Booking our vacation with Dsiney

[angelat]

I have a couple of questions for everyone. Forgive me as I know these have been asked before, but it's been a long time since I've actually been on here and I don't remember the responses.

Now, with that said, we stayed offsite for our 1st trip last April. We are looking forward to going again next year. Not sure when yet, but probably the late spring early summer. My DS will be 12 and my StepDD will be 11.

DH and I have mentioned possibly staying onsite this time. Of course we either need two adjoining rooms or a large enough room for all 4 of us. We stayed in a 3BR condo last time, so we're used to the room.

My questions are:

1. Can you recommend a resort/room that would accomodate all of us? I will have a budget, but not sure what it will be just yet, so all suggestions are welcome.

2. When making the reservation with Disney a $200 deposit is due, right? After that, when must I pay off the trip by?

3. Do I have to pay a certain amount per month or can I do more some
months than others?

4. Typically (I know it's not set in stone) when is free dining offered? Is there somewhere that I can find out this information?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide. I really do appreciate it!!!

Angela

 

[angelat]

Bump

 

[becky_AK]

1. Can you recommend a resort/room that would accomodate all of us? I will have a budget, but not sure what it will be just yet, so all suggestions are welcome.

We love staying at Pop and the rooms have 2 double/queen beds. If you would like additional room, the AS Music has family suites. That may be a better option if you are looking for more room for your family

2. When making the reservation with Disney a $200 deposit is due, right? After that, when must I pay off the trip by? The deposit is $200. If I remember correctly, you have to pay off your trip 45 days out. I'd have to look it up for sure...I guess I better check on that since I'm paying for my December trip

3. Do I have to pay a certain amount per month or can I do more some
months than others?You can pay different amounts each month.

4. Typically (I know it's not set in stone) when is free dining offered? Is there somewhere that I can find out this information? All of the times we have received free dining has been late September/October. I've never been there in the spring before...although I imagine it will be a beautiful time to visit.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide. I really do appreciate it!!!

Angela

I hope that helps a bit. Please feel free to PM if you have other questions Congrats on booking your trip!

 

[daleswife]

Family suites are more expensive than getting two standard rooms at the value resorts. A family suite runs you $187 a night while Standard rooms run you like $85 a night. So two standard rooms would be $170. And you can get adjoining rooms.

 

[clanmcculloch]

I have a couple of questions for everyone. Forgive me as I know these have been asked before, but it's been a long time since I've actually been on here and I don't remember the responses.

Now, with that said, we stayed offsite for our 1st trip last April. We are looking forward to going again next year. Not sure when yet, but probably the late spring early summer. My DS will be 12 and my StepDD will be 11.

DH and I have mentioned possibly staying onsite this time. Of course we either need two adjoining rooms or a large enough room for all 4 of us. We stayed in a 3BR condo last time, so we're used to the room.

My questions are:

1. Can you recommend a resort/room that would accomodate all of us? I will have a budget, but not sure what it will be just yet, so all suggestions are welcome.

You have several options.
1. You can get 2 rooms at a value resort. There are no guarantees that you will get connecting rooms or even rooms in the same building. CMs try their best, but again, no guarantees. Most times you'll get rooms next to each other.
2. All Star Music has family suites that fit 6 and even include a kitchenette. This generally costs slightly more than 2 standard value rooms and slightly less than 2 preferred value rooms.
3. Fort Wilderness cabins sleep 6 and I understand are quite roomy.
4. Renting DVC points to get a 1 or 2 bedroom suite (or even something bigger like a treehouse).
4. You really do all fit into 1 room, even at a value resort. If queen beds would be necessary then you could try CSR.

2. When making the reservation with Disney a $200 deposit is due, right? After that, when must I pay off the trip by?

If you book a package that includes the tickets then you pay a $200 deposit and then the balance is due 45 days before the beginning of your trip. If you book room only then your deposit is the price of one night and the balance is due I believe at check-in.

3. Do I have to pay a certain amount per month or can I do more some
months than others?

As long as it's paid in full before the due date, you can pay as much as you'd like whenever you'd like.

4. Typically (I know it's not set in stone) when is free dining offered? Is there somewhere that I can find out this information?

The past few years, free dining has run from the last or second last week of August through late September or early October. It's been slightly different each year. Last year, Disney Visa Card holders were offered free dining for most of the rest of the year but the offer didn't come out until September.

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide. I really do appreciate it!!!

Angela

Have a great trip!!

 

[angelat]

Thanks everyone so far.
My situation with the room arrangements is that our son and daughter WILL NOT sleep in the same bed. And if we chose a room with just two beds, I'll have to sleep with one kid and my DH will have to sleep with the other. And they are both violent sleepers.
We looked into AKL a couple years ago for a room with bunkbeds. We may look into that again. it was a little pricey, but if I get a PIN maybe it'll be doable.

I look forward to anyone else who wants to respond.

 

[connie1042]

Try the ASMu Suites. We stayed in them last year. Myself, Husband , Daughter SIL and 2 little ones. My husband and I took the queen bed in the bedroom. They took the living room. It was nice to have two bathrooms,a sink, microwave and refrigerator. It was also nice to have a place to sit when we came home in stead of just a bed. I would look into these, they worked out great for us.

 

[stacy6552]

Here is the hands down best tip I can give you. Call 407 WDISNEY to book with Disney directly. Do not book online as you are actually dealing with a travel agent, not Disney. The CM's will be able to help you to no end and if you happen to get a dud on the phone, just hang up and call again. The service will be invaluable. For exapmly, I had a friend last year trying to book free dining, but her dates weren't available. The CM gave her a couple of different discounts (one on the room and one on the dining) to equalled the free dining deal. The she had to postpone her trip and Disney got her new dates months later with the same deal. If your resort isnt available, then can find you a great alternative, or find you alternative dates. Call Call Call.