WWYD?

[Christinaxo]

Hello all.
So I have a little bit of a dilemma and was wondering if anyone could give me some friendly advice. We are going back "home" this summer and are so excited! Our dates are 7/26-8/4 and we are staying at the Beach Club, we will be celebrating DD and my birthday. We've already booked our flights and planned our ADRS.
The issue is... initially my dad expressed interest in joining us with his family, his wife and my two younger sisters. This will be their very first family vacation ever and their first time to Disney World. When he first told me I was really excited, but it took him FOREVER to confirm when he could get off from work and whether or not they would definitely be going. Being an avid Disney planner, I started to book things right away, we were for sure going and could not risk waiting so long to plan during a busy time of year, imagine if they decided for whatever reason they couldn't go!
So his wife emails me that they are going to stay at Port Orleans Riverside, she did not think the Beach Club cost was "worth it", but my dad would love for us all to stay together. They will be planning all of their plans around ours, because now its a vacation for all of us, not just my family and theirs. (hopefully that makes sense). My dilemma is, I went through a lot to get the deal I got at the Beach Club. My travel agent worked really hard to get me in during a sold out time period and my dad had assured me that cost did not matter, they don't get to go on vacations all the time so just book what we want and they will follow our lead. His wife on the other hand gave a specific budget. But I REALLY want to stay at the Beach Club. DH said we should stay put since being at the same resort isn't necessary but I feel guilty. We had "off days" scheduled in and we are Disney vets at this point, they are looking to do whatever we do. Plus I don't want my little sisters to visit our resort and "wish" they were with us and not be just as happy to be at Riverside. But Riverside scares me a little! I've heard horror stories of transportation (from people I know personally) and the huge resort just does not fit our personal taste. We are taking a break for a year or two so Beach Club was supposed to be our last hurrah for awhile. Am I being selfish? Is Riverside that massive and crowded feeling? I may just be being paranoid, but I also feel I will regret it, if I lose Beach Club. I plan to talk to my dad about Beach Club but maybe he doesn't want to pay 1000$ more for a resort, and doesn't want to tell me. (I don't think that's the case as he is very forward but I don't want to bring him and his wife into a problem that isn't that big of a deal). Anyone ever deal with this? Will Riverside be just as great as Beach Club? Any insight is greatly appreciated! TIA

 

[ErinsMommy]

IMO keep BC and if they want to go to POR let them book there. You can still get together for dining (if they can find similar ADR times) and meet at the parks. Maybe they want pool days to be more quiet and to themselves? I would politely tell your dad that they are more than welcome to stay at BC but that you booked BC quite a while ago and got a great deal and you dont want to lose that.

 

[wdwthanksgiving]

Wow - that is a dilemma! We've stayed at both resorts and they are certainly different experiences. The location of Beach Club is terrific and the ease of getting back to your room/pool from Epcot and Hollywood Studios during the day to cool off is really great. Riverside is a very nice resort - our favorite moderate. Since you are flying, I assume you will not have a car..transportation from Riverside will be more difficult. The busses do a great job but you will still have waits. So, no, overall I don't think that BC and Riverside are comparable experiences (again, I really love Riverside but if I had the choice and the funds, I'd pick BC)
I do think that the desire to "fix everything" is a natural response but I also think that you can stick to your original plans and meet your extended family at the parks and/or for dining. Perhaps they can make their decision once you let them know your confirmed and firm travel plans
Good Luck!

 

[spiceycat]

agree with ErinsMommy - go with what you planned for your family. since you have problems booking BC - it is probably sold out and you step-mother? took what she could find.

 

[bumbershoot]

Don't move just because they don't want to pay for a room there. Family togetherness is nice, but has its limits.

Maybe talk up the pool at BC to your dad's wife (honoring the fact that you aren't using "stepmom" here) as a huge reason to pay the bigger bucks? If there will be pool time, surely that one will be more fun for everyone than POR (though POR's pools are very good).

 

[MsThumper]

IMO keep BC and if they want to go to POR let them book there. You can still get together for dining (if they can find similar ADR times) and meet at the parks. Maybe they want pool days to be more quiet and to themselves? I would politely tell your dad that they are more than welcome to stay at BC but that you booked BC quite a while ago and got a great deal and you dont want to lose that.

