Torn between resorts - advice needed

[levenhopper]

If you guys and gals haven't realized yet, I'm the king of second guessing/over-thinking my plans. I just had another option come up, and I'm curious of the DISers thoughts:

Right now, I'm booked in AOA LM, DxDDP, 7-day MYW base tickets (Dec 15-21). Total: $2367.58

Option B: Book a DVC rental through David's DVC Rentals.
Studio room at Animal Kingdom Lodge: $741.00/Boardwalk Villas Studio or Old Key West: $832.00
DxDDP: $1026.24
7-day MYW base tickets (via Undercover Tourist): $579.31
TOTAL: $2346.55/$2437.55

Thoughts? Thanks *so* much for helping me with all the options!

 

[DisneyLover75]

I've always wanted to try an Epcot resort, but have never been able to afford it. I picked Boardwalk Villa for that reason.

That having been said, I would enjoy any of those, really.

 

[rentayenta]

This is a tough choice. Most of the time I see these *choose* threads and it's a no brainer but I feel your pain. We've stayed at OKW and AKV and loved them both. We haven't stayed at the BWV but if I were to choose an Epcot resort, that would be it. Having said all that I moved our trip up a day just to try out AoA (Nemo section). So I'm truly no help.


Good luck in your decision.

 

[MMS1125]

what's the size of your party? a studio only gives you 1 bed and a pull out unless you stay at OKW it's 2 queens. A regular LM room would give you 2 full size beds. I wouldn't pay for the DDP since it's being offered free for your time period. Have you priced a moderate with free dining instead? (assuming you don't have free dinging at LM since it was excluded)

 

[levenhopper]

what's the size of your party? a studio only gives you 1 bed and a pull out unless you stay at OKW it's 2 queens. A regular LM room would give you 2 full size beds. I wouldn't pay for the DDP since it's being offered free for your time period. Have you priced a moderate with free dining instead? (assuming you don't have free dinging at LM since it was excluded)

It'll be two of us, but the bed situation doesn't matter. We looked at a moderate with free dining, and price wise it was the within $100. Between AoA and a moderate, we'd rather AoA for the experience. But AKL would be nice due to the animals, and BWV is nice due to the proximity to Epcot and DHS.

 

[MMS1125]

since there's only 2 of you I'd probably go with BWI or AKL Have a good trip!

 

[Upatnoon]

If you guys and gals haven't realized yet, I'm the king of second guessing/over-thinking my plans. I just had another option come up, and I'm curious of the DISers thoughts:

Right now, I'm booked in AOA LM, DxDDP, 7-day MYW base tickets (Dec 15-21). Total: $2367.58

Option B: Book a DVC rental through David's DVC Rentals.
Studio room at Animal Kingdom Lodge: $741.00/Boardwalk Villas Studio or Old Key West: $832.00
DxDDP: $1026.24
7-day MYW base tickets (via Undercover Tourist): $579.31
TOTAL: $2346.55/$2437.55

Thoughts? Thanks *so* much for helping me with all the options!

I would pick boardwalk inn because I really enjoy going to Epcot in the evening. Also, just walking around the boardwalk area itself is a lot of fun.

If you go that route, you may want to get the park hopper option for your tickets. That isn't free, of course.

AKL would be my second choice.

 

[aubreysmom09]

I would pick boardwalk. I just like the Epcot area a lot, and always thought the Boardwalk area was very peaceful.

 

[mickey2minnie1]

Even though you have great options, I sense that you are truly most excited about AOA. Go with what you are going to be the most excited about, whatever it may be.

 

[Magic3forme]

I would pick boardwalk. Great location, , lots of things to do on the Boardwalk too.

and theres a washer/ dryer available if you need it.

 

[levenhopper]

Even though you have great options, I sense that you are truly most excited about AOA. Go with what you are going to be the most excited about, whatever it may be.

When it was one of the mods, I was totally more excited about AoA. But the DVCs have me really excited, too. Before AoA, I was hoping for something in Animal Kingdom, but it was too expensive. Now that it's more realistic, I'm torn again.

 

[MMS1125]

If you are really excited about AoA-LM chances are you'll see a room discount for your time frame once this current one expires. If you rent DVC you won't be able to use it although with DVC points you will be saving $$ anyways for a deluxe. Deciding where to stay is always the hardest part for me but at the end of the day you'll be at Disney!!

 

[cfw213]

I was going to suggest a split stay (were doing 6 nights AoA, 2 nights AKL in Sept because we are new DVC members), but then I realized that most DvC resorts are probably booked to capacity at that time. Let me know if you'd like me to check for you - may make your decision a lot easier!

 

[daisyduck123]

I pick Deluxe over Value resort every time. Very worth it.

BUT....if you're trying for THIS December, then availability is going to be difficult. You are already within the 7 month booking window.

 

[mince]

David charges $13 per point. If you rent from individuals you can rent points for significantly less. We had no problem getting $10/pt.

 

[Butterflygirl35]

I would choose Boardwalk through renting points (which I am doing in January). You are getting a deluxe resort and amenities (not to mention awesome location) at a Value price.

I rent through Timeshare Store (I don't feel comfortable w/out an agent involved yet) and they charge $12 per point - $1 less than Davids... David's you can also get charged by your credit card an international fee as he is not based in USA. Timeshare Store is based in Orlando.. Just my 2 cents.

AOA looks nice in pictures but the fact is it is a value resort with few amenities (no pool slide, no walking to parks, etc.) Plus double size beds I need atleast one Queen size bed for me... The kiddies can sleep on a double but not me..

Not to mention - the nightlife on Boardwalk itself. We always spent time there even though we didnt stay there...

 

[levenhopper]

I was going to suggest a split stay (were doing 6 nights AoA, 2 nights AKL in Sept because we are new DVC members), but then I realized that most DvC resorts are probably booked to capacity at that time. Let me know if you'd like me to check for you - may make your decision a lot easier!

That's a good point! If you get a free second, would you mind checking? It'd be greatly appreciated.

 

[TheRatPack]

Wow for the price difference I'd definitely stay at AK or Boardwalk.....that's an awesome price for those. I may have to look in to renting points....never thought it would be that affordable.

 

[Singinglizzie]

I voted for AKL. I absolutely love that place - it has so much attention to detail, the artwork, the animals, etc. I truly feel somewhere exotic. I'm sure AOA will be lovely, but AKL for me is a special resort. That being said, why not try to do both? Could you do a split stay - that would give you best of both worlds. I'd also recommend the Lunch with the Animal Specialist at Sanaa - you can book under special events through the WDW website. Have fun deciding.

 

[buzznina]

David charges $13 per point. If you rent from individuals you can rent points for significantly less. We had no problem getting $10/pt.

Dave's is expensive, Timeshare is another company and their rates are $12 if you do not like to rent from an owner.