Trying to plan another trip this year....help me!

[hopetoseedisney]

Last year, our AP vouchers were purchased from TDS, and we had our bags packed, reservations made, and money in hand. However, two days before our trip, my father was rushed to the hospital, and had his leg amputated above the knee. It's been a long process, and he has had to have another surgery since then, but he is now on the mend, and getting ready to start therapy to work with his prosthetic leg. At any rate, we were lucky that Disney refunded our entire deposit (due to the circumstances), and had rescheduled to go back in Feb, but that didn't work out either. So, we are planning on trying to go this fall again. We have our AP vouchers, and I have some disney dollars for the kids' spending money. I have one $25 rainforest cafe voucher, which is probably expired, but I read they still take them anyhow. When we go, I plan on staying at least 7 nights, possibly more. But, we may consider taking a small side trip before we come home (as the kids want to visit the beach). My husband will be eligible for an airline discount on the rooms - so that will be my first hurdle....deciding where to stay. We want a place on-site, comfortable for four people, and I'd like a place that isn't too loud at night. Second, I also need to decide on definite dates to go in the fall....preferably in off peak season. Third, I need to set a budget. Since I have my passes, and the kids have their spending money, I think the only other expense would be our room and food. We will be driving from KY to FL.....so I have already set aside a travel budget for getting there and back.
Geez......you'd think I would know what I was doing - I had it all planned the last time, and now I feel like a newbie all over again. Am I crazy for trying a third time to get there for our first trip to WDW???? It's been a childhood dream.........I just can't give up on it just yet.

 

[MELSMICE]

Any of the Disney resorts will accommodate 4 comfortably, however, if you are looking for quiet then I would stay away from a Value resort.

I don't know what your budget is but I would suggest at least a moderate. You may want to even consider renting some points from a DVC owner & staying in a studio at OKW. It is very quiet, peaceful & relaxing. FW is also quiet, peaceful & relaxing.

In September you can rent a studio for 1 full week for 80 points, in October it is 82 points. Points rent for approximately $10 pt., therefore, the cost would be between $800-820 for 7 nights. There is no tax on this - if you rent from an owner. Studios have a kitchenette (small fridge, toaster, coffee maker, microwave). The only drawback (for some) is that you don't get daily housekeeping - you get a trash & tidy 1/2 way through your trip.

Anyway, if you are interested in renting points from a DVC owner hop on over to the Rent/Trade Board for more info.

Other options:

Moderate - won't be as quiet, but nice resorts
Deluxe - beautiful, some quiet, some busy.

Good luck with your plans.

 

[4greatboys]

We have gone in the off season several times. The end of Sept is a great time (though its still pretty warm). The crowds are really low and no much of a wait, if any, at the attractions.
Some of the resorts we stayed at are:
YC--we loved it. So pretty and close to Epcot and MGM.

ASsports---my 2 oldest we smaller when we stayed there and loved all the big icons. We didnt hear lots of noise or anything like that. Rooms are nice but a little small.

POR--we really like the resort but it was a little spread out.

OKW--we LOVE it! Its our home resort. We stayed in a 2 bdrm and it was huge--all my boys thought it was great.

AKL--loved this one too, lol! Savannah rooms are awesome to look out and see the animals. The whole place is beautiful.