Where should we stay?

[pauliewog]

I'm going to WDW Aug 16-23. I know! HOT!!! It will b my second time! I'm so excited! I stayed at Pop Culture before and wan to try something different....thoughts or suggestions? I'm not part of the club and everything seems so expensive! Only two going though!

Paul

[TheoDawg]

I like the small size and neighborhood feel of Port Orleans French Quarter, but it would be almost $1,400 just for the room. It's like $650 to stay at the Wyndham through KAYAK.com

[THERESA522]

I guess it all depends on cost. If you're looking to save some money, why not try another value resort? AS Music is a great resort.

[fla4fun]

First, decide on your budget and eliminate any choices that exceed your budget. Since your dates are in late August, I would expect to see some kind of discount come out that would include your dates - they just aren't out yet.

Once you've done that, make a list of the amenities you want at your resort to have a great vacation. You should be able to eliminate several more resorts based on the list.

Once you've narrowed it down to just a few, then pick based on theme and location.

There's no one perfect answer, because every person is different. If your budget is a value only budget, then I agree you might want to consider one of the All Star resorts for different themeing. If your budget will stretch to a moderate, I like POFQ for the small size and the fact it's first on/first off the PO buses. Off property is always another suggestion - you can typically get more for your money staying off property, but I feel you lose some of the Disney magic when you do that, plus if you are flying you lose ME and you have to factor in the cost of a rental car.

[Shaden]

Originally Posted by fla4fun

First, decide on your budget and eliminate any choices that exceed your budget. Since your dates are in late August, I would expect to see some kind of discount come out that would include your dates - they just aren't out yet.

Once you've done that, make a list of the amenities you want at your resort to have a great vacation. You should be able to eliminate several more resorts based on the list.

Once you've narrowed it down to just a few, then pick based on theme and location.

There's no one perfect answer, because every person is different. If your budget is a value only budget, then I agree you might want to consider one of the All Star resorts for different themeing. If your budget will stretch to a moderate, I like POFQ for the small size and the fact it's first on/first off the PO buses. Off property is always another suggestion - you can typically get more for your money staying off property, but I feel you lose some of the Disney magic when you do that, plus if you are flying you lose ME and you have to factor in the cost of a rental car.

Yea, I am going with Fla here, figure out your budget first, thats really the most important part. There are lots of options for all budgets, from Deluxe to moderate and value on site, and then some great places that are on or off disney property, but not officially disney resorts.

You also have to consdier the resort and the ambience you are looking for. For us, heading down in the winter, from Canada, Coronado was perfect, because the resort was just so .... beach resortie !? The resort was very much like going to an all inclusive vibe wise, white sand beaches with hammocks, etc. Awesome pool, it was great. And then you could head into the parks !!! We didn't want a resort that was just like being at home, or that was too much like a hotel.

Its all what works for you, and how much you are willing to or able to spend. We would LOVE to do Animal Kingdom lodges, BUT, we just don't think its worth it given that we don't spend -that- much time at the resort...

Hope you enjoy the planning, its half the fun

[pauliewog]

Well all great thoughts from all of you! I have just finished reading my second Disney book on the secrets to Disney vacations. I am currently looking into renting points, but its still high. I can afford it at the moment but when I see something cheaper I start to rethink it. I want to deff stay on site. I have been looking at Boardwalk Villas and I have read some great things! But paying almost three k is a little extreme to me. Of course it beats the rack rate. I may take some advise and wait till closer for discounts, but I'm afraid I will miss out!
Plus I have been debating on something with a kitchen and washer. That leaves the villas, but still thinking I could just send laundry out. Does anyone know if Disney does guest laundry? I hate laundry rooms and having to wait and waste time when I could be playing!
Thanks again to all of you!!
Paula

[jennabcassell]

The villas at Wilderness Lodge are great location. We usually stay at WL (not villa) so I'm not sure about the washer/dryer. Also check out the Cabins at Fort Wilderness- they are actually a moderate resort. I love the location. It is so easy to get to MK and then take the monorail to E or the buses everywhere else. I have stayed at BC & YC but never Boardwalk- that location is fantastic as well! I would definitely keep checking back for discounts but in the mean time I would book something that you are comfortable with, sort of a fall back plan. That way it will not get all booked up. Instead of POP, look at Caribbean Beach. The pool is amazing with two slides, something you don't get at a value.Then if a better deal comes out, as long as your not too close to when you go, you can call and change the reservation. Make sure to check with Disney when you call to see the latest date you can change. They say there is a $50 change fee, but they usually waive it if you are paying more when you change.