We downgraded for a pin code

[kyra's mommy]

Well I was booked at the WL for 5 nights 9/14-9/19 but decided 5 days are just not enough for me. So, I called to see if we could get the same rate for our next two nights. I travel on an airline rate. It was not available for the following nights so my price would go up another $500 for 2 more nights. However, while on the phone the agent noticed I had a pin code!!! A real, live, actual pin code!

So, she checked to see if it was available for the WL but it wasn't. It was available for the AKL but I had mentioned we had already stayed there and like to try different resorts. She suggested CS. It was only $700 for 7 nights!! OMG. I took it! It's $300 less then the 5 nights we were staying at the WL.

So, did I blow it? Or is this a good call?

Also, I can now get the Disney dining plan which I can not get if I travel on the airline rate. I don't know if it's worth it or not, I'll have to look into it a bit more but I'm excited to actually have the opportunity.

How much of a step down do you all think this is and would you have done it?

 

[marcielm]

CS is Coronado Springs, right? If so at least you keep your queen size bed! Plus, I think the newly refurbished rooms look awesome!

For the dining plan, it's a good deal if you plan to eat in the parks. What you should think about is do you want sit down meals, or are you happy with just counter service? There is also the QS meal plan, where you get 2 counter service & 2 snack credits a day. It's cheaper than the DDP, if you are looking to save $... but the DDP is worth it if you'd like to do any character meals, or have kids that like to eat (like I do).

 

[kyra's mommy]

Yes, Coronado Springs...I never know how to properly abbreviate. lol. I am happy about the queen beds it does make a difference! I can't wait to see the new rooms. It really seems like a great resort. I hope I'm right.

I'll have to check into the QS. I hadn't heard of that before. Thanks for the tip. The whole dining thing is really confusing to me.

 

[DisneyWisher]

Yes, Coronado Springs...I never know how to properly abbreviate. lol. I am happy about the queen beds it does make a difference! I can't wait to see the new rooms. It really seems like a great resort. I hope I'm right.

I'll have to check into the QS. I hadn't heard of that before. Thanks for the tip. The whole dining thing is really confusing to me.

At CSR/Coronado Springs Resort they have Pepper Market. Its like a Food Court but their are servers that take your drink order and refill sodas, tea, and coffee. Here is the menu. http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningdetail.cfm?restaurant.ID=492 Great thing about it too is that its considered counter service. If paying out of pocket you will be charged a 10% tip but with the dining plan this is included. Its not included with regular Table service.

 

[onelilspark]

To me, if you're staying 2 extra days and saving $500 and only stepping down one resort category...yes! It's worth it! I love the moderate resorts. I've stayed in a bunch of the deluxes, I've stayed in a value. To me, moderates are where it's at as far as feeling that you're getting what you pay for. Don't get me wrong, I love the deluxes, and I think that a splurge is always fun...BUT for what you're saving & getting...I would totally do it. I'm staying at CSR for the first time in about a month, I can't wait!! The refurbed rooms look gorgeous (IMO better than some of the deluxes!) The pool looks like a lot of fun too! To me, what you're really giving up going from a deluxe to a moderate is inside coridors, balconies, and a little bit of fancier themeing. For 2 extra nights and $500, I'd do it...but that's me

 

[kyra's mommy]

Thanks for the support! I am getting really excited and feeling relaxed about the decision. Honestly, with the economy the way it is, and it has effected us in some personal ways, it feels like the right decision. It seems more like living within our means, and what a bonus- two more nights!

I still don't know about the dining plan. I'm just not sure that we would eat about $120 worth of food a day. It's hard to say.

 

[KatMark]

To me, if you're staying 2 extra days and saving $500 and only stepping down one resort category...yes! It's worth it! I love the moderate resorts. I've stayed in a bunch of the deluxes, I've stayed in a value. To me, moderates are where it's at as far as feeling that you're getting what you pay for. Don't get me wrong, I love the deluxes, and I think that a splurge is always fun...BUT for what you're saving & getting...I would totally do it. I'm staying at CSR for the first time in about a month, I can't wait!! The refurbed rooms look gorgeous (IMO better than some of the deluxes!) The pool looks like a lot of fun too! To me, what you're really giving up going from a deluxe to a moderate is inside coridors, balconies, and a little bit of fancier themeing. For 2 extra nights and $500, I'd do it...but that's me

Totally agree!!!

We've done value, moderate and deluxe and truthfully we prefer the moderate--especially the price. We've stayed at the Poly and love it, but I just cannot justify that type of money anymore (we had to cancel this year's trip as it was due to the economy and two boys in college). We've stayed at the CSR seven times, including celebrating my 50th birthday, recovery from breast cancer and our 25th anniversary this past September. DH offered me the Poly and I chose to stay at CSR--which has become our "home away from home." No, it does not have interior hallways, but I like walking outside--I'm in Florida--I want to be outside and not stuck inside. The pool is great, and it has a fitness center/spa and the new queen beds, etc.