Update on our trip - we will be 4, not 5

[ColinA]

I find your decision to make this comment quite rude and unnecessary. I was not commenting on anything you have said. I was replying and commenting on a SPECIFIC comment which was insinuating that the only way to stay at a deluxe was to pay the prices that YOU can afford.

This one



Unfortunately we aren't all so fortunate as to unnecessarily spend excess money on staying in a deluxe resort. So we research and try and find out as much information about the cheapest way to stay at Disney resorts and like you....crave staying at a Deluxe.
So the SMART MONEY rents DVC points if you can't afford to buy.

ColinA's sums show that you CAN stay at a deluxe resort for the same or less than a moderate. Which means this comment I WAS REPLYING to was being negated by pointing out you can have these "similar" rooms for the same money.


Just because you and your DH don't understand nor feel comfortable with it...is irrelevant.

IT IS A VERY COMMON AND LEGITIMATE method of staying at Disney and NOONE can deny the sums.

shushh has successfully rented hundreds of points over her stays at Disney without problems. I don't see how renting from someone is any less comfortable to throwing money at a TA you've never met in your life and only exists in the computer as well.


So please...don't "translate" for me, especially when my comment wasn't directed at you.


My point as always was to let people reading this thread know that, nor think that, your sums are the sums they should be comparing alone.
There are FAR more sums out there if you are willing to put in the effort to rent.

I agree with all that, do not see what the problem is with renting, happy to help, just need someone to listen!

Shuttergirl, I was using the BWV as an example as you had prices for BWI, same would apply to AKV.

I will not say any more because some things contradict!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

For us, yes it is worth it for the savannah view. I would run down to Mara and grab some breakfast or dinner and we would sit out on the balcony, with that amazing view. There are only two chairs and a table on the balcony, but you could take the two inside chairs out so you could all sit out there and enjoy your view whilst eating.

For room requests I request Arusha savannah (although they have made that it's own room category now), Zebra Trail (that's the corridor your room will be down) and second floor.

AKL is a large resort. The restaurants are to one side, close to reception with the pool and laundry. Staying on Zebra trail, we just take the lift down and we are at the laundry and the doors out to the pool, Mara, Boma and Jiko. Also it's close to the nightime viewing which is near the pool.

I request the 2nd floor because I you feel so close to the animals, you still get great view without the obstruction of any trees. Also on the 2nd floor, they have these viewing areas along the hall ways, where you can go outside, sit on the rocking chairs and look through the viewing machines. None of the other floors have this, they just have big glass windows. My DS would run ahead and go out to the viewing areas along the way and on our last trip we were the room right beside the viewing area (which is set back so it didn't disturb us at all when we were on our balcony). So DS would pop out of our room and go and sit in the rocking chair and look through the viewer (and I would bend round the corner of our balcony and wave.

You can see one of the 2nd floor viewing areas in this photo.

So it really depends on your family, but for us we wouldn't stay with out the savannah view. You can do a search too for the different animals that are in the different savannahs. I think the Uzima (Uzimo, something like that) is quite boring, it has Giraffes (they all have Giraffes) and Vultures and some others. The Sunset, now that Kidani Village has opened is good too. I didn't realise as it wasn't that great our first visit but it is much larger now and has a larger assortment of animals. When we went through the savannahs on the Wanyama Safari I thought the Sunset looked great (and the Uzima still looked boring )

Here's a link to the resort map. You can see Zebra trail and how it's closer to everything (although you can still have a good walk, it has such long corridors. But if you were at the end of Kudu trail, you could walk forever to get to the restaurants
http://www.wdwinfo.com/resortmaps/aklmap.htm

Thank you so much for the details on where you stay and why you like to stay there, as well as the photographic back up and map. It really gave me a perspective on the resort because I really didn't have a clue what the best rooms would be. I think your idea about 2nd floor is excellent. Looking at the image with your son in it, the is a very good sightline into the savannah.

The Zebra trail looks like the go and since your advice on pretty much every aspect of my holidays in the past has never ever steered me wrong, I am going to request Arusha Savannah, Zebra Trail, 2nd floor if possible. I know on your last trip or so that you stayed there and had a wonderful time and truly for me, that is a great recommendation. Thanks for sharing the images and map, they really helped me.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

So would you say that the area that surrounding the Parker House is a bit dodgy? My DH would have a fit if I chose a hotel that wasn't safe for the children. We plan to do alot of walking ourselves and we are actually going to be there for NYE so will be walking to Boston Common for the early fireworks which is part of the reason I thought the location was great. We had also been told about a place called the Marriott Copley Place that is closer to the Back Bay area of Boston and it connects via a walkway to the big shopping centre in that area. It sounds lovely because it is all modern and apparently the rooms are slightly more spacious, lots of places to eat nearby. The trolley tour stops not far from the entrance as well. It is only mildly more expensive for a room too. It doesn't seem to be such a walkable location for the touristy stuff though.

