Those that stay at the deluxes...

[maxsmom]

How often do you go? Do you have AP's? I was just wondering. We have stayed at the WL a couple of times and the YC. WL 1st time was our wedding. YC was our anniversary and we had a code for an awsome rate. Then we did WL w/ the pay for 4 or 5 nights stay for 7 nights deal. DH and I would absolutely love to stay at the Poly. But we are both teachers and it just seems soooooooooooo expensive. We would actually have to decide ahead of time and really save up. We usually only decide about 4 mths out. Even then I don't know if it's worth it. We had the Swan booke dfor $149 and decided to cancel and try the POP. We've also stayed at CSR and really enjoyed it. THere's just something about the delux resorts though. The CR is a more viable option, but they never seem to have any rooms. DH had always wanted to stay here. It wouldn't be my 1st choice, but I would still like to try it. So, how do you do it? Sorry for being noisy. I'm just figuring out how to fit these in more often. I do realize that sometimes I just have to willing to cough up the $. Something was holding me back for this upcoming trip though. I don't know why. Thanks!

 

[rcraw45425]

We have been really bad the past year or so and have been a total of 4 times since last April . Before that it was about once every year or so. Last spring (before I found the DIS) I booked CBR at rack rate, then had to cancel due to an unexpected high $$ bill. We then decided to go on anyway and stayed offsite for the first time in years. What an eye opener that was. I then couldn't pass up an incredible GA resident code in our newspaper that got me the CR wing for $149 a night in June. After that trip we started talking about OCT?NOV, how nice the weather is then. I stumbled upon the DIS after booking our OCT trip and ordering our MNSSHP tickets. When the general code came out I was in heaven. It, and a great CM at Central Reservations, helped me to change our existing WL/AKL reservation around to WL/Poly. I had WL CV for ~$180 a night for We & Th, then the rate jumped to $300 a night for Friday and Saturday nights! The CM found me the Poly with the code for $239 a night. The split stay was a hassle but other than that it was great. Bought an AP after that trip. Decided on a quick trip in Feb, SueEllen with DU took over for me and got me the YC AP rate of $199 a night. Went back in April, GF was ~ $350 a night with AP. I have been the lucky recipient of upgrades at the YC and GF, so I have saved quite a bit on these AP trips, as well as our general code ones. I thank my lucky stars for this board. I have already booked the WL for October again, praying for a great AP rate then. I agree, there is something special about the deluxes.

 

[kirbsam]

if you are both teachers, then get a job in the summer and use that income to pay for your trip to disney world...i am just kidding, but if you want to go deluxe you have to be willing to work for it...i am independently wealthy so i go whenever i want. please, no flames, i am just kidding around. it is after midnight here and i have just finished a day of coaching my daughters softball team and i am a little slaphappy.

 

[skiwee1]

We go twice a year staying for around 10-12 days each time. We will be going 3 trips in the next 12 months and staying 35 days total. Yes, we have APs.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

We usually stay 7 nights. I book our Fri and Sat night stays using AP rates. We usually stay at AKL or WL when using the room only codes and the rates have been great the past few years.

We rent points for our Sun-Thur night stays from a DVC member and it's very economical. A studio at OKW for our upcoming trip only cost $400 for 5 nights (that's cheaper than a mod resort) and you don't pay tax or resort fees when renting points. Plus, in the DVC resorts you get a kitchenette or full kitchen and have access to washer/dryer free. It's a great way to stay in deluxe accommodations for a moderate price.

 

[yusinskas]

For me, it's all about deciding what your priority is, not how high your salary is. My co-workers have income and living standards that are the same as mine, but they are always broke, while I never am. They think they save money by shopping at Wal-Mart all the time. I save money by only shopping when I really need something, and by buying quality when I do shop. I bring my lunch everyday, but they are ordering out or buying from the cafeteria at work often. I drink water, not cans of soda from the vending machine. When I cut out the little things that don't matter it really adds up. That way, when I want to do the things that do matter to me, like having a great vacation, I have the money to splurge. Not to mention a nice 401K. :>

Most people have no idea what they spend on little day to day things. The thing that did it for me was Quicken. Anyone looking to budget should get Quicken or a similar program. Whenever you spend, it asks you to categorize your purchases, and you can see over time how much you spend on nothing! Within a month of buying quicken, I made it my mission to get out of credit card debt. When I saw I was basically throwing away $900/year, it really snapped me out of it.

This is sort of unrelated, but I have to mention this: Everyone should have 5 months living expenses in a savings account. I work for Social Security, and most people don't realize that if you become disabled and cannot work, Social Security pays you NOTHING for the first 5 months of your disability. If you have to save very far in advance for a vacation, chances are you are not prepared for this type of situation. Get the credit cards paid off, get a cushion of savings, and THEN worry about whether to go deluxe or not. :> I talk to people every day who are in jeopardy of losing their homes, or are being evicted because they did not prepare for these situations, and lived paycheck to paycheck. I love Disney as much as the next person, but it's not worth losing everything for.

