Switch from WL?

[scriv2]

We are going to Disney in December and staying at the WL, courtyard view with dining for 7 nights. I am really debating on downgrading to a moderate but don't know if I will regret it. With the high prices of gas, any savings would be helpful. (We are driving from NJ). We have never stayed at WL, our only deluxe hotel was AKL and loved it. I am so torn between staying at a deluxe or a moderate because of the savings. If you would downgrade to a moderate, which one would you choose? Or should I keep the WL and just pay the higher price ($750 savings for AAA) .

Thanks for your help.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Of course a moderate would give you cost savings. That's always a plus! Something to consider is are you a "balcony" person? What I mean is, if you move to a moderate, you'll only have the one window (well, two if you get a corner room) but most people tend to keep those closed for privacy. I know I'd miss having a balcony to relax on, but if that's not a big deal to you, then maybe a moderate is the way to go!

Of course, the WL at Christmas is breathtaking ... we own our DVC points there and it just feels like "home" during the holidays. Not sure how the moderates decorate at Christmas, or if that's something that even matters to you.

If you decide to go moderate, though, CBR has the largest rooms of all the moderates, so that might be something to take into consideration, too.

Good luck with your decision -- I'm sure you'll have a great time no matter where you end up! It *is* WDW, after all!

 

[tigerlilly]

I am trying to make the same decision as you. We are going for 9 nights to the WL currently and I am thinking about downgrading to POR....savings is over $900.
Part of me thinks I should just save the money and put it toward more useful things in life.
Another part of me thinks I should go and enjoy a deluxe because who knows if I will ever go back again.
Good luck with your decision.

 

[MEG&MINNIE]

Stayed in Wilderness Lodge 3 yrs. ago and it was beautiful then and on these boards everyone says that it is one of the nicest (if not he best) at the Holidays. Life is too short , go ahead and splurge, and stay @ W.L. ...just my thoughts!!! Enjoy !!! Happy Planning !!!

 

[dpic]

With gas prices so high, there's really only one option. Spend the money on WL, and walk to Florida.

Seriously, if you take trips to WDW often (granted, a relative term) then saving money on this trip is something to think about. If you only plan to go to Disney a few times in your life--pay the extra. If money really was that big of a problem you wouldn't be going in the first place. WL is our favorite, and we can't wait to get back in a few months. You'll love it.

 

[sleepydog25]

If this weren't a December trip, I'd say switch. But, to have WL booked during Christmas season is a real treat. I'd keep it. Is there a way to scale back your actual Christmas giving as a means of offsetting the cost of the trip? Obviously, I'm not in your shoes, but I'd hate giving up the chance to see the decorations and the Disney feeling. Good luck! aw:

 

[Hincher]

We were going to switch to a moderate, but what got us was that moderates don't have queen size beds. We just have to have the bigger beds.

 

[BeccaGrace]

We went through the same debate (and we are from NJ too!) and are staying with our original WL ressies...I don't know when we will get back to WDW and I'd really like to make this trip special for DH, my mom and the kids--I just think WL at Christmastime will be too magical to pass up

Good luck in your decision--either way you will still be at Disney! Just make the choice that will allow you to enjoy yourself the most--a deluxe is not worth it if in the back of your mind you are thinking about the money the whole time

 

[DznyLvr2005]

We are going to Disney in December and staying at the WL, courtyard view with dining for 7 nights. I am really debating on downgrading to a moderate but don't know if I will regret it. With the high prices of gas, any savings would be helpful. (We are driving from NJ). We have never stayed at WL, our only deluxe hotel was AKL and loved it. I am so torn between staying at a deluxe or a moderate because of the savings. If you would downgrade to a moderate, which one would you choose? Or should I keep the WL and just pay the higher price ($750 savings for AAA) .

Thanks for your help.

I am also driving to the WL from New Jersey. BUT, I just saw continental has flights at $180 ROUND TRIP to Orlando. If gas goes up to $5 a gallon and it costs $100 each time I fill up (about 6 times total) that's $600!!! And flying for both of us costs $360 total! I'm debating on this since I'm deathly afraid of planes, but it will save us over $200 Flying! Keep the stay at the WL, you'll definately think it's worth it!!

 

[scriv2]

Thanks so much for all your advice. I wish I could walk to Disney LOL. If we were to fly, which I am also afraid to, it would be for 4 people. That is almost $800, plus no car down there. (We also want to go to Universal.) WL sounds really great at Christmas, and I don't know if we will ever go that time of year again. We try to go to Disney every 2 years, so maybe we will splurge this time and next time try the moderate (I might be too spoiled by then!)

Thanks again!