Really want to go...but...

Originally Posted By ploeb909

Well I am trying to put together a 8 day stay at WDW, and I am having some trouble. I live in S.Calif, and consider myself a little bit of a Know-It-All, about DL.Here are some questions that I hope you experts can answer! First, I would like to stay on site, I have a 3kids ages 7,9,and 14, plus myself and my husband. Money is an object. I want to go the last week of June. I want to parkhopp, is this necessary? Will it be cheaper to get a meal plan? I dont like to camp and I do like room service and restaurants.We will of course fly.What type of rates do AP holders get on rooms, I have AAA. Any and all help would be appreciated.Thanks in advance

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

That is a loaded post!

If money is an object, your least expensive onsite option would be Port Orleans Riverside. However, it is a moderate resort (not huge rooms) and you are looking at 2 doubles and a trundle.

Personally - and I know you said you don't like to camp - I like the Fort Wilderness Cabins. You also have the option of the All Star Music Suites, which have the mini-wet bar area.

I don't think the meal plan is a great deal now (i.e. - it will be cheaper to NOT have it if you are mostly doing counter service or one counter and mostly character breakfasts, etc.) Park hopping is not necessary, but you can always add it upon arrival if you decide it's a must for you. Some people really want it, some people think it's a waste of money.

I don't know if there will be decent package discounts, but I'd suggest starting with AAA room-only, and seeing what fits into your budget. You never know on AP rates, but you can always see if it's worth it later. Sometimes it isn't once you have the AAA rate (the difference can be small or large, and I've seen AAA rates even beat AP occasionally).

An 8 day stay at Disney is a nice vacation!!!

 

Originally Posted By ploeb909

Loaded?? Ok, I just thought it would be better to say I simply cannot spend $350-$400 a night on a hotel. I usually spend no more then $179-$259 on a room at DLR. But have paid an AP rate of $79-$119, a night. Does this sound comparable to WDW??

 

Originally Posted By FerretAfros

That sounds about right. WDW has a lot more variety in quality of rooms (DL doesn't really have anything comparable to the All Stars/Pop Century) so there are more choices. I think, generally, the prices of the neighboring hotels in Anaheim keep the prices down a little, but you should easily be able to find something in WDW for around what you would pay for the PPH or DLH.

 

Originally Posted By ploeb909

I actually checked with AAA and they quoted me $7580. for a family of 5, flight, meal plan,and hotel(Contemporary. Should we get a car?? And is there somewhere close to stock up on beer,wine,cereal,milk,fruit,etc?? Does WDW offer AP rates during the summer at the hotels that accommodate 5 people?

 

Originally Posted By danyoung

WDW will usually offer AP rates for most times of the year, and on most hotels. But some of them are limited, so you have to keep your eye out. Check out mousesavers.com - they keep up to date on those kind of discounts. You can also get an idea of what discounts have happened in the past.

As to a car, I always rent at the airport and drive myself in. WDW has an excellent transportation system, with monorails, boats and busses to take to you all points. But I'm not fond of waiting even 15 minutes for the next bus to come by. And there are some combinations that aren't well served by the bus system. If you want to go from hotel to hotel (for dining or sightseeing), you have to go to a park and then transfer to another bus. Very time consuming. With a rental car you just hop in and you're there. And as long as you're staying on property, parking is free at all parks.

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

>> Loaded?? Ok, I just thought it would be better to say I simply cannot spend $350-$400 a night on a hotel. >>

Loaded, just meaning it was a lot of questions (and I was unable to get to sleep, but was really tired!)

You will not find a deluxe hotel between $79 and $119 per night for your family. Not even at an AP rate. The CR is probably running about $300 per night at that time (not sure which view you are having, it could be more - also not sure how much of a discount there is on those dates, though it's between 10 and 20% for AAA).

A Contemporary Garden Wing room will be the least expensive deluxe (if that is what you are looking for) for a family of 5 (not including the cabins). However, there are other options as well.

FW Cabins - sleep 6, 500 square feet, full kitchen, 1 bathroom

All Star Music Suites - value resort, but updated rooms and 2 bathrooms, wet bar, 520 square feet.

You could do 2 rooms at a value or moderate, but I would do the AS Suite if staying at a value.

Remember that the DDP does not include the appetizer or tips this year. So a $200 meal will run you another $40 or so tipwise. That can add up a lot.

Magical Express is free, but it is up to each person if they want to rent a car. There are grocery stores along the way, or you can use a service like Garden Grocer.

