Where should I stay in December?

[ConcKahuna]

Can't you just ask for clean towels??

In DVC you have to pay if you want them more often than every few days. It's only for members though.

 

[hematite153]

People say to fill the tub with enough hot water to cover the jets, throw in a dishwasher tab, and run it for about 20 minutes. Then drain, refill with plain water, run again to rinse the jets. We did that, but there was still gunk in the jets/tubes.

Grab a housekeeper and ask for a packet or two of "Triplet" next time!

I was going to say that the dishwasher tabs include some cleaning solvents that aren't meant for that purpose and thus it won't fully work and will even leave behind residue of its own.

We have a cleanser that is specially designed for jacuzzi tubs and smaller spas. When I remember, I fill a small (30 mL / ~1oz) Nalgene bottle with it. It doesn't spill/leak because of the quality of the bottle and because I've brought something specially designed for the purpose I'm using it for, it works great.

My best guess is that "Triplet" is a tab form of a similar product. Is my guess right, Mike?

Can't you just ask for clean towels??

You can ask for clean towels. However, DVC members-at-large have voted to spend less on daily mousekeeping. So, we get our trash removed and linens and towels replaced after every 4 days. (If you stay longer than 8 days, they'll do a full cleaning at day 4, 12, etc.)

Members who wish to receive a full cleaning and/or new sheets or towels on other days do have the option of paying for the service. But, the concierge rooms come with the daily cleaning that JSG is referring to.

JSG -- has it ever occurred to you that the cost of daily clean towels is less than the cost of the points for concierge? Whenever you can't get concierge, you could just budget for a daily clean towel package.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Oh, concierge is good for things other than towels. The towels are just my favorite part. And the double sheeting on the beds.

You can't beat having breakfast included. The lounge offerings are fine for us in the morning. Plus they have those lovely cookies and juice in the afternoon. And all the milk DS can drink. We are almost never around for the evening stuff, and when we are around I don't feel like elbowing my way through the masses to get a single chicken skewer.

Towels are $6 each time. Having the room cleaned is $30 for each extra time. In the one bedroom this year we just washed our towels, which was fine. That was the main reason we booked a one bedroom - having the washer for the towels was great. You would think Housekeeping would run some sort of cleanser through those tub jets between guests, but I am pretty sure they don't. Which is a very good reason for me to skip the jacuzzi tubs!

I like to make my own ADRs, but if we decide to do Sunrise Safari, Lunch with an Imagineer, Wishes cruise, etc. it will be nice to have IPO do that for me.

If we can't get a concierge reservation I could see us booking a one bedroom again.

 

[hematite153]

Oh, concierge is good for things other than towels. The towels are just my favorite part. And the double sheeting on the beds.

You can't beat having breakfast included. The lounge offerings are fine for us in the morning.

Those are good features. But, I find that I look at the concierge offerings and think, "I won't be able to eat any of that." So, it's not quite as appealing as it would be if I could eat the food. I've heard of some people having their allergies really well accommodated by a chef in the building while staying concierge. But, I've also heard of other people getting abrupt responses for even bothering to ask if it would be possible for one evening.

Do the beds have fitted sheets? That might be enough for me to fight for it. (But, I own at SSR, so, I'm not likely to ever get into AKV Concierge.)

 

[Sphyrna]

Ahh, I read tonight about the Trash & Towel service when reading up on DVC. Now it makes sense. Although as JSG said, with a 1 BR you could just wash your own. But I'd want to do as little laundry as possible while on vacation.

So tonight I thought of something else for my trip. I'm ending it on Friday Dec 17 b/c that's when value season ends. I don't feel like paying the Holiday rate. Tonight I thought maybe hop over to Universal for the weekend. So I might look into that. If I do that then I'll want to save some $ on the WDW portion so will probably go with CBR.

 

[Bdawgsc]

I'd personally recommend POR (but close to the main building - she's a BIG resort) or YC/BW if you want a standard resort... but if we're talking DVC properties, OKW hands down. The rooms are sooooo big, recently refurbished and it's a really relaxing resort. You can ride the boat the DTD and Epcot is a quick bus ride. True MK, DHS, DAK are a little more of a ride, but that's never really a factor for me since I'm not the one doing the driving.

CBR is probably my least favorite Moderate. It's REALLY spread out and just generally unimpressive to me. Not bad, just not anything to write home about. My last time there was during a hurricane, though, so maybe I left with a sour taste from the ruined vacation. I've just never had much of a desire to go back.

Also, I've been staying at the All Stars for years... do yourself a favor and don't. I hadn't been there since Pop opened that I can remember and was just reminded of how dated it is this weekend. Small, small small food court with crazy crowds and less of a selection. It is a shorter walk to the food court, though, I admit, when you compare it to Pop or POR. They took everything that didn't work so well there into consideration when they built Pop. Pop is FAR superior and the rooms are even a little larger. It's also been updated more recently. Not bashing the All Stars all together. AS Sports was my first Disney resort and will always hold fond memories, I just wouldn't choose to stay there for more than a weekend getaway. And SPEAKING of far away from things.

