

Back story to the trip this was supposed to be a quick trip since I'll be going to BC in November with my DH for 9 days. It has since evolved into something way bigger. Which wasn't a huge deal until our puppy decided to eat a sock and a frisbee ! 5400 later I have to cut some corners if I still want to go! Unfortunately I think it's the hotel! It'll save us 1100 that will be used to recoup the savings that paid for the surgery.

It makes me sad but I'll be able to get by knowing I get to go to WDW 2xs this year and one will be at BC!

Could you do a split? (I can`t remember how long your trip was)
Do a majority of nights at POR and 1 or 2 at GF? Still would save but not totally sacrifice.
Also, when DH and I would do WDW solo, we would do apps or split a QS meal (some are much larger than others) to cut costs. The only reason we are doing DP next trip is we have lots of character meals and DD6 eats way above her child plan cost.
I totally feel your frustration - you love your pup more than anything but hate to let go of `a dream`. Is there any way to cut some costs off your fall trip to help save as well? Maybe split that one since it`s so long?

 

[dimndgal1]

So I was playing with a split last night for Sept (POR and WL)... mostly because we did a total trip tally so DF can pay her portion and the sticker shock got me. It`s about $65 cheaper a night to do POR, so do 3 nights and we would save almost $200. DH is back and forth if it`s worth it (how much is moving around and losing proximity worth?)

He is leaving decision up to me and I am so back and forth. Admittedly when I first ran #s, the cost diff was more (I was looking at a POR standard room) but we agree we would need to get preferred to guarantee AB for the 3rd bed so that went from about $100/night savings to $65...

Hmmmmmmm......

 

[julluvsdisney]

Could you do a split? (I can`t remember how long your trip was) Do a majority of nights at POR and 1 or 2 at GF? Still would save but not totally sacrifice. Also, when DH and I would do WDW solo, we would do apps or split a QS meal (some are much larger than others) to cut costs. The only reason we are doing DP next trip is we have lots of character meals and DD6 eats way above her child plan cost. I totally feel your frustration - you love your pup more than anything but hate to let go of `a dream`. Is there any way to cut some costs off your fall trip to help save as well? Maybe split that one since it`s so long?

We will only be there for 5 days . It was supposed to be a quick road trip off site then it went to POR to BC to poly to gf. It admittedly got way out of hand and the dog getting sick didn't help matters! The fall trip is our big family trip with my mom and brother and his family so I would hate to shave off anything there. My dh said that he will take me to the gf for our 10 year anniversary since I lost out on this time!

Basically we are booked at the gf my two kids me and my sister in law from July 6-11 with two tickets For 2900 (can't remember the exact amount) if we down grade to POR we can get 3 day tickets and the dining plan for 2600 . That's a savings a 300 plus the cost of food. My other idea was WL club level with 2 day park tickets for 2700 but I'm not sure if that is really enough to eat ( never stayed club level so I have no idea how much food is offered). I'll figure it out! After all I'll be in disney!

 

[pas130]

So my 6 mo old golden retreiver puppy just got really sick and we took her to the vet and found out she had a bowel obstruction and she need emergency surgery ASAP or she was going to die! $5400 later she is much better and is going to make it! But this has taken a big chunk of disney money to fix her! We are booked at the GF for July 6th so we are in our 45 day window and are paid in full. I am wondering WWYD! Stay at the GF with no dining plan and have to come up with about 700 for food or downgrade to POR and add the dining plan for roughly the same amount that is already paid. Will disney charge us if I am paying about $75 more to make this change? My TA is going to kill me! This is stressing me out! Glad my little pup is doing so much better but that was alot of money to shell out!!! Help! Any advice would be great! I have made 3 changes so far! Oh goodness!!

Usually if the price of your package goes up, Disney waives the change fee. Especially if you TA explains why you are changing they may make an exception. Glad your pup is okay now If you'll be stressing over OOP expenses I would downgrade, it's just not worth the stress IMO. GF is absolutely wonderful, but so are the values, and mods...it's all good. I've been there on a shoestring budget and it was horrible. This was one of our trips when we owned DVC, but it was not in the budget to vacation. Never again! I don't see POR as a downgrade, it's such a pretty resort. WL CL is awesome, but you really still need to buy lunch and dinner if your kids are at all picky. You have snacks, but PB&J on a tiny roll and chicken skewers are apps not meals. You get continental breakfast in the morning, cookies, gummibears, soda in the afternoon.Go with what YOU can live with

OH NO! I am so glad puppy is doing better but what a hard day emotionally and on the wallet!

