A Different Idea for our '08 trip - kind of long - PassPorter - A Community of Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, and General Travel Forums
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Since our friends have now officially said that they can't go with us in '08, we are considering what our plans will be. Originally we were going to stay in one of our Vacation Club resorts, which is located behind the Premium Outlets. However, since our friends aren't going, and Jay is adamant that we're not letting his sister tag along again [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img] , and my family pretty much refuses to stay off-site, we were thinking of other options.
Since we added additional points to our vacation club account, we are now silver members [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/ooo.gif[/img] . One of the perks we get is that we can use our points to pay off our maintenance fees (due in Nov) and our annual dues (due in Jan). So, if we do that, that would give us about $1000 that would have gone to our vacation club that we could use to stay onsite. (It would have taken almost all our points to stay the week at that resort, so our points would have been used up anyway.)
I'd really like to stay 8 nights, so that would give us more than enough money to stay at a value resort, but not quite enough money to stay at a moderate. We did Pop Century last summer and loved the resort but hated the bus service. *IF* we stayed at a value resort again, it would have to be an All-Star, but except for the particular giant icons at each resort, they are identical to Pop Century, except that I've heard the bus service is better at All-Stars.
However I'd like to upgrade to a moderate this time. I've stayed at CBR back when it was the cheapest onsite [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] , so I'd like to try a different one. When my family went in 2000 we visited them at their room at Riverside (we were at FW), so I feel like I've been there even though I haven't actually stayed there. That leaves FQ and CS [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] . CS looks nice, but I think it would be more convenient to have the double sinks at FQ. Plus, FQ is more compact and has the boat to DD, which we've done before. So that's where my vote is right now.
We have about 150 Disney Reward points right now (we charge everything on that Disney Visa!) so at this rate we will have around 500 points by time for our trip - the way we eat (breakfast in, and almost all fast-food in the parks) that will almost pay for our food. Plus, I'm hoping my parents will get our tickets for us for Christmas the way they did for our last trip.
So let's review:
lodging - almost covered by $1000 transfer of vacation club funds
food - almost covered by Disney Rewards Visa Points
tickets - maybe a gift from parents
Can you say almost-free-trip to WDW?
I'm kind of thinking of changing my mind to stay at All-Stars so we would have all of the lodging paid for, with a little extra left over to go toward souvenirs.
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
That sounds like a plan to me I hope it works out.
I wouldn't rule CS out because of the sink the resort itself is very nice and the pools were spectacular. You have the choice of a quiet pool or the main pool. French quarter is more compact and has the boat to DD but they only have 1 pool if you want to use one thats quieter you would have to walk over or take a bus to POR.
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
Not wanting to add more $$ to the trip but have you priced out staying at the POP and renting a compact car? I know I am in the minority but I much prefer to have car transportation at WDW. Just a thought...
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
Sounds like you have a good plan Christie!!! Maybe the bus service to POP has gotten better, my brother was there just a few weeks ago and said it was really great!! Anyway, let us know what you decide!
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
Great plans Christie [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/zwavin.gif[/img] I hope it works out for you! You can do it [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong.
I loved POFQ, CS and All-Stars when I stayed there.
CS is a little more adult-oriented with the convention center there it tends to cater to more business travelers. POFQ has the shade and charm, and the All-Stars are downright fun!
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
Christie, I would think about staying at POP and driving your own vehicle to the parks.
We ended up driving all but the first few days when we went back in May/June; it was so MUCH EASIER!!!!!!!!!!! There charged us a parking fee either. I'm not sure if it's because we had the hotel parking sign in the van or because of our disabled placard though???
Good luck; I can't wait to hear ALL about your planning.
I'm tempted [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] to go over the 4th again next summer just to see you. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
[ QUOTE ]
Not wanting to add more $$ to the trip but have you priced out staying at the POP and renting a compact car? I know I am in the minority but I much prefer to have car transportation at WDW. Just a thought...
[/ QUOTE ]
Sorry, failed to mention that we'll be driving, so that's not an issue. Well, unless you count the price of gas now, and think how high it might be in 2 years ... [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
[ QUOTE ]
Christie, I would think about staying at POP and driving your own vehicle to the parks.
We ended up driving all but the first few days when we went back in May/June; it was so MUCH EASIER!!!!!!!!!!! There charged us a parking fee either. I'm not sure if it's because we had the hotel parking sign in the van or because of our disabled placard though???
Good luck; I can't wait to hear ALL about your planning.
I'm tempted [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] to go over the 4th again next summer just to see you. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]
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If for some reason we end up at Pop again, we would definitely drive on the days we plan to be at MK at closing. That was the worst thing I've ever seen. If they are going to keep adding larger resorts, they are going to have to adjust the bus service during the busiest times.
Anyway,
No, they never charge you a parking fee at the parks if you are staying on property. Great benefit! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/082502yes_prv.gif[/img]
Before you go making any plans, Jana, double-check this topic - my trip is in '08, so if you go next summer, I won't be there yet! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] But feel free to come along in 2 more years!
Re: A Different Idea for our \'08 trip - kind of long
I just saw on Mouse Savers website that a room at a moderate resort during the summer season in 2007 is $175 a night! [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] <Christie falls out in the floor> A value room, summer season is only $109. Both of those are the prices for a regular room - no water view, no preferred location or anything like that. I'm thinking we might try one of the All-Stars instead of a moderate. That's quite a jump. No telling what it will be in '08 when we go. [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]
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