 

[maxsmom]

For me, it's all about deciding what your priority is, not how high your salary is. My co-workers have income and living standards that are the same as mine, but they are always broke, while I never am. They think they save money by shopping at Wal-Mart all the time. I save money by only shopping when I really need something, and by buying quality when I do shop. I bring my lunch everyday, but they are ordering out or buying from the cafeteria at work often. I drink water, not cans of soda from the vending machine. When I cut out the little things that don't matter it really adds up. That way, when I want to do the things that do matter to me, like having a great vacation, I have the money to splurge. Not to mention a nice 401K. :>

Most people have no idea what they spend on little day to day things. The thing that did it for me was Quicken. Anyone looking to budget should get Quicken or a similar program. Whenever you spend, it asks you to categorize your purchases, and you can see over time how much you spend on nothing! Within a month of buying quicken, I made it my mission to get out of credit card debt. When I saw I was basically throwing away $900/year, it really snapped me out of it.

This is sort of unrelated, but I have to mention this: Everyone should have 5 months living expenses in a savings account. I work for Social Security, and most people don't realize that if you become disabled and cannot work, Social Security pays you NOTHING for the first 5 months of your disability. If you have to save very far in advance for a vacation, chances are you are not prepared for this type of situation. Get the credit cards paid off, get a cushion of savings, and THEN worry about whether to go deluxe or not. :> I talk to people every day who are in jeopardy of losing their homes, or are being evicted because they did not prepare for these situations, and lived paycheck to paycheck. I love Disney as much as the next person, but it's not worth losing everything for.

I'm sorry , but I'm not sure where you are really going with this. I don't believe I said that I've booked something that I could afford. I could afford to pay more this trip and chose not to. I also pride myself on being somewhat trifty. Dh and I have good jobs and we live a nice life. We don't have tons of extra cash, but we can for the most part afford what we need and want with in reason. Maybe I worded my question wrong, but I don't need a lesson on how to save more money in my daily life or how much I should have in my savings. Which you have know idea. I don't mean to offend, but geesh.

I guess my and dh's family grew up staying in clean decent hotels with the attitude that you're only there at night so why pay more. Dh and I have branched out from this thinking at Disney but are still taken aback by some of rates for some deluxes. I was simply wondering how you did it. Did you plan well in advance and save? To you do split stays to cut your costs? Etc..

 

[yusinskas]

I certainly didn't mean to offend you with my advice, but apparently you took it as a personal insult. The way I read your question, it sounded like you were asking how those of us that stay in deluxes can afford to do so.

For me, affording these things on an average salary is the result of careful money management in all areas of my life, so I just described what worked for me.

If your actual question was about the difference in quality between deluxes and moderates... I think the deluxes are definately worth it. Unless you go very often, you might as well make your trip the best it can be. For me, the monorail access alone makes it worth it. When you add in the room sizes and other amenities, the deluxes greatly enhance my vacation, and make them a must.

 

[vhoffman]

Are you familiar with www.mousesavers.com? They have a ton of suggestions for how to save on disney trips without sacrificing quality. They often have discount codes that can save a bundle, too. We've never used one of their codes, just didn't fit our plans, but I can see how it could save one a bundle and still have a deluxe vacation. Go to their website and sign up for their newsletter, its free. Also, do ask about AAA discounts. Just about everyone has AAA. You can't book online with AAA, have to call and ask. Also, I've found its better to call to make reservations rather than just try to use the website. I've found they tend to throw the high dollar accomodations at you, without giving the total inventory available. They often don't follow your requests. For example, you might specify a standard room and all you get are suites, concierges, etc., which leads you to believe that's all that's available. Using the phone takes time, but you can find you best bargains that way. Or, if you don't have the time to stay on hold all day, try a travel agent. We had good luck with www.dreamsunlimited. com. They do really try to get the best bargains, deals, etc.

 

[JESW]

We have been AP holders for the last few years and have been fortunate enough to go 2x (and sometimes 3x) a year. Our kids are 6 & 10. I know that a lot of people say that the resorts/rooms don't matter since you don't spend that much time there, but I respectfully disagree. The resort is as much a part of the vacation as the parks are for us. We have stayed at the CR (my DH also wanted to stay there and I didn't but I did end up liking it), BC, YC, AKL, Polynesian & BWI. Our next trip in august we will be going for 9 nights and staying at 3 different resorts - AKL, WL (first time) and then BWI. Our kids love the resorts and love all the different pools and the different atmosphere. When our oldest was young we stayed at Port Orleans and Dixie Landings and really liked both. The deluxes are great for their closeness to the parks. If you stay at the CR you can WALK to the MK! At an EPCOT resort you can walk or take the ferry, real nice!

