Should I change resorts????

[apulk]

We are staying on points (DVC) at the Beach Club Villas from Sunday (2/8/04) thru Thursday then taking the 3 night Disney cruise.

The family (DW, myself for 4 kids) have been to WDW many times and have stayed at many places. BW Inn, BW Villas, WDL Lodge, WDL Villas, Carribean beach, PO (old Dixie Landings), GF, Contemporary and even 2 nights at OKW. Since we let the kids in on the big trip (via a Postcard from Verandah Man Andy -- thanks again) -- ALL of the excitement and talk has been on the cruise. I have to keep reminding them that we're going to WDW too.

Here is my thought -- what do you think? I can get 2 rooms at the All Star Pop-Century with a AAA rate of about $70/night. That would be approx. $600 for the stay. I would have to cancel my DVC booking at the BC Villas and use my points in that use year. Those same points would buy me 4 nights this summer at Hilton Head (our home resort). So, basically for $600 we could have two trips this year since we were planning on having to skip HHI. 4 nights in a 2 bedroom at primetime would be over $1600. No brainer right?

For my wife -- this is a no brainer -- she never cares where we stay -- she just loves being there. I'm always the one -- trying to hit them all and probably impress my kids, I don't know. She also points out that when we've stayed at the DVC before at WDW we rarely eat in the room (other than a quick breakfast before heading out) so we're not saving money that way. At HHI -- we always eat in our room -- just about 3 meals every day. I love that location though and that pool is so cool.

What do others think? Is it so obvious what we should do? Two vacations are better than one anytime?

 

[safetymom]

I follow your logic. 2 is better than one and chances are your kids won't care one way or the other. I know mine don't.

 

[CarolMN]

If it were me, I'd keep the BCV ressies - the kids will love the pool. Eat in the room and spend less time in the parks. Plan on at least one "resort day" and enjoy all the non-park things there are to do at Disney. There's lots to do right in the area.

Whatever you end up deciding, I'm sure it will be a great time!

 

[apulk]

But, but, we're only going to have 4 days at the parks this time with the Cruise planned for later in the week.

I should also mention that we did a resort trip this past summer -- we spent 3 days in WDW after our week at HHI -- but we didn't do the parks. We did the water parks, mini-golf, did a 3 hour photo scavenger hunt around the MK resorts, evenings at the Boardwalk and Downtown Disney.

This visit will be all about doing the parks.

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

You better first check and make sure that something is available at HHI for the summer. You are a few months past the 11 month booking window and summers fill up fast there. You are fast approching the 7 month windowand then won't have much of a chance at all.

Good luck.

HBC

 

[apulk]

Did that today -- July and August are pretty good. Sure that won't last much longer so we better decide soon I know.

 

[LoveMickey]

You're going 2/8/04 - are there any events going on that would have LOTS of kids staying at the All Stars?

We went down in March and between the cheerleaders and band people, it was overwhelming at the All Stars.

How about a Moderate?

 

[leighe]

You mentioned that this trip you wanted to spend lots of time in the parks. If that is the case, I would say do Pop Century and then go to HHI in the summer. If you spend most of your time in the parks (and if you try to get it all in in 4 days you will) then I would think you would spend minimal time in your room. Just my opinion! No matter what you do you will have a great time and the kids will love it.

 

[apulk]

Leighe,

Thanks for your thoughts. I'm leaning that way. With 4 days for the parks I know we're going to either miss a lot or running everyone ragged. The 14 and 12 year olds can run all day but the 6 and 5 year (and DW) won't.

Thanks.