 

[chwgmjay]

Our jacuzzi tub at AKL was never clean enough for me to SIT in it. People say to fill the tub with enough hot water to cover the jets, throw in a dishwasher tab, and run it for about 20 minutes. Then drain, refill with plain water, run again to rinse the jets. We did that, but there was still gunk in the jets/tubes. I gave up and just took showers! I noticed a couple days later there was some sort of stuff that had dripped/oozed out of the jets and left streaks down the tub, so that sealed the deal. I am skittish about hotel rooms, so the time and effort it would have required to get it clean enough to use just wasn't worth it.

If you do book a one bedroom, be sure to bring a couple of dishwasher tabs.

Working in a hotel, knowing how often those tubs get a thorough cleaning, and knowing what goes on in them (at all hours of the night) I will NEVER use a hot tub again. Seriously.

 

[Sphyrna]

I'd personally recommend POR (but close to the main building - she's a BIG resort) or YC/BW if you want a standard resort... but if we're talking DVC properties, OKW hands down. The rooms are sooooo big, recently refurbished and it's a really relaxing resort. You can ride the boat the DTD and Epcot is a quick bus ride. True MK, DHS, DAK are a little more of a ride, but that's never really a factor for me since I'm not the one doing the driving.

CBR is probably my least favorite Moderate. It's REALLY spread out and just generally unimpressive to me. Not bad, just not anything to write home about. My last time there was during a hurricane, though, so maybe I left with a sour taste from the ruined vacation. I've just never had much of a desire to go back.

Also, I've been staying at the All Stars for years... do yourself a favor and don't. I hadn't been there since Pop opened that I can remember and was just reminded of how dated it is this weekend. Small, small small food court with crazy crowds and less of a selection. It is a shorter walk to the food court, though, I admit, when you compare it to Pop or POR. They took everything that didn't work so well there into consideration when they built Pop. Pop is FAR superior and the rooms are even a little larger. It's also been updated more recently. Not bashing the All Stars all together. AS Sports was my first Disney resort and will always hold fond memories, I just wouldn't choose to stay there for more than a weekend getaway. And SPEAKING of far away from things.

I enjoyed my stay at POFQ in June. Unfortunately there's nothing available at either POR or POFQ for the week I'm looking at going. Same thing with Pop. My thoughts keep changing. Last night I was leaning towards OKW. Today I'm thinking YC/BW. Maybe I'll just flip a coin.

 

[Sphyrna]

Working in a hotel, knowing how often those tubs get a thorough cleaning, and knowing what goes on in them (at all hours of the night) I will NEVER use a hot tub again. Seriously.

Good point Jay. Maybe I'll just book a regular room, get a can of beans, and make my own whirlpool tub!

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

Jay, I am almost (but not quite) one of those to wear flip flops in the shower. I try not to ever walk around the hotel room barefoot. I wipe everything with Clorox wipes, do thorough checks for bedbugs, all that sort of thing. So really, like I said earlier, unless I witness the installation of the BRAND NEW tub I am really not likely to sit in it.

Hematite, we have no allergies so we can eat all of the offerings in the lounge. If I had dietary restrictions I would be less likely to see the value in booking club level!

Washing towels was not a big deal. We brought the Purex 3-in-1 sheets. We would toss the towels in as we were leaving for the parks, throw them in to dry when we came back in the afternoon. Nothing about it was inconvenient, so I didn't mind washing our own. If we were in a regular studio and I had to drag the towels down to the laundry room I would get annoyed. Of course as Hematite points out, fresh towels every day for our entire stay would only run about $90. Definitely something to keep in mind for the future!

The sheets are NOT fitted. But they come straighten them and tuck them back in every day, so they don't get all tangled and rumpled. And having the blanket all surrounded by sheets makes me very happy.

 

[Bdawgsc]

I'm thinking the trip is going to be Dec 10 - 17. That should be the week after pop warner, I believe. I was checking out posts on the resorts board today and someone mentioned pop. Guess that's why resort availability wasn't that good the week before.

Just out of curiousity, I checked... POR is available those dates. As is Coronado, AKL, etc. Play around with the online system. It's been acting kinda wonky.

 

[hematite153]

The sheets are NOT fitted. But they come straighten them and tuck them back in every day, so they don't get all tangled and rumpled. And having the blanket all surrounded by sheets makes me very happy.

Darn! Fitted sheets would have been something worth booking concierge for. It doesn't help me at all to have someone come tuck them in -- at least not the way they do it with the bottom sheet and the top sheets/blanket all shoved in together. Unless I undo and remake the bed myself the flat sheet is coming off by morning -- and I REALLY hate it when I end up touching the mattress.

