Where To Stay?!

[NHKristy76]

Hello all

I'm planning a Magical Gathering for

Myself, DH, and DD9
My sister, her husband, and their boys 8 and 6
My dad and step mother
Stepsister
Uncle
Grandmother (possibly?)


I'm having the HARDEST time trying to figure out what resort we should pick for this magical trip. Price is definitely an issue so the values are attractive but I'm trying to work some extra pixie dust and find a great deal at a better hotel.

If price were not an object (Disney addict that I am, I'm planning to use an Annual Pass discount), what resort would you recommend?

Thanks to all for your suggestions!

 

[disneydee6]

Just curious so we can help give some opinions on resorts, but who would feel comfortable staying with whom? Because that would make a difference in how many rooms you would need.

 

[NHKristy76]

I'm thinking that we would want separate bedrooms (within the same room is okay) for the adults... the kids would be fine together in 1 bedroom.

If we are in normal rooms, I'd say that my uncle and my stepsister might be comfortable sharing a room...

 

[Missyrose]

When are you planning to go? What is important to you when it comes to a resort?

 

[NHKristy76]

We are planning to go during the end of January 2013.

 

[WDGPCFR]

Wow, with your resume of resorts you have stayed at I would think you are the best person to figure this one out. My suggestion would be to break out the pictures and have everyone pick two favorites. Go from there.

 

[tofubeast]

Would you consider a larger suite/villa at OKW?

 

[EmilyJNS]

For our next trip we decided to rent dvc points from the Timeshare Store. they have been easy to work with so far and can be a good way to stay at a deluxe resort for a lot less

 

[NHKristy76]

Haha! I probably would be a good person to answer this question for anyone else... but for us, I feel like I wanted to get some outside opinions. I'm the sole Disney addict in the group. If I were to choose, we'd be at AKL (never stayed there!)

But I would love to AOA too but I'm shocked at the suite price.I don't think any of us really need a suite although the huge Villa at AKL looks mighty intriguing!

Emily, How risky is The Time Share Store? How does it work? I'm always nervous about buying rooms outside of Disney.

 

[baler31]

I am not sure by your post if you mean the Grand Gathering or Magical Gathering package they used to offer, but I did want to let you know that it was discontinued at the end of January 2012. Here is a link to the official announcement.


http://www.wdwmagic.com/Resorts/Walt...scontinued.htm

Also, if price were not a factor I would choose GF. Over the years the CM's have been wonderful to our children and treat them like family.

Realistically, I would rec. Hilton Bonnet Creek or the Waldorf. Yes I know they are off site but we find them equally as magical with a less than magical price. Typically over our GF stays it will average about 60% less. Now we do stay on site but if you want a luxury vacation with a resort feel it can be done on a much smaller budget than the deluxe disney resorts.

Both the Waldorf and Hilton Bonnet Creek are resorts worthy of the name "resort" and perfect for all ages. Also, they are currently running specials of book one room (at a very low price) get another at 50% off and I don't believe there are any black outs for the holidays as the Disney resorts do not offer any discounts. Kids 12 and under also eat free in the hotel restaurant for at least breakfast and dinner. Maybe lunch also but don't remember for sure. They do have shuttles but we have not used as we always rent a car. They are located in the same area as Disney moderate and value resorts so not far away at all.

 

[disneydee6]

So if my math is right (which it may not be lol, not my strong suit ) looks like u would need 4 rooms if you were to book standard rooms? If that is correct, a value would probably be your cheapest option? AKL would be so nice tho...

 

[txnana]

We did a grand gathering a few years ago with 18 folks ages ranged from 4 - 76 really all enjoyed the theme at AS Movies. Everyone was happy with that choice.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Why not just get four rooms at one resort -
1 - you and your immediate family
2 - your sister and her immediate family
3 - your dad, stepmom and stepsister
4 - Uncle and grandmother

 

[danceintherain]

I think AKL would be an excellent choice for an extended family vacation, but I know I could never convince my family to spend the money to stay there. I can't even convince them to spend the money to stay at a Value when they can stay somewhere off property for less.

1) You need to decide if it's absolutely imperative that everyone be generally in the same place. Sometimes perfectly fine vacations can be had if only certain meals are planned together and everyone makes hotel choices based on their budget and preference.
2) You need to decide your budget - Even with a 40% off at AKL 3 years ago we paid $159/night for a Pool View Room during Value Season. If you're going during a school holiday (which is likely with kids those ages), then your base price will be higher.

Being on the monorail or at an Epcot resort would probably be the simplest option.

 

[EmilyJNS]

This is the first time I have done this. But I asked around and checked out some other places before going with the TimeShare store. They are located in Orlando, and it seems the mostly deal in DVC resales. We do have a contract, for the reservation, so if anything goes wrong with the member we are renting from there is that to fall back on. So far, they have been great to work with (we'll see how it ends up when I get down there). The person I have been working with is always quick to respond, and I have always worked with the same person, which I really like. You can pay with a check or credit card through paypal. It doesn't cost anything to have them check on availability for you, so you could feel it out and se what you think. They rent the points for $12/point, which is more than DVC members pay, but you have (at least some) security of a contract.

Haha! I probably would be a good person to answer this question for anyone else... but for us, I feel like I wanted to get some outside opinions. I'm the sole Disney addict in the group. If I were to choose, we'd be at AKL (never stayed there!)

But I would love to AOA too but I'm shocked at the suite price.I don't think any of us really need a suite although the huge Villa at AKL looks mighty intriguing!

Emily, How risky is The Time Share Store? How does it work? I'm always nervous about buying rooms outside of Disney.

 

[GrumpyBelle]

AKL is a great option since you have never stayed there. Maybe look into renting points for a villa for the extra space you need.