Which resort over xmas

[denman007]

There are only a handful of resorts still available and we are currently booked at CSR preferred room. I really wanted AOA for my DD(22) but now, with the only rooms left there, it is out of my price range.

I was considering switching to CBR for the skyline (not currently available). Or possibly one of the AS which would save $1500. Not considering of site at this time. In fact if FPs don't come back for xmas, I might just cancel and wait for 2022.

We've never been at xmas and these are the items that are important. (Not sure if it's warm enough in December to use pools) We would most likely book a preferred room to cut down on resort walking. We also plan to visit many of the resorts to see the decorations.

1. onsite transportation/proximity to parks (not against uber to get to parks during xmas)
2. food/bar options
3. Hotel quality (newer remodeled the better)
4. cost (within reason)

Of course BC would be an awesome location but again, out of my price range. We've stayed at CSR and CBR a long time ago and liked them both.

Looking for some thoughts on what to do.

EDIT: actually I see that a tower room is only about $700 more. SO that is an option too!

Thanks!

 

[shoegal9]

We really love CSR. It hits all of your points with the exception of proximity to the parks.

There are more food/bar options than any other moderate by far (and most deluxe for that matter).

The rooms in the tower are less than 2 years old and the non-tower rooms were all recently redone (hardwood floors, remodeled bathrooms etc), and the cost is usually pretty reasonable. The resort is also large enough that non-tower rooms in Casitas and Cabanas are pretty close to everything with the new bridge connection- and due to size we have always been lucky with room requests. Also, Gran Destino Tower is lovely at Christmas- stayed there in early January and everything was still decorated.

Even though you are reliant on the bus, I found them to be pretty good when we were there in January and March 2021 (for another 4 day stay). It has quickly become our choice resort if we are not staying on our DVC points.

 

[Marthasor]

There are only a handful of resorts still available and we are currently booked at CSR preferred room. I really wanted AOA for my DD but now, with the only rooms left there, it is out of my price range.

I was considering switching to CBR for the skyline (not currently available). Or possibly one of the AS which would save $1500. Not considering of site at this time. In fact if FPs don't come back for xmas, I might just cancel and wait for 2022.

We've never been at xmas and these are the items that are important. (Not sure if it's warm enough in December to use pools) We would most likely book a preferred room to cut down on resort walking. We also plan to visit many of the resorts to see the decorations.

1. onsite transportation/proximity to parks (not against uber to get to parks during xmas)
2. food/bar options
3. Hotel quality (newer remodeled the better)
4. cost (within reason)

Of course BC would be an awesome location but again, out of my price range. We've stayed at CSR and CBR a long time ago and liked them both.

Looking for some thoughts on what to do.

EDIT: actually I see that a tower room is only about $700 more. SO that is an option too!

Thanks!

Would you consider Swan/Dolphin? I just booked a two-bedroom suite at the Swan for the week before Christmas for less than a standard room at GF.

 

[denman007]

Would you consider Swan/Dolphin? I just booked a two-bedroom suite at the Swan for the week before Christmas for less than a standard room at GF.

Not really. As many times as I have been to Disney I know very little about them. It looks like a package is over 10K for that week.

I also screwed up my thinking because I thought preferred rooms where the cabanas which are the 4th bus stop. The preferred rooms are the casitas and might be the 2nd bus stop which would help matters at xmas.

I am really leaning towards the tower but they might be gone by the time I decide. The view and new rooms look so good.

 

[Marthasor]

Not really. As many times as I have been to Disney I know very little about them. It looks like a package is over 10K for that week.

I also screwed up my thinking because I thought preferred rooms where the cabanas which are the 4th bus stop. The preferred rooms are the casitas and might be the 2nd bus stop which would help matters at xmas.

I am really leaning towards the tower but they might be gone by the time I decide. The view and new rooms look so good.

If you have any interest in looking into Swan/Dolphin, it's best to price the rooms out on the Marriott site - WDW seems to inflate the room cost of Swan/Dolphin when booking through WDW. https://swandolphin.com

 

[kanerf]

Wilderness Lodge is fantastic at Christmas Time.

 

[denman007]

Wilderness Lodge is fantastic at Christmas Time.

Sold out

 

[deltadisney]

Are you looking at week before or week of Christmas?

 

[denman007]

Are you looking at week before or week of Christmas?

I think 23-30

 

[Disneylover99]

I think 23-30

I'd consider the AllStars this week to save some money. Disney buses are usually reliable and plentiful that week. When we go Xmas/New Years we only rely on Disney transportation to get around. I'd avoid driving/Uber.
CSR Tower would also be a good choice.

 

[deltadisney]

I agree looking in at the swan and dolphin directly and not through Disney as an option to consider. We do really enjoy CSR too, especially at Christmas. We have typically always tried to stay by Casitas and bus stop 1; however our several stays at CSR during Christmas were all pre-tower. I would stay locked in but keep looking because some availability may open up unexpectedly. Renting DVC is also an option. I have seen some companies that have some confirmed reservations available around those dates. May be worth checking

 

[BGinCali]

Not really. As many times as I have been to Disney I know very little about them. It looks like a package is over 10K for that week.

I also screwed up my thinking because I thought preferred rooms where the cabanas which are the 4th bus stop. The preferred rooms are the casitas and might be the 2nd bus stop which would help matters at xmas.

I am really leaning towards the tower but they might be gone by the time I decide. The view and new rooms look so good.

I just wanted to say that Casitas is stop #2 but its the first stop going to the Parks (Tower is last stop for Parks, first for Disney Springs). I was in a preferred room and it was about equal distance between the Casitas and Tower bus stops…ideal for us, could utilize either/both stops depending on time of day (and on occasion drivers would drop off at Tower first by mistake-still worked for us). Hope you’re able to go this year!

 

[Stratman50th]

If you want to really soak up the Christmas spirit you might consider a cabin at Fort Wilderness. Probably not as updated as you're thinking but what the people in the loops do with decorations is pretty amazing. Rent a golf cart for a day or two and go looping after dark. It's a whole world unto itself. Plus you can easily resort hop from there. Just a suggestion.

 

[maryj11]

Sold out

Yes it goes quick! I got CCV the last week in November. I booked a long time ago.

 

[dreamtripper]

If you want to really soak up the Christmas spirit you might consider a cabin at Fort Wilderness. Probably not as updated as you're thinking but what the people in the loops do with decorations is pretty amazing. Rent a golf cart for a day or two and go looping after dark. It's a whole world unto itself. Plus you can easily resort hop from there. Just a suggestion.

Yep, those Fort Wilderness Cabins are highly underrated, especially during the Holidays. FW becomes such a "community" experience Halloween thru Christmas, and you are in a prime location of WDW that you would otherwise have to pay top dollar for.

 

[Mazz519]

We love the Wilderness lodge for our Christmas week....The entire resort is beautiful that time of year and we love taking the boat to the MK