Worthwile to save 1000$??

[Carina]

1000$ is a lot, but over a year to pay for it, it doesn't work out to be that much extra

It's still nearly $100 a month more you need to save, that sounds like a fair bit to add to a vacation budget... IMO

I know your finances are not my business, but I am just playing devils advocate. The number will seem smaller the more you divide it but...

2.75 per day
or
$19 a week
or
$83 a month

Is still $1000 in a year.


When you look at the photos and read the reviews of POR make sure you want to go 'THAT BAD' and if you do REAAALLLLY want to go THAT BAD, Book it, and Enjoy it, you only live once, and this is your vacation paid for with your hard earned money, no one elses!

Fingers crossed you find a great deal on POR and the discussion becomes moot!

 

[lauradis]

Ok here is what I would do. First we have stayed at every class of Disney resort and off site too. Very one of them has their Pros and Cons.

If I had my heart set on a certain resort I would do it, if I could afford it. period no changing my mind. No split stay, really it is a pain to pack and move.

The resort my 11 DD likes the most (and Her father for the price ) Is the All-star Movies woody/buzz preferred section.

 

[danygirl]

Bf's daughter will likely resent him going to Disney with YOUR kid. And his kid will know because of the change in weekend and the mom will surely tell. Why not just do this with your son, seems like this May cause some problems with BFs kid down the road?

 

[Marionnette]

Bf's daughter will likely resent him going to Disney with YOUR kid. And his kid will know because of the change in weekend and the mom will surely tell. Why not just do this with your son, seems like this May cause some problems with BFs kid down the road?

It's not as if the OP and her bf didn't offer to take the girl. It's her mother who refused to allow her to go. Sounds like a case of the mother trying to control the father through the child. JMO

The OP's bf is a grown man. He can decide how he wants to handle the situation with his daughter's mother. Should he never go anywhere or do anything with the OP's son just because the girl's mother won't permit her to join them? The best that the OP can do is to make the plans with the intent to include the bf and let him decide whether he can make the trip without hurting his daughter's feelings.

 

[Jenn55]

Bf's daughter will likely resent him going to Disney with YOUR kid. And his kid will know because of the change in weekend and the mom will surely tell. Why not just do this with your son, seems like this May cause some problems with BFs kid down the road?

His daughters gone to Jamaica at least 3 times in the 3 years we've been together, with her mum. And the mother changes weekends on him constantly, half the time for no reason at all. I don't think she'll resent him, and in my opinion if she resents anyone it should be the mother for not letting her go. She refuses to let her go until she's taken her first, without my bf being able to tag along. And personally I refuse to let her mother dictate what we do for vacation and where we go and what we do. He already couldn't go the first time we want because he wasn't allowed to move weekends, and then she turned around and moved weekends right after denying him

 

[Jenn55]

It's not as if the OP and her bf didn't offer to take the girl. It's her mother who refused to allow her to go. Sounds like a case of the mother trying to control the father through the child. JMO The OP's bf is a grown man. He can decide how he wants to handle the situation with his daughter's mother. Should he never go anywhere or do anything with the OP's son just because the girl's mother won't permit her to join them? The best that the OP can do is to make the plans with the intent to include the bf and let him decide whether he can make the trip without hurting his daughter's feelings.

That's EXACTLY it! You've nailed it right away.. She controls everything he does and uses his daughter as leverage. It's been a huge sore spot in our relationship from day one. It's basically a case of her saying jump and him saying how high. I came into some money a year ago, money I wasn't expecting and decided it would be the best time to take my son to disney, thinking I'd never get this money again. It was more then enough to pay off some bills, and have enough for me, my son and my partner and his daughter to go. He was told no way in hell she was going with us, and since he couldn't afford to pay for his part of it (I offered and intended to pay for all of it), she wouldn't let him change weekends.

 

[Jenn55]

The value resorts are going to be crazy during that time.... he 2014 Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer & Dance Championships will take place from Saturday, December 6th through Saturday, December 13th at ESPN Wide World of Sports™ Complex. ETA: My daughter loves to stay at POR. She has to get an order or two of beignets everyday.

