What is your line in the sand?

[Laketravis]

I've never really had an issue with cost at WDW - I won't pay the rates they now charge for Deluxe but we've been very happy with the rates and accommodations for Coronado Springs.

This past trip (15 nights/16 days) cost us $4,460, not counting airfare. That included 10 day park hoppers and "free" dining for 14 of the days. I spent another $400 on tips and drinks, and an additional $702 to upgrade all three of us to Annual Passes.

I compare that to 7 days/6 nights we booked at Royal Pacific with Annual Passes to Universal Studios the week of New Years - the cost (no food) is $3,028.

Our per-day cost at WDW is much lower. I like how WDW includes many things in the price. When I found out about the charges for a refrigerator at RPR, I emailed them and asked if it was true, expressing my disappointment that after paying such high holiday rates for the room I would be charged extra for a refrigerator. They replied back and stated that a complimentary refrigerator would be placed in the room.

As far as what constitutes a line in the sand for us, I would have to say it comes down to how productive a day in the parks can be for us and that boils down to simple wait times. If we find that we are able to accomplish much more each day at US than we can at WDW, then I would have to re-evaluate those cost-per-day numbers and see if that line in the sand is crossed.

 

[pooch]

And smith smith, what's all this Rope Drop stuff??? I thought you were with me in the sleep late & use FP+ club?!?!?

 

[Luckybee]

Going down the end of February and will spend 2 nights at cabana bay then move over to pop for 4 nights. I was under the impression that cabana bay is more on par with the Wdw moderates than the values. I will check it out and let you all know. My heart will always be at Disney but I think I have room for universal and sea world too. I look at it as 7 parks to visit each with its own unique things to enjoy. Where I spend my time on any given visit depends on which experience I'm in the mood for on that trip

It is more comparable with a moderate...imho even nicer...but in order to try to skew results some posters don't like to make accurate comparisons....enjoy your trip !

 

[SmithSmith]

And smith smith, what's all this Rope Drop stuff??? I thought you were with me in the sleep late & use FP+ club?!?!?

That is how I'm planning our next trip! I'm so excited for it! I didn't do it this past trip because of all the advice given out on here that insist RD is necassary. Well... I learned from my own experience that it's not. The only RD that will be a must will be to see the Magic Kingdom opening ceremony, besides that. No thanks, I'll take my sleep instead.

 

[SmithSmith]

It is more comparable with a moderate...imho even nicer...but in order to try to skew results some posters don't like to make accurate comparisons....enjoy your trip !

Mouse steps weekly and Easy WDW have both made the AoA/Cabana Bay comparison!

 

[pooch]

Mouse steps weekly and Easy WDW have both made the AoA/Cabana Bay comparison!

I'll let you know what I think when I get back. I've stayed at all the WDW moderates so I have a good idea what to look for.

 

[SmithSmith]

I wont waste my time debating with you further ,as I said "I can't say anything else "given your perspective but you really did manage to attempt once again to skew the numbers. Loews Portofino is sold out now for Dec 6(today) to the 8th. Not surprising that when you checked it today that the pricing was much higher than normal
Try next weekend...price for Loews including express pass $335 nightly(those same express passes for 2 days for 2 people for those days are $99 and $89....a total savings of $376) ...oops don't forget to add $40 or so for the usual hotel extra's....you know those things most hotels charge extra for, then there is pop(and as you feel about luxury properties I would never stay at a value since that wouldn't be a holiday for me and a waste of my money) ..$175....now I have to admit that Im doing something I would normally never do, that is, compare a motel with a 5* luxury resort but since you mentioned it.....so for a 1 night stay one would actually be getting the room for free at the luxury property and for a 2 night stay the price would be comparable to a 2 night stay at the budget one....gee I wonder where the better value is

Here's another example:

Dates May 7-9 2015:
AoA $344.25
Cabana $329.63 with parking $350.90
Portofino $751.50 with parking $794.10

 

[pooch]

Here's another example: Dates May 7-9 2015: AoA $344.25 Cabana $329.63 with parking $350.90 Portofino $751.50 with parking $794.10

But for the additional $6.00, doesn't cabana bay have more amenities and, I THINK bigger rooms comparing standard to standard or was that the price for a suite?

 

[pooch]

Also, what would say, Y&BC cost for the same time period (to compare the Deluxes)

 

[SmithSmith]

something I would normally never do, that is, compare a motel with a 5* luxury resort but since you mentioned is

Trip advisor rates Portofino 4 stars, AoA 3 stars, Pop 2.5 stars.

 

[SmithSmith]

But for the additional $6.00, doesn't cabana bay have more amenities and, I THINK bigger rooms comparing standard to standard or was that the price for a suite?

Of course, Cabana bay was just built they're not going to open an inferior hotel.
Just like the next 3 star hotel Disney builds will be bigger and have more amenities than CB.

 

[SmithSmith]

Also, what would say, Y&BC cost for the same time period (to compare the Deluxes)

It says they're sold out so I can't get exact prices but I think it's about $450 per night.

 

[pooch]

I am NOT trying to start an argument but AoA is very new too and, to your point, is an upgrade for a Disney value. But I think you'll get more bang for your additional 6 bucks at Cabana Bay. But I won't know that for sure until I actually stay there

 

[pooch]

It says they're sold out so I can't get exact prices but I think it's about $450 per night.

So, even with the parking fee, $100+ more than Portofino.

 

[SmithSmith]

I am NOT trying to start an argument but AoA is very new too and, to your point, is an upgrade for a Disney value. But I think you'll get more bang for your additional 6 bucks at Cabana Bay. But I won't know that for sure until I actually stay there

Agree to disagree. I'd rather get FP+ for free than pay $70 pp for express pass.
I'd also rather have the longer Disney park hours.

Have fun on your trip! I doubt I'll be around to hear about though.

 

[pooch]

Thanks

 

[SmithSmith]

So, even with the parking fee, $100+ more than Portofino.

Price wise Portofino is on par with AKL & WL.

 

[pooch]

Funny story. We stayed at WL in 2006 and were given a room with a lovely dumpster view. Went back to the front desk to ask for a different room and was informed we were staying at a "cheap" deluxe!

 

[SmithSmith]

Funny story. We stayed at WL in 2006 and were given a room with a lovely dumpster view. Went back to the front desk to ask for a different room and was informed we were staying at a "cheap" deluxe!

That is funny... and I see that you haven't been back.

But I see you have been to Pop multiple times. I'll be staying there this time next year. I hope you don't have a funny story about Pop.

 

[Luckybee]

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