Am I going overboard to secure discounts?

[lmhall2000]

Decided on the November 7th Treasure Eastern Caribbean cruise- need three rooms and two need to be connecting. Last time we pressed our chances to book VGT and thankfully/gratefully received connecting. My husband's celebrating a big birthday- really wanted to surprise him with Concierge- but no way we could swing two since our room needs to connect to the young grand babies- we're nap duty and bedtime story/play while mom and dad get a needed break.
So, I'm taking one for the team and driving 6 hours (one way) to spend one night at Animal Kingdom Lodge so we can go ahead and book the two connecting Verandah at 25% off. It sounds like a no-brainer- pay $425 for one night to save 4-5k on the cruise and be able to book things earlier than if we wait for VGT. And the gas/time- this just seems silly- I have to go alone due to schedules- but figure I can enjoy a meal at a resort and long walk around the various resorts I can visit- I've confirmed the 11/7 does get 25% off with this offer- would you wait for VGT to come out?

 

[CaseyCruiser]

Decided on the November 7th Treasure Eastern Caribbean cruise- need three rooms and two need to be connecting. Last time we pressed our chances to book VGT and thankfully/gratefully received connecting. My husband's celebrating a big birthday- really wanted to surprise him with Concierge- but no way we could swing two since our room needs to connect to the young grand babies- we're nap duty and bedtime story/play while mom and dad get a needed break.
So, I'm taking one for the team and driving 6 hours (one way) to spend one night at Animal Kingdom Lodge so we can go ahead and book the two connecting Verandah at 25% off. It sounds like a no-brainer- pay $425 for one night to save 4-5k on the cruise and be able to book things earlier than if we wait for VGT. And the gas/time- this just seems silly- I have to go alone due to schedules- but figure I can enjoy a meal at a resort and long walk around the various resorts I can visit- I've confirmed the 11/7 does get 25% off with this offer- would you wait for VGT to come out?

Sounds like a plan.

 

[DCL58]

We’re on the same cruise. I had 3 placeholders in my name and needed to book 2 connecting cabins. DCL was nice enough to change the name on one placeholder so we could book the 2 connecting cabins for my family of 4.

The 25% off convinced us to go ahead and book. And we got 2 aft extended verandah cabins.

 

[Mommb]

If you need connecting cabins, booking specific rooms is the best choice. If restricted rooms open up, there is no guarantee there would be connecting rooms available, especially since there is already a discount offer that (based just on this thread) is spurring bookings. And if you need to spent a night alone at a resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge is a great option — all in one building, with great restaurants and animal viewing throughout the day.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

We're on this cruise too! I had to postpone a reservation for this spring that was booked with a placeholder so I asked my TA to just move it to some fall date, whenever. This was the date she chose. How nice that when they announced the placeholder discounts, this is one of them! It knocked over $1000 off our total. We're sailing on the Treasure in a few weeks so we'll see how much we like her before we commit to Nov 7.

Anyway, to answer your question. If staying at AKL gets you thousands off your cruise, go for it! I don't think it's crazy at all. I think for a 6 hour drive though, I'd want to stay 2 nights. Just to have some time to enjoy it a little and get good sleep before doing that drive again.

 

[lmhall2000]

We're on this cruise too! I had to postpone a reservation for this spring that was booked with a placeholder so I asked my TA to just move it to some fall date, whenever. This was the date she chose. How nice that when they announced the placeholder discounts, this is one of them! It knocked over $1000 off our total. We're sailing on the Treasure in a few weeks so we'll see how much we like her before we commit to Nov 7.

Anyway, to answer your question. If staying at AKL gets you thousands off your cruise, go for it! I don't think it's crazy at all. I think for a 6 hour drive though, I'd want to stay 2 nights. Just to have some time to enjoy it a little and get good sleep before doing that drive again.

