What to do with Grandma? (best resort question, po4)

[NotUrsula]

(Well, technically a po5, but an infant can squeeze in anywhere.)

My MIL has suddenly reversed her adamant insistence that she would never visit WDW (because it's in FL, which she last visited in 1952, before A/C It has taken 15 years of persuasion to get her to cave on this.)

Now we need to figure out where to stay to make room for her and get the best bang for our on-site lodging dollar. This is likely to be the one and only time we ever get her to WDW, so we are willing to spend a bit more than usual, but we are trying not to be unnecessarily extravagant about it. The trip is tentatively scheduled Sept. 13-16th.

There are a few gotchas:
1) DH will *not* stay at a Value ever again; that dog won't hunt.
2) MIL is over 70 and in poor health, a sofa bed will not do for her.
3) DH does not wish to sleep in the same bedroom as his mother. However, the older child could bunk in with her as long there were two beds.

Suggestions for the best-value 2-room solution?

 

[Zooey72]

If it is your mother in law wouldn't it be best if she stayed in the car?

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I'd look into renting points and staying at a DVC resort. There is a renting section over on the DVC boards. We've done this before and had a fabulous experience with the DVC member/points renter and it was extremely reasonable. We used a money order, which is very secure and made all reservations over 3 way phone calls so DVC resort reservations knows how to handle this very well.

If you choose a two bedroom, your bedroom will also have a private jacuzzi at most DVC resorts. Overall, it is something definitely worth looking into! Personally, we stayed at OKW, but the Beach Club Villas seem amazing to me, too, esp. w/ Stormalong Bay and the fabulous Epcot location taken into consideration! So, Beach Club Villas would be my recommendation to you.

If you're talking 07, this might be too late, ,so I'd act now and cross your fingers. If you're talking 08, this sounds like a great time.

Go to the following link to see how many points you'd need. Then on the DVC DISboards, see if there are any renters who can get you your resort (they have best chance if it is their "home resort" and have close to the right amount of points you'll need.

http://www.wdwinfo.com/resort/dvcpoint.cfm

For '08 and your dates at BCV in a 2 bedroom suite, I get 120 points - They are sold usually $7-12 a point, based on the seller. So, it would be $840 - $1440 total. (The Sat. night was the most, so if you could do Sun, Mon and Tues instead, you'd save even more - or just add an extra day, since your stay is only 3 days).

Compare this to staying in two sep. rooms at a moderate - which would run around $145-$160 a night in value season (which includes Sept.) That would be $870- $960. Truthfully, I feel that paying almost $1000 for three nights at a moderate would be a waste for the five of you, but I encourage you to look at the pictures and info and decide for yourself.

Then again, if you're only there 3 days, you won't have time to see and do many things, so it's hard to say. Will you want to enjoy your resort's amenities or will you be in the parks dawn until way after dusk? Your DH doesn't like values, but it doesn't make a lot of sense to pay for amenities you won't ever use, either. There are a lot of things to discuss.

If you don't want to do this, I'd stay at the Swan or Dolphin if you are eligible for any discounts (teacher, govt worker, AAA, AARP, etc.) because they are fabulous and offer the best discounts in WDW. They are a Deluxe resort and have many amenities that put them in that class.

The third option is to stay at a monorail resort for the utmost in Disney immersion, quick park access and pixie dust in your room every night - at a high cost, usually, though. However, there's nothing quite like being one monorail stop away from the Magic Kingdom or seeing the castle from your window!

Do your research and good luck!

 

[DisneyMomx7]

What about WL? Its less expensive than the other deluxes and you could put one of the kids in with your MIL.

 

[gigi1313]

i suggest fort wilderness cabins... it would satisfy all requirements, but getting around may be difficult (they do have golf cart rentals and if mil were to rent a scooter then you'd be set)

my next suggestion would be port orleans french quarter... two rooms... connecting... it's one of the most beautiful resorts on property, it is the smallest resort, it has a great pool, boat service to dtd and por, an excellent food court, top notch bus service... there's nothing not to like about it... they even have some light entertainment in the club at night... i would seriously consider it if i were you

 

[Hopefully]

I think renting DVC points is a great idea, but it may be too late for this September.
If you are looking at 2 moderate resorts, I second POFQ. It is my favoarite moderate. It is small, convenient, lovely with great themeing. I think two rooms at POFQ would be great.

 

[kcumens]

We are also going as a po5 with my mom. We are staying at Ft. Wilderness cabins, and planning on mom having the murphy bed in the LR. But you could give MIL and the kids the bedroom and you & hubby could use the LR. It seems to be the best value for the $$ - $259 a night for a place with sep. BR and full kitchen vs. $150/night x 2 rooms with no kit.

 

[PrejeanPrincess]

I would choose WL. Also, if you are going this Sept. I believe there is currently a room only discount and WL would only be about $140/nt in a standard room. So for 2 rooms it would be $280/nt. You could also look into the bunk bed rooms (they cost more but are great for the kids) they have a queen bed and set of bunks.

