Budget Xmas Trip, 2005

[Julia M]

I can't believe we are even thinking about this (having just returned from WDW in August)

But, dh has appeared to agree to a WDW trip next December!!!!!! (just before Xmas)

Even though an annual pass is currently $400, I am thinking I may buy one, just for the discounts on the onsite lodging. I am thinking that being onsite would be especially importnat at a crowded time. (We've always stayed off site, having exchanged our timeshare)

Does anyone know when the AP discounts are out for December?

Are there other benefits to an annual pass?

Since we're a family of 5, it essentially eliminates value resorts, and most moderates. Our plan would likely be 1 day at AK, 2 days at EPCOT, and 1 1/2 days at MGM and MK. So I'm thinking we would maybe stay at 2 resorts.

Any suggestions on how to divide our stay?

Obviously, staying on site is dependent on good room rates...otherwise we're definitely off site (like a timeshare we can exchange)

Are we insane for even thinking Xmas? This may be our last chance, as ds will be in 8th grade. But we could probably pull him from school, as it's his first trimester grades that count for High School Admission. All he has to do in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters is maintain a decent average. My dd's 5th grade teacher will be flexible, I know, as will ds's 3rd grade teacher.

I love DL at Xmas, so I'd love to see WDW. We'd likely go December 17 (Sat., travel day from CA). Then return home the 23rd (having 5 days at WDW), or return home sometime after Xmas (spening Xmas at WDW).

Any thoughts about actually being at WDW over Xmas?

The airfare will run us $1000-$1500 (flying Southwest), lodging (well, who knows). I currently have a little over $500 on my Disney rewards card, and I can probably make it to $700 by next December. I also have $1000 saved in travelers checks. So that should pay our expenses.

Any thoughts??

Julia M

 

[hockey mom]

Ap discounts for December will most likely not come out until late September or October.

Other discounts include 10% off at world of Disney, free parking(if you stay offsite), discounts on mini-golf, and a few restaurant discounts but nothing to write home about.

We also have 5 and have been doing 2 rooms lately or renting points off a DVC member to stay in a 2 bedroom on Disney property.

We also are going mid december just to see the decorations and attend a Christmas party so no I don't think you are crazy to go at that time of year. We are not staying over Christmas because I would miss the snow to much.

 

[canwegosoon]

Julia, Here's a link to the current annual pass discounts www.allearsnet.com/pl/apass.htm#2004

Personally I would wait until the end of January to see what is going on with the My Way passes. You could save more money by not over paying for an annual pass. Lets see what becomes available with room discounts etc. The packages may or may not be the way to go. Although historically you have always done better by booking parts by yourself. If you are firm on your dates, and want to book go ahead, discounts can always be applied.

Most famlies with 5 seem to budget about $125 for food each day, but that can be lower or higher depending on your eating style, and family ages. We liked POR, but are staying at SSR and OKW. If you are going to be five, you need to stay at POR or one of the Deluxes, you can check out rooms on www.allearsnet.com Also you could consider renting points from DVC members to get a 2 BRM for at least part of your stay.

I also wanted to mention that my friend is exchanging her (Marriott) I believe for a room at the Swan.

Good Luck, but hang on for the changes that are coming out in a few days.

 

[MELSMICE]

Options for 5:

-2 rooms at a budget
-POR or 2 rooms at a moderate
-deluxe resort
-Fort Wilderness cabin
-renting points from a DVC member

-2 rooms will give you 2 baths
-A Fort Wilderness cabin sleeps 6, one bath, full kitchen which saves money on food & snacks
-renting points for a 2 bedroom unit from a DVC member will give you the most space. You'll have 2 baths & a full kitchen. They are the size of a condo (OKW rooms are the largest).

There are many options for accommodations, it is all dependent on what you are comfortable spending.

Good luck and have fun planning!

 

[CheapMom]

I just wanted to say that just before Christmas is such a great time to go. We just got back and there were no crowds, beautiful weather and the decorations were just enchanting. We stayed at ASMO for $55 per night.

 

[Julia M]

Well, I actually booked a room at the Poly for 10 nights, at $258 per night. DH really wants to stay here, and the rate for the Contemporary would be $207, which is a difference of about $575. This is with the AAA discount.

I am just so worried that the Poly won't live up to our expectations, and I'll be bummed I spent the money. (That's what comes from being frugal......I have trouble with those big numbers!!)

Julia

 

[MELSMICE]

I can't imagine you'd be disappointed with the Poly. It is a beautiful resort & has a great pool. Have fun!!!

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

10 days at the Poly at Christmastime sounds like heaven! You will not be disappointed. You may want to purchase an AP for those 10 days if they come out with discounted room rates (wait until they announce the AP code before buying the voucher). The discount could go a long way towards soothing your frugal conscience, AP rates for Dec 2004 were announced at the end of August. Good luck! You're going to LOVE WDW at Christmas!

 

[Julia M]

You may want to purchase an AP for those 10 days if they come out with discounted room rates (wait until they announce the AP code before buying the voucher). The discount could go a long way towards soothing your frugal conscience, AP rates for Dec 2004 were announced at the end of August. !

Will I be able to book the AP rate without currently holding the AP?

Believe it or not, after looking at the AP rates on Mousesavers, from this past year, I am thinking of trying to get a concierge rate of about $300 per night. I figure with three kids, and the craziness of Xmas, I might really like it.

We'll wait and see what's avaiable, though.

I am going to try and start giving Disney money each month, to help pay for the room. If I pay one night per month, I could have it paid off by next Xmas!

Julia

 

[aka-mad4themouse]

Will I be able to book the AP rate without currently holding the AP?
Julia

Yes, you can book the AP rate before you have an actual AP in your hands. You don't even need to have an AP voucher to book it. That's why it's always a good idea to wait until the AP codes are announced (if there are any) and secure the discounted rate before you spend the big bucks for that AP.

We did exactly that very thing last summer when we stayed at the BC concierge. It was wonderful! The kids loved the lounge and all the snacks they offered throughout the day. It was so convenient to stroll down the hall and get a quick breakfast before heading to the parks or grab a few cookies on the way back to the room before dinner. And having the concierge staff available to make your PSs for you will be a BIG plus when it comes to making those holiday meal reservations.

Good luck with your planning!