So excited...moderate or value?

[Mynamewastaken]

I may just have talked my hubby into going back to Disney next year ... I am trying to decide between April 2013 or June. We are teachers so these are really the only times that we can go. I think we would get more for our money in June rather than during April break (patriots week). What are your thoughts? Also, with a family of 4 would you do a value (if so which one) or a moderate and please tell me why...... OR would you rent points from a DVC member?

 

[Belle83]

In April you are going to hit spring break crowds, I would probably pick June. Both times are going to be busy though. Does Disney consider both of your weeks peak times?

How old are your kids?

I would pick a moderate. I don't love the themes of the values. The moderates have nicer pool areas (with water slides), double sinks (except for at CSR I think), queen sized beds (except at CBR), and an on-site restaurant if you want.

Renting points isn't something I'm really comfortable doing, mostly because of trip cancellation issues. We booked a nonrefundable rate for our trip last year (through Travelocity) and almost had to cancel because of a funeral. I think you can get trip insurance, but still.

 

[minnie mum]

If you can tolerate hotter weather and higher crowds, then go for the cheaper prices in June. As for the level of the resort, let your finances dictate the final say. But I always recommend staying at a mod if you can afford it. The amenities are totally worth the extra expenses as far as I'm concerned.

The nicer theming, larger rooms, better dining opportunities, much better pool and playground areas, entertainment options are only a few of the reasons that we prefer to stay at a mod. Covered bus stops are a plus whether it's hot and sunny or raining. They always seem so much quieter to me too.

Can't comment on renting DVC points, since it has never been a good deal for us, but I've read that it saves money for others.

Since you are teachers, I'm sure someone will bring up the option of Staying at the Dolphin with the teacher discount (oops, I guess I'm the one who just brought it up). It's certainly an option, but it's not a Disney hotel, so we've never stayed there.

 

[scottmel]

We are a family of 3 and I wouldnt even do a value for one night. Double beds. Rooms are smaller. I think moderates are very nice - POFQ was lovely last year and I know POR was just rehabbed now with the princess themed rooms. Personally to me a value is a motel. I don't find that enticing way to spend a vacation. Just my opinion....In fact we arrive late at night in early June and are going to the Poly. To save some money I thought why not check into the Pop late at night and then check into poly following morniing. I ended up switching POP to Coronado (never stayed but 1 night will give us an idea of resort)...

 

[Mynamewastaken]

Moderate does sound way better and yes we can swing it. My kids will be 6 and 4. I would love to rent points and stay in a nicer place like the boardwalk If possible, I am just nervous about getting scamed! We just got back 3 weeks ago from a Poly stay (we were upgraded from POR).

 

[DVC Tina]

If you don't mind spending the extra money, I would absolutely do a moderate or consider renting the points from a DVC member.
I can't comment on renting points since I haven't done it before but I can tell you from staying in the Villas -- It is awesome!!
I personally really enjoy have the extra space and comfort.

Enjoy!

 

[scottmel]

I have rented the points before and it is easy! I rented directly from disboards for 10.00 a point. Daves vacation rentals is 13 a point so if you feel SAFER going thru a company go thru Dave.price it out. google DVC 2012 Points and you will see the charts for each resort etc.

 

[DanPadavona]

Another option tends to open up after the first week in August. A lot of the resorts drop their rates slightly when the Florida schools go back in session. Depending on your own school schedule, this is a period to consider.

Otherwise I would definitely choose June over April. The weather in April can't be beat, especially for a northerner like me. But June crowds are not as intense and you will probably find a better deal.

 

[Mynamewastaken]

Thanks for the info... I am so excited. Planning is just as much fun as actually being there Now trying to decide if staying in the park is worth it considering the cost of a house rental! We never took advantage of the extra hours as my kids are little and we cannot get out of the house before 9am lol. So much to think about....

 

[k3chantal]

Planning is as much fun as being there! My husband and friends think I am crazy to enjoy it so but I do. The extra hours are fantastic; especially at night.

I am a DVC member (my points are spent ) but if you find a good deal, rent the points because the resorts at that level are fantastic! I am counting down the days to a two bedroom savanna view Animal Kingdom villa. Can't happen fast enough!

Since your April date will be controlled by how many days you have off, I vote for June. See if you can extend you trip days so you have plenty of time to enjoy the parks and perhaps take a day off in the middle to enjoy whatever resort you end up at!

 

[mericletwins]

I would definitely do moderate. I stayed at one value in my quest to stay at all Disney resorts and now don't feel the need to ever stay in another. None of my family cared for it. Depending on when your break is in April, may make all the difference. Most schools that have break attached to Easter seem to have it the week before Easter. My school is the week after Easter and we have gone several times that week and didn't find it to be that different from when we have gone in late June with the notable exception of the weather. It is warm and sunny without the humidity you get in June. It's been a few years since we have gone at Easter, so we'll see if the crowd levels are the same as they have been the week after Easter.

If you are nervous about renting points directly through a member, then use David's Disney Vacation Rentals. We are doing that for our trip in April and it has been so simple. You pay a few extra dollars per point for peace of mind, but to me it is worth it. It is non-refundable though, so maybe get trip insurance if that fact makes you nervous.

 

[dinosaurgertie]

Just another something to throw in the mix...there are special events going on at both these times. The Flower and Garden Festival is in April and Star Wars Weekends run the first two weeks in June.

I don't have a green thumb by any means, but I've never seen Epcot more gorgeous than during The Flower and Garden Festival. There are tons of topiaries of Disney characters. I believe there are also activities for young kids. The Pixie Hollow garden is cute and there was a netted area you could go into with dozens of butterflies. Historically, the weather in April's also a bit easier to handle.

Then, there's Star Wars Weekends, which run Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Hollywood Studios. If anyone in your family loves Star Wars, this is a must. There are lots of Star Wars character photo opps, an awesome motorcade and a funny dancing competition/show every night. It's lots of fun!

Either way, it's win-win. Have a great time!

 

[mlittig]

I have rented points multiple times from different DVC members using the Rent/Trade board here on the DIS and have had the most marvelous, magical experiences As a teacher, my trips also have to be during vacations so my next two upcoming trips are in April and August at Old Key West with rented points

 

[Mynamewastaken]

Thanks for all the info... now have to wait to see when the prices for 2013 come out and I can book a room!

 

[North of Mouse]

If you have never been during Epcot's Flower and Garden show, you would be in for a treat in April. We have a trip booked the middle to end of April (have the last two years) and it is absolutely beyond description. It can be very warm there even in April, but is well worth it. We personally do not like the values because of room noise from outside, running in halls all morning & night hours, tour groups, huge area to walk, etc. We love POFQ - so so beautiful, small and cozy, great ambiance on the river, boat to DTD, etc. Enjoy which ever month you choose.