Please help me...

[Trollingforthimbles]

So, here's the deal. Three of us are visiting the world on November, we have already made our reservation and are booked at Coronado Springs Resort.

Two of the three of us went to DW last November and stayed at Pop!. We both loved it and would go back with no problem but the newest member of our group doesn't like the theme and wants something better.

I personally do not care for the theme of any of the moderate resorts, left up to me I would choose Pop over them in a heartbeat, but like I said our friend wants something else and this is his first trip, so...

I would like a Deluxe or a Value, I just don't love the mods. Has anyone been in a similar situation and then been surprised by one of the mods?

Is their a way to afford a deluxe?

What can I do?

 

[jimmiej]

So, here's the deal. Three of us are visiting the world on November, we have already made our reservation and are booked at Coronado Springs Resort.

Two of the three of us went to DW last November and stayed at Pop!. We both loved it and would go back with no problem but the newest member of our group doesn't like the theme and wants something better.

I personally do not care for the theme of any of the moderate resorts, left up to me I would choose Pop over them in a heartbeat, but like I said our friend wants something else and this is his first trip, so...

I would like a Deluxe or a Value, I just don't love the mods. Has anyone been in a similar situation and then been surprised by one of the mods?

CSR is my favorite moderate. I've stayed at 3 of the 4 (not POR). I think CSR has a deluxe "feel". The grounds are beautiful, the pool is awesome. CSR tends to be a resort that you either love or hate. Just remember, you're still at Disney!

Is their a way to afford a deluxe?

What can I do?

Are you familiar with renting points from DVC owners? It's a great way to stay deluxe at a moderate or even value rate. I'm paying $134/night in June for a AKV studio, & $156/night for a POP preferred room. Check these links.

http://www.mousesavers.com/dvc.html

http://www.dvcrequest.com/default.asp

http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

 

[Trollingforthimbles]

Hey, thanks for the info. I just have one question: If I rented DVC points would I still be able to use a "package" with dining and park hoppers included?

 

[kmedina]

I have never stayed value, so I cannot comment on that. We have stayed at Caribbean Beach (moderate) twice, and I love that resort. The pool is one of the nicest on property after SAB. It was so nice, we spent almost an entire day enjoying our beach, playgrounds and pool on our last stay. It is a large but beautiful property. I enjoy it, but some people are afraid of the size. The rooms are not as nice as the deulxe rooms, of course. They are bigger than the values though.

Since you are all adults and have no kids, you will probably not spend too much time in the room anyway. Fridges come standard in moderates, which is a must and have to be ordered and add cost to the values. You also get two sinks in the moderates, which helps in the morning to get out the door faster.

It is usually the same cost as Coronado Springs. You will enjoy queen beds at CS and a quieter atmosphere, since there are more conventioners and less families. The quick service restaurant at CS, Pepper Market, functions in between a TS and QS restaurant, so a 10% tip is added to the bill.

Pins make deluxes more affordable. I have a 40% off pin for 3 of my 7 nights at the Grand Floridian this December saving me almost $700. You can also stay at the Dolphin or Swan. They are deluxes on Disney property but are not Disney owned. They are usually competitive in price with Disney's moderates. You cannot use ME, since they are not Disney owned though.

The best way to get a pin is to save vacation offers. Disney may then send you an explore you resort email with the pin attached.

My vote is stay in the moderate your friend wants, since I think you will enjoy it!

 

[momtoejanda]

Hey, thanks for the info. I just have one question: If I rented DVC points would I still be able to use a "package" with dining and park hoppers included?

We rented points last year and I purchased the dining plan separately. I bought my tickets from AAA because they were a little less. So you cant really do a "package" but you can make your own.

Keep in mind though that you will not be eligible for free dining

 

[Disneyhenry]

So, here's the deal. Three of us are visiting the world on November, we have already made our reservation and are booked at Coronado Springs Resort.

Two of the three of us went to DW last November and stayed at Pop!. We both loved it and would go back with no problem but the newest member of our group doesn't like the theme and wants something better.

I personally do not care for the theme of any of the moderate resorts, left up to me I would choose Pop over them in a heartbeat, but like I said our friend wants something else and this is his first trip, so...

I would like a Deluxe or a Value, I just don't love the mods. Has anyone been in a similar situation and then been surprised by one of the mods?

Is their a way to afford a deluxe?

What can I do?

I am in with you, it is either Deluxe or Value for me, if I have to stay at a mod I would choose CS.
I say just watch for specials, they will probably have more coming for this fall/winter, you can always call and add the special to your reservation.
I got the 35% discount for our Deluxe in September, it was something I had booked then a special came out so I called and added it on.