 

[glenpreece]

How is YC at the holidays compared to BC? I've already stayed at BC and it was just "ok".

I was considering OKW, but didn't think it'd fit the theme. But you say they do a good job? I also like it b/c it will feel like a real getaway going from the cold north to some place like OKW or CBR.

GF, even with good deals, is probably going to be too much for me. I'd like to keep it to about $1500 for the week.

I started thinking about it last night and I might just go with what I think is the best value and not worry too much about theme. I'll probably take a day to go around to resorts and see how they're decorated, so that should be fine. I figure I'll do a loop around the monorail then head over to the Epcot resorts. If time permits I'll check out the other resorts too.

I did that when I stayed at Pop I visited all the DLX resorts to see their christmas decor.

 

[Sphyrna]

Just out of curiousity, I checked... POR is available those dates. As is Coronado, AKL, etc. Play around with the online system. It's been acting kinda wonky.

Is that at rack rates? I checked both the AP and general room-only discounts and they're not coming up.

 

[Bdawgsc]

Is that at rack rates? I checked both the AP and general room-only discounts and they're not coming up.

I didn't search for any discounts - just the room. Book at rack and then call to apply your AP discount. If they won't, you can cancel and no big deal since you're so far out. That's what I've been doing the last few times.

 

[Sphyrna]

After giving it some thought I'm really starting to lean towards Boardwalk. I just love the Epcot area. One thought that is pushing me towards going with a deluxe is this is value season, so now is the cheapest time. I can save the moderate for my next trip which will probably be Gay Days (thinking about hopping down for my bday weekend but dunno yet). It's just hard finally committing, especially when I look back at the price. With the difference between BW and CBR I could buy an iPad If I go with BW should I go with the Inn or a studio in the Villas? From what I'm seeing on Disney's site the price is the same.

 

[jackskellingtonsgirl]

After giving it some thought I'm really starting to lean towards Boardwalk. I just love the Epcot area. One thought that is pushing me towards going with a deluxe is this is value season, so now is the cheapest time. I can save the moderate for my next trip which will probably be Gay Days (thinking about hopping down for my bday weekend but dunno yet). It's just hard finally committing, especially when I look back at the price. With the difference between BW and CBR I could buy an iPad If I go with BW should I go with the Inn or a studio in the Villas? From what I'm seeing on Disney's site the price is the same.

If you will be in the room by yourself it might be nice to have the studio. You have the queen size bed, plus the sofa. You also have the microwave in case you want to heat up leftovers.

 

[Bdawgsc]

After giving it some thought I'm really starting to lean towards Boardwalk. I just love the Epcot area. One thought that is pushing me towards going with a deluxe is this is value season, so now is the cheapest time. I can save the moderate for my next trip which will probably be Gay Days (thinking about hopping down for my bday weekend but dunno yet). It's just hard finally committing, especially when I look back at the price. With the difference between BW and CBR I could buy an iPad If I go with BW should I go with the Inn or a studio in the Villas? From what I'm seeing on Disney's site the price is the same.

I agree with JSG. I'd def go with the studio for the better layout and microwave. Also, I think they're a little nicer, but that might all be in my head.

 

[Sphyrna]

Yea, that's my take too. Might as well get the microwave for any leftovers I want to heat up. I'm just surprised they only have 1 bank of elevators. My sis was telling me about their stay there. The elevators were down for service so they had to use the service elevator. But then that broke, so they had to carry the stroller up 2 flights of stairs.

Although now my plans might be changing once again. I'm really thinking about bringing my mom down with me. I mentioned it to her over the weekend and she was saying how her and my Dad really wanted to go during the holidays. I think it'd make a really nice mom and son trip. But then that confuses me on where to stay. Since she's unemployed after getting laid off I don't want to add financial hardship for her. So most likely I'll end up paying for everything (plane tix, park tix, food, etc). With that in mind I'm thinking do CBR. But part of me is also saying just go for it and do a 1 BR at OKW. I'm in a really good place financially right now so the $ really isn't an issue. It's just less I'm saving for a downpayment and move to Orlando

 

[Sphyrna]

Ok it's all (almost) set. Taking Mom to WDW!! Getting a 1 BR at OKW. Last night when I asked her again if she wanted to go she said no, not this year and was making excuses. I didn't buy it. Talking to her tonight she admitted she really wants to go and is looking forward to it. So am I!! I know it'll be hard for her since seeing WDW at the holidays was something her and my Dad always wanted to do. But he'll be there with us in spirit! Just waiting for my TA to get back with the updated pricing so I can make the deposit. Need to figure out what to do for Mom's park tickets. Not sure if we should do park hopper or not. Only reason I see needing it would be for dining at Epcot.