WDW often does offer AP rates, but sometimes AAA will beat it. Like - if a $400 room is 20% off with AAA ($80), and the AP offers a $75 discount. Or, I've seen AAA rates that were better at a value on occasion than an AP. It is just too hard to know. Sometimes the AAA rates are great, but it depends on bookings I'm sure.

I was a Disney specialized agent for 6 years (after working at DRC for 1 year) until recently. So this is what I did for a living for 7 years. BUT, things are changing now - like the way rates are calculated (on a per night basis, some nights can cost more).

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Oh - don't count out the Dolphin. Depending on their convention schedule, sometimes they have very good rates for passholders and AAA members.

 

Originally Posted By RoadTrip

<<I actually checked with AAA and they quoted me $7580. for a family of 5, flight, meal plan,and hotel(Contemporary.>>

You should be able to get by on significantly less than that.

Hotel (Port Orleans Riverside) $1,500

5 8-day Hopper Tickets (3 adult, 2 child) $1,340

Disney Dining Plan (3 adult, 2 child) $1,072

Airfare (guestimate) $2,000

Total: $5,912.

Of course the main difference is between what the Contemporary costs and what Port Orleans Riverside costs. If you want to stay in one of the most expensive resorts on property the Contemporary is fine. If money is an object, go with POR.

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

I would still split the difference and go for the Music Suite or cabins for the extra room (but it is a little more expensive than POR). Both the POR and All Stars have decent food courts. FW does not.

Remember also that you can't do an AP rate and do the dining plan.

For 8 days, I'd splurge on the PH.

 

Originally Posted By RoadTrip

The Fort Wilderness Cabins for 8 nights would add about $1,000. If you can fit it into your budget it is well worth it. The cabins are one of my very favorite accommodations on property.

The cabins give you a living room, kitchen with full size refrigerator, stove and dish washer, one bedroom and a bath. The living room has a Murphy bed (folds out of the wall) which will accommodate two. The bedroom has a double bed and bunk beds. The bunks would be a bit cozy for an adult but are fine for kids. The kitchen means you can eat some meals in your cabin which will help offset the greater expense of staying there. If you did this you would more than likely NOT want to use a dining plan.

I really enjoy staying in Fort Wilderness. It seems like it is 1,000 miles away from Disney World but in fact you are a short boat ride from the Magic Kingdom. I've stayed at FW during peak times of the year and it is still always peaceful and quiet. I find it is wonderful to go back to the privacy and peacefulness of my own cabin after a hectic day in the parks.

Fort Wilderness also has many activities that are quite enjoyable. There is a nightly movie and campfire with Chip and Dale. Both horse and wagon trail rides are available at modest cost. The Hoop-De-Doo show is at Fort Wilderness, and many people consider it a must do at WDW. And then there is my particular favorite, bombing around Fort Wilderness on a golf cart. This costs about $50 per day, but in my opinion is well worth it. It's about the most fun you can have at a resort sober. ;-)

There are two 'Trading Posts' in FW where you can buy basic grocery supplies as well as the usual assortment of Disney souvenirs. I've saved the best for last... there is also the Trail's End Restaurant which has the absolute best value buffet at WDW. I enjoy it so much that I always try to eat there at least once a trip even when we stay elsewhere.

The one drawback to FW is transportation. Even if you have a car, you are not allowed to use it except for going to and from your cabin. If you want to go to the restaurant or a trading post or the Hoop-De-Doo you are looking at either a VERY long walk or using the internal bus. I don't think the internal bus is bad, but I know some people don't like having to use it. If you don't mind spending an extra $50 per day you can rent a golf cart to get around within the resort. This is in my opinion the best option but it is also costly.

Well, I guess that is my plug for the Cabins at Fort Wilderness. If you want to spend a little more money it is about impossible to beat!

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

I agree on the cabins. I don't have a problem with the internal bus either, or walking (the walk from the settlement to outpost is about 20 minutes). Of course, I'm just one person - having a family of 5 probably would make for more bus, less walking. But things are often much closer than they seem.

One of my personal favorite things is the wagon ride, that currently costs $8.00 for adults, I believe $6.00 for kids. The last time I did it in summer, it was really cool - I saw my first and only Florida firefly (I have lived here for nearly 25 years). The wagon ride was a fireworks one, and we'd stopped at the beach (a van was brought to the beach to bring us the music/sound). As soon as they mentioned Tinkerbell was coming down, a firefly appeared in front of us. Very cool!