Our Disney vacations are our vices. Other folks think we are nuts for going so often, but it's the type of vacation that fits our family. DH has a very stressful job and he doesn't want to have to drive or even think much when he is on vacation. Our kids have been so often that we rely on them to plan some of our days - where they want to go, where they want to eat, etc. This next trip we hope to go to both water parks since we usually only get to one. (That's another thing - lots of people say to skip the water parks but we love them!) We also have the Disney Visa and I now charge just about everything on it. Last trip we had over 500 points. (I used it to charge the Disney cruise we took in April, our airfare and everything else with the trip) I need to order the dining card for our next trip and that will save some money.

It all depends on what you are comfortable with.

Jill

 

[NCombs]

I'm sorry , but I'm not sure where you are really going with this. I don't believe I said that I've booked something that I could afford. I could afford to pay more this trip and chose not to. I also pride myself on being somewhat trifty. Dh and I have good jobs and we live a nice life. We don't have tons of extra cash, but we can for the most part afford what we need and want with in reason. Maybe I worded my question wrong, but I don't need a lesson on how to save more money in my daily life or how much I should have in my savings. Which you have know idea. I don't mean to offend, but geesh.

I guess my and dh's family grew up staying in clean decent hotels with the attitude that you're only there at night so why pay more. Dh and I have branched out from this thinking at Disney but are still taken aback by some of rates for some deluxes. I was simply wondering how you did it. Did you plan well in advance and save? To you do split stays to cut your costs? Etc..

I don't the anything was being directed just at you. The poster was just stating their philosophy and really making a good point. They even said it was a bit unrelated. Many people don't have that rainy day fund that they should. I took it as more of an observation, not something telling you what to do. Please don't be offended.

As to your original question-there is every answer under the sun. Many people save for a long time, there are occasional good discounts, some people probably end up with a lot of credit card debt and others simply make enough money to be able to do it at their discretion.

We went in 2004 and are going again in 2006. I am hoping for a good AP discount and at a minimum a AAA discount. I have a very good job and I am well compensated as is my husband. It was something we decided we want to do and that we would set aside money for so that is what is happening. We have 3 kids and have been married almost 15 years. We decided our kids are old enough to start taking an annual family vacation and we plan for it.

 

[Laurajean1014]

We will only stay at deluxes because of the rooms, space, restaurants, amendities and pools. We go about twice a year, but may not go in December, so we can payoff a debt that we have.

Our favorite is OKW and AKL. BWV and BC are great because of location.

 

[Leota]

I thought yusinskas made some good points & didn't feel they were directed at the OP - I read the OP the same way, I guess - How do you afford the deluxes? I guess if that's not the question, then I don't understand...

Assuming that the question is why choose the deluxes, not how to afford them, I would have to agree with JESW. The resort is as an important a part of our WDW vacation as the Parks. Actually, for any vacation, the resort is an integral part of the experience. We work hard & save hard so that we can stay deluxe. We need that break from reality every so often. We like to be some place where we can be a little pampered, where we can enjoy nice dining, a great pool to swim in & lounge by, easy access to the Parks, comfortable rooms with nice views & preferably balconies to sit on & just enjoy being stress-free.....

As a teacher, you can get some great rates at what is IMHO the best resorts in WDW - Swan & Dolphin. That would enable you to stay at a deluxe with a very reasonable rate. We use AP's some years & some years not, just depends on how many trips we are planning & for how many days total.

 

[wildernesslodgelover]

Hi maxsmom!

I just want to say that I agree with NCombs...i really don't think that post was directed at you. It was just a general comment....so don't let it bug ya! NOW....let's talk DISNEY!

We are a middle class, one income family. I drive a 96 Honda, live in a small house. We do send our DD to private school, cuz we only have one child and that is important to us. That said, WDW is our little "splurge!" I have friends who take week long cruises, others who go to Europe regularly...fortunately (for our wallet) those things don't really excite me. I LOVE WDW! It is a short drive (4 hours) but far enough away that I feel like I am on vacation. I only stay at a deluxe when I can get a code...and even then it is "deluxe lite"...WL and AKL. Poohkin had a great suggestion...we also like to rent points for Sun-Thursday. DH and I stayed at OKW for $100 a night for our anniversary trip, and in Oct we are staying for FIVE NIGHTS at BWV for $550! That is $110 a night...no tax or resort fee. You can't beat that with a stick!

