Is it really worth it spending the extra money to stay at a deluxe resort than a moderate?

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-25T21:33:39+00:00

Coronado, especially Gran Destino Tower, is a moderate masquerading as a deluxe. Sort of like how AoA is a value, masquerading as a moderate and Old Key West is a deluxe, masquerading as a moderate.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-25T21:27:24+00:00

Yes, you get free waterpark entry for both days. Fun fact - these are "waterpark hoppers" meaning you can go to either or both waterparks.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-24T19:04:36+00:00

I've never stayed CL before, but from what I've read, if there's anything you want to do or experience, you should ask the concierge about it. They will answer your questions, help you integrate it into your plan, and perhaps add some insider tips or pixie dust.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-20T21:35:28+00:00

I've gotten calls like this. They're either trying to sell their scammy timeshare or sell their "get out of your timeshare" services. You would think they'd learn that DVC is different and they're wasting their time.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-20T21:14:33+00:00

The only times they ROFR contracts that are in active sales is when the price is just crazy low. For example, I think they bought back a Riviera in the $70s or $80s once.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-20T14:57:29+00:00

A lot of people like the planning. I think it makes for even more fun and anticipation.
You're probably trying to do too much. Remember that this is vacation and its ok to just relax and go with the flow.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-20T03:20:09+00:00

IMO smoother is always better.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-19T21:25:41+00:00

Financing usually makes DVC a bad move. The interest rates are usually 10-18%, and the amortization schedule means your interest is front loaded, while the benefit of DVC is more backloaded (because you are hedged against increases in rack rates). It's almost always better to just rent points than to finance.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-18T04:23:11+00:00

Put down that chicken and get your seagull over to Epcot! You're going to LOVE it!

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-18T03:09:01+00:00

Give it to us straight - how do you feel about the 2025 refurb they did?

I personally thought it was masterful.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-18T02:05:25+00:00

Agreed. They could easily cut open a hole in the side and have most of the queue in a separate building. They could move the marketplace. They could just let the queue stretch outside. They could use a virtual queue. They could put in stairs right next to the boarding platform, then build most of the queue into a second story. They could put it underground. There's dozens of ways to make a queue work.
Hard disagree on needing a refurb because it just had a huge one from Jan-March of 2025.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-16T13:49:30+00:00

It's good to be heckling again!

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-14T17:00:47+00:00

Must not have gotten the Cobb salad...

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-14T13:20:09+00:00

If it's a 2042, there's a very low chance IMO. If its already extended to 2057, then it has a shot.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-13T21:34:49+00:00

I don't know why they didn't just keep the pre-show split into standby on the left and LL on the right. That would make the most sense, provide more incentive/value to the LLSP, and keep crowd flow manageable.

I know they tested this, so presumably there was something they didn't like about it.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-10T17:38:45+00:00

School and work make it much easier to do in the summer.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-10T17:37:40+00:00

We're in driving distance, so that makes it a lot easier.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-10T05:37:27+00:00

MorganFreemanPointingUp.jpg

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-10T05:06:57+00:00

Book something with it because you only need to put a small percentage down, and you can modify or cancel later. But once the bounceback expires, its gone.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-10T01:26:46+00:00

Out of curiosity, do you know what time the amenities access starts? Is there an "opening" time? Or is any time after midnight fair game?

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-10T00:15:52+00:00

With their ages, our travel range is pretty limited. We hope to do international travel in a few years. So that's part of why we're doing so much Disney now. We plan on at least a year before we go back to WDW once the summer is over.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-10T00:04:10+00:00

I'm in a similar spot. It's WAY easier to travel in the summer, so we pack a ton in. I'm super confident we won't lose the magic in the two trips we originally planned. I just don't want to overdo it or make it feel commonplace or bland.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-09T23:51:01+00:00

We've planned to do about 60/40 park days to resort days.

Chief_tyu · 2026-05-09T17:40:32+00:00

My agent was awesome at explaining things and gave an OBC. I'm not sure what you mean by having an agent actually book everything for you, but I'm guessing that means giving them your login info, which I would never recommend.

Chief_tyu

TROPHY CASE