It's just that I kind of fell in love with the history and beautiful architecture of Omni Parker House but I wouldn't want to stay somewhere unsafe, with no good eats nearby and old and tired so I just want to be sure I've made a good choice. Perhaps I should have another look around now that our requirements of 5 down to 4 have changed.

The area is fine, but as you drive through the area from the airport to the hotel it is pretty seedy. It only gets good just before the hotel. We felt 100% safe though. I loved the proximity to the historicaL area. WE walked through lots of little streets with gorgious houses. Hotelwise, I was probably a little disappointed because I thought it would be more intimate and cosy. It is quite busy and bustling.The rooms were quite luxurious (lovely bedlinen etc) though and I would definitely stay there again. I had a quick look on the net at your other option and if you like period charm, the Omni is the better choice.

Whew, that is a relief. If it seems like a nice area then we should be good. I do like period charm on occasion and for some reason the Omni Parker House has captured my imagination. I do like its proximity to alot of the history and attractions too. Thanks for getting back to me with your thoughts.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I find your decision to make this comment quite rude and unnecessary. I was not commenting on anything you have said. I was replying and commenting on a SPECIFIC comment which was insinuating that the only way to stay at a deluxe was to pay the prices that YOU can afford.

This one



Unfortunately we aren't all so fortunate as to unnecessarily spend excess money on staying in a deluxe resort. So we research and try and find out as much information about the cheapest way to stay at Disney resorts and like you....crave staying at a Deluxe.
So the SMART MONEY rents DVC points if you can't afford to buy.

ColinA's sums show that you CAN stay at a deluxe resort for the same or less than a moderate. Which means this comment I WAS REPLYING to was being negated by pointing out you can have these "similar" rooms for the same money.


Just because you and your DH don't understand nor feel comfortable with it...is irrelevant.

IT IS A VERY COMMON AND LEGITIMATE method of staying at Disney and NOONE can deny the sums.

shushh has successfully rented hundreds of points over her stays at Disney without problems. I don't see how renting from someone is any less comfortable to throwing money at a TA you've never met in your life and only exists in the computer as well.


So please...don't "translate" for me, especially when my comment wasn't directed at you.


My point as always was to let people reading this thread know that, nor think that, your sums are the sums they should be comparing alone.
There are FAR more sums out there if you are willing to put in the effort to rent.

The sums I was quoting in this thread that I started for the sole purpose to discuss my own personal options for staying at WDW, were my own sums based on my dates and my preferences. I did not intend for them to impact on other peoples decisions as to whether they could afford a deluxe or not. Of course I know that it makes sense to save money wherever you need to and on your own budget and in whatever way is important to you.

I think DVC sounds like a wonderful option if you are looking for the most economical options for your accommodation. I have no doubt it is a legitimate option and that many people reap the benefits. I merely was stating that my husband was not comfortable with it because frankly he thinks we are all a little obsessed here on the DIS and he has no idea what we are waffling on about . And I have not had the time or inclination to investigate this option further. That's not to say that if our finances ever got a little tighter, I wouldn't be all over finding out how to save on our accom.

But for now, we are content to book through our US TA, who by the way I have known for many years. Kimberly Hill who is the co-owner of Mousetales Travel, was a very successful family photographer in Myrtle Beach for years and years and we have been colleagues and friends for a long time. Her husband Bob and herself turned their absolute passion for all things Disney into a business and have done a wonderful job handling bookings for myself and for quite a few of my friends now.

As everyone knows, in the past Queenie you have felt I have thrown money away unnecessarily on booking private car transfers from airports, our choice of airlines, many things, and now my choice of resort but it's all relative isn't it. Its relative to what we are comfortable with, what makes us feel will enhance our trip, what makes us feel secure and organised and what our budget can stretch to, etc. It's the same for everyone I think.

I love that your opinions are often different from mine most of the time but I thought this was a thread discussing my own personal requirements and I was asking for help. I don't think people who rent DVC points are smarter than people that don't, I just think we all have different things we are trying to accomplish.

Happy to debate this further but would prefer it to be privately. No need to air our dirty laundry in public luv

 

[queenie82]

The sums I was quoting in this thread that I started for the sole purpose to discuss my own personal options for staying at WDW, were my own sums based on my dates and my preferences. I did not intend for them to impact on other peoples decisions as to whether they could afford a deluxe or not. Of course I know that it makes sense to save money wherever you need to and on your own budget and in whatever way is important to you.

