Best deals???

[frenchiegurl2000]

I am planning on taking my daughter (6) and niece (13) to WDW next Sept for 6 days. I want to stay convenient to the park, where I can get free transpo back & forth, and I know I want parkhoppers. I have looked at resorts and pricing a dreammaker at a value resort is approx $1400 for the 6 day/5 night for the 3 of us. I am more than willing to stay off of WDW property, but I don't know how that works. Are the shuttles free at the hotels off property? Do the WDW Resort packages include a discount for the parkhoppers? If so, does the tradeoff of staying off-property get eaten up by losing the discount? Which off-property hotels are best? HELP!!!!!!!!!

 

[MELSMICE]

If you're budget conscience you should do your own trip
"a-la-carte" & not book a package. It will save you money.

Also, transportation within Disney world is free for all resort guests to anywhere within "the world". If I were staying offsite I would definitely get a car for convenience. I don't like to depend on offsite hotel shuttles. Getting a car would add to your expense. There are many opinions on this but if you want the entire Disney experience you should stay onsite. Plus, having 2 children would make it more convenient for you if you're onsite. JMO!

Here's what I would do:

--Figure out what your budget is & then look into what hotels you can afford. It may be a value resort or moderate. Book your ressie at the resort you can afford now.

--Keep checking mousesavers for discount room codes that come out. If there are any for September they won't be out for awhile, but keep checking often. You could get a better rate on your existing ressie or you could upgrade to a nicer hotel at the same rate you have been paying anyway!

--Also check mousesavers for ticket promotions that occasionally are offered - mainly on Ticketmania. You don't have to purchase tickets in advance so there is no rush to get them. You can get them the day before you leave at a Disney Store or even when you get to WDW, but you also could get a deal from Ticketmania or another broker before you leave.

--There are many things you can do to save money if you are looking to do a budget trip. You can bring a collapsible or styrofoam cooler in the room for milk, juices, lunchmeat, breakfast items, etc. You can eat your large meal at lunch instead of dinner & many other things.

Ask a lot of questions on this budget board. Right now, my biggest tip would be to do the trip yourself & not get a package. Most of the people on this budget board would probably agree (I think )

Have a great time planning & don't hesitate to ask a zillion questions on these Disney forums.

 

[frenchiegurl2000]

Thanks! I am definitely looking for the bargains! And believe me, I know all about the portable fridge in the rooms....I have done it from Paris to D.C. It's a shame that I know where to find the local grocers in London than the hotel concierge!!!

I am driving down b/c that will just save so much more money than 2 tix from NJ and one from Atl...but I definitely want convenience with getting to & fro the parks...and of course prices! I will keep an eye out on the resorts cause I enjoy staying at a resort hotel rather than off property.

Keep the tips comin' folks!

It's Tuesday...one more work day this week!

 

[kcashner]

There is a row of hotels by Downtown Disney that can be accessed thru Priceline.com (Check out biddingfortravel.com for more information). You specify WDW area only, and ask for resort or 3*. All have transportation to WDW, some have free breakfast. Typical rates thru Priceline are $40 for the Best Western, $55-70 for the resort level depending on the dates. These places typically go for $150 per night up at "regular" rates. Many have microwave and mini fridge.

Disney has a special name for these hotels (which escapes me now), and they do have the transportation amenities, etc. SOme are even walking distance from Downtown Disney.

 

[sdamico71]

Priceline does offer great prices! However, keep in mind you are paying for the entire stay up front. Have never had to cancel the reservation with Priceline, so I don't know how that would happen if you couldn't take the trip.
Airfare vs Driving ~ we always drive from Berks Co. PA and the gas up and back is $300 easy. (mini-van) so you may want to double check airfare on Priceline, too. You can plan a whole package.
My parents went August 2002, four adults for four nights, airfare and hotel included with car rental for less than $750 (not including park passes). You might want to check Priceline for a package now, and if the price quote isn't in your budget, plan to drive and plan on one hotel chain (with a minimal deposit). The try Priceline again a few days before your visit and see if the package would be a better deal.
Lastly, you might want to consider staying in one of the "Home away from Home" resorts at Disney and renting the points from the DVC Rent/Trade board. These resorts are excellent, and provide some type of kitchenette.
HTH. Good luck!

 

[tink2dw]

As long as you are Driving!! Check out HIFS!! http://www.hifamilysuites.com/indextourb.html
It is just out side the WDW Gates on a very unbusy road!! Once you enter the gates you are on Epcot Way!! You and the children will love it!
And HIFS gets great reviews here on the DIS. http://disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?forumid=15
And you can get an Entertainment Book rate for your room!!
And join the Priority Club for more perks!https://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/pc/1/en/reg?offerId=WBCP1

Parlor Area
• Kitchenette with mini-refrigerator
• Microwave
• Coffee maker
• 25" television
• Pull out sleeper sofa
• Rocking chair
• Video cassette player
• 2-line cordless phone
• Game table
• Safe

Private Bedroom
• King size bed
• 25" television
• Combination vanity/work station
with separate modem line
• Lighted make-up mirror and hair dryer
• Iron & Board


Themed kids' semi-private bedroom with privacy curtain
• Bunk beds & Jr. pullout bed
• 20" television
• Video player
• Clock/Radio
• Fun phone
• Nintendo 64 system
• CD/cassette player
• Activity table with chairs

And all these
Guest have plenty to keep them entertained, with a variety of nightly family activities which can include Karaoke, Bingo, Family Game Shows, Clowns, Face Painting, Puppeteers.
The East Track Courtyard has 3 outdoor ping pong tables and 2 shuffleboard courts,and mini golf to test your skills.

 

[frenchiegurl2000]

Thanks all for the great info! I think driving is the only option now! The entourage has increased to include my two nephews. If my brother & sis-in-law have their way, two more nieces will be added as well (please no!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) I think now the ~$300 gas is a bargain compared to the at least 5 plane tickets from 2 diff states. I'll check though. I dunno about priceline though...I did an indepth report on them for a management class and they are just too iffy. Plus, the whole non-refundable thing is not too great with me. But I'll think about it! Love the ideas!!!!

 

[sln88]

Since you will have a car, it will be easy to stay off-site.

With all the people you are taking, I would recommned trying to get a 2 bedroom condo from Skyauction. I have paid about $265 for a week. It is not on site, but you will have lots of room(they usually sleep 8), multiple TVs, and a kitchen to save $$ on breakfast and snacks.

If you don't like that option, hotelkingdom and travelzoo have good rates for hotels.