Spoiled ourselves with the first trip

[littlbugmom]

Hello everyone. I've been a member a long time but have only just started participating. I didn't join in time for our first trip but have gotten a lot of tips from reading.....our next trip is Thanksgiving week of this year.

I'm going crazy. Our first trip was 4 days in a one bedroom villa at Old Key West with a free Dining Plan. This year, we're staying 8 nights and again want the one bedroom at OKW. Problem, 8 days costs a lot more than 4 days and the Dining Plan isn't free after 9/20/08.

I know we could cut our costs by staying in a smaller room but I get nervous just thinking about it. Not only do I feel very spoiled because of the first trip but I've stayed in regular hotel rooms before but 3 days was the limit and I was going buggy by then! I'm *this close* to claustrophobic and my 4 year old is not the calmest kid.....those two facts make my stomach hurt at the thought of a small room for a week!

But money doesn't grow on trees. Can you give me tips on how to cut costs elsewhere? The ticket prices are set, I can't get the free Dining...where else can I save?

I think we're only going to do 2 character meals. One in the castle (didn't get in last trip and daughter really wants to) and then another for my son (Chef Mickey or Playhouse Disney?)

We weren't in our room all that much last time but that's because we were determined to get our money's worth. This year, we want to relax more...but the cost is bugging me so much that I think I might be looking for someone to talk me into a smaller room.

Help!!

 

[pruesmom]

If you want to relax more I would suggest keeping your one bedroom villa. Trust me, after you have stayed in a Deluxe, it is HARD to turn back. The next step down would be a villa but you would still go crazy as you don't have that extra room to escape. Since you can't get the free dining, why don't you go ahead and purchase the dining anyway. You are already doing two character meals and the castle is a bit more expensive. Sit and figure out what it would cost you to buy food all week on your own or just get the plan that includes those meals. We are a family of three and I can tell you that it is WAY cheaper for us to buy the dining. I would also suggest Chef Mickey's as your second choice for your character meal. I hope it all works out for you.

 

[tskover57]

Have you ever thought about renting DVC points for the villa? I would assume that you went through disney last time. But we are renting for the first time for our short trip next week if your interesed I will let you know how it goes when we come back!

 

[deide71]

I'd keep an eye out for the passholder rates. Discounts on DVC villas were better than the Deluxes last year. If the discount is $100 or more per night off of the villa (and they were last year) you could save quite a bit of $$ if one member of your party bought an Annual Pass.

HTH

 

[mayesq]

Hi Kim!! Good to see you here

The deluxe resorts have balconies, so you can easily get away by going outside. Also, you and dd can relax by the pool while ds is resting in the room. We've done regular hotel rooms dozens of times with the two kids and it is totally doable.

The other option is to buy groceries if you stay in the 1 bedroom and utilizing the kitchen (especially for breakfast).

Good luck. You will have fun no matter where you stay. I promise.

 

[spiceycat]

you went in Sept last year and this year you are going Thanksgiving week.

You realized that Sept has the least amount of crowds and Thanksgiving is probably the 5 week in crowds.

1)christmas to NY
2) Easter week
3) palm week (the week before Easter)
4) July 4
5) Thanksgiving
6) spring break for local counties

It will be a heck of lot more crowded.

not even sure that a DVC member can help you - pretty sure all the points reservation are long gone.

going from a low crowds months like Sept to a high crowd week like Thanksgiving is enough of a shock to your system.

would stay with the 1-bedroom - after you see those crowds will need it - and just buy your groceries.

will you have a car - then go buy them - if you are using WDW transportation and DME - then go with a grocery service.

 

[joanng]

Have you ever considered the new suites at the ALLStars? I know its not deluxe but with a 4 year old I really think you would and your 4 year old would just adore the theming at these resorts. The food courts are great and they have an arcade and multiple pools. When my kids were younger we stayed at ASsports in the baseball section not poolside(which can be a little noisy) we had 2nd floor each time and at night we could watch the fireworks from the outside of our room. They didn't have the suites back then - so this might be a great option for you since a small room isn't for you.

The price difference alone would make you able to buy the Dining Plan.I have never stayed at a deluxe only value and Mod but to me its not worth the $$$ unless you plan on spending a lot of time at the resort and not the parks. We always put aside one day to enjoy the resort and the moderate resorts all have quiet pools which we really enjoy.

We are staying at POR this Sept with free dining just adults this time 25th wedding anniversary , have you ever considered a Mod resort? The rooms are a little bit biger than the value. But I would really look minto the new suites at the all stars.

Hope you have a wonderful vacation no matter where you stay!!

 

[littlbugmom]

Thank you for your advice....I'm reading these boards and taking it all in.
I wish I had starting reading here earlier!

Tskover57--I don't know anything about DVC points but will find out. I'd love to hear what you think after your stay.

Mayesq--Fancy meeting you here!! Howyadoin?!

We're leaning towards staying in the villa. I'm just too afraid to be cramped for a week. I tried to get a family suite at the ALLStars but they are booked. I think that room would probably do us nicely. It looks roomy enough so, I'll keep trying. If we can't get that, we're staying with the villa for this year and will try to get a tour of the family suites while we're there.....so we'll be ready for the next trip.

I didn't realize the crowds would be THAT much bigger Thanksgiving week. Oh well. We tried to keep the kids from missing too much school but I guess everyone does that. Another good reason not to try a smaller room, this trip.

We are going to stick with our plan of only 2 character meals. There are some places we really enjoyed eating at last trip so, we'll hit them for small meals/snacks. Most of our meals will be in the room. I'll stock the kitchen that first night and be ready for quick meals and snacks.


Thanks!