I think DVC sounds like a wonderful option if you are looking for the most economical options for your accommodation. I have no doubt it is a legitimate option and that many people reap the benefits. I merely was stating that my husband was not comfortable with it because frankly he thinks we are all a little obsessed here on the DIS and he has no idea what we are waffling on about . And I have not had the time or inclination to investigate this option further. That's not to say that if our finances ever got a little tighter, I wouldn't be all over finding out how to save on our accom.

But for now, we are content to book through our US TA, who by the way I have known for many years. Kimberly Hill who is the co-owner of Mousetales Travel, was a very successful family photographer in Myrtle Beach for years and years and we have been colleagues and friends for a long time. Her husband Bob and herself turned their absolute passion for all things Disney into a business and have done a wonderful job handling bookings for myself and for quite a few of my friends now.

As everyone knows, in the past Queenie you have felt I have thrown money away unnecessarily on booking private car transfers from airports, our choice of airlines, many things, and now my choice of resort but it's all relative isn't it. Its relative to what we are comfortable with, what makes us feel will enhance our trip, what makes us feel secure and organised and what our budget can stretch to, etc. It's the same for everyone I think.

I love that your opinions are often different from mine most of the time but I thought this was a thread discussing my own personal requirements and I was asking for help. I don't think people who rent DVC points are smarter than people that don't, I just think we all have different things we are trying to accomplish.

Happy to debate this further but would prefer it to be privately. No need to air our dirty laundry in public luv

I have no dirty laundry...don't know what you're waffling on about?

While this may be for "your" discussion of situation...

You WELL know there are MANY lurkers out there. That's how most arrive here. And I'm TIRED of many reading a thread like this and thinking your sums are the ONLY options.


If you are asking other opinions....you get what you ask...like it or not...
And all I was doing was being informative...rather than INSULTING...like you
You turned it into a debate...
Reap what you sow?

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I agree with all that, do not see what the problem is with renting, happy to help, just need someone to listen!

Shuttergirl, I was using the BWV as an example as you had prices for BWI, same would apply to AKV.

I will not say any more because some things contradict!

Hi Colin, I hope you didn't think I was being disrespectful about DVC. I am very grateful for your input and suggestion. I definitely do not see a problem with renting points. As I said, I just have not had the time to look into it further and for now feel comfortable with booking resorts directly. You will however be the first person I come to for further info if and when we return to WDW again and need to trim the budget. From the little I know, this seems like a wonderful alternative to getting a room for a good price.

 

[queenie82]

Hi Colin, I hope you didn't think I was being disrespectful about DVC. I am very grateful for your input and suggestion. I definitely do not see a problem with renting points. As I said, I just have not had the time to look into it further and for now feel comfortable with booking resorts directly. You will however be the first person I come to for further info if and when we return to WDW again and need to trim the budget. From the little I know, this seems like a wonderful alternative to getting a room for a good price.

Directly....but through a third party???

 

[ColinA]

Hi Colin, I hope you didn't think I was being disrespectful about DVC. I am very grateful for your input and suggestion. I definitely do not see a problem with renting points. As I said, I just have not had the time to look into it further and for now feel comfortable with booking resorts directly. You will however be the first person I come to for further info if and when we return to WDW again and need to trim the budget. From the little I know, this seems like a wonderful alternative to getting a room for a good price.

Maybe you should read these! The $13.00/point option

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2756830

http://www.dvcrequest.com/dvc_rentals.htm

I also suggested BWV because it was available for those dates, AKV would probably be available also, did not check Beach Club as this is a small resort and is often booked.

I do the checking online.

I have done 6 or 7 rentals to US renters, most have paid the money by Paypal, some paid deposits before I even make the booking, most do not even know I am in Australia.


I have asked $10.00/point US

 

[Aussie Wendy]

Ladies & gents-please. The reason I love the Aussie boards is we don't get the *****iness and arguments that seem to too often pervade the main site. People have different budgets, different things that are important to them when travelling, different opinions. You are both right in the points you make. Others who have searched for info will end up here and read posts and being aware of the variety of options to suit all kinds and budgets is useful and Ms Shuttergirl was posting this to get specific info from others on aspects of her trip and obviously has a husband like mine who is very cautious of certain things and which I have no luck overriding if his mind is made up no matter $ saved. Lets agree we all have very different opinions on lots of things-and think twice before writing if we know it will offend-as I probably will regret winging in with this in 5 mins time.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Ladies & gents-please. The reason I love the Aussie boards is we don't get the *****iness and arguments that seem to too often pervade the main site. People have different budgets, different things that are important to them when travelling, different opinions. You are both right in the points you make. Others who have searched for info will end up here and read posts and being aware of the variety of options to suit all kinds and budgets is useful and Ms Shuttergirl was posting this to get specific info from others on aspects of her trip and obviously has a husband like mine who is very cautious of certain things and which I have no luck overriding if his mind is made up no matter $ saved. Lets agree we all have very different opinions on lots of things-and think twice before writing if we know it will offend-as I probably will regret winging in with this in 5 mins time.