This exactly^^^^^^^^

 

[ktate82]

I have been there and done that. We have changed resorts, and we have stayed at different resorts. Personally, I would stay put. Beach Club is amazing, and if I had been looking forward to being there, I would be disappointed to miss it (this happened to us last October). I would talk to your dad, and tell him that you don't want to change resorts. They won't be able to join you at the pool since that's only for guests at the resort. So if being able to be with them, swim, and spend the majority of your vacation with them is important, you will probably have to switch resorts (or maybe a split stay?).

 

[maxiesmom]

Maybe have your dad book the Swan or Dolphin? That way they will be close to you, but paying less than the Beach Club. I honestly would not change plans. You don't want to end up feeling disappointed or resentful that you "had" to move.

 

[Epcot82Guy]

I agree on staying put. I've actually stayed at other resorts than my travel partners several times (albeit single person vs. a group). With your location, you actually have some flexibility to work with this. A few thoughts if you do stay at separate places:

1. On day 1, offer to meet at POR with them that morning. It does mean waking up a bit early, but grab breakfast at Boardwalk (cupcakes for breakfast... just a suggestion), walk that breakfast off as you trek to Hollywood Studios, and grab a bus to POR. Buses start early. So, if you and your fam are good waking up, it's a nice way to ease them in since you know how it works.

2. When you are doing Epcot or Hollywood Studios, simply give them instructions on the bus and have them text you when they board. You can then walk to the front of Epcot/walk/boat to Studios and have a meeting place at the front. It saves having to coordinate two bus rides for those two parks.

3. Absent EXTREME fatigue, ride back with them to POR and wander around a bit with them after the day. Then, use the boat or buses via Disney Springs (or a late park) to get back - especially since you have the buses to both YC/BC and BW/Swan/Dolphin available.

4. Plan to end your day at Disney Springs when possible. This way, people can leave as they want to or stay - and you each can get "home" directly.

 

[Christinaxo]

Thanks for all your insight, its amazing how strangers can put a person at ease when they share something in common! (our love for Disney )
I really think we will stay put... we have 3 days in the parks w/ hoppers and a waterpark day with them. and during our off days we plan on hanging out together as well. One night we will switch children so the adult couples can have a date night, so that can be the night we visit each other's resorts. I say my dad's wife because I am a grown up now with a child older than my little sisters, so step mom is a little awkward at this point. But she is really great and letting me take the lead with planning. My dad worked around the week that I picked so I guess I feel a little guilty about that, but it's not like we won't be with each other most days. She used the travel agent I used so she knows that I am able to switch to Riverside (apparently they discussed availability for my family) but I don't know if the agency still has rooms for Beach Club. Either way I will talk to my dad and hopefully he will understand and not be disappointed. And hopefully they will be at the parks on time when we meet for rope drop/fastpasses/ADRs etc. I think that last bit is actually a big part of my worry too. It will be harder for me to keep them on track from a distance! lol

 

[barbliny]

I have stayed at both POR and BC

Actually, our POR stay was a family trip - with my sister's family joining us (our kids are all over 20, so they were much older than yours and able to move about on their own). If we had not been at the same hotel, we would not have had the ability to hang out as frequently and definitely not at the pool. We had 3 rooms - the 4 girls shared a room. We were in the mansion section and we had a bus stop fairly close, the food court and main pool were maybe a 5 minute slow walk.

The POR room with queen beds was spacious enough, had a table with 2 chairs and a large bench. No balcony.
The BC room had a balcony (we were club level - I can't speak to whether the room category you booked will have a balcony) and did seem larger. It was also much brighter.

The BC has HS close, the boardwalk, and Epcot. You can see the fireworks from Illuminations from the bridge by the hotel (we were also able to see them from our balcony).
POR has Disney Springs close.

We personally never encountered a problem with the bus transportation at POR - other than Disney Springs bus back to POR (this was still during construction). We used the bus system extensively and at all times of day.
BC buses were no issue. Walk to Epcot was short and a lot of it could be done inside once you found the route to the closest door to the walkway. HS - we found the boats to be a nightmare. They took a long time and at BC they were often full and you had to wait for the next one. One hint is to take the boat in the opposite direction and get off at the next resort stop and get on a boat going to HS - you were always able to get on. We did the walk to HS - it's not too far, I would not do it in the high heat of the day.

POR can be very spread out, but it is a lovely resort.

