2009 Discussion-We'll make time fly by!

[fluke703]

Thanks to all who have replied. We are going mid March for 7 nights. I will start looking at the package prices as well. We live in Canada but will fly out of Buffalo airport because it will be much more reasonable and we want the FULL Disney deal. We want to stay on site and were looking at the value movies resort. A friend stayed there and said it was great and close to 2 others to wander the grounds of the others as well. My question is can you stay at one value resort for say 4 or 5 days and then move to an moderate or higher resort or is it even worth the hassle?

 

[fluke703]

How long do you plan on staying? Do you know where you want to stay (off/on-site? if on, value, moderate or deluxe resort)?

Thanks loads for the info!
We are planning to stay 7 or 8 days in June, 09. We hope to stay in a deluxe - either CR, YC, or a 1 bedroom villa somewhere. We have stayed at both CBR and YC in the past, and I learned that I am a deluxe girl, trapped in a moderate life. [/QUOTE]

We are planning on staying for 7 nights and like you I'm a deluxe girl but thought my girls would enjoy the value pop music. The decor really seems kid friendly. A friend of mine recommended Port Orleans but the other seems kid friendly with displays etc. Can anyone out there give me a comparison and their view?

 

[fluke703]

Thanks so much! I'll look at different packages and different resorts.

 

[Maddie2]

My question is can you stay at one value resort for say 4 or 5 days and then move to an moderate or higher resort or is it even worth the hassle?

Yes, you certainly can switch accommodations. When we were there last April, we had 4 nights at Pop Century and 6 nights at a Holiday Inn Express. The DDP (Dining Plan) is available only to those staying "on property" and we wanted to sample that, yet not have it the entire vacation as we were going to places other than Disney World. We had 3 days at Universal & Sea World and didn't want to run back to WDW just to eat. That, and we had enough priority points through Holiday Inn for a couple of free nights.

It was a bit of a hassle moving stuff and settling into another hotel, but for us it worked out well. I wouldn't suggest moving more than once though -- and definitely go value resort FIRST BEFORE moderate -- or it might be a letdown.

Have fun planning!!

 

[fluke703]

Yes, you certainly can switch accommodations. When we were there last April, we had 4 nights at Pop Century and 6 nights at a Holiday Inn Express. The DDP (Dining Plan) is available only to those staying "on property" and we wanted to sample that, yet not have it the entire vacation as we were going to places other than Disney World. We had 3 days at Universal & Sea World and didn't want to run back to WDW just to eat. That, and we had enough priority points through Holiday Inn for a couple of free nights.

It was a bit of a hassle moving stuff and settling into another hotel, but for us it worked out well. I wouldn't suggest moving more than once though -- and definitely go value resort FIRST BEFORE moderate -- or it might be a letdown.

Have fun planning!!

Thanks for the reply. We were thinking of switching between the WDW resorts and maybe going from value to moderate or even deluxe. How did you find the dining package? We were thinking of doing that and I understand it just changed for 2008.

 

[DT83097]

Just wanted to join in with people who would understand why I'm even thinking about a vacation that is over a year away!! I have a family trip to Colorado to plan for this summer, but I'd much rather be here pre-planning our trip for 2009.
We are planning an August 09 trip with our DS and DD who will be 7 and 4 at that time. We're hoping we can get Gma to come too just to have an extra set of hands along as it's always a big help! I'm also waiting for my TGM renewal code to be emailed so I can do even more planning!
We are hoping to stay at the Poly because we just loved the convenience of the monorail, and are going to look into the DDP as well. We were lucky enough to get it for free when we went last August and it was awesome not having to think about paying for food and there was way too much of it!! I need to crunch the numbers to see if it would be worthwhile with the kiddos along though as we'd be more likely to do counter service meals with them. With any luck a great package deal will come out for our dates or the elusive pin code (we received 2 different ones last year but couldn't use them due to the dates, and then got a bounceback offer during our Aug stay, but again couldn't use it as we can't go this year)!

Happy planning to everyone. I see alot of you have a huge head start with itineraries and ADR's already though out!

Let's hope the time flies and we'll all be checking and changing and re-changing our resort reservations soon!

 

[POOHLUV69]

Here's my question.
If you book early, won't that prevent the Disney-powers-that-be from sending you a code? They already know you're coming so why would they send you a discount code?

Codes seem to be like the tag fairy, very mysterious . I've never had the need to book a room only and then add the package, but I've heard a lot of people do it. Too much trouble for me, besides we only stay mod anyway.

I got an email code last month and sooo wish I could use it. Knowing my luck, it will be the last I receive

 

[tikkipoo]

I know what you mean. I got a 40% off code for this year - of course I am not going to be able to use it. I know I won't be so lucky next year!

 

[Eoywin]

I keep getting discount codes in the mail... but I'm guessing that's because it's only been about 4 months since our last trip, and Disney is trying to lure us back

 

[tikkipoo]

If things go as planned I am going to try to get an annual pass - so I can go two years in a row! That would be sweet!

 

[Maddie2]

THow did you find the dining package? We were thinking of doing that and I understand it just changed for 2008.

Overall it was great, but it really was a lot of food. To make it worth the $$, you really need to schedule in good-sized blocks of time. We will not do it again -- especially with the 2008 changes. We are a budget family and with most of the aspects of vacations(for us flight/car rental/tickets/resort + fun money) rising, this is one area that we can save in. If we had little ones that fell into the child range, maybe we would do it, but our kids are 10 and up (we would pay the Adult price) -- not worth it to us. We also like the flexibility of eating off property since we will have a car.