My professional career had me driving 50k miles a year- I can drive 15 hours in a day - but spending an extra $450 to secure rest would eat at my frugality side I was wholly shocked trying to find best rate for a deluxe room- most were bw $650-1200 a night! Aaaagh!
I hope you keep the ship- looks like a fun itinerary- it's hard to find cruises that have places we've never visited- this one fits. I love walking through the paths at resorts- I think I'll just use this as a chance to visit the ones with lush landscaping. Choosing where to eat- want a good steak and salad- will be tough We didn't book a bounceback on the cruise we went on 2 years ago this August- do you have to sail within 2 years?

 

[Mommb]

We didn't book a bounceback on the cruise we went on 2 years ago this August- do you have to sail within 2 years?

Yes, if you make a Placeholder reservation while onboard, it must be applied to a cruise that sails within 2 years of when you booked the Placeholder. If you apply it to a cruise and then change the reservation to another cruise that departs within that 2 year period you can keep the discount, but the discount goes away if you cancel a cruise booked using the Placeholder. It does not apply to restricted fares, and if you apply it to a Concierge room, you get an onboard credit instead of a fare discount. If you don’t apply a Placeholder booking to a cruise within 2 years, your deposit is refunded.

 

[lmhall2000]

Thank you! I think we misunderstood placeholders and thought you'd lose deposit if you cancelled. We dod two back to backs last time bc it was the first cruise for some and they weren't sure they'd like it- of course, now- they love it. We might look into placeholders after this next one. Just seems VGT rates beat discounts on placeholders- so, never considered them. But, curious how pricing would have turned out if we placed a ressie on day one v. VGT.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Thank you! I think we misunderstood placeholders and thought you'd lose deposit if you cancelled.

This used to be back before there were placeholders. Back then we would book a "dummy date" just to have an onboard booking but all of those reservations were just making those 3-nt cruises appear as if there is interest in them and genuine plans for people to sail on them. Placeholders are better and no more waiting around at the Future Cruise desk.

We dod two back to backs last time bc it was the first cruise for some and they weren't sure they'd like it- of course, now- they love it. We might look into placeholders after this next one. Just seems VGT rates beat discounts on placeholders- so, never considered them. But, curious how pricing would have turned out if we placed a ressie on day one v. VGT.

There probably are threads for that. Pearl members often look up pricing for others on the first day of release. I know I have done this for others but honestly I don't pay close attention to when things are going to be released. There are others who track this stuff very closely and could probably provide you with more details.

 

[Flossbolna]

Choosing where to eat- want a good steak and salad- will be tough

I can recommend Toledo at Coronado Springs. Beautiful restaurant and delicious food. I my opinion a bit of a hidden gem.

 

[holula]

Just seems VGT rates beat discounts on placeholders- so, never considered them. But, curious how pricing would have turned out if we placed a ressie on day one v. VGT.

At the moment I’m seeing that on the basic Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries, the *GT rates are beating out the normal 10% placeholder rates. However on the cruises that aren’t selling well, DCL is offering 20% or 25% discount with the placeholder which will likely make it more in line with the *GT rate when they release that.

For my Europe cruise this summer 9n Greek Isles and Med), the *GT rate was more than opening day with a placeholder with a 10% discount.

 

[RedHead0186]

I can recommend Toledo at Coronado Springs. Beautiful restaurant and delicious food. I my opinion a bit of a hidden gem.

I second, this, Toledo is fantastic!

 

[mmouse37]

LI can recommend Toledo at Coronado Springs. Beautiful restaurant and delicious food. I my opinion a bit of a hidden gem.

I agree. I love Toledo. The ceiling is magnificent! Love having dinner there. We recently did an afternoon Sangria University event at Toledo. I didn't even know it existed. It was a tasting event. We sampled 5 different Sangria's and even created one of our own! Our teacher/host was great. They served chips and salsa to go with it. It was a lot of fun! Sorry for going off topic!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coronado-springs-resort/sangria-university/

MJ

 

[lmhall2000]

I agree. I love Toledo. The ceiling is magnificent! Love having dinner there. We recently did an afternoon Sangria University event at Toledo. I didn't even know it existed. It was a tasting event. We sampled 5 different Sangria's and even created one of our own! Our teacher/host was great. They served chips and salsa to go with it. It was a lot of fun! Sorry for going off topic!