I, think it comes down to what matters most to you - would you prefer a more comfortable room or 'better' food? Also, it might be worth shooting an email to your TA and getting their input: if you have to pay any sort of change fee, it would cut in on potential savings of downgrading, so that's worth considering, too. In my experience, Disney never seems to charge if you stay the same or spend more within your 45 day window, but I know their policy is they CAN charge... just something to consider.

*HUGS* I hope pup continues to improve and that you get some much needed rest! I know I didn't offer much help but it's so hard to tell what each person counts as important... I will say that I think if you go with your gut, you'll be doing okay!

 

[Koh1977]

So I was playing with a split last night for Sept (POR and WL)... mostly because we did a total trip tally so DF can pay her portion and the sticker shock got me. It`s about $65 cheaper a night to do POR, so do 3 nights and we would save almost $200. DH is back and forth if it`s worth it (how much is moving around and losing proximity worth?) He is leaving decision up to me and I am so back and forth. Admittedly when I first ran #s, the cost diff was more (I was looking at a POR standard room) but we agree we would need to get preferred to guarantee AB for the 3rd bed so that went from about $100/night savings to $65... Hmmmmmmm......

Hey! Copycat!! (POR/WL split) Do you have 5 people in your party? Then you wouldn't have to do preferred and you'd still get AB. We are doing garden view with a request for AB and I'm crossing fingers and sending a fax before the trip, so hopefully we are in the AB section.

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[Koh1977]

We will only be there for 5 days . It was supposed to be a quick road trip off site then it went to POR to BC to poly to gf. It admittedly got way out of hand and the dog getting sick didn't help matters! The fall trip is our big family trip with my mom and brother and his family so I would hate to shave off anything there. My dh said that he will take me to the gf for our 10 year anniversary since I lost out on this time! Basically we are booked at the gf my two kids me and my sister in law from July 6-11 with two tickets For 2900 (can't remember the exact amount) if we down grade to POR we can get 3 day tickets and the dining plan for 2600 . That's a savings a 300 plus the cost of food. My other idea was WL club level with 2 day park tickets for 2700 but I'm not sure if that is really enough to eat ( never stayed club level so I have no idea how much food is offered). I'll figure it out! After all I'll be in disney!

I would say do POR then with the DP. You get another park day out of the plan too!

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[dimndgal1]

Hey! Copycat!! (POR/WL split) Do you have 5 people in your party? Then you wouldn't have to do preferred and you'd still get AB. We are doing garden view with a request for AB and I'm crossing fingers and sending a fax before the trip, so hopefully we are in the AB section.

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Lol, I thought same thing when pricing last night... "this sounds familiar"
We are 5 but one is infant so no guarantee on AB. :-( Saving more would make decision easier.

 

[Koh1977]

Lol, I thought same thing when pricing last night... "this sounds familiar" We are 5 but one is infant so no guarantee on AB. :-( Saving more would make decision easier.

I understand. We're only 4 too (no infant either though), but I figured the worst thing would be the kiddos have to share for a few nights. I don't think they would mind too much.

How long are you there again? I'm surprised DH agreed to a split, but we are also there for 9 total nights (5 at POR and 4 at WL CL).

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[dimndgal1]

Julluvs - I like Kohl`s advice as well-extra day and DP isn`t a bad deal... I think pas is right about CL options as well.

I understand. We're only 4 too (no infant either though), but I figured the worst thing would be the kiddos have to share for a few nights. I don't think they would mind too much.

How long are you there again? I'm surprised DH agreed to a split, but we are also there for 9 total nights (5 at POR and 4 at WL CL).

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I normally wouldn`t care but I hate to make DF share with our DD6 who sleeps like a performing dolphin.

 

[pas130]

Well after quite awhile...I have a ch-ch-change to announce....