Regarding the codes ..... we have never received one. Do you think they are sent only to people that have stayed at Deluxe and Moderates in the past? That and I am thinking from only certain parts of the country/other countries? Or, maybe it is completely random? I worry that we would get one and not even realize it. To those of you that have received them in the mail or in an email, is it pretty obvious that is what it is -- or is it down in the corner after some other information?

 

[mommy2aprincess4]

subbing. We are going January 2009!! It will be our 4th trip as a family.

 

[Micka Mouse]

Regarding the codes ..... we have never received one. Do you think they are sent only to people that have stayed at Deluxe and Moderates in the past? That and I am thinking from only certain parts of the country/other countries? Or, maybe it is completely random? I worry that we would get one and not even realize it. To those of you that have received them in the mail or in an email, is it pretty obvious that is what it is -- or is it down in the corner after some other information?

I checked the 'codes' board recently, and many people said it would definetly be difficulty to miss. It is a fairly large postcard-type letter. One person even posted a picture of it. I don't think you'd miss it.

I also read that you can call and see if there is a code attached to your name. The CM will look it up for you. One poster said she called every few days to check.

HTH's!!!

 

[Eoywin]

The codes we've received were rather large - twice the size of a normal postcard...

 

[arkansas mom]

Regarding the codes ..... we have never received one. Do you think they are sent only to people that have stayed at Deluxe and Moderates in the past? That and I am thinking from only certain parts of the country/other countries? Or, maybe it is completely random? I worry that we would get one and not even realize it. To those of you that have received them in the mail or in an email, is it pretty obvious that is what it is -- or is it down in the corner after some other information?

I've gotten postcard codes before. If I didn't know what it was, I would have thought that it was just like any other direct mail advertising--but obviously from Disney. I wouldn't have known that it really was an exclusive offer. But, being the DISboard fanatic that I am. I knew immediately what it was.
I've also received an email code. It took a minute to realize what that was. I get a lot of Disney emails, so I might easily have overlooked it. I've learned to open and examine all of them when I'm within that window of being able to take advantage of a code.
I've also called and asked if there was a current code in my profile. No dice!

 

[sandym718]

We stayed Deluxe this past spring, and I haven't rec'd any codes. We booked through AAA, though, so I'm guessing that's why. They probably wouldn't work for what we want anyways.

 

[GeminiAngel]

Hmm, now I'm thinking a split stay. 5 nights at ASMo, and 5 at Beach Club.
Go from value to deluxe.

 

[arkansas mom]

This should be current and somewhat accurate. If I'm wrong about your name/dates/resort or if you want to change something or if you just want to say hi, either post or PM me!



Jan '09
My2Angels
tink52937
DiznEeyore
mom2taylorandemily
DISNEYRIFFIC
missmunn52
disneyquilter
danceintherain
luvmickey
I Believe n Fairies
Pakey
Mickey1974
Maddie2--Jan. 24-Feb. 4--Pop Century
bunnysmum
hroyale
mommy2aprincess4

Feb '09
GeminiAngel--Feb. 3-13
Brave teacher
lovingmy2boys
dpwright
DISNEYmooner2008

March '09
emilyclaire (or April)
ty&brenmom
candizfan
traceyr13
swimgalsmom

April '09
terri01p--FW

May '09
sandym718--May 1-8--Poly
pixidustprincess
LizAgna (or June)
danceintherain
JJ&JSMOM
Nanabug02--May 16-25--Wilderness Lodge
misricsmith
eacatwork (or Dec)
arkansas mom--May 31-June 12--Pop Century
dbarker

June '09
catbertdave99--June 6-16--CBR
pooh2001
2ScottishPrincesses
CinderellasSister
flea1267
Magalex
mapmakerj
DizneeMommy--Pop Century
Blythep--Wonder/Pop Century
MAKHayes-DisneyDiva

July '09
bennythepug
raestr
Micka Mouse--July 12-18--Poly
FizBan257

Aug '09
gwcollins71--Pop
tinkercat
garada3
foltzy
kitkat324
aussieinvasion
DisneyMommyMichelle--August 28-Sept. 6--Wonder/Pop Century
POOHLUV69--CBR
DT83097

Sept '09
sassypatty
TyRy (or Nov.)
Mrs Grumpy--Sept.12-22--Pop Century
katieloubear--Sept 18-27
JadeOfTheJungle--AKL
ChicagoMommy2Two

Oct '09
Lovemy3babes (or Nov.)
mickey2minnie1
DisneyGuess
tikkipoo-- Oct. 17-24--POR
Nanb--Oct. 25-Nov 1--AKL

Nov '09
fwdtraveler
CJsMom
WantToGoNow
Bride In The Attic
lovelykccat

Dec '09
phisigprincess
svalencia1
Disneenut
nemofans
Ozdisney
kupperman
CANDICE
raider97
Piglets Mommy
Eoywin

Post your info, and I'll update the list!

 

[DizneeMommy]

We'll probably do Pop again. Still not sure of the dates in June though!

 

[candizfan]

Just found out about this website from a friend who returned from a WDW vacation a few weeks ago. We are planning our FIRST WDW vacation in March, 2009. I'm a Canadian teacher so have to go high season. I have the same questions as you, about how early you can book full packages with room and dining package. I'm concerned because I feel this will be a busy time of year. My girls will be 7 and 9. I have so many questions and could use any/all advice. I was there twice as a kid and my husband has never been. I can't wait to get them there.

Hello my fellow Canadian! We live in Windsor, which area are you in?

We have gone on the Disney cruise during March break but this will be the first year we hit the parks at that time of year. We will be at OKW from Mar 8 to Mar 15. So I will be able to let you know then. We have been to Disney in Feb and July in the past.