We are a family of 6 and my mom travels with us so we always get 2 rooms. We have stayed at WL and it was wonderful. My only suggestion would be to request a room near the elevators or lobby, the corridors are very long.

Keep us posted and let us know what you decide.

 

[Quinn222]

What about WL? Its less expensive than the other deluxes and you could put one of the kids in with your MIL.

That's exactly what I was thinking. It's what I'd do in that situation.

 

[Tissa]

I just checked on WL for those dates and all they have available is Courtyard view x2= $2532 with tax.

Renting points a good idea if you can find someone to rent points and there is a two bedroom somewhere out there left. Going rate is 10 and up for points. This is an unlikely choice.

I see two connecting rooms at POFQ as your best option if they have rooms still available.

 

[simonkodousek]

You could try the deluxe/junior suites at the WL. I really wish I had did that instead of the Polynesian because we need all the extra room we can get, and with MIL along we were cramped...

 

[SB in KY]

You would have the best accomodations at a DVC...personally since the points are less (and because I like it a lot anyways)...I would suggest OKW...biggest units, most availability and fewest points of any of the DVC's. If you could arrange to be there Sun - Thurs nights only it will be a significant savings (and remember, when you rent points there is no sales tax added).

If you can locate someone to rent to you on short notice you might get lucky, since people often discount their points below $10 if they have not already been able to rent them.

If that will not workfor you I think Ft Wilderness would be your best option. The advantage to the DVC is more space and 2 bathrooms, st Ft Wilderness there is only 1 bath, but at least there would be a place to get away from each other if needed (vital for me for ANY trip with my MIL!!) You would still have a kitchen and a LR at least. A car is pretty essential if you stay there though.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I would choose WL. Also, if you are going this Sept. I believe there is currently a room only discount and WL would only be about $140/nt in a standard room. So for 2 rooms it would be $280/nt. You could also look into the bunk bed rooms (they cost more but are great for the kids) they have a queen bed and set of bunks.

We are a family of 6 and my mom travels with us so we always get 2 rooms. We have stayed at WL and it was wonderful. My only suggestion would be to request a room near the elevators or lobby, the corridors are very long.

Keep us posted and let us know what you decide.

That would be great, but the only problems are that that offer is an Annual Passholder discount. Additionally, it is mostly sold out. I am already booked for this August and I called last week to try and get the discount. At All Star Music, All Star Movies, Pop, Port Orleans French Quarter and Port Orleans Riverside, the discounts were all gone.

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

We are also going as a po5 with my mom. We are staying at Ft. Wilderness cabins, and planning on mom having the murphy bed in the LR. But you could give MIL and the kids the bedroom and you & hubby could use the LR. It seems to be the best value for the $$ - $259 a night for a place with sep. BR and full kitchen vs. $150/night x 2 rooms with no kit.

I forgot the cabins sleep 5, that's a good option, too.

 

[jcpuppy.com]

I am going to give you some much needed advice, which fits with the 2nd poster. Leave mom home. Fl air hasn't gotten a/c as far as I know. It is still hot in FL and if your MIl is anything like my mom listening to them moan and groan about the heat gets quite tiresome and can bring the whole group down.

yes we know it is hot, get over it.

I am glad my mom came as I like spending time with my mom, but she made our 3 trip our worse trip and that was with her trying hard to behave herself. It was hard for her to(due to heat) keep up and she is not one to entertain herself or sit by herself, and I would feel bad letting her be alone while we all had fun together.

Unless your mom is willing to stay alone inside the ac leave her home..your family will love you for it!!

 

[LuluLovesDisney]

I am going to give you some much needed advice, which fits with the 2nd poster. Leave mom home. Fl air hasn't gotten a/c as far as I know. It is still hot in FL and if your MIl is anything like my mom listening to them moan and groan about the heat gets quite tiresome and can bring the whole group down.

yes we know it is hot, get over it.

I am glad my mom came as I like spending time with my mom, but she made our 3 trip our worse trip and that was with her trying hard to behave herself. It was hard for her to(due to heat) keep up and she is not one to entertain herself or sit by herself, and I would feel bad letting her be alone while we all had fun together.

Unless your mom is willing to stay alone inside the ac leave her home..your family will love you for it!!

Maybe this is because I just returned from my SIL's grandfather's funeral or because my parents are elderly and I'm only 27, but . . .

people, especially our loved ones, are more precious than any physical commodity, even Disney World. I hope and pray that my parents live long enough to vacation with me and my (future) family to WDW. If they are too hot, I will go back to the room and take a break. If they are too tired to walk, I'll push the wheelchair or rent an ECV for them. I would much rather accomodate my schedule around a loved one who won't live much longer than to worry about them "keeping up" with my schedule. We can always walk slower, they cannot walk faster. Again, I would rather limit my attractions or anything else, if just to have memories of being on Main Street, seeing the castle and relaxing by the hotel pool.

