Solo at a Deluxe Resort

[PrincessTrisha]

I want to take a solo trip in December. My trip in June was meant to be solo but my friend asked to go so it didn't bother me to pay for the BC for the two of us (my Dad also joined us for the last couple of nights). At the end of October, I am taking my parents and my mom's careworker so for 4 adults, a deluxe makes sense to me.

But just for me? I keep going back and forth on a value, moderate or deluxe resort. I've never stayed at a value, only once at a moderate (POFQ - which I did enjoy but it was the first time on property so it kind of resparked my love of Disney) and every other trip I've stayed at a deluxe (AKL, Poly, BC, CR, GF, BWI) because I've brought other people with me.

I guess I'm just having a difficult time justifying the cost based on one person (me) in the room.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I had the same issue in April 09. I finally decided that I couldn't justify staying deluxe for just me since I knew I wasn't going to be at the resort very much.

So I ended up staying at POR instead. It turned out to be just right for me.

 

[Donald is #1]

Its a very tough decision. I have stayed at WL & AKL solo prior to purchasing DVC. However, I have had a hard time justifying staying at any of the more expensive deluxes solo.

 

[Amysita]

I have no advice...just wanted to chime in that I was feeling the same way...deluxe felt like that would be a waste of good money for just me when I don't plan on spending much time at my resort. For the same reasons you have mentioned...I am opting for POFQ next year, and spending the difference of money between deluxe & mod on dining plan upgrade, Cirque, & a fireworks cruise.

 

[Ctsplaysinrain]

I would think about the Swan or Dolphin. You will get the "deluxe" ( actually nicer)you are used to but probably at 1/2 the price or more of a Disney Deluxe...

 

[aggielawyer]

I can sympathize with your dilema, but I'm afraid I don't really have any advice. Both of my prior trips we stayed at the BC. For my solo trip I decided on Pop because I'm trying to get out of debt and shouldn't really be going to WDW anyway. In the future, when funds are a little better, I plan to work my way around all the mods and other deluxes. After that I'll probably always stay at BC because I love the location. So I guess a lot depends on your money situation. I'm paying cash for this trip so I don't have cc bills as my souvenirs!

 

[shoes99]

I stayed solo at AKL on a last minute trip. I liked the inside hallways. I had no problems. I booked a standard AP rate and was upgraded to a savannah view. It was off season in January a few years ago. Probably would book value if I did it again, but I loved staying at a deluxe.

 

[Hallowishes]

hmmm ... well, i guess it depends who comfortable you are with the expense of staying deluxe solo. personally, id love to stay at CR but i REALLY cant afford it alone. ive stayed at ASMu for the last two trips now .. and ive really enjoyed it. i dont honestly think id use all the benefits of staying deluxe except for room service. i think the best advice is stay where youre comfortable and think you will have the best time. dont stretch out your fund too thin, and youll be fine!

 

[MyMuse]

I want to take a solo trip in December.

I guess I'm just having a difficult time justifying the cost based on one person (me) in the room.

I went solo in March and stayed at moderate - POFQ. It was fine by me; small, quiet and it was the 4/3 deal, so I didn't feel too bad.

I would go with a moderate or Swolphin.

Unless, you want to stay off-site at a better rate at one of the participating Disney hotels (Hilton?).

I going on a solo trip (I think!) and I'm staying off-site at my family's timeshare. I much rather stay on-site and the $59 for POP was calling my name, but it really worried me. I'm not about all the noise, kids, Pop Warner...etc, etc and soforth. I think POFQ really spolied me.

 

[PrincessTrisha]

Thanks for your opinions everyone.

Now I'm thinking either a standard room at the AKL ($149 a night) or POFQ ($99 a night). I've eliminated the value because a) I don't drive and I'm kind of lazy so that makes dining very mundane b) I like having other stuff to do (other than the parks) such as viewing the animals or taking the boat to DTD.

This would be so much easier if I had friends with money who would share costs!

Anyway - I'm glad to hear that there are others who face similar dilema's when planning their own solo trips (now the trick is for me, not inviting anyone else along who I have to pay for).

 

[Poly86]

I am in the same boat...solo traveler heading there in September. It's so different when you're not splitting the bill...downright painful! That said, I opted for Deluxe for me this trip. I can't swing doing this on a regular basis, but it felt right this time around and here's why...I'm the same way, I like the dining choices and I know lots of people say they're never in the room and go for Value (which I totally get, believe me) - and I have stayed at the POFQ and really liked it (great, easy access to Downtown Disney, great for solo's)...but I like my downtime and when you're alone I think you notice your surroundings more. I'm doing AKL and really can't wait to have a nice dinner at Jiko's, walk around the property and just have a drink there before I hit the hay. The upgraded amenities and super comfy beds/plush towels are really great for the single girl too (not "musts" by any means, but a nice touch when you're alone). That said - again, totally understand that the Values or Mod's are awesome and you'll come home from Disney with more $$ by doing that and have just as much fun. But I vote for AKL if you can swing it, just my humble opinion as someone planning to be a little lazy around the resort as well (hey, it's vacation!). Truthfully though, you can't go wrong with either of those choices. Have a great time!

