Resort Changers--The Saga Continues.....

[Singinglizzie]

One of the Disney perks is having so many wonderful choices that it is IMPOSSIBLE...to make up our minds. Just accept it and keep changing until time runs out....

Now, why didn't I think of that! 16 days to go, the pressure of not changing is getting to me!!!!!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Now, why didn't I think of that! 16 days to go, the pressure of not changing is getting to me!!!!!

You can do it! Meaning...NOT change

 

[theinquis]

I like disney so much!! also the rooms are magic!!

 

[warriorboy648]

I'm not going until August and I have changed my mind daily, sometimes multiple times.

I started with a 2 bedroom at AKL, but then decided that it was probably more than I wanted to spend. So I decided on CSR because I've read so many good things about it. Then I read about the new pool at CBR and the preferred rooms.

But then I really want indoor hallways so I decided to try WL. But the rooms are smaller and if we stay at the CR or Poly we will have a adybed. (Boys won't share a bed).

Then the worst thing happened, my husband gave me a budget. I only have $10,000 to spend. Now that sounds like a lot, but when there are 7 people going and we need either 2 rooms or a 2 bedroom villa, and 7 flights it adds up quickly.

So yesterday, I made the final decision. We would stay at the Dolphin with the teacher's rate and give up the dining plan... BUT then my husband commented that it's August and we won't be hungry anyway. WHAT???? I always wanted my TS and so do the kids. We haven't left and he's turning into the food nazi again.

So back to a Disney resort... Now to research again. It's a good thing that I have almost 8 months to plan.

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Nice budget! But with that group airfare will take a big chunk if you cant find a deal!
My advice..with that group, DDP, assuming most are over age 9, will cost a bundle for a length of stay over 5 days.
Last summer we stayed in a 2 bdr at OKW...6 of us, 1 a toddler...(we were nice and gave G Ma a studio)
ANyway....
we placed a grocery order with wegoshop.com...we stayed a week ...and this totally reduced our cost!
Now, mind you, thats if folks in your group dont mind making a few meals either! Some are totally against it....while on vacation.
I wouldnt do it every time...but with this group...that inc 2 teen aged boys...it was worth it!
However, we ued our DVC pts, paying Disney rates adds up..perhaps look into renting points from a member...that would be another way to get the most bang for your buck!
Good Luck!

 

[warriorboy648]

A 2 bedroom at OKW is in the running also because they usually have them for 40% off in August. How was the bus transportation?

I have 3 teenage sons and an 8 and 9 year old. The 9 year old would probably want an adult plan because he is a steak rather than a chicken nugget kind of eater.

So far our 9 day tickets w/hopper/water parks is $2,452.83
and the meal plan is around $2000. So I still need to pay for air, room and whatever fun stuff we want to buy.

Do you expert resort changers have any suggestions??

 

[kaffinito]

Nice budget! But with that group airfare will take a big chunk if you cant find a deal!
My advice..with that group, DDP, assuming most are over age 9, will cost a bundle for a length of stay over 5 days.
Last summer we stayed in a 2 bdr at OKW...6 of us, 1 a toddler...(we were nice and gave G Ma a studio)
ANyway....
we placed a grocery order with wegoshop.com...we stayed a week ...and this totally reduced our cost!
Now, mind you, thats if folks in your group dont mind making a few meals either! Some are totally against it....while on vacation.
I wouldnt do it every time...but with this group...that inc 2 teen aged boys...it was worth it!
However, we ued our DVC pts, paying Disney rates adds up..perhaps look into renting points from a member...that would be another way to get the most bang for your buck!
Good Luck!

warriorboy648, I second what DisneyBride'03 said about renting points. Renting points can get you a nice villa (2 bedroom) at one of the resorts for a lot less than you would spend paying rack rate at the resorts, unless you were to go value.

Check out the Rent/Trade board in the DVC section and do some of the math. I liked renting points since it gave me a really nice place to stay and I could remain within my budget. Good luck to you!

 

[stepdisney]

I'm not going until August and I have changed my mind daily, sometimes multiple times.

I started with a 2 bedroom at AKL, but then decided that it was probably more than I wanted to spend. So I decided on CSR because I've read so many good things about it. Then I read about the new pool at CBR and the preferred rooms.

But then I really want indoor hallways so I decided to try WL. But the rooms are smaller and if we stay at the CR or Poly we will have a adybed. (Boys won't share a bed).

Then the worst thing happened, my husband gave me a budget. I only have $10,000 to spend. Now that sounds like a lot, but when there are 7 people going and we need either 2 rooms or a 2 bedroom villa, and 7 flights it adds up quickly.

So yesterday, I made the final decision. We would stay at the Dolphin with the teacher's rate and give up the dining plan... BUT then my husband commented that it's August and we won't be hungry anyway. WHAT???? I always wanted my TS and so do the kids. We haven't left and he's turning into the food nazi again.

So back to a Disney resort... Now to research again. It's a good thing that I have almost 8 months to plan.

August is free dining time so that won't be a problem. If I were you (and I am going in August too) I would book toward the end of August and then take advantage of free dining (should be offered near the first week of April). You will have to pay rack rate for room (unless they come out with and double discount) but the food will be free. A two bedroom at OKW or SSR would be the way to go. They are the least expensive of the villas and OKW has the largest amount of room out of all of the villas. I'm not sure where you are flying from but there will be, I'm sure, great deals available. Just keep your eyes open....(we'll help ya!!!). With the team of kaffinito/Disneybride/Stepdisney (professional resort changers.... you'll find the right deal....several deals.....maybe three or four times a day....