 

[kat3668]

Dont give up on the moderates so fast! I personally do not care for POP. I've stayed there twice and it just is too chaotic for my tastes. When I'm on vacation I like to relax and unwind and enjoy the laid back easy going pace of CSR after a busy day in the parks. I've also stayed at POR, POFQ and always find myself back at CSR. The bus service is great, the food court has amazing choices far better than Pop. Try the Nachos YUM! The resort has so much more of an adult feel to it and because it is a convention hotel it is nice to go to the outdoor bar and chit chat with people from all over the country.
I'd say stick with what you have you may be pleasently suprised!

 

[Trollingforthimbles]

Thanks guys, for all the info.

 

[jimmiej]

Hey, thanks for the info. I just have one question: If I rented DVC points would I still be able to use a "package" with dining and park hoppers included?

When renting points, you will save so much $$$, a package is not really needed, except maybe for convenience. I just had the DVC owner add the dining plan to my reservation. I pay for it when I get there.

As far as tickets, I use http://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/attractions/tickets.html?pid=d1sc0unt for my tickets. I save about $30 for two 7-day base tickets. A hopper will be even a bigger savings.

If you subscribe to the Mousesavers newsletter, you can get an additional discount with Undercover Tourist.

http://www.mousesavers.com/newsletter.html

 

[Trollingforthimbles]

So, lets say we rented point and stayed at Kandi or Jambo or something. How much would deluxe dining be?

At this point we have 6night/7day park hoppers w/ deluxe dining at Coronado Springs. The cost $3,600.00 give or take a few bucks.

I don't really know anything about DVC points.

How many would we need to cover our trip?

Would we save much money?

 

[jimmiej]

So, lets say we rented point and stayed at Kandi or Jambo or something. How much would deluxe dining be?

At this point we have 6night/7day park hoppers w/ deluxe dining at Coronado Springs. The cost $3,600.00 give or take a few bucks.

I don't really know anything about DVC points.

How many would we need to cover our trip?

Would we save much money?

Lots of variables. When in November? Do you all need a separate bed?

Here's an example for early November.

Value Studio, Jambo House, sleeps 3- might be a bit tight (316 sq.ft.), although we did it with 3 adults & were fine. 57 points or roughly $570. Points usually go for $10/point.

Standard Studio (365 sq.ft.), 68 points or $680.

1 Bedroom (629 sq.ft. ), 134 points or $1340.

Deluxe Dining 3 Adults $71.99 per person per night or $1300.

7-day park Hoppers 3 adults, $960.

Total: between $2830 and $3600.

These are rough estimates, but gives you an idea. If I had more specifics, I could get closer. Here's a link which describes the AKV DVC rooms.

http://allears.net/acc/akv.htm

Here's a link to figure out how many points you'd need.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/disney-vacation-club/DVCpoints.shtml

 

[Trollingforthimbles]

We would need at least two beds, and it would late November/early December 11/26 - 12/2

 

[jimmiej]

We would need at least two beds, and it would late November/early December 11/26 - 12/2

Between $660 (Studio Accommodations:
Sleeps 4, queen-size bed and full-size sofa bed. Flat panel TV and DVD. Wet bar, small refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, private balcony)

and

$1500 (One-Bedroom Villas:
Value one-bedrooms sleep 4, other categories sleep 5. There is no sleeper chair in the Value category. The Master Bedroom has a king size bed, master bathroom with whirlpool tub. There is a queen-size sofa bed in living room. Flat panel TV and DVD player in living room, flat panel TV in master bedroom. Full kitchen facilities. Laundry area with stackable washer and dryer. Private balcony. Non-value one-bedroom villa is 710 sq.ft.)

Then, add on your deluxe dining & tickets.

Basically, you're paying the same amount or less, & you're getting a deluxe hotel.

 

[Trollingforthimbles]

It seems so complicated though... Last time my Key To The World did everything. It let me in my room, was my park hopper and paid for my meals. I liked the ease of it all.

You guys are really awesome for helping me though, lol. I learn so much here, had I not been on the boards my last trip wouldn't have been near as good. Full of great tips.

*dreams of the treehouse villas*

 

[jimmiej]

It seems so complicated though... Last time my Key To The World did everything. It let me in my room, was my park hopper and paid for my meals. I liked the ease of it all.

You guys are really awesome for helping me though, lol. I learn so much here, had I not been on the boards my last trip wouldn't have been near as good. Full of great tips.

