Second guessing reservations - PLEASE Help this stressed out planner

[JoanneNC]

Let me start off with that I hate making decisions like these..lol I will fret over it until it's a done deal. Luckily then I move forward without looking back.
So plesae - I beg- any insight or advice would be greatly appreciated.

My family and I are making our first trip to WDW 3/22 through 3/29. DH is going but this wasn't his "ideal" family trip so I have some selling to do while there..lol

I have a 6 year old - and will have an 19 month old then.
We currently have ressies at WL - because as some would say- I am a hotel snob but we just like clean, quality, CONVENIENT lodging when we travel. The theme of the WL was appealing - BUT is it really worth the extra bucks. I thought so when I booked as I felt it was convenient locations to MK/monorail but...

CSR is coming up as an alternative option
It's $1700 less for that week (as of last night) WOW big difference
It doesn't have the style of food we like but the pool looks awesome.
We will have our own car and were already planning on driving to AK and EP from WL. But wasn't sure how easy it was to get to hotels by car while there?
I know CSR won't have the bunks - not necessary since one will be used to hold stuff..lol while DS#2 is in a pack n play. I know the beds are smaller which does stink - but how is the overall resort in compared to WL. I know apples and oranges

I guess I am leaning towards this answer.
If I stay Deluxe during our first trip and we have a great trip I will be hard pressed to go down a grade - but if I start at moderate then I have room to go up next time..lol I guess anyone that has been to both WL and CSR - will pick WL now..

Now here is the even bigger ?
I have my ressies through Disney.com with my $200 downpayment and am like 73 days out - can I cancel-change it now without penalty


THANKS- I know this is supposed to be fun- right?

 

[Mickey Fliers]

If the money isn't a problem, stay with the WL. If you can book the bunkbed room, I would do that. Your 6 yo can sleep up top while the toddler take the bottom (it has decent rails). You and your DH will get a queen bed instead of a double. The resort is beautiful and the pool area is wonderful. You can easily take the boat to the MK or to the CR and walk to the MK.

You won't regret staying at the WL.

Have fun!

 

[Sandi]

We've stayed at both CSR and WL. Without considering cost, I would choose WL over CSR. We LOVE all of the other moderate resorts, but CSR was not our cup of tea. We didn't like the food court set up and cost and found that the resort had a definite convention feel -- with too many people drinking too much alcohol. We also found that the main pool was quite a hike from our room. The pool at WL never felt like a long walk to get there. There are lots of CSR fans, and I respect their opinions. We just didn't like it there so much.

We also love Pop Century and Polynesian -- so you can see we enjoy ourselves at all levels of resorts. DD13's favorite resort is Pop Century.

I would not worry about never being able to try or enjoy a different level of resort. As long as you recognize that you're paying for what you get (different services and amenities), you'll feel you get value. The room size at WL is definitely larger and it's nice to have a balcony or patio. The sliding glass doors make the room feel all the bigger. The queen sized beds are a true bonus for adults.

I think you can change your reservation with no penalty. It sounds like you've purchased a package, so you'll have to pay it in full 45 days before your trip starts. You can call WDW to make your changes.

 

[dunbarfamily]

First, take a deep breath! You've done a lot of work on this trip and you deserve a few minutes to savor the anticipation!

I have never stayed at CSR, but we will be staying at WL (well, the Villas) next week. So I don't have much help to offer, except try to not second-guess. I know, easier said than done...I'm still second guessing and our trip is next week!!

Just know that whatever you decide, you will have a GREAT time! Your kids are at great ages to experience the magic!

 

[Disney Fool]

Just realize that the WL is NOT on the monorail line. You mentioned that in your OP. Lots of us on the DIS boards jump between the Mods and the Deluxes with no problem. Sometimes when we want relaxation and time to enjoy the resort, we choose deluxe; other times, when $$ is a factor, or we're planning on a "commando style" trip, it's the mods or values because we won't be in the rooms much anyway. Whatever --it's Disney! You'll have fun whatever you do. Word of caution, though: You'll be going at a very, very busy time. Easter weekend. Please plan ahead for your first trip and make some Advanced Dining Reservations! And, work out your schedule for the week and have a definite plan in mind. We don't want hubby to hate his first trip!

 

[Disney Fool]

One more thing: since you're planning on driving--the signs are easy to follow; if you choose to stay at WL, follow signs directing you to MK Resorts from wherever you are. You may just decide to take the bus and leave the car in the lot, although it can be a hassle getting on the bus with strollers.

 

[WDW4ever]

CSR has full size beds, not queens. If that is not an issue, the $1,700.00 savings is nice. The grounds are beautiful at CSR, and while I know people either love or hate the Pepper Market, we really liked it. It was a good value on the dining plan. I'm not sure where else you can get prime rib as a counter service?

The rooms were clean at CSR (I'm very picky that way) and I ended up being very happy when I had my doubts going in. The pool was nice but I imagine the pool at WL is pretty nice also

 

[eliza61]

First, take a deep breath! You've done a lot of work on this trip and you deserve a few minutes to savor the anticipation!

I have never stayed at CSR, but we will be staying at WL (well, the Villas) next week. So I don't have much help to offer, except try to not second-guess. I know, easier said than done...I'm still second guessing and our trip is next week!!

Just know that whatever you decide, you will have a GREAT time! Your kids are at great ages to experience the magic!

Great advice Brandy,

OP- You've picked 2 great resorts. I've done both resorts and loved both. I would lean toward WL because of the balcony and my preference for inside hallways. WL is definitely one of the better themed resorts but CSR was pretty also (yeah, I know I'm a big help.)
If you do deluxe now and some day down the line you have to do a moderate you won't be disappointed. We use to flip-flop back and forth all the time.

Enjoy & relax.

