What would you do?

[boomhauer]

We decided to push our July trip next year back to August since resort rates are cheaper. Generally, we take our tax refund and use that for our vacation. Since we recently had twins, that will increase our deductions, but I'm also making more money, so we're in a higher tax bracket. In other words, we don't know what our refund will be next year.

We initially had booked Port Orleans, but after having stayed there last month and not being overly impressed, we decided to either try Coronado Springs or Caribbean Beach or splurge and stay at Polynesian.

So, should we book the sure thing at one of the moderates and risk not being able to book Polynesian come February if we get a big enough refund? Or, should we book the Polynesian in hopes our refund will cover it, and if it doesn't, THEN switch to Caribbean Beach or Coronado Springs?

My fear is simply that we decide not to book Polynesian, then come February if we can, it's booked solid for August.

 

[Buzz2001]

Start with Poly and switch to CSR if refund is low.

 

[BabyFu18]

Personally I say go with what you know you can afford, and if it comes about that you can upgrade then great go for it if the rooms are available. If you can't get a room at the Poly because they are booked up then look at it this way, atleast you'll be at Disney and saving some money.

 

[boomhauer]

I would say CSR.

How did I know that?

I'm seriously considering it. I'm not ecstatic about the rooms interiors of some of the locales of CSR, but the exterior looks pretty darn cool. Plus, we'll have a rental car, so transportation isn't an issue.

I'm gonna have to check out your website with my wife tonight and we'll have to make a decision.

 

[minnie61650]

Just an FYI

CBR has preferred locations you pay for and be near the food court and main pool.

Since your twins are still babies a paid for preferred location may be an advantage if you stay at a mod.

Have fun at Disney wherever you choose to stay!

 

[madalex]

Go the the H&R Block website and use one of their tax calculators to figure out how much your refund will be. Unless your income for the rest of the year fluctuates as a result of commissions or something like that, you should be able to make a pretty good estimate as to what the refund will be. Then, once you know how much money you will have to spend, you can plan your trip accordingly.

 

[brentalex]

We decided to push our July trip next year back to August since resort rates are cheaper. Generally, we take our tax refund and use that for our vacation. Since we recently had twins, that will increase our deductions, but I'm also making more money, so we're in a higher tax bracket. In other words, we don't know what our refund will be next year.

First I would try to determine your actual tax bill and change your deductions so that you reduce your refund to almost nothing. You are giving the govenment an interest free loan when you overpay your taxes throughout the year. This is your money which you could put in a vacation account and earn interest on it, rather than the government earning the interest. Then using that money you should
Second, make the reservation at the Poly. It is where you want to be, so go for it.

 

[Skroops]

If you really want to stay at the Poly (which I do too!), you still have a year to save to add to your refund.

We stayed at CSR last year, and it was really pretty. The room was a nice size, clean and the beds were comfortable. You can't go wrong either way. Either way, you get a Walt Disney World vacation!!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I'd book the Poly and switch if you can't swing it. It isn't like CSR is end all, be all, must have resort like the Poly is. Chances are, if you call at the beginning of August for reservations at CSR, there will still be plenty of rooms available. Don't know if the same can be said for the Poly. Besides, speaking from experience with 2 little ones of my own, the monorail resorts have it all over the others for pure ease of mobility and are worth the cost at any price!

 

[tacomaranch]

Where you stay is dependent on how much your tax refund is. The poly is nice and on the monorail line which is nice to be at your resort quickly. CSR you will need a bus and it could be difficult with twins and strollers.

Additionally, you can make the ressie at both, then cancel when you know your refund.

 

[bab31]

I'd book the Poly and switch if you can't swing it. It isn't like CSR is end all, be all, must have resort like the Poly is. Chances are, if you call at the beginning of August for reservations at CSR, there will still be plenty of rooms available. Don't know if the same can be said for the Poly. Besides, speaking from experience with 2 little ones of my own, the monorail resorts have it all over the others for pure ease of mobility and are worth the cost at any price!