I saw that, and it was what prompted me to look elsewhere!

 

[fofinia]

Quite a few years ago, we were going to Disney for a couple days on the way to meet up with the grandparents. My sis got a deal at Grand Floridian for $159 (or $179 can't remember) a night. I called to book it too. While on the phone with the CM she told me that I could get All Star music for $55/night. I was soo torn. Amazing deal at $55 a night. But still an incredible deal for GF. I had always wanted to stay there. Well I listened to the CM who was very sweet and you could tell was a grandma. And we stayed at AllStar. I have never gotten to stay at GF since. Lots of reasons. I have 3 kids now. WE go for more than a couple days at a time, etc, etc, etc. My sister's room at GF was gorgeous. Mine at AllStar. Well I havent stayed again since. I really regret just not splurging and staying at GF. But not enough to pay the current rates even on special. I'm still to pragmatic with my money!

Just my 2 cents.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I saw that, and it was what prompted me to look elsewhere!

Yes, that and there's a thread floating around somewhere (maybe resorts board) about how the food court there was such a zoo. Almost literally, and how the carpets were so filthy and people leaving their trash on the tables instead of tossing it in the trash on their way out. I know this can happen anywhere but so many people chiming in on how grossly dirty the floor was. Really turned me off. If I'm going to skeeve everything and not be enjoying myself, I might as well just go to work instead.

I was considering a mommy/son trip with ds14 who doesn't recall our only value stay when he was 1.5. Dh is a hotel snob but with just the 2 of us and no dh to complain, it would be fine. Pics online looked ok to basically shower & sleep. Then I read the food court thread. Then read how there's no coffeemakers or refrigerators in the values. Well, right there ended my pondering.

I like to be a little thrifty but not to the point that I'm not loving my vacation. I used to always choose the cheapest way possible for everything and dh would say, 'For a little more you can take a mediocre vacation and make it a wow! vacation.' Within reason of course. I still haven't done GF and don't think I ever will.

BTW, have you ever considered renting DVC points? For the mommy/son trip I was planning for January, I was able to rent points at OKW for just $11 per point. For a 4 nt stay Wed-Sun is only $506 total. No tax added. That's $126.50/night. In a deluxe.
Studios in OKW have 2 queens. 1BR and larger have full size washer/dryer in the unit. (other DVC resorts have stackable.)
Now my older son may join us too when he said before his didn't want to which means dh will too. So much for just the 2 of us and our low-budget getaway.

Just an idea. We have rented points many times. Kids any age love the Beach Club and we all love the easy walk to Epcot. If you rent points at BCV or BWV you will save a ton!

 

[stsomewhere]

Yes, that and there's a thread floating around somewhere (maybe resorts board) about how the food court there was such a zoo. Almost literally, and how the carpets were so filthy and people leaving their trash on the tables instead of tossing it in the trash on their way out. I know this can happen anywhere but so many people chiming in on how grossly dirty the floor was. Really turned me off. If I'm going to skeeve everything and not be enjoying myself, I might as well just go to work instead.

I was considering a mommy/son trip with ds14 who doesn't recall our only value stay when he was 1.5. Dh is a hotel snob but with just the 2 of us and no dh to complain, it would be fine. Pics online looked ok to basically shower & sleep. Then I read the food court thread. Then read how there's no coffeemakers or refrigerators in the values. Well, right there ended my pondering.

I like to be a little thrifty but not to the point that I'm not loving my vacation. I used to always choose the cheapest way possible for everything and dh would say, 'For a little more you can take a mediocre vacation and make it a wow! vacation.' Within reason of course. I still haven't done GF and don't think I ever will.

BTW, have you ever considered renting DVC points? For the mommy/son trip I was planning for January, I was able to rent points at OKW for just $11 per point. For a 4 nt stay Wed-Sun is only $506 total. No tax added. That's $126.50/night. In a deluxe.
Studios in OKW have 2 queens. 1BR and larger have full size washer/dryer in the unit. (other DVC resorts have stackable.)
Now my older son may join us too when he said before his didn't want to which means dh will too. So much for just the 2 of us and our low-budget getaway.