To me the point of a vacation is not to see and do everything we want to see and do, but to see and do something different TOGETHER. It's the conversations between rides and the "Look at this!" commentary that makes it special. So, my parents won't be getting left in cars or hotel rooms or at home. If I am lucky enough, they will be right with me.

 

[momimouse27]

Unfortunately, it sounds like the last poster could be right, so I will give a couple of suggestions. First, I like the other poster's ideas of staying in WL and in POFQ. POFQ is one of our very favorite resorts, your MIL would not have to do alot of walking to anything since it is very compact and you could have two rooms which would be good for all!

Second, I notice you attached *tentatively* to your trip dates. The last poster mentioned the heat and you mentioned that your MIL wasnt in the greatest health. Since it can be wicked hot in September, that could be a recipe for disaster. Have you thought of going in mid-November or better-yet the first couple weeks of December. December is absolutely gorgeous and the weather is very mild. Just a thought!

 

[lilyv]

Maybe this is because I just returned from my SIL's grandfather's funeral or because my parents are elderly and I'm only 27, but . . .

people, especially our loved ones, are more precious than any physical commodity, even Disney World. I hope and pray that my parents live long enough to vacation with me and my (future) family to WDW. If they are too hot, I will go back to the room and take a break. If they are too tired to walk, I'll push the wheelchair or rent an ECV for them. I would much rather accomodate my schedule around a loved one who won't live much longer than to worry about them "keeping up" with my schedule. We can always walk slower, they cannot walk faster. Again, I would rather limit my attractions or anything else, if just to have memories of being on Main Street, seeing the castle and relaxing by the hotel pool.

To me the point of a vacation is not to see and do everything we want to see and do, but to see and do something different TOGETHER. It's the conversations between rides and the "Look at this!" commentary that makes it special. So, my parents won't be getting left in cars or hotel rooms or at home. If I am lucky enough, they will be right with me.

Lulu, Thank you, thank you! You're sentiments are so appreciated. I lost both my parents by the time I was in my early 30's. Tough stuff.

If one is blessed to have a grandma around, maybe a gentle think about how to approach the days is in order. What about getting a copy of Zagat's WDW insider's guide? Gift it to grandma. Ask her about what she's looking forward to doing? Would she prefer a little park time, and then some time to relax in the room? Be open to having some discussions about heat and crowds, and how to best enjoy your time together.

Does grandma enjoy a particular magazine(s), or crosswords? Special treats or food? Maybe make a little surprise bag for her with things you know she enjoys.

Hope this helps. Inter-generational experiences are blessings! They may not be perfect, or easy, but you're making memories. That's so worth the effort.

 

[Nancyg56]

I liked POFQ as well. The resort is lovely and it is small. You are so lucky that your MIL may join you, to experience Disney with youngsters and their GM is a treat that not many can share. I know that there are some inconveniences that may happen with an older person, but I'll share my Moms trip with my brother and his family with you. They went to Lake George when my Mom was about the same age as your MIL. My DB was prepared to go at my Moms pace, but she turned into a bit of a firecracker! You see, she recognized that her two grandchildren had never vacationed with her or my SIL's parents and they would have this memory forever, so she went out of her way to make it as special as she could.

Your trip will be different, the dynamics will change, but your kids will learn way more than where Mickey resides if they see you and your DH accommodating all of the members of your family to ensure all have a good time.

I would talk to MIL to see what she thinks she is up to, and if she wants to do something special with your older child. She may even be willing to spend an evening with your children so that you and DH can have dinner. Have a wonderful trip.

 

[NotUrsula]

Thanks, folks, but perhaps I should provide a few clarifications: yes, Sept. 2007; it's a last-minute kind of thing. We normally go to WDW about 3X per year, but we just had a new baby, so we haven't been in a while. DH saw a good Ding! and grabbed it, thus the short notice. I said tentative because we may have to cancel and reschedule if we can't find an acceptable room situation at this late date.

I know what we're getting into by taking MIL. (Note that the trip is short, only 3 nights.) The primary reason for staying onsite (besides the beauty of the resorts) is the buses; if MIL tires while the rest of us want to stay out, she could go back to the room without disrupting the whole park day. She is the only grandparent my kids have, and she's not a traveler by nature; but DS has been trying to talk her into letting him show her WDW pretty much since he could talk, and it looks like he finally may be getting his one and only chance. (Yes, she could become a convert, but I rather doubt it.) The thing about the heat/humidity is really not the big deal she remembers it being; it's just as hot/humid in the summertime where we live.

We're WDW veterans, and we've been to about half the resorts over the years, but we've never needed separate bedrooms before, so that part of it is the new experience part. I'm a bit concerned about the possibility of getting widely separated rooms. (Connecting rooms are not necessary, but I'd at least like them to be in the same general vicinity.)