Sorry about all of this Wendy. It's over now. Back to regular programming .

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I spoke to my son yesterday about probably giving Pop a miss and trying out POFQ this time. He said noooooooooooo, I love the pool at Pop, it's the best . It is good, I have to agree. So I said, let me show you the pool at POFQ and see what you think. Of course once he saw the dragon/lizard like water slide (or is it a serpent, ) he said, oh well that looks okay then.

Whew.

DH is away on business but I did manage to catch him on the phone and he said he thinks that sounds like a good combo and is happy to try somewhere new. So we will just wait on final figures and think about whether the cost to upgrade to a savannah room is worth it (aussietravellers thinks so and she never steers me wrong). I had a good look on google images last night at both resorts at Christmas time and they look magical. I can only imagine what the parks are going to look like.

Squeal

 

[battymum]

Just my opinion, but why bother staying at AKL if your not going to have savannah view!

Do it!!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

Just my opinion, but why bother staying at AKL if your not going to have savannah view!

Do it!!

You make a very fine point Battymum. I think we really would be mad not to do it, although I will still wait and see the cost, not sure how much extra that kind of view costs

 

[Aussie Wendy]

So exciting!! Whilst we loved WL as our treat I originally had been very tempted by AKL and still on my bucket list of the deluxes so be good to hear in the future if you agree with all the raves. We took pics of the tree there the Xmas we stayed at WL-it had some really nice African style decos. I also have POFQ as a possible-whenever we actually get back there that is. A short trip to Japan this year and hoping for a trip back to UK to see family and friends next year and now I have a mission-to tick off all the castles so have to pop over to Paris for DLP of course!

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

So exciting!! Whilst we loved WL as our treat I originally had been very tempted by AKL and still on my bucket list of the deluxes so be good to hear in the future if you agree with all the raves. We took pics of the tree there the Xmas we stayed at WL-it had some really nice African style decos. I also have POFQ as a possible-whenever we actually get back there that is. A short trip to Japan this year and hoping for a trip back to UK to see family and friends next year and now I have a mission-to tick off all the castles so have to pop over to Paris for DLP of course!

It's such a good time to go to Japan at the moment. Such cheap deals around. Where will you be going to exactly?

Yes I think AKL will be very festive, although WL will always be my fave I think but who knows AKL might steal my heart when it's all decorated.

 

[DisneyGirlInOz]

I don't want to encourage spending money but stay in a Savannah (Arusha) view room. Totally worth it in my opinion.

 

[Caroline NZ]

How exciting Shuttergirl, sounds like you are going to have a wonderful stay.

 

[Ms. Shuttergirl]

I don't want to encourage spending money but stay in a Savannah (Arusha) view room. Totally worth it in my opinion.

Hahaha, I don't mind you encouraging me to spend money. It does sound like a savannah view would be a wonderful thing.

How exiting Shuttergirl, sounds like you are going to have a wonderful stay.

Thanks Caroline. I just saw in your ticker that you are planning an England trip. We are planning to go April 2013 so perhaps we can pool ideas on places to go and things to see.

 

[Andona]

.... WL will always be my fave.....

I like hearing this, Shuttergirl!

We have only ever stayed offsite at Disney but this is probably going to be our last Disney stay ever ( DH just isn't into Disney like I am and it was only the fact that we almost had to drive past the gates that made him agree to go back again on this trip! )
Anyway, we're only there for two nights so I've decided to treat us to an on-site stay.

We are HUGE fans of the US National parks and have stayed in the park lodges of several so WL was an easy choice for us. I LOVEthe looks of the pics I've seenof WL and can't wait to compare it to the Old Faithful Inn at Yellowstone

I've been enjoying reading about your planning - keep up the good work!

Andona

 

[Caroline NZ]

. I just saw in your ticker that you are planning an England trip. We are planning to go April 2013 so perhaps we can pool ideas on places to go and things to see.

Our trip will be losely based around steam trains ( museums etc), my DS loves them and my Dad worked on them when he was a young lad. Hopefully my Dad will come back with us as well (our rellies are all over there). Not sure DD will be happy with trapsing around looking at trains though, so will have to find some balance there . DH is crazy about Formula One so if we can go when the British Grand Prix is on it would be a bonus.
Wow - you have two big trips in quick succession. I am not sure if we will manage to go in 2014 yet, getting leave from work can be problematic.... and will be especially so following on only a year after having 4 weeks off for the USA trip.