Am I Missing Something??

[Desi]

I would love to stay at one of the Disney properties. But they are on the pricey side. Or maybe I'm on the cheap side. I was looking at the Poly, 2500.00 per wk is a tiny bit much.
My question is: Do these places run specials, coupons, ect? I'll even beg if it will help!
Thanks!

 

[JudyS]

Desi, yes, they do run specials. Some of the best specials are for Annual pass holders -- I think AP specials for January have just been announced. Also, there are some specials for the general public for that period, too.

The whole topic of Disney Resort specials is very complicated, but there is lots of discussion of it on the Resorts Board. So, I think the problem is just that you need to check the Resorts Board instead of this one. I know, I expected Disney Resort discounts to be discussed on the Budget Board, too, but these discounts tend to be discussed on the Resort Board. Maybe that's just as well. Back when I couldn't afford to stay onsite, I probably wouldn't have wanted to hear about other people staying at the Grand Floridian and such!

I'd also encourage you to check the DVC Rent/trade Board here. Several of the Disney properties have Disney Vacation Club rooms available ( Disney Vacation Club is Disney's version of a timeshare.) Members on the DVC often rent out rooms they can't use. You can get very good deals sometimes -- maybe as low as $100 a night with tax at the Boardwalk, for example. (I'm renting a Boardwalk Villa from a DVC member for December 14th - 19th. I'm paying $180 a night, but that's for a suite with a kitchen, living room, and jacuzzi as well as a bedroom; a plain room would be less.)

Have fun hunting up the deals!

 

[tink2dw]

For a place to find all the Discounts for Disney Go to MouseSavers.com here is the link you will want to Favorite/bookmark this site for everyday reading!!
http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html

 

[angc]

I agree, the sticker shock when initially planiing our 1st trip to WDW was killer. Originally 5 days , including tix, would have cost nearly $2500 for our family of 4. When the Winter Dream maker package came out last summer we jumped on it and saved 40%. The toal now is $1483. We were flexible on the dates, and patient. I'm sure another promo should be coming out eventually. Check out this board, the travel section in your local paper, and mousesavers for promos. AAA and AP discounts are usually pretty small, maybe 10%, but seem to be prevelant.

 

[mcgrawfan]

Maybe you could check out the price of a value or moderate hotel. The Poly is a deluxe and will be more expensive.

 

[jgates]

Desi - Swan & Dolphin offer discounts for teachers, nurses, government, annual pass, military, entertainment book, etc. They are fantastic properties and the only thing you lose in my opinion is ability to charge to your room at the parks (uh, you can save a lot of $$ that way - it's too easy to let it add up fast if you can charge to your room ), Mickey Wake-Up calls & Mickey soaps. There are a LOT of arguments back and forth about missing the Mickey phone call & soaps, but geez - you are getting a wonderful resort, wonderful atmosphere - fantastic location (between Epcot & MGM behind the Boardwalk) - great pool etc. With a discount you will pay more than the AllStar, PopCentury, etc, but less than the deluxes that Disney has.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by JudyS
Desi, yes, they do run specials. Some of the best specials are for Annual pass holders -- I think AP specials for January have just been announced. Also, there are some specials for the general public for that period, too.

The whole topic of Disney Resort specials is very complicated, but there is lots of discussion of it on the Resorts Board. So, I think the problem is just that you need to check the Resorts Board instead of this one. I know, I expected Disney Resort discounts to be discussed on the Budget Board, too, but these discounts tend to be discussed on the Resort Board. Maybe that's just as well. Back when I couldn't afford to stay onsite, I probably wouldn't have wanted to hear about other people staying at the Grand Floridian and such!

I'd also encourage you to check the DVC Rent/trade Board here. Several of the Disney properties have Disney Vacation Club rooms available ( Disney Vacation Club is Disney's version of a timeshare.) Members on the DVC often rent out rooms they can't use. You can get very good deals sometimes -- maybe as low as $100 a night with tax at the Boardwalk, for example. (I'm renting a Boardwalk Villa from a DVC member for December 14th - 19th. I'm paying $180 a night, but that's for a suite with a kitchen, living room, and jacuzzi as well as a bedroom; a plain room would be less.)

Have fun hunting up the deals!

Actually, you are getting a one bedroom. A suite is really a studio and it is very nice too. You got a very good deal, btw.

 

[JudyS]

I said
Members on the DVC often rent out rooms they can't use. You can get very good deals sometimes -- maybe as low as $100 a night with tax at the Boardwalk, for example. (I'm renting a Boardwalk Villa from a DVC member for December 14th - 19th. I'm paying $180 a night, but that's for a suite with a kitchen, living room, and jacuzzi as well as a bedroom; a plain room would be less.)

GAIL HAYDEN replied
Actually, you are getting a one bedroom. A suite is really a studio and it is very nice too. You got a very good deal, btw.

Yeah, I guess I wasn't very clear! I used the term "suite" because I figured "one bedroom" would only make sense to someone already familiar with the DVC. And, I should have pointed out that the "plain rooms" one gets onsite through the DVC are actually mini-suites with a kitchenette. My Boardwalk Villa reservation works out to $10.23 per DVC point, so it's at pretty much the standard DVC rental rate. But, I would have had to pay a lot more if it were a preferred view room, or if I stayed over a weekend.

Anyway, I really think the DVC is the best room deal onsite, at least for weekday stays. For anyone looking for a nice onsite room at a good price, I definitely recommend checking out the DVC boards here!

 

[maggiew]

Desi,
I am with you. I think the prices for the Poly, etc. are outrageous. My husband and I are both professionals and make good money and I still can't see paying that much!

The cheapest properties are at the All-Stars and Pop Century. With an AP rate of around $49 value, I think that is a good deal. We have stayed there a couple times and thought it was great. If you have kids, they think it is the best because it is the most "Disney" themed.

The moderates are more than sufficient for us, IMHO. We got Port Orleans and Coronado Springs for $79 a night with an AP rate. These were great for our family.

Last June we stayed at the Dolphin on the $129 teacher rate. We really loved this hotel and it was probably our best experience. But everyday I kept thinking that we could have stayed for less at Port Orleans or somewhere. I guess that just makes me a cheapskate. But, really, I look at it as we could have gone to Cirque de Soleil or something with the price difference.

The downtown disney hotels (although not TRUE Disney resorts) are on Disney property and offer really good rates. I have read many great reviews of the Hotel Royal Plaza recently. This is a good place too if you have 5 people, which Disney has trouble accomodating cheaply.

Just my thoughts, for what it is worth.

Maggie

 

[welovedis]

I agree with the above posters and second renting points from a DVC owner. We are staying at the BoardWalk Villas Jan 7th-18th-11 nights--for $1430-that works out to $130/night for a studio-room for 4 to sleep, plus a kitchenette (fridge, microwave, toaster, disposal kitchen utensils, vacuum) and free laundry facilites. You can't shake a stick at that price!

 

[Desi]

Thanks guys!
I know I can always count on you to help me thru the hard stuff!!
I am a nurse, so I think I can use one of the dolphins promos.
But I'll check out some of the others too
THANKS

 

[girlsx2]

Not sure when you were wanting to go but there is a CTH code out right now for 1/1 thru 2/11. Value is $55 /night plus tax and if I remember correctly, there were some who got Port Orleans Riverside for $85 /night plus tax. Still not bad for Disney. Hope this helps!!


Cya There!!