The Pas family will be at OKW this summer in a 2 BR villa

Do I love WL CL??? Absotootly! But my lovely HRH was looking at pics of OKW (her and her bro were playing Epic Mickey or something (have no clue what initiated this) and we all checked it out. So now I'll have a huge villa and DH and I have a King bed (yes we were stressing sharing with the kiddos LOL) I am bummed not boat to MK, but we have a boat to DTD and PH (don't ask I felt the need) and a refund of over $1000

 

[Koh1977]

Julluvs - I like Kohl`s advice as well-extra day and DP isn`t a bad deal... I think pas is right about CL options as well. I normally wouldn`t care but I hate to make DF share with our DD6 who sleeps like a performing dolphin.

Oh that's right. I remember you saying that before.

It is a tougher decision then...not sure the cost savings would be enough IMO with the loss in time, etc. to move...

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[Janet B]

So my 6 mo old golden retreiver puppy just got really sick and we took her to the vet and found out she had a bowel obstruction and she need emergency surgery ASAP or she was going to die! $5400 later she is much better and is going to make it! But this has taken a big chunk of disney money to fix her! We are booked at the GF for July 6th so we are in our 45 day window and are paid in full. I am wondering WWYD! Stay at the GF with no dining plan and have to come up with about 700 for food or downgrade to POR and add the dining plan for roughly the same amount that is already paid. Will disney charge us if I am paying about $75 more to make this change? My TA is going to kill me! This is stressing me out! Glad my little pup is doing so much better but that was alot of money to shell out!!! Help! Any advice would be great! I have made 3 changes so far! Oh goodness!!

julluvsdisney... first, very thankful that your pup is doing okay after the surgury.

POR is lovely and we loved it there last year. Pluses... nice pools, boat to DTD, Piano Bob is a hoot and does family friendly shows, great food courts...just an overall happy peaceful feeling to this resort. I think you would have a really nice time there. Agree with Pas, is you feel there will be any issues with stress over $$ for this trip and/or when you return home, make the switch. I do not think POR will disapoint. If you decide to switch to POR, its a great plan to stay GF with DH for your anniversary.

Im my experience, Disney never charged us any additonal $$ within 45 days as our package price always went up. Disney CMs are very understanding. It will all work out and you will have an amazing time!!

 

[ashnjam]

Don't know what to do.. Want to stay at the Poly in Feburary but the pictures of the construction are really bothering us. Our other choices are GF or CR but just loved the theming of the poly so much better than the other two. Why is this so hard lol!?!? Trying to tell ourselves that most of the construction at the Poly should be wrapping up when we go but not sure how much will be completed. Maybe we'll just draw straws to pick the resort.

 

[Janet B]

Don't know what to do.. Want to stay at the Poly in Feburary but the pictures of the construction are really bothering us. Our other choices are GF or CR but just loved the theming of the poly so much better than the other two. Why is this so hard lol!?!? Trying to tell ourselves that most of the construction at the Poly should be wrapping up when we go but not sure how much will be completed. Maybe we'll just draw straws to pick the resort.

Drawing straws lol... wll that be lapu lapus straws??

True, most of the worst construction is taking place this year, thru November. Ask yourself if you would be happy being there with some construction on going. Things to consider (which I'm sure you have already).. the rates are bound to sky rocket once the Poly is completed. If you have always wanted to stay there, it might be the time to do it. Would you need the feature pool in february? GCH hopefully will be finshed.

I'm still holding onto a Poly reservaton for August but have serious doubts since so much of the resort is affected at that time.

I'm with you..the Poly has always held the appeal to me over the CR or GF (not to say I don't like them, I do). The Poly has always been special.

Good luck! And no change is ever final around here

 

[julluvsdisney]

Thank you all for your well wishes for my puppy ! She is getting some much needed rest but her cone is driving her bonkers!! After reading everyone's comments I feel better about my choice! Gf was in the budget but now it just isn't! Things happen that put a wrench in the plan sometimes and I just gotta roll with it! We have been to POR several times and LOVE it! I know it will be more enjoyable just for the stress factor being eliminated! I'm definitely disappointed but it's not something that will ruin the trip at all! And we get an extra day in the parks so how can you beat that?!?! I'm just lucky I am able to go to disney twice this year!!!

