Staying at a value for extra nights or less nights, nicer hotel?

[usmcwife1]

We are planning on 4 days in the parks (military salute park hopper), I am trying to decide if it is wiser to plan for a full week (staying in a family suite at a value resort) or cut a few days off and use that extra $$ towards a nicer resort??

The last time we went we used the same 4 day tickets but stayed a week @ Bonnet Creek and were really spoiled by the size of our room (2 BR Villa). We had a lot of downtime but the room (and resort overall) was nice enough that we lounged around a bit on the days we didn't go to the parks. I'm just not sure we'll want to hang around the room if we are in the smaller family suite @ All Stars.

My boys are at that lovely age where too much time on top off one another = major bickering, so unless we are busy they need space. LOL

I would stay @ Bonnet Creek again (and DH would prefer this option over any other lol) but I would like to be able to book a dining plan this time so we'll need to stay on property to do that. I know we could also try for 2 connecting rooms but I would hate if that fell through and DH and I were split up for the vacation as this is a pre-deployment family trip..

Any insight is much appreciated!

 

[ToddyLu]

We do not have children but I think the over-the-top theming at the resort will keep the kids happy. It will give you the Disney vibe and I think those resorts are perfect for that. AllStars pools are huge and there are several. There is a small arcade also. I bet they will have a movie by the pool at night (might could ask when you check in). These resorts are really big. I describe it as three Hampton Inns in each pod and there are 10 pods (not sure but it feels like that). We always stayed at Values before buying into DVC.

There are also things like the campfire at Fort Wilderness, night vision goggles for viewing animals at AKL. So while you will have some down time in the room there is also plenty to do without going to a park. So the kids could swim part of the day, then the rest try a new activity. There is also Disney Quest and the new Bowling place in DTD. Maybe the kids are old enough to enjoy Cirque. It would maybe add to the magic for kids. I remember staying in a hotel as a kid and it didn't matter that I had to sleep with my younger brother--one room was all we could afford and we were just excited to not be at home. You will still have the suite for separation at night which is awesome. In my mind you are only giving up a bit of space. When DH and I visit, we slow down and take it all in--no longer make commando trips. I sounds like you have already decided on a good pace for your family. I still want to be surrounded by Disney and wake up in the "bubble".

More days in Disney are always better. Because of the theming in the room and around the resort--I think it will change the "feel" of your vacation this time. What you won't get in space is more than made up for in Disney Magic.

I think the boys will appreciate the Disney room and it will be special memories becasue of that. I wouldn't remember a condo but I would remember colorful bedding, huge sports icons, big pools, riding a Disney bus to a park, etc. I think for a kid that is just awesome.

 

[ToddyLu]

Thank your DH for his service. 4 boys, Wow!! I picture them running and screaming in joy across the resort and thinking they have the coolest parents ever.

 

[skeettafic]

I just had a similar post about whether to cut back a day to stay at a nicer resort or do a value trip for the extra day. I would say most everyone suggested staying the extra day but we ultimately decided to cut one day and stay at Coronado Springs as opposed to Pop. We pretty much decided that by day 5 or 6, our kids are going to be done with vacation mode so pushing that extra day may just make us all miserable!

However, we were just looking at the difference of a day. If it was the difference of several days, I'd probably do the value.

 

[JohnO]

Why not stay at Shades of Green. Room price based on your rank.

 

[MarineVet]

When we were deciding last year whether to go back to Shades of Green with military tickets for 7 days or go through AAA for a moderate with the free dining, I did a spreadsheet and compared all the known prices along with an estimate for meals. Turns out it was less expensive to go AAA for that trip.

If you compare your costs and "pros/cons" on a spreadsheet, you can see which option has the most "pros" and the fewest "cons" and that is probably your best plan.

While we enjoyed SOG, we really liked being on property more. Give it a try.

 

[usmcwife1]

Why not stay at Shades of Green. Room price based on your rank.

I looked into that but DH is ranked high enough that for our size family we'd be spending more per night (albeit for a much nicer room) and losing the dining plan option.

 

[usmcwife1]

When we were deciding last year whether to go back to Shades of Green with military tickets for 7 days or go through AAA for a moderate with the free dining, I did a spreadsheet and compared all the known prices along with an estimate for meals. Turns out it was less expensive to go AAA for that trip.