You can see deer and such too. And I REALLY enjoy the campfire and movie. The trading post is sort of pricey for groceries, I'd either bring my own or do Garden Grocer. (for 8 days)

It's nice having the full refrigerator, and you could do some light cooking there if you want. And Trails End is pretty much my favorite restaurant at Disney!

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Oh - Hoop De Doo and Trails End share a kitchen. The chicken/ribs are the same at either.

 

Originally Posted By ploeb909

Sorry what is PH??Does anyone have a direct number to either the Swan,Allstars,or Port Orleans. Just curious... I dont like to go thru Disney Travel,because its always $$$, atleast in Calif.

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Park Hopper.

You can't just book through the All Star Resorts, or through POR.

Depending on what you want, you can go through the Disney website (not for AAA room-only), or go through your AAA agent, or a Disney specialized agent (most likely to watch your reservation for discounts). Any of those will work. If you do call the Disney Reservation Center yourself, I would know what I want ahead of time - because they are there to sell. Also, you want to make sure IF you get a package and don't want insurance, that it isn't added on ahead. It is an assumptive sell.

PH - park hopper. There is the base ticket (one day per park), Park Hopper, and the option to add the Water Park Fun and More, which included DisneyQuest and Pleaure Island as well.

The Swan and Dolphin resorts have a toll-free number to call: 888-828-8850

It may be too early to know if there will be any discounts for the Dolphin (which can sleep 5), but you may find out if there is a large convention at that time - which would often mean no rooms, discount or not.

 

Originally Posted By RoadTrip

<<Just curious... I dont like to go thru Disney Travel,because its always $$$, atleast in Calif.>>

WDW Central Reservations and Disney Travel are different things. Disney Travel acts as a Travel Agency and always wants the entire payment 45 days in advance.

WDW Central Reservations will require only a one night deposit on your reservation and no additional payment is due until you check out.

If you book through the WDW website you will be booking through Disney Travel and will have to abide by the prepayment regulations.

 

Originally Posted By bobbelee9

<<<WDW Central Reservations and Disney Travel are different things. Disney Travel acts as a Travel Agency and always wants the entire payment 45 days in advance.

WDW Central Reservations will require only a one night deposit on your reservation and no additional payment is due until you check out.>>>

That's good to know for future use. AAA wants their money a month before you go.

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Actually, DRC is the umbrella term. Even when I worked there in 2001, it wasn't like there was a WDTC office and CRO. There was (back then) two different systems - Logibro and CRS. But most agents did everything, and now I believe ALL agents do everything (unless some are still on dine-only). I have been told that the dining system is the same as it was.

The system is more incorporated into one now, I believe an overlay over the old (the last time I visited DRC was about 2 years ago). If you call the Disney number, they generally will try to get you into a package unless you ask for a certain discount. i.e. - if you ask for an AP rate or AAA room-only, they cannot put you into a package. But even as a TA, I occasionally has DRC agents try to stick my clients into packages when I didn't want to do that, and I had to be firm. The DRC agents now make extra money based on their sales, so it is to their benefit to put you in a package. I had guests who sometimes wanted room only, no package, with tickets. I'd add the Key to the World tickets on (which are added to the room key). But not all DRC agents like that, because then they can't add dining, etc.

The best thing, if you choose to go it yourself, is to know what you want ahead of time. What resort, if you want to get a AAA discount, no dine, etc. (If you want a AAA package, only AAA can do that, but you can book AAA room-only yourself). Have them email a copy to you before you put down a deposit.

 

Originally Posted By nbodyhome

Oh - we were explained that WDTC acts as a wholesaler. But again - it's really all just DRC agents/

AP rates, room-only, AAA room-only - all usually under 5 day rules for cancellation. There are some packages (like for travel agents) that can end up adding mini-golf or something similar to make it a room-only package with heavier cancellation policies.

Any other package - WDTC rules, 45 days starts the cancellation/change policy. Not as bad as California, where you lose $100 or more if you cancel at ANY time, (depending how close you are to the reservation) on packages. Room-only in CA is very lenient.

If they add insurance and you pay the deposit, it's non-refundable (which is one reason I'd say to ask for an email before paying anything).

 

Originally Posted By ploeb909

Room only in California is 100% refundable as long as you cancel 48 hours prior. I will call and ask for room only for WDW. Does anyone have a number for the Animal Hotel(sorry cant remember the name),or the Port Orleans?