26 Dec - 2 Jan 2005 Help needed!

[jessie2]

Hi

For this very busy time, which moderate resort would we have the most advantages and how would this compare with the Dolphin. We would have car hire and although this would be our 9th visit have never stayed on site. What are the chances of getting a good rate!!!

Any tips and views would be appreciated to help make our decision.

Many thanks




Jessie

 

[mikesmom]

I'm not sure about advantages at a moderates as we've not stayed in one. Perhaps someone else can address this. However, that is THE busiest week at WDW. Possibilty of getting a "good" rate is pretty small. As a matter of fact, the sooner the better on reservations so you can get in at all.

 

[MarkLem]

We were at WDW this past 12/29 - 1/3. First of all, the rates change on Jan 1 from holiday to low season. If you book only one reservation starting on the 26th, you will pay the high rate for Jan 1 & 2 as well! The billing rate is whatever it is on the first night of your reservation, and their computers don't automatically switch if your reservation spans a rate change date. What's more, THEY WON'T TELL YOU THIS WHEN YOU MAKE YOUR RESERVATION!

So make 2 reservations when you call, one for 12/26 - 12/31, and the second for 1/1-1/2, same resort, same room if you want, to get the cheaper rate on 1/1.

You will not find a discount rate during the holiday(i.e. you will pay the highest rate of the year). I was not able to even use a AAA rate until 1/1 for our stay, but on 1/1-1/3 I could.

The moderates are all on-site, so you have the advantages that staying on-site bring. As far as which moderate (or value or deluxe for that matter), read up on the theming, reviews from this board, etc. and pick the resort that appeals most to your liking. (www.wdwinfor.com is a good site also).

 

[Connears]

We have gone that same time for the past 2 years. We usually stay at OKW because we are dvc members, but this year we rented points and used the money to stay at the Swan. Swan and Dolphin will give you discounted rate for the whole time, were WDW stops discounts around 12/20. Rate was $149/night and we upgraded to Club Level fo $214(teachers' discount) and that is a deluxe resort, not a moderate with many facilities and we had wonderful service. Can't beat the location with all of BW stuff right across the bridge.Just a thought. You can also get these rates or less on Hotwire.
Connears