 

[Koh1977]

Thank you all for your well wishes for my puppy ! She is getting some much needed rest but her cone is driving her bonkers!! After reading everyone's comments I feel better about my choice! Gf was in the budget but now it just isn't! Things happen that put a wrench in the plan sometimes and I just gotta roll with it! We have been to POR several times and LOVE it! I know it will be more enjoyable just for the stress factor being eliminated! I'm definitely disappointed but it's not something that will ruin the trip at all! And we get an extra day in the parks so how can you beat that?!?! I'm just lucky I am

Glad she's doing well! And yes, an extra day in the parks AND a BC trip to look forward to later this year!

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[jennyjinx3]

Well after quite awhile...I have a ch-ch-change to announce....

The Pas family will be at OKW this summer in a 2 BR villa

Do I love WL CL??? Absotootly! But my lovely HRH was looking at pics of OKW (her and her bro were playing Epic Mickey or something (have no clue what initiated this) and we all checked it out. So now I'll have a huge villa and DH and I have a King bed (yes we were stressing sharing with the kiddos LOL) I am bummed not boat to MK, but we have a boat to DTD and PH (don't ask I felt the need) and a refund of over $1000

I will dance for you my friend! Sounds like a great change to me!!

 

[Janet B]

Well after quite awhile...I have a ch-ch-change to announce....

The Pas family will be at OKW this summer in a 2 BR villa

Do I love WL CL??? Absotootly! But my lovely HRH was looking at pics of OKW (her and her bro were playing Epic Mickey or something (have no clue what initiated this) and we all checked it out. So now I'll have a huge villa and DH and I have a King bed (yes we were stressing sharing with the kiddos LOL) I am bummed not boat to MK, but we have a boat to DTD and PH (don't ask I felt the need) and a refund of over $1000

GREAT change to that fabulously HUGE 2 BR!! Having stayed there it is like a home away from home!! Fantastic pool too!!

A win-win... great resort and money to burn in the pocket!!

 

[Grumpy Grandma]

Well after quite awhile...I have a ch-ch-change to announce....

The Pas family will be at OKW this summer in a 2 BR villa

Do I love WL CL??? Absotootly! But my lovely HRH was looking at pics of OKW (her and her bro were playing Epic Mickey or something (have no clue what initiated this) and we all checked it out. So now I'll have a huge villa and DH and I have a King bed (yes we were stressing sharing with the kiddos LOL) I am bummed not boat to MK, but we have a boat to DTD and PH (don't ask I felt the need) and a refund of over $1000

Save me a seat on the balcony and please have my cold drink ready!!!

 

[pas130]

Don't know what to do.. Want to stay at the Poly in Feburary but the pictures of the construction are really bothering us. Our other choices are GF or CR but just loved the theming of the poly so much better than the other two. Why is this so hard lol!?!? Trying to tell ourselves that most of the construction at the Poly should be wrapping up when we go but not sure how much will be completed. Maybe we'll just draw straws to pick the resort.

In February I think the construction might be limited to the Sunset Point. I would keep Poly and just watch the updates!

Thank you all for your well wishes for my puppy ! She is getting some much needed rest but her cone is driving her bonkers!! After reading everyone's comments I feel better about my choice! Gf was in the budget but now it just isn't! Things happen that put a wrench in the plan sometimes and I just gotta roll with it! We have been to POR several times and LOVE it! I know it will be more enjoyable just for the stress factor being eliminated! I'm definitely disappointed but it's not something that will ruin the trip at all! And we get an extra day in the parks so how can you beat that?!?! I'm just lucky I am able to go to disney twice this year!!!

Glad she's resting, and absolutely things happen. All the resorts at Disney are pretty special! That's why it's so hard to choose!

I will dance for you my friend! Sounds like a great change to me!!

GREAT change to that fabulously HUGE 2 BR!! Having stayed there it is like a home away from home!! Fantastic pool too!!

A win-win... great resort and money to burn in the pocket!!

Save me a seat on the balcony and please have my cold drink ready!!!

There will be room for all who want to visit..and plenty of space on the balcony!!