Just an idea. We have rented points many times. Kids any age love the Beach Club and we all love the easy walk to Epcot. If you rent points at BCV or BWV you will save a ton!

One thing about renting points is that you don't get mousekeeping daily. You will need to provide your own tolitries. Towels are replaced evevry 4 or 5 days. Daily housekeeping is an extra fee.

 

[eliza61]

It's totally a personal choice.
I don't like the values so no amount of savings make them worth it for me.
Generally I budget like crazy in real life so my attitude is when I go on vacation I want to go "not" how I am at home.
I also go during the hot season so resorts are really important to us. we head to the parks in the early morning, then back to the resort from midday to early evening. that's a full 4-5 hours in the resort. that's a lot of time for me to be uncomfortable.

Lastly, we did values once and the food courts were horrendous. Any time a 7 year old notices it, it's bad. but once again, this was late summer so it was packed. I really don't enjoy having to fight for space and yelling while I eat every morning. so for me the extra 800 bucks would be well spent.

do a "pro" and "con" list and see what you get.

 

[Jenn55]

Yes, that and there's a thread floating around somewhere (maybe resorts board) about how the food court there was such a zoo. Almost literally, and how the carpets were so filthy and people leaving their trash on the tables instead of tossing it in the trash on their way out. I know this can happen anywhere but so many people chiming in on how grossly dirty the floor was. Really turned me off. If I'm going to skeeve everything and not be enjoying myself, I might as well just go to work instead. I was considering a mommy/son trip with ds14 who doesn't recall our only value stay when he was 1.5. Dh is a hotel snob but with just the 2 of us and no dh to complain, it would be fine. Pics online looked ok to basically shower & sleep. Then I read the food court thread. Then read how there's no coffeemakers or refrigerators in the values. Well, right there ended my pondering. I like to be a little thrifty but not to the point that I'm not loving my vacation. I used to always choose the cheapest way possible for everything and dh would say, 'For a little more you can take a mediocre vacation and make it a wow! vacation.' Within reason of course. I still haven't done GF and don't think I ever will. BTW, have you ever considered renting DVC points? For the mommy/son trip I was planning for January, I was able to rent points at OKW for just $11 per point. For a 4 nt stay Wed-Sun is only $506 total. No tax added. That's $126.50/night. In a deluxe. Studios in OKW have 2 queens. 1BR and larger have full size washer/dryer in the unit. (other DVC resorts have stackable.) Now my older son may join us too when he said before his didn't want to which means dh will too. So much for just the 2 of us and our low-budget getaway. Just an idea. We have rented points many times. Kids any age love the Beach Club and we all love the easy walk to Epcot. If you rent points at BCV or BWV you will save a ton!

I have looked at DVC, I understand the pros and cons of it. My main issue is I'll be taking advantage of disney's ability to put down a deposit and pay it off bit by bit. I understand with DVC that it's all paid at one time. That's just something I can't afford to do. I also rather not keep the money as it would become easier for me to spend and not save! If I did DVC it would be animal kingdom, savannah view. I may be viewed as crazy, but it's the on,u deluxe I'm interested in staying at, or willing to spend the money for. I don't see a point in paying for a deluxe to barely be in the room/resort.

This time well be staying at the resort more. Last time we went we never used the pool (it was this past January and way too cold), and we spent all our time in the parks. This time were only park touring for 9 days, MVMCP one night with 2 rest days. Those however probably won't be spent at the resort too much as we're looking at chip and dale sing along, a pirate adventure thing for the kid, and a carriage ride. Then also resort hopping one of those 2 days

One thing about renting points is that you don't get mousekeeping daily. You will need to provide your own tolitries. Towels are replaced evevry 4 or 5 days. Daily housekeeping is an extra fee.

That doesn't concern me at all. Were a pretty neat family, so I don't require mouse keeping daily. I just came back from a 12 day trip in Italy and stayed at a self catering villa for 7 of those days, so I know what it's like. I have no problem picking up after myself while I'm there.