POR pool area was usually crowded, finding chairs together in the afternoon was difficult. There is a large bar area right next to the pool. We had a quiet pool right by our building - never crowded, always able to find chairs and/or a table.
BC pool area was always crowded, finding chairs together at any time of the day was very difficult. There is a large bar area right next to the pool. The pool is way more interesting than at POR. We had a quiet pool right next to our wing - usually crowded (other than late at night), sometimes difficult to find chairs together.

POR food court was often crowded, but fairly efficient, and a lot of seating. Some interesting options such as make your own pasta.
BC - counter service available is very limited options at the Marketplace. Food is also available at Hurricane Hanna's. Otherwise, the other options are table service. And, of course you have the 'world' at your feet in Epcot for more food choices (and the Boardwalk).

I would probably try to split my stay personally. Being at the same resort is a very different experience.

You don't mention how old your younger sisters are? Also, what is your children's vision of the trip? How much time do spend with their relatives.

Also, having vacationed with other families in both Disney World and Disneyland - I think it is important to set expectations ahead of time. The "we'll do whatever you are doing" can be dangerous. Too much togetherness while touring the parks can be a bad thing. Doing somethings together and others apart has it's benefits - and the composition of the groups can change and that is a great perk.

 

[HopperFan]

Disney is not an inexpensive trip so EVERYONE should stay where they are comfortable and looking forward to. Stay put and let them stay where they would like. Have I done this? .......... MANY TIMES ............ once we were at POR and friends at Beach Club. It works out just great. Forcing either of you to move somewhere just starts off on bad foot and personally I think space allows for less stress.

- If you were together you are now trying to meet up for breakfast or buses. STRESS. What if someone is running late getting ready, or overslept etc? It puts too much on all.
- We meet at the parks mid morning. It allows for all to get ready at their pace and no one is standing waiting for another.
- Book no breakfasts together; book lunches and dinners together.
- You can still make park plans, FP+ plans, ADR plans and even down time if you decide to go to DS or a waterpark together.
- POR is nice resort, beautiful to walk around, a boat ride to DS, good food court and TS and if they have never been they will enjoy.
- Buses can stink anywhere, I absolutely would not avoid POR due to buses and we've had no major issue with buses there.

Our very best extended family trips have been when we are at different resorts ... my most stressful is when we are together. I would stay put where you really want to be and let them know it is fine if they want POR, you all will be able to meet at the parks and have a wonderful time together .... then hotel time is more down family time for each.

 

[Christinaxo]

I have stayed at both POR and BC

Actually, our POR stay was a family trip - with my sister's family joining us (our kids are all over 20, so they were much older than yours and able to move about on their own). If we had not been at the same hotel, we would not have had the ability to hang out as frequently and definitely not at the pool. We had 3 rooms - the 4 girls shared a room. We were in the mansion section and we had a bus stop fairly close, the food court and main pool were maybe a 5 minute slow walk.

The POR room with queen beds was spacious enough, had a table with 2 chairs and a large bench. No balcony.
The BC room had a balcony (we were club level - I can't speak to whether the room category you booked will have a balcony) and did seem larger. It was also much brighter.

The BC has HS close, the boardwalk, and Epcot. You can see the fireworks from Illuminations from the bridge by the hotel (we were also able to see them from our balcony).
POR has Disney Springs close.

We personally never encountered a problem with the bus transportation at POR - other than Disney Springs bus back to POR (this was still during construction). We used the bus system extensively and at all times of day.
BC buses were no issue. Walk to Epcot was short and a lot of it could be done inside once you found the route to the closest door to the walkway. HS - we found the boats to be a nightmare. They took a long time and at BC they were often full and you had to wait for the next one. One hint is to take the boat in the opposite direction and get off at the next resort stop and get on a boat going to HS - you were always able to get on. We did the walk to HS - it's not too far, I would not do it in the high heat of the day.

POR can be very spread out, but it is a lovely resort.

POR pool area was usually crowded, finding chairs together in the afternoon was difficult. There is a large bar area right next to the pool. We had a quiet pool right by our building - never crowded, always able to find chairs and/or a table.
BC pool area was always crowded, finding chairs together at any time of the day was very difficult. There is a large bar area right next to the pool. The pool is way more interesting than at POR. We had a quiet pool right next to our wing - usually crowded (other than late at night), sometimes difficult to find chairs together.

POR food court was often crowded, but fairly efficient, and a lot of seating. Some interesting options such as make your own pasta.
BC - counter service available is very limited options at the Marketplace. Food is also available at Hurricane Hanna's. Otherwise, the other options are table service. And, of course you have the 'world' at your feet in Epcot for more food choices (and the Boardwalk).