I must admit, when we go, we do not "budget." We don't make sandwiches to take in the park, and we usually have two table service meals a day (not every day, but for the most part.) We usually only stay 3 or 4 nights (that is why I am so excited about our 7 night trip in Oct!!!) but after our Seasonal Passes expire in Nov, I think I will let them lapse and not go back to WDW til early spring. We'll see...i say that now, but I probably will not be able to restrain myself!

Just go and ENJOY! I agree with JESW...for us the resort is just as much of a part of the vacation as the parks.

 

[WDW LifeLong Fan]

We usually go 4-5 times annually for 6-7 nights each.
Feb, May, July, Oct, and Dec.

Yes, we have APs.



ME - DW - DD18 - DD17

 

[MUFFYCAT]

For me, it's all about deciding what your priority is, not how high your salary is. My co-workers have income and living standards that are the same as mine, but they are always broke, while I never am. They think they save money by shopping at Wal-Mart all the time. I save money by only shopping when I really need something, and by buying quality when I do shop. I bring my lunch everyday, but they are ordering out or buying from the cafeteria at work often. I drink water, not cans of soda from the vending machine. When I cut out the little things that don't matter it really adds up. That way, when I want to do the things that do matter to me, like having a great vacation, I have the money to splurge. Not to mention a nice 401K. :>

My exacts thoughts also. While my friends spend money on decorating & new cars, I don't. Once a year I like to go to WDW and and stay at the Poly/YC.
We don't have any debt other than our mortgage, I pay the visa bill in full in each month.

 

[skiwee1]

My exacts thoughts also. While my friends spend money on decorating & new cars, I don't. Once a year I like to go to WDW and and stay at the Poly/YC.
We don't have any debt other than our mortgage, I pay the visa bill in full in each month.

We also only have a mortgage. No credit card or other debt here either. I just love the Poly and wish I could live there! I guess I will have to be happy with 30 days a year! LOL!

 

[PamNC]

have been since 1999. We started out staying at Value, then we went up to moderate and once we stayed deluxe...we were hooked. Since we don't commando tour anymore, it's worth it for us to take advantage of the deluxe amenities and the wonderful pools (especially Stormalong Bay and the Volcano Pool at the Poly). Here's how we do it: We never pay rack rate. NEVER have. There was a time when they released room only codes to the general public - those were great. Now, you can only get it with a PIN or AP. We have AP's and we've found that it's best we keep an AP because we go at least once a year, sometimes 2x and even 3x last year. If you're teachers, I would DEFINITELY taken advantage of the rate at the Swan or Dolphin. It's a wonderful resort and definitely a "deluxe." We stayed there last year with an AP rate of $161. The other "way we do it" is we just suck it up - save up and make it a priority. We're leaving in 27 days for the Beach Club! Yahoooo.

PamNC

 

[TJA]

We used to go to WDW once a year, until I decided we needed to go more often! I did tons of research on the best way to go to WDW and not spend a fortune. So, YES, buying AP's really makes a difference. We now go 3 times per year. It's nice to pay for AP's before the first trip and then go to WDW 2 more times without having to worry about purchasing passes.

Plus, with the AP's, we base our trips on when/if AP discounts on the resorts are released. We prefer going to WDW in May and November, and we've been lucky that AP discounts were indeed released during those time frames during the past few years. You will end up saving about $100 per night on deluxes, give or take $20 or so depending on the season, if you have an AP pass. There is no guarantee that AP discounts will be released, but the norm during the past several years indicates chances are very good for discounts.

For us, like many others, the choice of resort can make or break our vacation. We stayed at the Beach Club last trip and the total ease of walking 5 minutes to the Epcot countries was enough to convince us to stay in the Epcot area again.

We have also stayed at CR and Poly and the monorail was indeed great transportation. We love both of those resorts and have no complaints. A couple of nice things about CR is that you can walk back and forth to MK (5-10 minute walk) which is especially great at night after Wishes. Also the wing room prices at CR are normally reasonable (compared to other deluxe resort prices). WL was the first deluxe resort we ever stayed at, then we made the jump to a CR wing. Then we jumped even higher to Poly and then BC. Now there is no turning back!

Hope some of this helps.

 

[DISNEYFAMILYOFFOUR]

For me, it's all about deciding what your priority is, not how high your salary is. My co-workers have income and living standards that are the same as mine, but they are always broke, while I never am. They think they save money by shopping at Wal-Mart all the time. I save money by only shopping when I really need something, and by buying quality when I do shop. I bring my lunch everyday, but they are ordering out or buying from the cafeteria at work often. I drink water, not cans of soda from the vending machine. When I cut out the little things that don't matter it really adds up. That way, when I want to do the things that do matter to me, like having a great vacation, I have the money to splurge. Not to mention a nice 401K. :>
QUOTE]

Exactly. You took the words out of my mouth.