 

[DawnM]

No advise (we stay off property) but we will be there that week!

So I'm trying to narrow down my budget and planning for my 2015 trip. Originally I was looking at dec 1-13th, but I would save 83$ by going the 29 nov to 11th of December.. So yay on that. However I had my heart set on port Orleans riverside for my son and I. Then I made the mistake of looking at pop century and it would be a good 981$ cheaper for the same dates!! Is POR really worth almost an extra thousand dollars? I know they have queen beds, which is a giant upside, and a slide at the pool. We also wanted to do a carriage ride and one of those kid pirate excursions which take off from POR. it would be easier to do those staying at that resort. But on the other hand, we are getting 9 day park tickets and plan on spending 2 days doing other stuff at disney, like resort hopping and the pirate thing as well as just relaxing and I'm wondering with not spending a lot of time at our home resort is it worth that much extra money??!! HELP!!

 

[hsmamato2]

I think if it were me I'd save that $$$ that's a BIG difference.... think of what else you could do with that savings.... I think your ds will love the Pop pool, my Ds always has, and we have stayed everywhere from beach club on down......personally I don't thor the POR pool is 'all that'.... it's nice,like many of the pools, but not that nice, KWIM? Kids seem to love the vibrant value atmosphere too I have noticed....(and I can sit and read and relax by any beautiful pool LOL)

 

[Marionnette]

I have looked at DVC, I understand the pros and cons of it. My main issue is I'll be taking advantage of disney's ability to put down a deposit and pay it off bit by bit. I understand with DVC that it's all paid at one time. That's just something I can't afford to do. I also rather not keep the money as it would become easier for me to spend and not save! If I did DVC it would be animal kingdom, savannah view. I may be viewed as crazy, but it's the on,u deluxe I'm interested in staying at, or willing to spend the money for. I don't see a point in paying for a deluxe to barely be in the room/resort.

This time well be staying at the resort more. Last time we went we never used the pool (it was this past January and way too cold), and we spent all our time in the parks. This time were only park touring for 9 days, MVMCP one night with 2 rest days. Those however probably won't be spent at the resort too much as we're looking at chip and dale sing along, a pirate adventure thing for the kid, and a carriage ride. Then also resort hopping one of those 2 days



That doesn't concern me at all. Were a pretty neat family, so I don't require mouse keeping daily. I just came back from a 12 day trip in Italy and stayed at a self catering villa for 7 of those days, so I know what it's like. I have no problem picking up after myself while I'm there.

Okay, you've got me here. Didn't you just say that you came into some unexpected money recently and that you intend to use that money to pay for your trip?

That's EXACTLY it! You've nailed it right away.. She controls everything he does and uses his daughter as leverage. It's been a huge sore spot in our relationship from day one. It's basically a case of her saying jump and him saying how high. I came into some money a year ago, money I wasn't expecting and decided it would be the best time to take my son to disney, thinking I'd never get this money again. It was more then enough to pay off some bills, and have enough for me, my son and my partner and his daughter to go. He was told no way in hell she was going with us, and since he couldn't afford to pay for his part of it (I offered and intended to pay for all of it), she wouldn't let him change weekends.

You made it sound like the money is sitting in an account, earmarked for your future Disney vacation. Now you're saying that you cannot afford to pay for a DVC reservation upfront.

Ultimately, it doesn't matter to me how you choose to pay for your trip or where you end up staying. But it's kind of hard to help you if your story changes.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I took it as she spent that money on her January trip that her BF couldn't go on. Now she is resaving for the next trip that her BF will go on and needs to save up for it.

Personally I can't do DVC because it's no money back type reservation. I'm too much of a "what if" person. It's too set in stone for me. I need a cancellation option.

Once my kids are older I may try renting DVC points for an adults only trip.

 

[Jenn55]

Okay, you've got me here. Didn't you just say that you came into some unexpected money recently and that you intend to use that money to pay for your trip? You made it sound like the money is sitting in an account, earmarked for your future Disney vacation. Now you're saying that you cannot afford to pay for a DVC reservation upfront. Ultimately, it doesn't matter to me how you choose to pay for your trip or where you end up staying. But it's kind of hard to help you if your story changes.