I would probably try to split my stay personally. Being at the same resort is a very different experience.

You don't mention how old your younger sisters are? Also, what is your children's vision of the trip? How much time do spend with their relatives.

Also, having vacationed with other families in both Disney World and Disneyland - I think it is important to set expectations ahead of time. The "we'll do whatever you are doing" can be dangerous. Too much togetherness while touring the parks can be a bad thing. Doing somethings together and others apart has it's benefits - and the composition of the groups can change and that is a great perk.

Wow, thank you for your very thoughtful advice! I think a little bit of background would be helpful actually. My sisters are 10 & 8, so around the same ages as my children. My dad has 6 grandchildren and my son is his oldest of them and his only boy. They have an incredible bond and my son is so excited that his "Dada" will be his Disney "partner" this year (we always partner up for rides, etc.). I never went on vacation with my dad. I am the product of his first marriage when he was very young and he and my mother had a very difficult divorce thus making their parenting partnership very unhealthy. But I love my dad and we are very close. I am his oldest of 5 girls and the closest to my "baby sisters", they are very attached to me. I guess that's why I feel so guilty. Also the trip is a surprise for my little sisters. Not only do they not know they are going to Disney but they have no idea we will be there as well. I have already ordered them custom minnie ears and started a disney themed travel bag for them for the plane. Initially I thought that it would be too much for us all to stay together, because then it takes away from us having family time with our own individual families, but I dont think thats really my issue because if they were to stay at BC I would be totally fine. I just really dont want to stay at Riverside because I was so excited

 

[Christinaxo]

Disney is not an inexpensive trip so EVERYONE should stay where they are comfortable and looking forward to. Stay put and let them stay where they would like. Have I done this? .......... MANY TIMES ............ once we were at POR and friends at Beach Club. It works out just great. Forcing either of you to move somewhere just starts off on bad foot and personally I think space allows for less stress.

- If you were together you are now trying to meet up for breakfast or buses. STRESS. What if someone is running late getting ready, or overslept etc? It puts too much on all.
- We meet at the parks mid morning. It allows for all to get ready at their pace and no one is standing waiting for another.
- Book no breakfasts together; book lunches and dinners together.
- You can still make park plans, FP+ plans, ADR plans and even down time if you decide to go to DS or a waterpark together.
- POR is nice resort, beautiful to walk around, a boat ride to DS, good food court and TS and if they have never been they will enjoy.
- Buses can stink anywhere, I absolutely would not avoid POR due to buses and we've had no major issue with buses there.

Our very best extended family trips have been when we are at different resorts ... my most stressful is when we are together. I would stay put where you really want to be and let them know it is fine if they want POR, you all will be able to meet at the parks and have a wonderful time together .... then hotel time is more down family time for each.

DH literally told me that I would get on their nerves if we were all together all the time because I get pretty bossy at Disney
Not in a bad way, but I do all of the research/planning/reserving, etc. so my family knows what to expect and follow my lead if they want the best out of the experience. I know my dad and his wife will say they will do whatever I want but really I will be more frustrated than anything if they are anything less than cooperative. And I dont mean that in a mean way at all, I just cant control what another family does lol but I think it won't be a big deal to be at different resorts. It will be good for them to have their own time too... its their first family vacation.

 

[HopperFan]

DH literally told me that I would get on their nerves if we were all together all the time because I get pretty bossy at Disney
Not in a bad way, but I do all of the research/planning/reserving, etc. so my family knows what to expect and follow my lead if they want the best out of the experience. I know my dad and his wife will say they will do whatever I want but really I will be more frustrated than anything if they are anything less than cooperative. And I dont mean that in a mean way at all, I just cant control what another family does lol but I think it won't be a big deal to be at different resorts. It will be good for them to have their own time too... its their first family vacation.

I hear you. The trip we did POR/BC ........... I knew my dear friend was always late and I knew we wanted to maximize our park time because it was spring break. We would hit the park at rope drop, do tons of rides (with a 9, 5 & 1 year old) meeting them about 10:30 and it never failed, they were just arriving. Our dinners were booked together, were relaxing, enjoyable and by time we finished we were all ready to retreat and retire.

If we were at same resort ........... I know they would have good intention and want to meet at the bus ......... and I would have been so frustrated. And at night the kids (they also had 9 and 5) would not have wanted to be apart and go to bed. I honestly think you all will be refreshed and ready to go each day if you have your own time, even if short at your own hotels.

