Please help me choose a resort for early Dec!!

[jeeperwy]

I am planning a trip for Nov 30-Dec 6 for myself, my mom (67, but in good health), DS9 and DS3. I have read lots on this subject and know the perks of being on the monorail. The Unofficial Guide suggests The Poly, Contemp, and WL. I looked into WL, but the cost will be $1000 more than a value and about $500 more than a moderate. I could probably wing the price if needed, but would also like to save some $. I haven't read much about the mods, are they convenient for transportation? I am also leary of booking a value because I read somewhere that we will be overlapping Pop Warner week.

As you can see, I need major HELP!!!!!

Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated!

Thanks,
Kari

 

[reedycreek]

i stayed at the Port Orleans - Riverside (POR) in Oct and felt the transportation was pretty good. the buses run every 15-30 minutes to pretty much anywhere you need to go at WDW. if you are a monorail fan, you can always take the bus to EPCOT, then a monorail to MK, or vice versa. i'm staying at POLY in June, and havent been on the monorail in many years, so i am excited to be on that. whether its worth the extra $ is really up to you and your needs. the bus transportation system is very good though.

also, the moderates are a real good value. you get a lot more, in my opinion than the value resorts. port orleans riverside is paradise, very very beautiful hotel with lots to do.

 

[*Fantasia*]

Book WL... it is soooo worth it, especially during the Holiday! And even if it's not the Holida, it is still worth staying there!

 

[mrslur]

You also might want to look into renting points from a DVC member. We were able to book Nov. 27 - Dec. 3 at BWV for $90 less than a moderate (POFQ).

 

[domestic goddess]

For the first part of Dec. I would definitely book WL! It is great with the holiday decor and the warm and cozy atmosphere. We have stayed there at that time and it is so worth it!! The boat to the MK is great and the resort itself has lots for your children to do. And sitting by the fireplace with a warm drink listening to the music, oh I wish I could be there right now.

As for the moderates, I prefer CSR. Again, it has a lot for the children and is nice to walk around at night and look at the lights across the lake and by the pool. Think about the atmosphere that you would prefer and will be a great vacation for you, and then pick a resort that matches that feeling for you. They all have a different feel!

Anyplace that you pick will be great because you will be at WDW!!! Enjoy!

 

[n2mm]

You better book quickly because availability for deluxes for the first and second weekends of December is already becoming slim pickings.

 

[vanyel]

Remember WL is not on the monorail though it's beautiful and I would love to stay there too!

I usually opt for moderates rather than the deluxes because of the cost and have never had any complaints about staying there.

I too avoid the values.

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

WL is so beautiful at Christmastime! You get all the perks of deluxes with a better price than the monorail resorts. The close proximity to MK is awsome. The queen size beds are a big plus, too. Watch for discount codes or you might want to try renting points from a DVC member. We will be renting points for the first time on our December trip. In the past we have gotten some really good code prices at the WL.

 

[goofy4tink]

I would go with POR or another moderate. With 4 of you in a room you will want as much room as you can afford!! THose double sinks come in handy!!! As will the curtain divider for changing behind. Your mom will thank you. WL is a beautiful resort during the holidays also. But, they all are!! I wouldn't worry too much about over-lapping the Pop Warner kids. We overlapped them by 4 days a year ago and it really wasn't a big deal. You will only overlap by 2 days...I think they get there the day I leave...the 4th.

But, all this being said..make a choice fast. The rooms are filling up quickly. I know there isn't much left at the DVC resorts. I barely squeaked in.

 

[Miss Inga Depointe]

Are you set on the monorail. The swan and dolphin are pretty convenient too with the boat to EPCOT and MGM and the rates can be outstanding. If an EPCOT resort is at all appealing I'd check on the Boardwalk, too, because I once got an unbelievably low rate there.

 

[DisFan331]

I know this is a little off topic, but what is Pop Warner week? We will be there at the same time.

 

[eleanor]

Keep an eye on the codes for that week. We got some good rates in the past. Even if you book you can always call for the new rates.

 

[sunnyd11]

If you can afford the WL you should. The WL imo is the most festive at the holidays!! The warmth and giant tree are unmatched by any. It is also so convenient being so close to MK. Have fun whatever you choose.

 

[MandaPerry]

My family of four has stayed at the WL in early December. While the lobby is in fact beautiful it wasn't on the monorail, it had one small shop and the rooms were very small. Stayed @ AKL also beautiful lobby, small rooms, but the animals and the constant activities in the lobby made up a bit for the room size. We have also stayed at the Poly and the Contemp, rooms were large and both were on the monorail, great places to eat and shop. Last Dec. stayed at the POFQ the 1st week of Dec. and was nicely surprised with this resort. While small and not on the monorail the bus service was great, the grounds were beautiful, decorations cute and the overall service was wonderful. The rooms are small but very airy, I guess that was what was lacking at both the WL and AKL. I love everything about the CSR. I guess it depends how much time you are going to spend at your hotel. I like trying them all, but never stress about a hotel making or breaking my stay at WDW. December is our favorite time at the World, I really hope you have a great time.

Manda's Mom

 

[mickeyluv'r]

The mods are very nice. They have great theming, if theming matters. We have been very happy with our stays there. I really don't think the theming at most of the Deluxes is any better. Haven't been to WDW at the Christmas season, so I can't comment on seasonal decor. The most important difference I would say is distance to the parks. Most of the mods are a little farther to the parks than say the Poly or GF, however; WL and AKL are not that close either. Since WL is not on the monorail loop, taking the boat to MK takes a while, and taking the bus to other places is comparable to other resorts (check out a map). But the mods are still close enough for a return to your hotel in the mddle of the day. I agree that the Swan is a great place to stay! It doesn't qualify for the new free bus service and it does have some hidden costs (they charge a $10/day resort fee, and now they charge for daily parking) but if someone in your party works for the gov't, teaches, or is a nurse, you might qualify for the best discount. Right now they are offering a summer special rate of $189 for the general public, so that may be cheaper than BWK, YC, or BC. For the price difference, we have always felt the mods to be a good value.

 

[marcij]

For older people (even in good health) and young kids, you can't beat staying at a monorail resort. The Poly or the CR would save you time and steps, and make it very convenient to take rest breaks from the MK and EPCOT, if needed. Are you a AAA member? Even if you aren't, you might see what kind of rate you can get then decide if it's worth the membership.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

Wilderness Lodge is beautiful in late Nov/December. You could book a moderate now then what for a room-only discount code for WL in the fall. If you decide not to do WL, you still may get a better rate on your moderate resort when the codes come out.

In the future you might consider renting DVC points for a studio at VWL. I doubt you'd be able to book one at this point because December is extremely popular with the DVC owners and it books up at the 11-7 month window.

 

[mouseRD]

What is the 11-7 month window?

 

[jeeperwy]

Thank you all for the great suggestions. As much as I would like to stay at WL, I'm thinking that I will book POFQ or POR. Does anyone know if I book with the dining package, and a code comes out before then, can I change my reservation?

Just wanted to say that you all are GREAT! I appreciate all the help that I can get!!!!

Thanks!
Kari

 

[Princess Mommy]

If you book a room only you can change it to a package without penalty.

Any chance you or your mom or military or retired military? Then I would seriouly look into the Shades of Green Resort.
www.shadesofgreen.org
The Swan and Dolphin also give discounts to teachers and nurses.
www.swandolphin.com
They are both GREAT money savers for those who qualify!