Which of the three itineraries is better?

[angey77]

First week of March 2003 for two adults in mid-twenties.
1. Four nights at Coronado Springs
2. Two nights ASMo and two at AKL
2. Two nights ASMo and two at WL
I know there are many resort experts on this board, can I get some opinions along with pros and cons? I've stayed at ASMo but the rest are pretty foreign to me besides quick peaks inside.
Thanks!

 

[Carrieberry]

I might be in the minority, but I would stay all 4 nights at Coronado. I think it is too hard to change resorts after only 2 nights. We ususally avoid changing unless we will be there 6 nights or longer. It just seems like a lot of wasted time to jump after two nights only to have 2 more nights. I am already dreading switching from BCV to one night at AKL next week, but we did not want want to pay the $$ for the extra DVC points on the weekend night and we really wanted that 1 extra night! In all honesty I think I would book all 4 nights at CSR and then hope for some great codes to get all 4 at AKL or WL. I just think 4 nights is not long enough to warrant all the trouble of a change. Besides, we really liked staying at the moderates before we had kids (actually we still love the moderates!) The Pepper Market is great!

 

[TeenaS]

I agree that with only 2 nights each, I'd prefer staying put at one resort but it wouldn't be CS. If I went with a moderate it would definitely be Port Orleans (either one is fine). Although people love CS, I just didn't feel it was as "Disney" as other resorts and it is sooooo big and there are lots of people there for conventions. Just my personal opinion, but I'd go for 4 nights at PO-Riverside and stay in Building 14, 15 or 18 in Alligator Bayou - my favorite "moderate". And, just a note, March will most likely be very very crowded - it was pretty crowded last March too - Spring Break time. So, maybe in that case, I'd stay at Port Orleans - French Quarter. That's the smallest moderate and thus the crowds there would be smaller than at CS or the other moderates.

 

[Bob NC]

For 4 nights I'd stay at one resort. We have stayed at Coronado Springs and really like it. I'd rather stay there than the Polynesian. Nice rooms, great transportation, Pepper Market has a wide variety of dishes on REAL plates with REAL silverware!!!

Having said that, if you DO a switch, AKL is fabulous.

 

[LvsTnk]

4 nights CS. I would then keep an eye out for codes or an AP rate at AKL.

 

[Misti]

I'd go with 4 nts at the CS. I wouldn't want to switch resorts after only a few nights. Plus, the CS is a great resort. I'm not sure if you've seen this site but it has LOTS of CS info:

http://steve.howland.org/coronado/

The site is getting ready to close soon--darn! It was great source of info.

 

[angey77]

Wow! Seems like everyone says Coronado! Is switching resorts that big of a pain? I thought you simply told them to move your bags for you, I guess I was mistaken.
I'm keeping an eye out for those AP rates, believe me!

 

[Carrieberry]

It's not really the switching that is the pain. It is the fact that you can't really unpack because you will be moving. That means leaving everything in your suitcase including leaving all of your toiletries in your toiletry bag etc. Then you do have to have your stuff moved, wait for it to arrive at your new resort (could be as late as 5pm, All Stars are notorious for taking a VERY long time to transfer luggage)) as well as check into the new resort, get new room keys etc. Your room might not be ready, and since you have to check out by 11 at ASMo and check in time at the deluxes is at 3pm, you might be without a room for a few hours. If these things are not a big deal to you then go for it! We actually like to try out a couple of resorts during one stay, but we don't like to do it so fast, we like to be able to unpack, relax and enjoy ourselves for a few days before we have to repack everything and move.

 

[Bob NC]

Originally posted by angey77
Wow! Seems like everyone says Coronado! Is switching resorts that big of a pain? I thought you simply told them to move your bags for you, I guess I was mistaken.
I'm keeping an eye out for those AP rates, believe me!

Wellllll.....Part of the problem is that you have to pack & unpack an extra time. It also is going to take SOME time out of your day to have to check in to a new resort.

For me, I am always concerned about where my room location will be and when the room will be ready. Having to deal with all that TWICE in a 4 day vacation just isn't something I want to do.

Also, you never know if someone isn't going to feel well, or be really sick, on move day and I would NOT like to be without a room for a day.

 

[Tnkrbl2199]

I agree with many others-do 4 in one resort. When you switch after just 2 nights, you lost the first day in the room when arriving, and the last day when switching to another. Sometimes just the convenience of knowing your room is ready and all set up is the best part. Why not go check out WL or AKL for lunch or dinner.
I highly recommend CSR-we had an amazing trip there! Beautiful grounds, wonderful service and a few deluxe perks at a mod price (spa for example). We didn't even notice conventions-it didn't change the WDW feeling. We did notice that even in busy June 2002, we had most CSR buses to all parks to ourselves as well as the food court, pools and other facilities to ourselves. Good luck!

 

[angey77]

Thanks so much everyone for your help. I just got off the phone with Disney and am now the proud occupant of a lovely water view room at Coronado Springs March 1-5. You guys were right, being there only four days, I don't want to waste any time checking in and out of places!
Maybe one day I will become a bigger resort expert than park expert.
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

 

[Misti]

Have a great trip!