Split stay? Or WL all the way??

[Marty Moose]

I need opinions!

Okay...what would you do?

I am planning a trip down for 11/30/08 - 12/6/08 and am trying to decide on where to stay?

It will be me, dh, ds(8*) & dd(4*) *Age at trip time!
We hope to "ditch" the kids with my mil for the last two nights, though (inlaws live about 2 hours north of Orlando) for some alone time

So, I'm trying to decide between the following:

4 nights at ASMo w/ kids and then our two nights alone at the YC (water view)

OR

All 6 nights at WL (courtyard w/bunkbed)?

All 6 nights at WL will run us approx $700 extra...and we would probably me more likely to skip some extras (ie, no MVMCP & probably only one expensive dinner)

So, what you do? Would you splurge on WL? Or split the stay and save some dough?

TIA!!

 

[lilyv]

I probably wouldn't want to go to the trouble of moving for two nights, although it would be nice to be at YC. The thing is, by the time you check out, move, and eventually check in you lose a significant amount of time. For me, I'd want to move for at least 3 days, otherwise, I'd just stay put.

Money-wise, I hear you. I tend to tuck $$ away, and then when it's time to go I have some $$ for those extras saved up. Over a year, a 5 here and a 20 there really adds up!

Whatever you decide, have a great vacation!

And, of course, three cheers for mil's that take care of the kids so mom and dad can have some alone time!

 

[DisneyChristmas]

I'd go for the split and get your two nights alone at YC. WL would be wonderful with the big holiday tree and all, but don't miss MVMCP.

 

[Destination Disney]

I think the split stay would be nice.
However consider that check out is at 11am and your check in room may not be available until 4pm.
But then again the WL in my opinion is far more superior then ASMo, so I'd stay there for my longer stay rather then ASMo.

Your comparing a Deluxe (WL) resort to a value, Just asking, but why ASMo?

By the way WL is BEAUTIFUL around the holidays!

 

[ransom]

Even setting aside my feelings about WL, I'd go for the 100% WL stay since I don't like the idea of moving during a vacation. But that's me!

But I hope you can find some way to scrape together the money for MVMCP, especially if you can go to it in the middle of the week when it's less likely to be sold out.

 

[grimley1968]

I'd pick one and stick with it for the duration. The thought of dealing with packing/unpacking in the middle of my trip is not appealing to me.

 

[Jill in Chicago]

How about staying at a moderate for the entire time? I know many people do a split stay but that does not appeal to me at all. I like to "move in" and get all my stuff organized and then be done with it. I agree about the check in and check out times too. Too much running around. I would just want the ease of one place.

I would also let the kids know in advance when they are going to the MIL's house. I think it will be hard for them to leave Disney if they know you are staying there, no matter how much they love Grandma. Let them know from the get go that this is your alone time and it is not up for negotiating. Would it be possible for them to go to Grandma's first, and then have them join you at Disney? That might be easier for the kids to leave GMA's for Disney versus the other way around.

 

[Dchef]

Well, I am a bit Bias towards the WL --Dog gone it we just love that place and since it will be decorated for the holidays, Its a no brainer!! Save yourself the hassle of the transfer. We are staying in Dec and won't be attending MVMCP and have never gone to that--some people think is okay and others rave. I'd rather do other things personally. Good luck with your decsion whatever it is remember it is DISNEY have a great time!

 

[teethrdh]

I just got back from my first trip to WL and fell in love with it, I think the kids would love the bunkbeds my three year old did, and the pool is so cool. It also is a romantic resort with the walkways and waterfalls, sitting out on the deck looking at the lake, gyser and pool, we loved it!

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

Technically I guess we are doing a "split stay". We added one night (outrageously affordable airfare one day earlier). We are not, however, unpacking or "nesting" at Riverside for the one night before Boardwalk.

EPCOT resorts are my favorite during the holidays but WL is my absolute, hands down favorite. Christmas decorations are beautiful there.

For me, I prefer a Woods View room. I have found the Courtyard View room very noisy. I enjoy a quiet room where I can keep my curtains open and not worry about someone seeing inside as I scamper around the room after dark getting ready for bed. (after all - it's not fright night at Halloween!)

So....I vote for a full stay at WL.....LOVE the hotel.......hate to pack up after I have "nested" in my room.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[Marty Moose]

Thank you all!

Destination Disney - I absolutely agree that WL is superior to ASMo!! I wasn't comparing WL against ASMo...just the idea of staying in a value AND a more expensive deluxe (YC) as compared to spending more money for a whole week at the cheaper deluxe (WL). I only chose ASMo for the value option because I like the theming best (we will have a car so I'm not worried about being the last bus stop, etc.)

I really do think I'm going to splurge and go for WL all week! I also don't like the idea of having to pack up and move! Plus, with my luck I'd book the cheaper option to save money and then get a Christmas bonus or a winning lottery ticket that would have covered the cost (ex: when I financed my first car I went with my second choice because it was $30 cheaper a month...and then got a $100+/mo raise the next week!!) So, I think I will seize the day on this one!! It will make for a very magical trip for the four of us (or three of us if my husband divorces me over this! )

*BTW - I did consider having the kids meet up with us later, but after our last trip with the kids I know that we will need some relaxing alone time AFTER touring the parks with our kiddos!!

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I think that the suggestion to do "grandma" first is the best. Then the room is yours first, with no kids, and then they will join you later. I would just check-in once, and while they might be upset because they are not spending as many days at WDW as you are they will get rewarded by getting to go there last and having that as their parting memory. I would either do a moderate or go for the WL. Location is everything and you will be in an area very close to what we like to of Christmas as being, as far as atmosphere goes.