 

[warriorboy648]

Some great advice. Unfortunately, I am a teacher so we need to go sometime before 8/18. We are afraid to rent points because of hurricane season. At least with a Disney booking, I can cancel or change dates.

My great hope is that a 40% dscount will come out....

In the meantime, I made a chart of all the possible places we'd like to stay and then the cost if I get my 40% off discount. I'm also checking my mail and email every day

 

[kaffinito]

A 2 bedroom at OKW is in the running also because they usually have them for 40% off in August. How was the bus transportation?

I have 3 teenage sons and an 8 and 9 year old. The 9 year old would probably want an adult plan because he is a steak rather than a chicken nugget kind of eater.

So far our 9 day tickets w/hopper/water parks is $2,452.83
and the meal plan is around $2000. So I still need to pay for air, room and whatever fun stuff we want to buy.

Is the meal plan you mentioned the DDP or the new Quick service plan? What it the price difference between the two of them, and will it make a big difference in your final cost?

Also, maybe you could cut costs by getting rid of the Water Park option on your tickets, and reducing the number of days you need tickets for from 9 to 7. We do this because we rarely do a park on our fist day or our last day, and this way we also have at least one guaranteed day off from the parks to rest, hang out and swim, or maybe do a little exploring or shopping at DTD.

Just a thought!

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

We're at WL unless Poly opens up! I will be calling to check regularly

I've been checking online every day for the Poly to open up for our dates (Mar 23-30) & you know how they pop up w/ alternate offers when what you've requested is not available? Well GF IS available! Ahh the irony.

Please humor me, thinking as I type...so we were booked CBR for $1400 then switched to WL for $2300 then this would be $3300! How can I justify that. I really can't, although DH said, do what you want, it's so much more money. ETA: it IS a theme park view!!!

Thanks for listening.....

 

[Tarheel girl 1975]

A 2 bedroom at OKW is in the running also because they usually have them for 40% off in August. How was the bus transportation?

I have 3 teenage sons and an 8 and 9 year old. The 9 year old would probably want an adult plan because he is a steak rather than a chicken nugget kind of eater.

So far our 9 day tickets w/hopper/water parks is $2,452.83
and the meal plan is around $2000. So I still need to pay for air, room and whatever fun stuff we want to buy.

Do you expert resort changers have any suggestions??

I would suggest renting points for a DVC stay too. Maybe at SSR because I think their pool might be a little nicer. If you luck out you could possibly rent points for BCV or the new villas at AKL although they will be more popular and more expensive. Then you could eat some meals in the room to save money and maybe skip the meal plan. I don't know how you're kids eat, but if they don't normally eat off the kids menu that will raise the package price. You can always skip the hoppers and waterparks add on to save money. You might find that you don't need to hop and you can always add that option on when you get there.


As for us, we're still sticking with the BWI for now. Of course all of sudden I thought of a split stay and that would open up a whole new can of worms. I can't help it. Would you split on a 6 night stay?

 

[s&k'smom]

Well now I'm itching to call and see what I might be able to do. I think I just like the challenge of seeing what kind of deal I can get. So many resorts so little time!!

 

[kaffinito]

:Well GF IS available! Ahh the irony.

Please humor me, thinking as I type...so we were booked CBR for $1400 then switched to WL for $2300 then this would be $3300! How can I justify that. I really can't, although DH said, do what you want, it's so much more money. ETA: it IS a theme park view!!!

And you are going to pass that deal up!?!?! A theme park view for that amount is a steal, and so worth it I hear...

As for us, we're still sticking with the BWI for now. Of course all of sudden I thought of a split stay and that would open up a whole new can of worms. I can't help it. Would you split on a 6 night stay?

I wouldn't do another split stay with a 10 night trip - but that's just me... Of course, I'm already lying to you because I do have a split stay planned for our August trip. Was it the split stay between the BWI and BC? It might be worth it then. (I really am no help at all sometimes)

 

[DearDaisyinDurham]

Hmmmmmmmm Maybe I shouldn't have posted here

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Well now I'm itching to call and see what I might be able to do. I think I just like the challenge of seeing what kind of deal I can get. So many resorts so little time!!

Its like an addiction...just trying to see what we can get, what kind of deal, what resort, what category! lol
I totally understand!

 

[DisneyBride'03]

Hmmmmmmmm Maybe I shouldn't have posted here

How could you not?! We understand! We enable!

GF...hmm....I get giddy just thinking abt it! lol I actually changed from GF, but we are there for F & W....so I changed.
Keep us Posted

 

[rcraw45425]

Well, it's been 10 days since I cancelled and I gotta tell you guys, I have a really strong urge to book a moderate just so our code won't be wasted!!!!!!!!! It's a sickness, I tell you!

 

[stepdisney]

Well, it's been 10 days since I cancelled and I gotta tell you guys, I have a really strong urge to book a moderate just so our code won't be wasted!!!!!!!!! It's a sickness, I tell you!

 

[stepdisney]

Some great advice. Unfortunately, I am a teacher so we need to go sometime before 8/18. We are afraid to rent points because of hurricane season. At least with a Disney booking, I can cancel or change dates.

My great hope is that a 40% dscount will come out....

In the meantime, I made a chart of all the possible places we'd like to stay and then the cost if I get my 40% off discount. I'm also checking my mail and email every day

Teacher here too!! Fortunately, here in Jersey we don't start until AFTER Labor Day. It's perfect. Maybe the free dining will start early this year.