 

[MinnesotaMouseketeers]

Wife and I stayed at POR, twice. It is the only resort that we've made reservations for more than once, we want to stay at as many of the WDW resorts as we can. But when we were in the Mansions we took a horse drawn carriage ride through Alligator Bayou and wanted to stay in that section. And we didn't have any problems with transportation. We really like the resort.

That being said, I would stay with your original plans and stay at Beach Club. It your vacation, your dream resort, your special occasion, and you have it all booked. We have done WDW family vacations where we were split up. Just picked times and places to meet for the parks and dinning. And split up when we wanted to do different things.

 

[Babsy]

Disney is not an inexpensive trip so EVERYONE should stay where they are comfortable and looking forward to. Stay put and let them stay where they would like. Have I done this? .......... MANY TIMES ............ once we were at POR and friends at Beach Club. It works out just great. Forcing either of you to move somewhere just starts off on bad foot and personally I think space allows for less stress.

- If you were together you are now trying to meet up for breakfast or buses. STRESS. What if someone is running late getting ready, or overslept etc? It puts too much on all.
- We meet at the parks mid morning. It allows for all to get ready at their pace and no one is standing waiting for another.
- Book no breakfasts together; book lunches and dinners together.
- You can still make park plans, FP+ plans, ADR plans and even down time if you decide to go to DS or a waterpark together.
- POR is nice resort, beautiful to walk around, a boat ride to DS, good food court and TS and if they have never been they will enjoy.
- Buses can stink anywhere, I absolutely would not avoid POR due to buses and we've had no major issue with buses there.

Our very best extended family trips have been when we are at different resorts ... my most stressful is when we are together. I would stay put where you really want to be and let them know it is fine if they want POR, you all will be able to meet at the parks and have a wonderful time together .... then hotel time is more down family time for each.

I agree 100% with HopperFan!!!!

We have done several 'family' trips and I agree that some time apart is always a good idea! Absolutely, everyone should stay at the resort that they would like. Getting together for lunch ADR's and evening ADR's is perfect. Actually, we have found staggering our together and apart times work best for us - having a day together and then a day apart, repeat....

 

[MouseyMin]

How about you switching to French Quarter? It's walking distance to Riverside, but a very small compact hotel. They have their own buses most of the time (except the middle of the day), and there is only one stop.

 

[Christinaxo]

How about you switching to French Quarter? It's walking distance to Riverside, but a very small compact hotel. They have their own buses most of the time (except the middle of the day), and there is only one stop.

Unfortunately POFQ is not included in the deal we got. While I did not LOVE it when we stayed a few years ago, the compact size and transportation would definitely bring me back! I loved the resort at night, but the overall vibe though just did not appeal to us.

 

[barbliny]

Wow, thank you for your very thoughtful advice! I think a little bit of background would be helpful actually. My sisters are 10 & 8, so around the same ages as my children. My dad has 6 grandchildren and my son is his oldest of them and his only boy. They have an incredible bond and my son is so excited that his "Dada" will be his Disney "partner" this year (we always partner up for rides, etc.). I never went on vacation with my dad. I am the product of his first marriage when he was very young and he and my mother had a very difficult divorce thus making their parenting partnership very unhealthy. But I love my dad and we are very close. I am his oldest of 5 girls and the closest to my "baby sisters", they are very attached to me. I guess that's why I feel so guilty. Also the trip is a surprise for my little sisters. Not only do they not know they are going to Disney but they have no idea we will be there as well. I have already ordered them custom minnie ears and started a disney themed travel bag for them for the plane. Initially I thought that it would be too much for us all to stay together, because then it takes away from us having family time with our own individual families, but I dont think thats really my issue because if they were to stay at BC I would be totally fine. I just really dont want to stay at Riverside because I was so excited

That's an interesting family dynamic - your son being older than your sisters!

Similar gender makeup in my family as yours - 4 girls and out of that comes 8 granddaughters and 1 grandson.

That's great that this is a surprise for your sisters - very exciting!!

Have you looked into booking the kids at an event just for them? Something like the Pirate Adventure Cruise? I think the age goes up to 12 - although I can't speak to how enjoyable it is for a 12 year old. My daughters did this when they were around 8 and 6 - they still talk about it. It would also give the adults a couple of hours to spend together while they're on the cruise.

Enjoy your trip and the surprise