Where to stay at Christmas

[corpcomp]

We own at BCV but use up all our points during our Spring Break. We are going to visit family at Christmas in Florida and wanted to spend two nights to experience the magic and the lights for the first time.

I went on the WDW website looking at the prices and was floored. Two nights at BCV is $1400 (one bedroom), BWV is $1300 (waterview) Coronado is $500, and the all stars are $291.


What would you do?

 

[dvcjim]

IMO if a DVC owner where to stay at ALL STARS they would have a horrible time.

Like it or not, it's very hard to settle for value rooms once you have had deluxe.

I would look into the Swan or Dolphin. You will have all the feel of being "on site", at 1/2 the cost.

 

[tomandrobin]

I didn't add to the poll, since my option wasn't listed. This past year we stayed at the Swan & Dolphin on Starwood points! We didn't have enough DVC points and can't go to All Stars (not that there is anything wrong with that). We were still in Disney, still got to use all the Disney transportation, etc. Didn't have room key charging priviliges, but that made it easier not to spend money.

 

[JimC]

I would stay on property and look for a good deal. If you have APs, Disney VISA, AAA you may be able to get a better price. i have stayed at almost every resort and each has its own charm. However, not all feel like I do about alternatives to the larger DVC villas.

 

[disneydenisel]

Stay on property. Rent a reservation from a member, maybe? Or transfer points in?

 

[Chuck S]

I haven't stayed at the All Stars, but we often booked our stays (we drive and sometimes arrive aday early) at Pop Century. While I certainly prefer OKW, if you want to stay at a value resort, I'd recomment Pop Century. They have a nice food court, bus transportation isn't too bad, and our room has always been clean. While value resorts wouldn't be my first choice for an extended stay, Pop should be comfortable enough for 2 or 3 days.

 

[byoung]

If we go this Dec. it will be OKW.

 

[keys2kingdom]

IMO if a DVC owner where to stay at ALL STARS they would have a horrible time.

That's an absurd blanket statement, people do it all the time to save weekend points. Lots of members right here on the DIS have reported doing it and having an absolutely fine time.

 

[Pocahantas]

I voted for buy more points since it was the only option close to what I would really do which is rent points from a member and have it transferred to my account. We might also consider one of the moderate resorts or the Swan/Dolphin but renting DVC points would be my first choice !

 

[corpcomp]

I voted for buy more points since it was the only option close to what I would really do which is rent points from a member and have it transferred to my account. We might also consider one of the moderate resorts or the Swan/Dolphin but renting DVC points would be my first choice !

I also checked the Swan/Dolphin and the best rate is $650 for two nights.

I guess it is high season. I'll look into renting.

One other poster mentioned Pop Century and that seems interesting. My son liked the stuff. It will be hard adjusting but it kind of looks like a bit of a tie between All Star and buying more points so far (although I wanted the points at Contemporary DVC when it is anounced in late May 2007.)


Just kidding - have no clue about Contemporary other than they are test drilling 73 feet down according to the recent filings, deep enough for pilings for a high rise.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Buying more points, 25 at a time, has been our solution to the "out of points" problem. That is, until this year when we have 2 vacations off property. We've had our first in January and it was very satisfying. However, I wouldn't like to be off site at Christmas time. I think the traffic in the area would be worse than usual because of Ice at Gaylord, and locals coming to see the Osborne Lights and other things. Plus, the Disney Magic at the resorts is even more noticeable then.

Of the Values, we like Pop the best, but I feel closed in, in the room. There's only 2 of us, and we usually get studios in DVC, so we're not used to extra large accomodations. If I were you, and BCV points weren't available to purchase, and they probably aren't, I would go with Pop and try it, since it doesn't seem like you have been there, and the Icons make the grounds interesting! We really liked Pop on our first visit, but it was only 1 afternoon and night. We spent the afternoon at MGM, swam in the evening, and left early the next morning.

Bobbi

 

[dsnymomof4]

If you're only going to be there for 2 nights, you're probably not going to be spending a lot of time in your room - there's just too much to see and do at Christmas time! Go for the value resorts - at least you'll be in Disney! December in Disney is extra magical and even the value resorts are decorated for the holidays. So, save your money and have a wonderful time experiencing Christmas in Disney!

 

[rie'smom]

I would vote for Coronado Springs as a very good choice between more points and the values.

 

[korbbec]

I would get a pt transfer. I think as a DVC member you get 25% off cash rack rates- did you factor that in?

 

[txbradybunch]

A couple of years ago we had a Grand Gathering my parents planned and stayed in OKW (cash ressies). It was wonderful. Last summer my hubby and I took my step-sons to Disney for a week and I booked a package at All-Star Sports expecting the "Disney quality" that I experienced at OKW. I was sadly, sadly, sadly disappointed. I will never return to an All-Star resort under any circumstances. I would rather save the money and stay in a motel 6 off-site because that is exactly what All-Stars felt like to me.

On that trip - I am extremely happy to say - that I talked my darling husband into purchasing DVC membership so that we can always stay at DVC resort quality properties. We now own at SSR, and will be taking our first trip as members in March over Spring Break. We are spending 5 nights at Vero Beach and then the weekend at SSR!!!! 38 days and counting!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[mb168]

if you can be flexible on when you go, try the first 2 weeks, they are a lot cheaper usually and the same lights are up. I would probably look at POP Century though verses All Stars.

 

[corpcomp]

A couple of years ago we had a Grand Gathering my parents planned and stayed in OKW (cash ressies). It was wonderful. Last summer my hubby and I took my step-sons to Disney for a week and I booked a package at All-Star Sports expecting the "Disney quality" that I experienced at OKW. I was sadly, sadly, sadly disappointed. I will never return to an All-Star resort under any circumstances. I would rather save the money and stay in a motel 6 off-site because that is exactly what All-Stars felt like to me.

On that trip - I am extremely happy to say - that I talked my darling husband into purchasing DVC membership so that we can always stay at DVC resort quality properties. We now own at SSR, and will be taking our first trip as members in March over Spring Break. We are spending 5 nights at Vero Beach and then the weekend at SSR!!!! 38 days and counting!

Good luck with your decision.

Well then Welcome Home!!!!