What should I do - help!!

[quinnc19]

I will be traveling alone next month to WDW for 3 nights with DD (will be 10 months). Where should I stay? ASMu for $84/night, CSR for $139, WL for $184, or offsite? I am looking at this as a "budget" trip, but I don't want to sacrifice all enjoyment to save money. I will have a car and hope to spend most of our time at the parks, if DD cooperates. Thanks so much for your insights!

 

[frtchr]

JMHO, but with a 10 m.o., I would definitely stay on site. As far as where, we stayed at WL with an 11 m.o. and liked it a lot. It's so convenient to the MK. However, you know best what you're looking for in a hotel. Hope you have a fun trip!!

 

[ChristusG]

If you are looking for a budget trip, definitely do ASMu. You still get the luxuries of Disney and with cute decor as well. Really, when you stay in the Deluxe hotels, all you are paying for is the lobby. And sometimes the pool. We always stay at the Pop Century when we go to Disney. We love it there. Neat decor, neat pools, kiddie pool, Everything Pop and the food court....it's all great!!

We've stayed at Wilderness Lodge before and they just have a regular, no-frills pool. The lobby is very nice but the rooms were just average in my opinion. I mean, they were extremely nice and clean....but not much different than a Pop room.

 

[LJRJR]

My vote was for the WL. Since you are traveling alone with a young child, I would definately go for the WL, even though it will cost $300 more I would try to save in other areas (like food and extras) and have the safety and convience of being in an enclosed Hotel so close the the MK. If you take use the boat to travel to the MK it might make it easier for you if you are lugging a stroller along and taking care of your DD. Have fun whatever you choose.

 

[staci]

I would do ASMu. The theming is so much more vibrant, I really think your baby would enjoy seeing all those colors.

 

[quinnc19]

Thanks for your suggestions so far, keep 'em coming! I prefer the theming of WL slightly over the others, but the big advantage seems to be the ferry to the MK. I am worried a bit about struggling with the stroller, bags, and baby on the bus, or the long walk to/from the parking lot if I drive.

Also, I definitely want to do some character meals but am not sure how I could get food for myself from the buffet and watch/hold baby at the same time. Thoughts?

 

[Disneychix]

Perhaps try Ohana's character meal (Minnie, Stich will be there) as they serve you family style at your seat. I wouldn't try to do a stand-up buffet by yourself with an infant.

I would opt for ASMovies but you do have a point about WL. Definately not budget though so you can't really say you'd be going budget.

 

[scrapnmom]

The boat to the MK is really nice, but the only problem with the WL might be noise. Since it has interior hallways, I think you hear a lot more than a hotel with an exterior hallway. We had a courtyard view room and the noise from the pool was loud and DD had a hard time napping, plus we could always hear people talking and running down the halls. When we stayed at the POR we never heard any outside noise.

 

[staci]

Also, I definitely want to do some character meals but am not sure how I could get food for myself from the buffet and watch/hold baby at the same time. Thoughts?

Sling? Ergo? Bjorn? Have you ever used any of those? DD lived in her sling the year of her life, and it allowed me to 'hold' her while doing other things. I would strongly consider one. It would also help to tuck the baby into the sling while you were getting onto the buses if you go that route. You would be more 'handsfree' for the stroller.

HTH.

 

[~Kristina~]

Sling? Ergo? Bjorn? Have you ever used any of those? DD lived in her sling the year of her life, and it allowed me to 'hold' her while doing other things. I would strongly consider one. It would also help to tuck the baby into the sling while you were getting onto the buses if you go that route. You would be more 'handsfree' for the stroller.

HTH.

Ditto.

 

[quinnc19]

I have a sling and a Bjorn. I use the Bjorn a lot now and it should be great for the bus, etc. I also considered that for use at the buffets for about a millisecond. Now that she's front-facing, I don't think it would go so well Need to try the sling again for hip-riding. Thanks!

Sling? Ergo? Bjorn? Have you ever used any of those? DD lived in her sling the year of her life, and it allowed me to 'hold' her while doing other things. I would strongly consider one. It would also help to tuck the baby into the sling while you were getting onto the buses if you go that route. You would be more 'handsfree' for the stroller.

HTH.

 

[GoinToDisney]

If you get an Ergo, you can carry her on your back, allowing you to use both of your hands. Plus it is easier to carry them this way for longer. I couldn't hip carry very long due to back and neck problems. However, I could carry her on my back for quite a while.

ETA: I say stay at ASMu without a doubt. We stayed there and it was very nice and clean. That is all I look for at Disney because we don't spend much time in the room..