*dreams of the treehouse villas*

My KTTW card does the same thing. Concierge at the AKL transfers my Undercover Tourist tickets to my card & my dining plan is on the card. Charging priveleges, etc. Nothing different from what you have.

You have to understand how renting points works. It takes a little time to read & grasp the concept. I've done it four times now, all with great results. There is some risk involved, but I think it's a great way to save bundles of $$$.

I'm certainly not trying to talk you into it. Just wanted to show you how to stay deluxe at a much lower price. If I was you, I'd stick with Coronado. I think it's a great resort.

 

[pepe of ohio]

So, here's the deal. Three of us are visiting the world on November, we have already made our reservation and are booked at Coronado Springs Resort.

Two of the three of us went to DW last November and stayed at Pop!. We both loved it and would go back with no problem but the newest member of our group doesn't like the theme and wants something better.

I personally do not care for the theme of any of the moderate resorts, left up to me I would choose Pop over them in a heartbeat, but like I said our friend wants something else and this is his first trip, so...

I would like a Deluxe or a Value, I just don't love the mods. Has anyone been in a similar situation and then been surprised by one of the mods?

Is their a way to afford a deluxe?

What can I do?

If you want a huge laid out resort, CSR is your ticket.....depending on room location, its a long walk to the pool or food court....meal options lacking for us....didn't feel like we were in WDW.....

We're deluxe people but if I had to choose a Mod, we would go with POFQ, like the area, boat to DTD, semi compactness of resort...theming of New Orleans is pleasant but not over the top....you feel you're a part of WDW...

All that said, we prefer WL, cheapest of the deluxe resorts in the MK area, they just had a special out, I believe it was 35% of rack, but you had to book by last month...we've gotten great deals there....175.00-200.00 a night....far worth it above a mod just on location to the MK....there's a deal out now for some deluxes if you go before Aug. 13.......check out mousesavers.com....room only discounts....we don't do dining plans or packages but take the usually higher room only rate and build our own package which is only tickets.....good luck! Just my point of view....

 

[Trollingforthimbles]

I think I'll wait a bit to see what specials Disney releases before I decide. In the mean time I'm gonna try and figure out the whole renting thing.

 

[Wendy5055]

OK...here's my take having stayed in all 3 levels...

We love POP...it is a great hotel for the price and has everything for your basic needs. It is fun and simple...sometimes that works best!

Of the Moderates, I would choose (and have stayed at) the Port Orleans French Quarter because of the size...it is a smaller resort and yet it always seems quite nice for the money. I have heard that the other Mods are quite sprawling in size. I do want to say that I like the looks of Coronado Springs though...

Now, I have "graduated" to the Deluxe resorts...I am in with the Grand Floridian and we are going to stay there for the 2nd time. I have stayed at the Polynesian and found it to be a bit outdated...but it had wonderful atmosphere as well. I have walked through the Contemporary and would definately stay there for a shorter trip...but the style is just not "me".

I truly love the ease of being on the monorail loop...it saves SOOOO much time travelling to/from the parks.

I would also enjoy the other deluxe resorts not on the monorail for their atmosphere alone. I admit...I am a single mom and this is my one BIG vacation so I want to spoil myself with a Deluxe resort.

 

[PEANUT1]

If you can get a discount code then AK or WL may be affordable for you and they are very nice hotels with good ammenities...I agree that I don't like the moderates...well I don't like values either (though I have never stayed in one )

If I didn't own DVC, renting would be my way to go...its not really a hassle at all and I'd rather stay in an amazing villa than at a value or moderate...if you do rent, you need to do it before the 7 month mark or you'll never get into the more popular DVC's. My friend just rented at AKV a 2BR villa for 2800$ for the week and it sleeps 9..you may like having the extra bathroom too with 3 adults.

 

[Debbie Jean]

When renting points, you will save so much $$$, a package is not really needed, except maybe for convenience. I just had the DVC owner add the dining plan to my reservation. I pay for it when I get there.

As far as tickets, I use http://www.undercovertourist.com/orlando/attractions/tickets.html?pid=d1sc0unt for my tickets. I save about $30 for two 7-day base tickets. A hopper will be even a bigger savings.

If you subscribe to the Mousesavers newsletter, you can get an additional discount with Undercover Tourist.

http://www.mousesavers.com/newsletter.html

Pleased be advised that this is no longer true. You must pay for dining in full at the time you add it to the reservation. If you rent points you will need to make arrangements to include the charge in your payment to them.