 

[nurse.darcy]

I am sorry but I think I could always justify the cost of a deluxe when solo. First off I DO use the amenities at a resort. . .pool, gym, hot tub, restaurants, room service, etc. That being said, if I could not afford to stay at deluxe I would choose POR or POFQ. Those are my fave mods. I have yet to be disappointed by a stay at Disneyworld but since I go more than once a year, I feel no need to plan loooooonnnnngggg park days. I select a few faves each trip that are must do's and the rest of the time is resort relaxation time.

 

[TinkTink78]

I enjoyed reading this thread, since I am now debating wheather to cancel my ASMo Preferred ressies and book a MOD, or downgrade to a standard at ASMu and save money.

My 1st original ressie was CBR, now I am thinking about POR or POFQ due to the boat to DTD. LOVE that place

It might be worth the $66 to "upgrade" to a MOD from a Value.

 

[honeydiane1953]

I too love this post. I have stayed at Dixie Landings twice and Cont Towers twice. I have booked my Oct trip at CT again. I am spoiled and loove the deluxe rooms but can't afford it i just do it. Actually I should stay at the moderate ones or better yet a sleeping bag at the campgrounds but I know I couldn't walk the next day. It is hard being spoiled with my funds lol.

 

[drmemory]

Very interesting thread. I have often used WDW as a stopover on business trips and stayed solo. With the free MKE it can be a great deal and a lot of fun too. I prefer to say around Crescent Lake (BW, BC) because there is so much to do and the resorts are very nice.

So, have you looked at the "DVC-Rent/Trade" forum? You can pick up DVC points for $8-$9 each. During December (up to the 23rd) you can get a Studio at BWV for only 9 points/per night from Sunday-Thursday - that's only $78-$81 per night (tax included!). Weekends are steeper of course. Disney is charging a small fee for non-DVC members to use points, but it is still a great deal. And a studio at a DVC resort is much nicer than a hotel room at at Mod or Value.

Just a thought.

 

[Stinky_Pete]

I'm in the same boat OP. I've never done a solo visit before and just don't know what to do.

I love WL - it's the favorite of the resorts I've stayed in. But going solo I'm paying the whole thing, and it's about twice what POP would be. I feel like I can't really justify the extra expense of staying at WL, but am wondering if, as a solo who's been to WDW many times, I might spend more time in my resort and want to have a nicer place.

I am going in January. I like cool weather. I can see myself wanting to have some fresh air in my room during my afternoon breaks. At the WL I can open the sliding door on my balcony. At POP I think my only option is to use a chair to prop open my door. Does the window open? Having the door propped open isn't a very comforting thought if I'm napping...

But my goodness! The WL is almost twice as much money, even if they offer some of the discounts they've offered in the past.

What to do..what to do...?

 

[ClareH37]

I'm another solo'er who loves the deluxe resorts (finances permitting!) - for my solo trip in May I'm staying at AKL - I've always wanted to stay there and I plan on spending some time just relaxing around the resort. There's also 3 restaurants I want to eat at there - Sanaa, Boma and Jiko, I don't really want to be travelling around every night going to/from restaurants so for me it's perfect. It is more expensive than staying at a value or a mod of course but I've decided to splurge as I know I will feel happy there.

Last year, for my 'semi solo' trip (i.e. originally booked as a solo trip but didn't happen!) I stayed at the BWI after taking advantage of the 4/3 deal, that was a great deal for me.

 

[SleepingRebecca]

I haven't done a solo trip yet but I am planning on it so I am loving this thread! I think my vote if you could swing it would be for a deluxe mainly because of the restaurants and drinks (I like a nice martini or glass of wine) before bed without worrying about driving. And since you stated that you would not have your own car I think it would be better to stay at a deluxe because at least you would be walking up to your room not out into the lobby and then around parking or outside corridors (safety first). If you can afford it I would go AKL love the restaurants and the drink options!

I am sure you are going to have a great time and you must let us know what you decide and how it went- I know I want to know!

 

[PrincessTrisha]

I booked yesterday night.

4 nights at the AKL standard view room (Dec 12 - 16) with the DDP room rate is $149 per night and the 2 nights (Dec 16-18) AKL Club level - these were the only two nights of my trip available at club level. With the discount they were $207 a night - it was just too good a deal to pass up.

I have to admit it was the interior corridors, the restaurant availablility and the possibility of a king bed (and not having to book and pay extra like at the moderate) which pushed me over the edge.

Can't wait for my first solo trip in December!

 

[SleepingRebecca]

That's great! I will be there the same time (Dec 11-16) at the AKL as well! Hope you have a great time!