Ditto- did you say you were renting a car or driving- if renting you would be able to save on the car rental

 

[ldo]

I have stayed at Poly and at the end of the day, it's still a hotel room.
I would book a 1 BR at DVC--and, they usually have a deal for August that comes out in late June---I would book DVC now, then you could switch to lower price when it comes out.
You are going to want a separate bedroom to put down for naps and bed and still be able to talk and watch TV--plus having a kitchen is great.
You will NOT regret DVC or another timeshare 1 BR. I would not want to be in a hotel room with 1 yr old twins (I have done it)--having a 1 BR is a HUGE part of the enjoyment of the vacation!!

 

[lmillet]

Personally (after talking w/ my husband 1st), I would book at the Poly. Then IF my tax return didn't cover it, you could always make up the difference from savings (if you've got it).

The Poly is definitely worth it!

 

[goodferry]

I voted for book the Poly now (but I love the Poly so I am biased) But, I second the idea of checking what your estimated tax return will be, that will take some of the pressure off! Also, maybe consider Wilderness Lodge if the Poly is out of the budget. We did not care for CBR when we went with very young children because it was sooooooo spread out, it seemed like everything was a mile away, and we were in Trinidad North, which I believe is considered a preferred location

 

[momandseandodisney]

bnook the less of the 2, then upgrade to POLY if you can, that way if you dont get back as much you wont "downggrade" your dream vacation. I would stay at the lesser, even if you get a more then expected return, and save the difference!

 

[boomhauer]

I did check that HR Block website. It's bizarre - If I were to make no more money the rest of the year, based on what I've paid in taxes so far, I'd be looking at about a $6,000 refund. However, if I figure what I'll be making the rest of year (a bit tough since my commission varies) on average and figure taxes out, our refund will be about $1,500. That stinks.

I guess my feeling is, Polynesian is tougher to book, thus the chance that if we can switch in February, there's a chance rooms will be gone. CBR and CSR have many more rooms and aren't as popular so switching to there would be easier (I would think.)

 

[kjs1976]

Since you have a year to save, I'd save a little extra, just in case, and book the Poly. I think you'll really appreciate the location and access to the monorail with little ones!

Congrats on the twins! I have twin bros, DH has twin sisters, and we now have twin nieces! Think I was nervous when we got pg this spring???!!!! But we now know I'm only carrying one little healthy peanut! Have fun trip planning!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I did check that HR Block website. It's bizarre - If I were to make no more money the rest of the year, based on what I've paid in taxes so far, I'd be looking at about a $6,000 refund. However, if I figure what I'll be making the rest of year (a bit tough since my commission varies) on average and figure taxes out, our refund will be about $1,500. That stinks.

I guess my feeling is, Polynesian is tougher to book, thus the chance that if we can switch in February, there's a chance rooms will be gone. CBR and CSR have many more rooms and aren't as popular so switching to there would be easier (I would think.)

I think either way you go, you'll still be safe booking an August trip in February. We're talking approximately 7 months out here, so there should be plenty of rooms at both resorts when you finally choose...

 

[minnie61650]

I did check that HR Block website. It's bizarre - If I were to make no more money the rest of the year, based on what I've paid in taxes so far, I'd be looking at about a $6,000 refund. However, if I figure what I'll be making the rest of year (a bit tough since my commission varies) on average and figure taxes out, our refund will be about $1,500. That stinks.

I guess my feeling is, Polynesian is tougher to book, thus the chance that if we can switch in February, there's a chance rooms will be gone. CBR and CSR have many more rooms and aren't as popular so switching to there would be easier (I would think.)

Yeah, tell me about it . The higher your income the more percentage of taxes you have to pay.

Nearly one third of our personal income goes toward taxes and don't even get me started on the small business tax we have to pay here in Michigan.--It's unbelievable.

I hope you get to stay at the Poly. If you spend most of your time at the MK the monorail will make the stroller travel a lot easier for you and your family.

Have fun at Disney!

 

[boomhauer]

Thanks for all the replies.

Made my decision - Called and switched to August at Polynesian. It's pricey, but it's a once in a lifetime thing. We'vealways wanted to stay there. I've got plenty of time to pay it off. Just have to do what I did today - Call in $100 here and there, pay it off gradually.

Of course, we're staying at Wilderness Lodge in December, and while the resort is paid off, I still need to buy return airfare, 1 more park hopper, rental car and spending money.

Why must I love Disney World so much? Why? WHY????