What do the expert suggest?

[brandip22]

Ok, I am about to make my ressies for my 5th anniversary trip to WDW. It will be in 2005- probably late May depending on whether niece is going or not.. Here's the deal: Me, my Dh and my DS (will be 2 1/2 at the time) are definately going. I really want to take my niece who'll be 9, but her Mom doesn't want her first Dis trip to be w/out her and she can't afford to go- at least she doens't think she will be able to. I also would like either my mom or my MIL to come b/c they both would love it plus they could watch DS at night while either me & DH go to PI or me, DH and DN go watch fireworks or whatever when DS is tired. My dilema is on what type of room to book. If everyone goes, it would be 4 adults one child (9) and the infant who will sleep with DH & ne. So, I think that is 5 according to Disney sleep rules? I really want to stay at WL due to the extra stuff and proximity to MK. I'm also thinking about FW cabins or WL Villa for the kitchens. I hate to pay way more for a larger room just in case they don't all come, but I would hate to not be able to change at the last minute to accomodate a loarger room. Does that make sense? I'd like to go ahead and book so I can start paying it down monthly b/c I will spend the money if I put it in savings. Plus, I want to book so I will definately go and not procrastinate like I always do. Any thoughts or help will be so very much appreciated. Oh, and if it matters, we are driving down, so we will have a car.

 

[Kimberle]

4 adults, 1 child & 1 infant under 3 would be considered 5 by Disney.

Have you considered Port Orleans? They have a section that sleeps 5, plus a crib. The child could use the trundle bed. The cabins are a good idea, too.

WL is really awsome!! But regular rooms are limited to 4, plus an infant. The deluxe rooms sleep 6, but they are quite a bit more expensive than the regular rooms.

Good luck!

 

[brandip22]

Thanks, I did consider PO, but we spent our Honeymoon at Dixie Landings and want to do something different. Plus, since we are from south Louisiana, the French Quarter side wasn't special for us. Maybe I will plan on my sister and niece or MIL and niece. That way I can count on 4 plus infant. I could just not really ask MIL until I knew whether sister was going or not. MIL would jump at going anytime, with no notice. If I do WL in a regular room, which view and/or rooms fo you suggest? Thanks!

 

[Kimberle]

WL is awsome! We had an outer courtyard view during our stay. Lots of people prefer the woods/lodge view. Sometimes you can get a glimpse of the Castle. (The trees have really matured.) WL is also pretty good abt giving upgrades . If it were me, I'd probably book a woods/lodge room, asking for an upper floor. If you decide on WL, ask over on the WL part 4 faq thread. There are a few people who are very experienced in room location.

We **really** loved the lodge!!

 

[CarolMN]

5 plus a child under 3 in one room on a wedding annivesary vacation would be way too much togetherness for me!

My advice is to reserve 2 rooms at one of the value resorts. You'd have two bathrooms, some privacy and you could cancel one of the rooms if the other adults and/or your niece end up not going.

 

[Disney Doll]

I'd have to agree with CarolMN. I can't imagine my DH being enthused about staying in a hotel room with 2 women & 2 kids on an anniversary trip!

Did you think about a 2BR at one of the DVC resorts? They are more expensive, but would afford you a little more privacy + 2 bathrooms. You could put you and DH in master BR, DMIL(or DSis-whoever comes) & DNiece in 2nd bedroom, DS in the crib in your room, or on the floor in a sleeping bag in your room, or in the crib in the 2nd BR or sleeping in Dniece's bed in the second BR.

 

[brandip22]

We do not want to stay in a value resort. We really prefer a place with a kitchen. The whole anniversary thing doesn't really matter too much since our anniversary is acutally at the beginning of April. It really is more of a family trip so my niece can go as she's never been. Also we are really getting the bug to go back. We don't mind all of the togetherness, though. That's why we are going- we never get to vacation together- we don't live in the same town. Thanks for the help so far, though.

 

[SamanthaL]

Have you thought about renting points from a DVC member for a villa? MUCH cheaper and more space for everyone.

 

[brandip22]

Yes, but the studio will be $1476 for the points if they are stillgoing at $12 per point. The one bedroom will be $3024. If I jus do a room, the rack rate is $1673 for two queen beds. No kitchen, but I bet AP rates will be out for that time. If like now, we could get the room for $1085 or so. I am trying to decide if the kitchen is worth the extra $300. Probably so, but I just can decide. Would you pay the extra for the kitchen. We are also probably going to buy into DVC on that trip, so it may be a better idea to go ahead and stay in a DVC Villa. I have heard that they will put your costs to the downpayment. Of course, if I rent from a DVCer, I can put the moeny towards that. I will have to keep thinking....yuck, it hurts to think so much!! Thanks again for the insight. Y'all have given lots of great advice, as usual!

 

[Grumpy92]

I think the FW cabins would be your best option because you would have a bdrm, LR, full kitchen and a deck area. The only down side is only one bathroom. This is a great resort and there is so much to do there. We love to sit out on the deck in the evening and just people watch. Have to say it is a resort which truly gives you a feeling of escape, it is quiet and relaxing.

If you really want to stay at WL you might consider one of the Junior suites. They dont have a full kitchen but a wet bar area which fulfilled most of our needs.

 

[SamanthaL]

I think most people are charging $10 a point. I would try asking on the rent and trade board. That wouldn't save too much but it would help. I do think the kitchen is worth the extra$. If you do most breakfasts and a few other meals it will pay for itself in no time. Also with the little one you can bring your own snacks and such. It saves on getting them at the parks or at the hotel.