Originally Posted By MomofPrincess I'd really like to stay at the Grand Californian for my 40th birthday, which is just barely over a year away. I'd like to stay for just two nights and eat at the Napa Rose while my kids go to Pinnochio's Workshop. Anyway. The Disney website wouldn't let me type in the January '08 dates, but it let me type in dates for the end of December '07. Um, it was something like $993 for two nights. I think I lost consciousness for a few moments, so I can't be certain of the exact price, but it was around there. Do people really pay that? I was expecting $600 or something, but $1,000 by the time you figure in taxes and all that jazz? I am thinking there are about a million other ways I'd like to spend that kind of money. Tell me there's a way to get a better deal than that. We're currently AP holders but won't be by that time. Expedia? Hotels.com? ANYTHING???
Originally Posted By SuzieQ That's waaaay too high. You should be able to get a room well under $300/night. Personally, the most I've ever paid is $209. But, that's with an AP, during special AP rate promotions. I haven't a clue what rack rate is, as I'd never, ever pay it!
Originally Posted By SuzieQ Also, it's way too soon to be pricing next January and expecting to find deals. The deals happen much closer to the date.
Originally Posted By berol The rates they have this month oughta be vaguely what they have same time next year.
Originally Posted By SuzieQ OH! End of December is what you priced!? That's the highest priced time of year, LOL! Don't use that week to compare.
Originally Posted By Jim in Merced CA Is there a phone number to call for reservations? Maybe if you speak to an actual person, you could find out about prices. $1000.00 is high though... On the other hand, you're only 40 once.
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess ^Yeah but I'm justifying the only-40-once-thing by going on an overpriced Disney Cruise a few months after that. LOL! I figure I can't go too crazy working that angle. ;-) Thanks, everyone! I didn't think about the December rates being higher. I'll punch in the rates for this time of year and see what comes up. Then, at some point, I'll call and make an actual reservation. I appreciate the help!
Originally Posted By MomofPrincess Hmm, it was still $782, and that was for a Thursday & Friday night (since those are the days I would go next year). Maybe I can get a better rate by calling, who knows.
Originally Posted By Lisann22 You will most likely get a better rate calling. Using the website generally gives you higher prices. Are you an AP holder? SuzieQ is right January for December is to far out. I would make the reservation and then keep calling back to lock in a lower rate. Then I'd watch for Expedia, kayak.com and other sites for deals along with the AP rates. I've never paid more than $179 for a GCH room with a DTD or theme park view. You will pay more for the Friday night vs. Thursday night generally.
Originally Posted By debtee The prices at the GCH are never reduced during Christmas week and NYE period!
Originally Posted By onlyme If you haven't already, you might want to download 'travelaxe'. While it doesn't represent every travel website, it gives you a lot of different prices. But, to be honest, many times I have found cheaper rates on TravelHero, a site that is not on the list at TravelAxe. But, it is a good tool.
Originally Posted By LVCajun If your cheap then so am I. I can't bring myself to pay DLR prices no matter what the discount. I am usually gone from the room morning till night and come back just enough to slip into a coma then hit it again. I don't think the room prices are worth it. Especially when I can get a room close for around $80.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hmmm, I think in 2002 we paid $350 a night, but it included tickets for 2 people. Personally, I would give them a call, and for my 40th, I'd do it. For my 40th, I am planning a round the world Disney trip in the top hotels (or at least make it to Japan finally).
Originally Posted By tiggerdis_ Mom, I'm glad you started this thread. My husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary this September, and I was hoping for 2 nights at the Grand as well, and like you, I can't find anything under 300 per night. So, I'll keep looking....
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I'd go ahead and book what you want then keep looking for lower prices. You can always have them switch your reservation to the lower price or cancel if they don't drop low enough. The current AP rate is $189.
Originally Posted By 999HAUNTS MomofPrincess, I paid over $2000 for a casino night party for my 40th - that was only about 7 hours long. Did it hurt my wallet? Sure - but you are only 40 once. I think to make it to 40 these days with the way the world is today is a big accomplishment. Especially if your head is still screwed on straight LOL!! I say go for it...No matter what it costs! And what a great tip to book now but keep searching for a better price. That way you are assured a room on the date that you want. If you call Disney they can price into 2008 - I called them yesterday for WDW and they were very helpfull. But, if you still feel the price you are seeing is too much of a shock, why not book at a lesser hotel and do something special for yourself on your birthday? Like maybe the balcony for Fantasmic! or something like that?
Originally Posted By SuzieQ I turned 40 last year. I spent it at the parks with a group of friends. A bunch of us had birthdays within a 6-week period, so we all celebrated together by renting the private room at Tortilla Jo's and having a celebration dinner. Oh, and a few margaritas, a few shots, a few.... It was awesome!