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/coronado-springs-resort/sangria-university/

MJ

Love the recommendation! I love restaurants with inspired theming- since moving from TX- good authentic Mexican food has been hard to find-

 

[angelsfort]

I would just like to say that if anyone needs to book a room at one of the Walt Disney World resorts to secure a better price on their cruise - I fully volunteer (as a Florida resident who is just a half hour from the theme parks, on a good traffic day) to check-into your hotel for you and "take one for the team" by staying there for you

 

[DCLMP]

Decided on the November 7th Treasure Eastern Caribbean cruise- need three rooms and two need to be connecting. Last time we pressed our chances to book VGT and thankfully/gratefully received connecting. My husband's celebrating a big birthday- really wanted to surprise him with Concierge- but no way we could swing two since our room needs to connect to the young grand babies- we're nap duty and bedtime story/play while mom and dad get a needed break.
So, I'm taking one for the team and driving 6 hours (one way) to spend one night at Animal Kingdom Lodge so we can go ahead and book the two connecting Verandah at 25% off. It sounds like a no-brainer- pay $425 for one night to save 4-5k on the cruise and be able to book things earlier than if we wait for VGT. And the gas/time- this just seems silly- I have to go alone due to schedules- but figure I can enjoy a meal at a resort and long walk around the various resorts I can visit- I've confirmed the 11/7 does get 25% off with this offer- would you wait for VGT to come out?

Why are you driving one-way vs just flying?

 

[DCLMP]

My professional career had me driving 50k miles a year- I can drive 15 hours in a day - but spending an extra $450 to secure rest would eat at my frugality side I was wholly shocked trying to find best rate for a deluxe room- most were bw $650-1200 a night! Aaaagh!
I hope you keep the ship- looks like a fun itinerary- it's hard to find cruises that have places we've never visited- this one fits. I love walking through the paths at resorts- I think I'll just use this as a chance to visit the ones with lush landscaping. Choosing where to eat- want a good steak and salad- will be tough We didn't book a bounceback on the cruise we went on 2 years ago this August- do you have to sail within 2 years?

Can you rent points or is the offer contingent on cash stays? Honestly, if it's on food and wine weekend you are probably not going to do much better than that price.

 

[lmhall2000]

Can you rent points or is the offer contingent on cash stays? Honestly, if it's on food and wine weekend you are probably not going to do much better than that price.

I think it's only on cash stays- don't think it applies if you use dvc points. I was upgraded to Safari view!! That was a great surprise- saw the storks out early. Did notice AKL was in great condition- room was perfect. I ate at the Yacht Club resort- felt it was looking worn- but service was wonderful!
I checked out and guest desk said I would receive a letter for the offer via email once I checked out. Nothing ever came- so, I called Disney Cruise and they said there is no code- as long as they can verify you stayed at a deluxe resort you must book this offer over the phone. We saved over 4k!
The family is very excited- I'm zapped with the driving- but now need to go see what the new resort by Wilderness Lodge will be!

 

[lmhall2000]

Why are you driving one-way vs just flying?

Sadly, we moved from a major metro city where we lived 20 minutes from great airport to small town USA whose closest airport has no direct flights- it would have taken longer and multiple flights to get there than just driving 6.5 hours.

 

[DCLMP]

I think it's only on cash stays- don't think it applies if you use dvc points. I was upgraded to Safari view!! That was a great surprise- saw the storks out early. Did notice AKL was in great condition- room was perfect. I ate at the Yacht Club resort- felt it was looking worn- but service was wonderful!
I checked out and guest desk said I would receive a letter for the offer via email once I checked out. Nothing ever came- so, I called Disney Cruise and they said there is no code- as long as they can verify you stayed at a deluxe resort you must book this offer over the phone. We saved over 4k!
The family is very excited- I'm zapped with the driving- but now need to go see what the new resort by Wilderness Lodge will be!

The offer states you can't use dvc points to book the cruise, but I don't see anything regarding using DVC points for the room. It states just to call within 7 days after checking out of your deluxe resort or villa....unless I'm missing something.