If you compare your costs and "pros/cons" on a spreadsheet, you can see which option has the most "pros" and the fewest "cons" and that is probably your best plan.

While we enjoyed SOG, we really liked being on property more. Give it a try.

This is a great idea! My husband likes putting together spreadsheets so maybe I can get him to do this and help me plan a little

We visited SOG while on our last trip (DH wanted to check out the PX lol) and while it was nice I think the kids would prefer being AT disney 24/7 this time.

 

[usmcwife1]

Thank your DH for his service. 4 boys, Wow!! I picture them running and screaming in joy across the resort and thinking they have the coolest parents ever.

Thank you! We appreciate that

You are probably right, they will have much more fun on property regardless of where we stay, I can't wait to see their reaction when we enter the room!

 

[Random Ninja]

Sre you looking at the suites at ASMu or have you also considered AoA. The new resort has a lot going for it. I visited AoA a few weeks ago and love it. The cars and nemo pools look like so much fun and then there's all the characters and hideaways. Plus, Pop is just across the bridge for more exploring fun. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but i think the suites are avavilable for the military discount.

 

[biondagirl]

I'd always go with more days. There are so many things to see and do. And, with kids, they like to do their favorites a few times. Plus, you (at least this is how I feel) don't feel so stressed like you are missing out on everything because there is no time left. My kids like to meet the characters and that eats up time, too.

Enjoy. Happy planning.

 

[JJsmama]

There are tons of things you can do on the days you are not using a park ticket. Remember, if you are staying onsite, you can still use the transportation.

Some ideas are: take the monorail loop and get off at every resort and explore.

Go to the Boardwalk area loop and explore

Take the boys to Ft Wilderness to see the horses, etc. (Take the boat to CR, WL and MK while there.)

Go to DTD.

As for the rooms, my Dh doesn't consider it vacation if we are all in the same room. And especially for a pre-deployment trip! Looks like you are going Sept., so possibly the resorts won't be full and your chances of connecting rooms is better. Also, call and have it noted on your res that DH is military and deploying after the trip and hopefully they will make a special effort on the connecting rooms. The FW cabins might be a good fit.

If you can't get two rooms, you and DH could check all the boys into one of the kids clubs for 1 or 2 nights and have an evening to yourselves. In my experience, when my boys go to a place like that together, they are not so nervous and have fun!

 

[usmcwife1]

There are tons of things you can do on the days you are not using a park ticket. Remember, if you are staying onsite, you can still use the transportation.

Some ideas are: take the monorail loop and get off at every resort and explore.

Go to the Boardwalk area loop and explore

Take the boys to Ft Wilderness to see the horses, etc. (Take the boat to CR, WL and MK while there.)

Go to DTD.

As for the rooms, my Dh doesn't consider it vacation if we are all in the same room. And especially for a pre-deployment trip! Looks like you are going Sept., so possibly the resorts won't be full and your chances of connecting rooms is better. Also, call and have it noted on your res that DH is military and deploying after the trip and hopefully they will make a special effort on the connecting rooms. The FW cabins might be a good fit.

If you can't get two rooms, you and DH could check all the boys into one of the kids clubs for 1 or 2 nights and have an evening to yourselves. In my experience, when my boys go to a place like that together, they are not so nervous and have fun!

This is wonderful advice, we spent one of our days off visiting DTD and eating at one of the resorts but we didn't really plan in time for exploring, I didn't really realize at the time how much there is to do at the resorts!

I was crunching numbers last night and connecting rooms might be a good option for us as well. I know they are not guaranteed but from what I have read here there is a decent chance our request will be honored, I'm not sure if I am ready to commit to that option but it's out there lol!

The kids clubs are another great idea, I completely forgot disney has childcare! My boys are all a little older now and more comfortable with doing "parents night out" when they go together. I may have to include a date night/afternoon in our schedule!

 

[doitforlove]

We dont have children but opted for the value resort. We were originally looking at upgrading our pkg to CSR, but DBf didn't want to spend the money to upgrade and then spend more to get a king sized bed. He ended up surprising me a month before our trip by adding three nights to the beginning of our stay. We leave tomorrow and hope that we enjoy POP and get our king sized bed