 

[Kitka]

Just a quick note - you said CSR has food that isn't your style, but the Pepper Market is the best and most diverse CS place I've been to at the world. They have so many different types of food, it's a great place to find something you like.

Our first on-site trip we stayed at CSR and loved it. We're trying WL in 11 days and won't lie, the WL theming is more my style... but CSR is very nice and very beautiful as well.

 

[Lives4Disney]

One more little thing to add.....you have little kids but you are going during a VERY BUSY time of year at WDW. When my kids were younger I would never go during a holiday period (your dates are spring break and also Easter week)....

The most important thing I would do is rethink my dates if I wre you unless there is a reason you have to go during this week.

WL is not on the monorail line. I live in northern IL and I don't care for WL - it doesn't feel tropical or Florida ish at all. With little kids the monorail resorts are the way to go. Yes they may cost a bit more but the convenience & lower stress factor is so worth the cost IMO. The boats are slow and I have seen hideous lines for the boat at the end of a day at MK. If you do a mod you will be using buses mostly and you will have to fold your stroller(s) and if your children are sleeping that is a hassle. The buses will be PACKED and you may find yourselves standing often. I am just worried about the crowd levels for you - especially as this is your first trip to WDW...it may be overwhelming.

Late April, early to mid May are much better choices if you choose to make a different date and don't want to put it off much longer. We were there for doll/teddybear weekend last May (19-26) and it was wonderful - one of the best trips we've had in a long time. I have older kids and one in HS so we usually have to make the trips during school vacations....when my kids were young we'd go late Jan/early Feb or May or Sept/October. Those are the best times to go to avoid crowds.

Happy planning! Whatever you decide, have a great time.

Lives4Disney

 

[Shmily1]

No matter what resort you choose, you will still have a great time. We have stayed at all levels and love all three for different reasons. I love BC for it's convenience and it's atmosphere. I love the Swan and Dolphin for the convenience too, but oooohhhh, those beds!!! I love CSR for it's massive size and the wonderful pool and lake activities. I love POFQ for it's Mardi Gras feel. ( I can let you know about POR next week ) I love POP, because there's just nothing as fun as staying at POP and young children just love it! I love ASMu for all the dramatic theming.

As you can see, no matter where you stay, you just can't go wrong. It's all Disney and nothing can beat that!! Just decide what's most important and stick with it. In the end, it's all going to be magical anyway...

 

[heaven2dc]

I agree with others on here that the time you are planning to go will be very busy. We went the first week of March in 1997 and it was the beginning of the busy season. I was so glad I didn't listen to my sis-in-law & wait til her kids' spring break.

The WL looks beautiful (never stayed there or at CSR) but being from the Pacific Northwest, we wanted to stay at a resort with palm trees lol (guess it depends on where you live as far as resort preference). The bunk beds & queen bed might be more convenient.

As far as cost goes, have you considered renting points from a DVC owner? I'm renting at the Boardwalk Villas (which we stayed at in 1997) for alot less than what it would have cost at one of the moderate resorts (like CSR). If you want to pm me, I'll give you some details. We loved the location - you can walk or take a boat to Epcot & Hollywood Studios (MGM), bus to MK & AK (I plan on taking the monorail from Epcot to get to MK as I'm not too fond of busses). Since I haven't been there in 10 years, I'm sure others on here can offer better advice.

Have fun, take afternoon breaks and try to have somewhat of a plan esp if you are going during spring break/Easter time!

 

[ashef]

We stayed at CSR last summer and loved everything about it. The resort is beautiful. We were very happy with the quality and wide selection of food offered at Pepper Market. There is a terrific pool, a playground for little kids, a hot tub, a gym/spa and lots of grass for little kids such as yours to run and play on. Buses were excellent -- we almost never waited more than five minutes for a bus, were never on a crowded bus, and in fact most buses we rode were less than half full. Because of the great bus service, we could just hop on a bus and get back and forth to all the parks very quickly, and so never needed to drive.

We have not stayed at WL, but have visited there. It is beautiful. But I definitely would not spend an extra $1700 for it over the price of CSR. Also, if your DH is like mine, he would be much, much happier to be spending less money.

 

[JoanneNC]

I wanted to thank everyone for their replies and opinions.
To clarify I knew WL was not a mono hotel - but I was under the "assumption" that it was a boat ride from WL to CR. Please do correct me if I am wrong.

Looks like I "may" be back at the drawing board as my dates need to change for other reasons - maybe this is a blessing

Juggling between last week of Feb or 1st week in March

 

[Mickey Fliers]

Yes, you can take a boat from the WL to the CR or the MK. If you take it to the CR, you can then just take a 10 min walk to the MK. Or, you could jump on the Monorail, but it goes around the lagoon in the opposite direction. Much easier to just walk.

Either of the weeks you are looking into are probably fine. As long as you are past President's week and before Easter.

Have a great trip!!! You won't regret the WL.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

My thought is that if this is the first trip, your emphasis will be more on the parks than where you are staying. Save the $1700 for trip #2!

Note: I have only stayed at Pop and GF. Will be at CSR next month and have reservations for WL for December.

 

[ElizabethB]

If you're going to have a car, I think CSR is a great choice. We stayed there with a car and it was great. You can park very near your room (unlike WL where parking is a schlep unless you valet -- an we don't like valet because it always seems to take forever to get our car -- ). With kids and strollers parking near the room is great. We found that CSR is perfectly situated to be convenient to all parks. We were surprised at how easy it was to drive to all the parks and the other resorts. For location, CSR can't be beat if you have a car.

The only think, IMO, that would be better would be a monorail resort. But, as between WL and CSR, with a car I'd pick CSR and save money. The rooms are fine and the resort itself is gorgeous and very romantic. Maya Grill is good and many like the Pepper Market, although we weren't crazy about it.