break it to me gently, will I pay rack rate?

[kerri0616]

Ok, so I'd like to go the second week of December. (Value rates, right?) We dont' have AP's. We aren't Florida residents. We aren't members of AAA. This Dream Maker package doesn't seem like a great deal to me.

Shall I accept the fact that I have to pay the rack rate? (Which is lower than other times of the year--I know).

Thanks for your wisdom.

Kerri

 

[sherry8253]

Hi - If you enjoy the Epcot/MGM area, I would check out the prices at the Swan and Dolphin before paying rack rate. They have some great specials going on right now and I have heard many good reviews here on the boards. We are trying the Swan for our trip this year. Good luck in finding something that you will enjoy at a great price! Sherry

 

[Disneycrazymom]

Definiatly stay at the Swan. It is so nice and the location is wonderful!

 

[Cruelladeville]

You could buy one AP, and get the cheap rates for that time of year. Christmas at Beach Club is costing me $174 per night with AP rates, Wilderness Lodge is $131. It is worth it to stay on-site. The prices I found for the Swan couldn't beat these, and I get special rates as an educator.

 

[Connears]

Teacher and Nurses rate for x-mas is $149/night at Swan; Dolphin may be less because they have not finished renovations. I just checked Hotwire and you can get Dolphin for $111/night for x-mas week when I am there (12/28-1/02/04). It is the four star(remember 4*) at WDW area with icons of rest.;swimming;fitness;business;golf;tennis;laundry.

If your game, its a great price!
Connears

 

[CarolMN]

But don't buy an AP before you have a reservation with the AP rate. You don't need the AP in hand to make the reservation and there is no guarantee that an AP-discounted room will be available when you call.

Good luck!

 

[Miffy]

You also might want to consider buying a AAA membership if the room discount would make up for the cost. Can't hurt to check.

--miffy--

 

[diznee25]

Shall I accept the fact that I have to pay the rack rate?

As you can see from the previous posts, unless you stay at the Swan or Dolphin, or pay into a membership (AAA), or buy an annual pass, then yes. It looks like you'll have to pay rack rate to stay onsite.

Unfortunatly, Disney is getting away from room only codes, making it impossible for anyone to save on resort stay unless they use a package.

I wish you luck in figuring out your situation, and have a great trip!

Hope this helps,
Diznee25

 

[off2disney]

Buying a AAA membership might be the way to go - I didn' plan on it and made my reservations, then.....on a dark and rainy night.....late one night....leaving work....everyone else had left.....no one answered my call for help....I had a dreaded flat. Soaking wet, bruised knuckles (whoever designed these new jacks and mini handles???) I finally got it changed, came home, woke SO up (if I'm miserable, everybody is going to be miserable!). Long story short - I joined AAA online the next day. The added bonus is the discount on our room at Disney.

 

[laurabelle]

What kinds of discounts do you get through AAA?

 

[Kimberle]

Disney is running a special for your time. It's the mission space promo. I've seen the code in tons of papers.

Thought, it's only for the value resorts.

 

[JOELLE]

no discounts for me I have to pay rack rate for Dec 3 . I call just about every day.

 

[erikthewise]

Yes.
Was that gentle enough?

"There is always hope."
Aragon in "The Two Towers", before the battle of Helm's Deep

 

[Tigger Fans!]

Ok, so I'd like to go the second week of December. (Value rates, right?)

Yes, according to Birnbaum's WDW 2003, value rates apply Nov 2 - Dec 19 for all value and moderate resorts, WL, AKL and FWC.

Teacher's rate at the Dolphin for the second week of December is $129. When I called last they were NOT offering this rate on Dec 6-8 due to a convention.

What kinds of discounts do you get through AAA?

Here are the AAA rates I was quoted by CRO last month for the 2nd week of December:

*Value resorts: Regular rate $77+ tax regular rate
AAA rate $69 including tax
*Moderates: Regular rate $133 + tax
AAA rate $119 including tax
*Deluxe: AAA rate $189 including tax

I'm not sure what their availability would be now but you can always check!

TTFN!

 

[Jen D]

Ok, so I'd like to go the second week of December. (Value rates, right?) We dont' have AP's. We aren't Florida residents. We aren't members of AAA. This Dream Maker package doesn't seem like a great deal to me.

Winter Dream Maker is not as good as the Fairy Tale Package, but are you sure it is still not better than rack rate plus park hoppers? Didn't seem too bad to me. I'm just casually pricing, our trip isn't for 12 more months.

I guess it is a package world now for non-AP holders.