to switch or not that is the question..

[sdoll]

We have booked to stay at POP for our upcoming vacation. I started thinking yesterday about how much we love Bonnet Creek. We love the resort, the lazy river, 2 bedrooms so our boys will sleep better, washer and dryer. If you have stayed there you know I could go on and on. I have been so excited about staying at Pop we love it there too. I love being on the dining plan, the kids pool and just the fun of something new for our kids. I can get a decent rate for Bonnet Creek. I think with the cost of food we would probably spend about $300 more to stay at Bonnet Creek. We are Ap holders and would get the tables of wonderland to help suplement the cost of dining. Plus we are more than willing to pack a lunch or share. We could keep costs down if we need to. I guess my question is what would you do. I know we will be happy either way. But think the extra space would be great for the kids and us too.

 

[Upatnoon]

I would think that Bonnet Creek would save you a lot of money. We usually pay $80-$100 a night to stay at Bonnet Creek, about the same as the rates at the Pop Century.

On food we usually spend about $350 for a 5 night stay (family of five, 3 kids under 4)
We eat breakfast and usually one or two dinners in our room. How much is food with the Dining Plan?

 

[HeatherC]

If you are considering Bonnet Creek, check out the price with Ken Price at vacationupgrades.com. I believe his rate is $120 a night if you book less than 60 days. That could save you a considerable amount of money.

But...if you are going in the middle of the summer (prime tourist season), you may be better off at POP with the EMHours.

 

[hsmamato2]

what about the Disney feel? do those of you who love staying onsite feel like your vacation is 'less than' if you don;t stay on property?

 

[Upatnoon]

What would "feel" better to you ... A family of five in a hotel room at Caribbean Beach .... (if that is even allowed) ... Or you could stay literally across the street in a great 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, full kitchen unit with a balcony and 3 TVs. And for less money than Disney. And a beautiful resort with great service.

The only advantage a Disney resort has is more convienent bus service. But with the money you save, you can pay for parking a few times, or take an occasional cab if need be.

Now, if I had unlimited money I would stay in 2 bedroom at the Beach Club or Bay Lake, but those cost thousands of dollars, vs. a few hundred for Bonnet Creek.

We have a large family, so Bonnet Creek works for us. For a couple or small family, a Disney hotel is fine, but for a large family, not so much.

 

[Brian Noble]

what about the Disney feel? do those of you who love staying onsite feel like your vacation is 'less than' if you don;t stay on property?

I've done both. For me, personally, being onsite is a little nicer, but it's not "cram-four-of-us-into-one-hotel-room-for-a-week" nicer, nor is it "spend-a-couple-thousand-extra-on-the-room" nicer.

Other people feel more strongly about it, and would rather cram or spend the money, and that's why Baskin Robbins has 31 flavors.

 

[sdoll]

We switched. We decided that giving up a 1 room value resort was easy when you consider what we were gaining. I can see drinks on the balcony in our furture (who am I kidding) Got a great deal on ebay.