What would you do? Resort Recommendations Please!

[Ivynoli]

Okay, I have FINALLY talked my mom and stepdad into taking a trip with our family to DW!! We live in CA and always have a blast with them when we go to Disneyland.

We are planning to go Dec. 16-Dec. 26, 2004. Stepdad wants to go "middle of the road"... (I gave him three options: trip of a lifetime, middle of the road, or low budget.)

So 6 of us, ages 60, 58, 39, 33, 18 and 13. We have stayed at the Boardwalk Villas, and the Polynesian, both of which we loved. We are likely to spend a lot of time at Epcot, Studios and AK (Magic Kingdom not so much, since a lot of it is so similar to DL.)

My first thought was a 1-bedroom and a studio at BCV or BWV, but the prices!!!! Yikes!!!

So then I thought maybe 2 rooms at Riverside...but I'm worried about the location. The Swan or Dolphin would be a great location but I don't know what kind of deals we could get that time of year.

BTW, my family likes snazzy resorts, while my mom and stepdad are definitely more of the Motel 6 types...

Anyway, any suggestions would be most welcome.

 

[dandave]

Hi! For our upcoming Jan- Feb trip, I'm taking my folks. I had to think budget, comfort, and "fun, fun, fun"!
So, I decided on the new Pop Century Resort. It's brand new, looks like it will be really fun, is a short bus ride to any park, and has its own bus system. Since we may or may not be able to swim during that time period, I wasn't overly concerned about a pool slide.
We will have three rooms for 4 adults and two kids (7&9). You may want to consider this. You could have the 18 and 13 year old stay in their own room, giving mom and dad some privacy and an extra bathroom. Then the grandparents would have a room to themselves, as well. (I know that my mother and I could never agree on the same TV shows to watch.. )
If you stay in any other resort with the 13 and 18 yo, you'll end up paying the extra adult charge for the 18 year old, anway.
Also, since you'll be there for 10 days, you may want to consider annual passes. You could check to see if there is an annual pass discount for your time period, book it, then buy your pass(es).

 

[flynnmnstr]

You probably be able to get some sort of discount at that time (AP or Entertainment). I love the location of those resorts. You can walk to Epcot and MGM and its really a quick bus ride to Animal Kingdom.

The Boardwalk and BC/YC are excellent choices too but the discounts at Swan/Dolphin are normally better. I also love the ammenities at the resorts better than the BC (I can't talk for the others because we've never stayed). I like the fact that there is a cafeteria that's open 24/7. It's nice to have a place to get a quick fast bite to eat. The laundry room is really convienient. The staff has always been very accomodating; my son has severe allergies and they always are very helpful in getting us everything we need. We have also always gotten some sort of room upgrade.

And again the location is the best. You have so many restaurants and shops within walking distance. We also spend much time at Epcot and we love the fact that after Illuminations we can take our time and slowly leave the park and walk back to our room.

 

[BCV23]

I would think about renting points from a DVC member for BCV or BWV. Much cheaper than the rack rates. Check the rent/trade board here on the DIS. Might meet your expectations as well as your mom's and stepdad.

 

[Kimberle]

Welcome Siobhan! Love your name.

I'd look into renting point from DVC owners. They have their own brd. Look into it quickly, as that time of year probably books quickly.

I'd suggest WL, but since you won't be spending alot of time at MK, probably AKL is better for you. They are both lower priced deluxes.

I'd also say Pop century. You could probably get 3 rooms at a pretty reasonable price.

Wherever you stay, you'll have a wonderful trip!

 

[robinb]

I think all the great rates went {poof} at the Dolphin in the last couple of days. You can still call the Dolphin directly and ask if the the $99 rate (code = "PARKS") is still available.

Otherwise, I would get an Annual Pass for one of your party which will save you a bundle! You might still be able to book the Animal Kingdom Lodge for only $109 per night for a Standard view. That's a Deluxe resort for a "moderate" price.

Check out www.mousesavers.com for more code information.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[apulk]

The Boardwalk and Beach Club Villas are awesome -- location and facilities. We're DVC members and have stayed at the Boardwalk Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas (and regular rooms) and OKW. We have found that we spend very little time in the rooms and rarely eat there -- other than a quick breakfast and a late night snack. When we do WDW -- we are the go all day'ers. We may leave a park around 2/3 but it's usually to go to another or do some other activity.

We had a room at Beach Club Villas in Feb for 5 nights but just cancelled and booked 2 rooms (for wife, me, 4 kids) at the way cool Pop Century. 5 nights for 2 rooms for about $620 can't be beat. We always have a car though so that should be a factor. After our 2nd child we just found it easier to rent (we're driving this time) a van. We also never do point to point stuff -- we usually head to one park in the morning, go to another park or area, have dinner at a resort hotel then maybe head to Epcot or the Boardwalk at night. The BW or BCV's are great for heading to Epcot or MGM -- but a long ride for MK and AK. If you think you will rent a van -- don't worry about the location.

You are going to be there a pretty long time -- if you don't mind the packing/unpacking -- you could mix it up and stay at two places. Port Orleans Riverside is another family favorite.

Andy

 

[swilphil]

I would go for the Dolphin (or Swan), but Dolphin tends to be cheaper and easier to book. It's the best location for the parks you are going to at the best rates. They have special deals that come out all the time, and they have a teacher/nurse/govt. rate. Does any one in your group qualify? If not, look into the Entertainment Book rate, or go through Dreams Unlimited. The Dolphin also has Junior Suites that sleep 6, or you might just want to do two rooms. I think you could book through DU, and then get a discount rate when they came out. Plus DU will do all of your PS's for you.

Since you are going in 2004, you do have time to look into renting from a DVC owner, but your parents would probably have to do the negotiating and it may be hard to get that time of year.

This year the Swan/Dolphin had $99/night standard rooms from Dec. 3-24th. If they do something similar next year, you probably will want to stay elsewhere the last night. I'd suggest Pop Century or a DTD hotel. Unless, of course, your parents want to splurge for Christmas Night, and then I would say go WL.

It sounds like a great family trip!!! Enjoy!

 

[robinb]

Ooops!

I just saw you were talking about next year. {blush}


I guess that I would still keep an eye on the Swan/Dolphin rates. There were some good ones this year. Also, there have been AP rates for the last couple of years for check-ins as late as 12/26. You get the rate for the date you checked in, no matter how long you stay .

 

[Ivynoli]

Great Suggestions, and I will check into all of them.

I am SO looking forward to this trip! The whole family is nuts about Disney, so we will have a great time no matter what!

Can't Wait!!!!