I did come into some unexpected money back in 2013 and that was how I was able to pay for our first trip in January. That's why I was able to offer to pay for both the bf and his daughter when he couldn't afford to do so. My story hasn't changed one bit.

I took it as she spent that money on her January trip that her BF couldn't go on. Now she is resaving for the next trip that her BF will go on and needs to save up for it. Personally I can't do DVC because it's no money back type reservation. I'm too much of a "what if" person. It's too set in stone for me. I need a cancellation option. Once my kids are older I may try renting DVC points for an adults only trip.

I'm right there with you in the "what if" position, especially when we have another adult we have to unfortunately deal with and get permission from. Really hate having to ask another adult (especially someone years younger then me) for permission to go somewhere with my bf.. But oh well! Were going while school is in session and since he's in grade 4 when we go, I might have to play with the dates depending on how his grades are going (he's an A student, but u never know...) so I need the cancellation option.

 

[SEA333]

My kids would personally love any resort because were at Disney!!!

I pick where I would like as the final result. I need queen beds to sleep. I can't do double beds. And my kids do prefer a pool slide so that plays a part.

I really like AoA little mermaid rooms and I know dd would LOVE it but I can't swing the double beds and I think they'd be disappointed with the pool. Maybe if we ever do a mother daughter trip we would try it.

I would go with POR. I think your son will love it and if hour SO goes it'll all work out.

Same here...my kids had notice of exactly 15 minutes to grab one Item they wanted to bring before we left for the airport for our disney trip, so they had no say whatsoever in anything. And they loved every single second of the trip and ask again and again for us to surprise them again. They don't care if they help plan, or where we stay or what we do. They are just happy to be there!

Eta: sorry, just realized the 2nd part didn't come through. What I typed was that we stayed at POR, and the kids loved it. They liked the quiet pool oitside our room more than the main pool, even. POR is a great kid resort!

 

[marmalade]

Our 1st few trips were at Value resorts, we have been slowing breaking free from them. My kids are 8 and 9 and were 1 and 2 on their first trip. They have never missed the values when we have stayed at another resort, and never ask to stay at them again. All the resorts are fun in their own way. Except maybe the Grand Floridian, I just don't see anything about that resort that I like.

I can only assume there will be a discount for the beginning of December in 2015, so the price difference will go down a little bit between POP and POR. Look at it as you would with anything else you buy in life, do you eat ground beef every day or do you get more expensive cuts of meat? Do you drive an inexpensive smart car, or do you have a bigger more expensive car? Do you live in a 1 bedroom apartment, or do you pay more money for something bigger? We make choices every day in life that cost us more or less money. Sometimes we choose the cheaper route but there are plenty times were we choose the more expensive choice.

 

[mi*vida*loca]

I did come into some unexpected money back in 2013 and that was how I was able to pay for our first trip in January. That's why I was able to offer to pay for both the bf and his daughter when he couldn't afford to do so. My story hasn't changed one bit.



I'm right there with you in the "what if" position, especially when we have another adult we have to unfortunately deal with and get permission from. Really hate having to ask another adult (especially someone years younger then me) for permission to go somewhere with my bf.. But oh well! Were going while school is in session and since he's in grade 4 when we go, I might have to play with the dates depending on how his grades are going (he's an A student, but u never know...) so I need the cancellation option.

I have a BF I have lived with for two years and we are going to WDW next year. He doesn't have children so we don't have that issue.

I've thought about DVC but our dates can change at any moment because of flight prices. I will add or subtract a day or add it to the end depending on savings.

Moderate or deluxe are our only options due to room size and queen beds. Although DD would LOVE AoA and if I went with just my kids that would be doable (DD and I to a bed or DD and DS share a bed), I don't think I'm depriving my children of "forever memories" because I'm accomodating my BF and myself with bed size at a different resort. We are at WDW! They could sleep in a box and be happy.