Which Resort in April?

[JohnD]

Looking at a mini trip in April for 3-4 days with my parents during my birthday. Any suggestions for a resort?

Keep in mind they're in their 70s. Also, while I have an AP, they don't have one. Because we live in Florida, I'm suggesting they each purchase a 3-Day FR ticket without park hopper. They're not interested in more than one park per day anyway and really only want to visit Epcot during F&G festival (2 days) and AK (1 day) which are more leisure parks for them. (However, that doesn't mean I won't park hop later in the evening when they are ready to return to the hotel, especially if 7DMT is open in MK, for example.) I've also made several ADRs already--two at CG at different times on Sunday, one at LeCellier on Monday, and one at Boma on Tuesday, just to hold them for now. We're discussing the particulars over Thanksgiving weekend and if they're generous enough to pay for my birthday meal, I wouldn't expect to keep any of the others, unless I want to pick up the tab at one other restaurant.

So, with that as background, I'm primarily looking at value and moderate resorts. (I've already had to explain to my mother that a "value" at WDW is not the same as, say a Motel 6. A "value" is just the least expensive--not cheapest, which has a different connotation--of their resorts with more over the top theming.) What do you think?

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Right now the moderates are running $50 more per night, even with the AP rate. While your parents would enjoy it more, just as yourself if you REALLY think it's worth it. How much time will you be spending at the hotel? Will you be at the pool at all? These reasons may factor into your decision.

Also, if you plan on getting a decent AP rate, you'll most likely end up at Pop or All Star if you stay at a value. Art of Animation gets booked quickly and generally does't offer AP rates on the standard rooms

Have a great trip.

 

[JohnD]

Right now the moderates are running $50 more per night, even with the AP rate. While your parents would enjoy it more, just as yourself if you REALLY think it's worth it. How much time will you be spending at the hotel? Will you be at the pool at all? These reasons may factor into your decision.

Also, if you plan on getting a decent AP rate, you'll most likely end up at Pop or All Star if you stay at a value. Art of Animation gets booked quickly and generally does't offer AP rates on the standard rooms

Have a great trip.

Yeah, was already looking at All Star Sports with AP rate. Might get slightly better with AAA but prob not by much. Agree we wouldn't be in the rooms much so have suggested to them standard rooms. For their sake, I want closest to transportation also. Pool isn't likely. I was just at All Star Sports over Veterans Day weekend and thought it would be loud with lots of kids. Not at all. Unless they're willing to spend more on POFQ, for example, I think I would recommend we go value.

 

[StarWarsGirl]

Yeah, was already looking at All Star Sports with AP rate. Might get slightly better with AAA but prob not by much. Agree we wouldn't be in the rooms much so have suggested to them standard rooms. For their sake, I want closest to transportation also. Pool isn't likely. I was just at All Star Sports over Veterans Day weekend and thought it would be loud with lots of kids. Not at all. Unless they're willing to spend more on POFQ, for example, I think I would recommend we go value.

I got better on AP than AAA in January. Try both, but if an AP discount comes out, it's likely to be better

 

[Mukta]

Ideally, I would use my AP discount to stay in a hotel in the Epcot area since you want to go to F&G. Have you looked into the Swan/Dolphin?

 

[JohnD]

Ideally, I would use my AP discount to stay in a hotel in the Epcot area since you want to go to F&G. Have you looked into the Swan/Dolphin?

I have. Prices are in the $350-$400/night range. Considering they still need to purchase 3-day FR tickets and we're dining too, I think we'll have to stick with value/moderates.

 

[Mukta]

I have. Prices are in the $350-$400/night range. Considering they still need to purchase 3-day FR tickets and we're dining too, I think we'll have to stick with value/moderates.

That doesn't sound right. I stayed at the Dophin with an AP discount for $190 or so.

 

[PolynesianPrincess]

I have. Prices are in the $350-$400/night range. Considering they still need to purchase 3-day FR tickets and we're dining too, I think we'll have to stick with value/moderates.

Swan and Dolphin are usually MUCH cheaper than $400 a night. You can usually get good deals there because they are not technically Disney hotels.

 

[JohnD]

That doesn't sound right. I stayed at the Dophin with an AP discount for $190 or so.

You're right. I'm thinking Yacht/Beach club.

 

[JohnD]

I went with Caribbean Beach. AP rates were reasonable. (Avg of $170/night). It was important to my parents to at least have a table service restaurant in the resort and refrigerator/coffee pot in the room doesn't hurt either.

 

[luv]

If they can afford it, I'd suggest the Boardwalk. If they can't, go with the Dolphin. The Dolphin won't cost more than a Disney Mod, but it is a much nicer place to stay.

 

[JohnD]

If they can afford it, I'd suggest the Boardwalk. If they can't, go with the Dolphin. The Dolphin won't cost more than a Disney Mod, but it is a much nicer place to stay.

Thanks. Just used TripAdvisor to find Swan/Dolphin are higher. POR has better rates with a garden view. But my parents already have a preferred view on the lake at CBR. (Mother liked the idea of a water view. I remain in a standard. Not complaining. Not paying. We'll have social hour at their room anyway. I just need a place to sleep.) I think we're set.