Resort Pricing, Spring Discounts, Going Crazy! Help me decide!

[harbin]

Hello,

So I know there are alot of "which resort should I chose" posts out there. Sorry this may be more of the same.

First Our Dates/Plans:

2 adults/2 kids (3&7), going 3/28/14-4/6/14 Peak Season from all accounts.

Currently booked at Poly for 9 nights with DDP and park hopper. Without a discount cost is close to $9k.

I am concerned regarding possible construction at Poly, and the possibility of the pool being closed. We plan on spending more down time at the resort this time, and DH wants to play golf at least once possibly twice. The days he is playing, I plan on hanging at the resort pool with the kiddo's so this is important. Plan on doing one day at AK and HS, 2 days at MK, 2 days at EC, and 2 "make up days" to go back to parks and do things again, or feel that we missed, these will likely be half days as plan on doing after DH golfs, so afternoon and evening dependent on crowd calendars.

I am hoping for a discount. For all accounts the spring discount is typically S/P/D, which would really only save us $800. A room only discount would be fantastic. Here are the resorts I am considering with pre and post possible room discounts. Cost is important, but not an ultimate deal breaker, although $9k is a bit steep, especially since we take several vacations a year. This is the "year of Disney" at my request, as I was recently infected with the Disney bug our last visit. We are going to DL for a long weekend in December, the above trip in the spring, and a 7 day cruise on the Fantasy in August.

Anywhooo..

Resorts I am considering, with price breakdown.

FW cabins: Pre RO discount: 4209.75, after $3367.00
AOA suite: Pre RO discount: 4078.13, after $3466.00
CBR Pirate: Pre RO discount: 2839.52, after $2271.00
Poly: Pre RO discount: $5970.35, after $4179.00
BC: Pre RO discount: 5176.10, after $ 3623.20
WL: Pre RO discount: 4404, after $ 3282.00
BWI: Pre RO discount: 5294.25, after $3705.00

What would you do here? Obviously CBR pirate saves the most money, but I am not sure how I feel about it. Everyone says those rooms are FAR from the food court etc, and transportation is important when you are dealing with a double stroller. Would consider renting a car if it is necessary. Obvioulsy this is all speculation that a RO discount will actually come out, vs S/P/D which doesn't save us as much money. We stayed at AOA in a Nemo suite last visit, which just ended on 8/1/13 LOL... and we really enjoyed the resort. With the exception of the transportation. Lots of waiting and long drive time on the bus. I can't see spending MORE at AOA when we could be in a Deluxe (WL) for a couple of hundred less, or an Epcot resort (BWI) for a couple of hundred more.... These are the questions keeping me up at night! Help me!!
I have already decided that if a RO discount isn't an option for Spring, we will likely have to switch to Moderate (which I am fine with), as I am not sure even the crazy Disney bug can make me spend $9k on this vacation. Only 202 days to go!!!

 

[Redbudlover]

I am not sure what you mean by S/P/D discounts and am unsure of RO - do you mean a room only AP rate? That is what I would recommend. And if you buy it for your husband, your hubby would then get discounted golf, you would have discounted shopping and you could also then buy a Tables in Wonderland card and save 20% on your food - and drink! I would then go either to WL or to AKL. Personally I like AKL because being at the lodge is like a vacation in Africa - with animals! I like the food better, the fast food place better, the shopping better.. the drawback is the long bus ride to MK... Am staying at WL with DGD7 after our cruise next month and she is all excited about the bunkbeds!

 

[DLFT]

I would say FW Cabins if you're willing to rent a golf cart ($61ish a night I think) or WL if not. Cabins would give you a private room if your kids are willing to share the pull-down, and its a great atmosphere. Both FW and WL have boat to MK and above average bus service (with exception of AK). I've stayed at FW several times, my parents have stayed at WL and loved it!

Port Orleans French Quarter is another possibility if you are looking to save a bit of money. Great food court, not as spread out as other moderates/values, and awesome atmosphere! Bus service is better than decent...on routes shared with POR (with exception of DTD) you get picked up first before Riverside

 

[wdwfan757]

I'm a big fan of WL. It's got a quick service food location that's good, a table service location that's good, a fast boat to MK, and it's a great price.


With that said, I have to give my vote to BC.

Basically, I figure you've got 3 locked days at parks you can walk/boat to from BC vs. 2 from WL (boat only). (Advantage BC).

You KNOW you'll be hanging around the resort... BC gives you the best pool on property AND the boardwalk. You can also walk to minigolf at fantasia gardens. (Advantage BC)

If you're going to be there 9 nights, you should consider a split stay. It's not for everyone I know, but I really like the variety, especially when it's a split between a MK area resort and an EC area resort.