CBR or POFQ and other questions from this newbie...

[NJDisneymom]

new to this board, not really new to Disney but would like some input.

Last trip was easy, got the 7 nights for price of 4 deal, everyone said it was a great deal so we jumped on it and had our first family trip, stayed at the CBR and loved it. Now we are hooked and dying to go back but I'm doing a lot more research on prices, etc. So, my questions are...

Do most people book at rack rate and when discount codes come out can you get them applied to your reservation? Is this different if you book a package (room + tickets, maybe dining plan)?

Has anyone used Magical Journeys or would it be better to book it all myself thru disney? Is it better to call than use the website? I read alittle bit about people calling and their being discounts available in their name already, how do you get that?

We loved CBR but would like to try another moderate. They all seem a tiny bit less geared towards children than the CBR though. Is the POFQ more for adults/couples, the pool looks great for kids but the rest of the decor seems alittle more "grown up". Any input on which is best (our kids will be 2 & 5).

Any other advice on resorts or booking would be super helpful!!! Thanks!!

 

[cjsmom5]

Welcome ...I'm sure you will find lots of good info here...

We have booked ourselves, have used Dreams Unlimited (web-based travel agent) and are now using an agency that specializes only in Disney Vacations. Have used them for the past three years and find them absolutely wonderful. If you would like you can send me a private message and I will provide you with a phone number, email address, and travel agent name that has saved me tons over the past three years.

How we do it is we book whatever room we want, when we are ready. Then the TA watches for discounts and codes. We have AAA and have annual passes. For our Nov/Dec vacation we book in January. Typically we see two to three rate drops before we see a final AP rate. Each time she just does it and then emails us about our savings. Pretty easy. Now we are typcially doing room only so we don't do the packages.

However, the same TA has booked packages for us ... and when we did it also worked out great. The agent will ask you about what your needs are and the type of vacation you want to have and then can work with you to find the best type of deal for you.

I have booked through Disney before but found that the service I got was much better through an outside agency that specializes in Disney. They are much more willing to work with you and find deals for you ... less of a production line type of feeling that I got through Disney.

We have stayed at the POFQ since it was opened on a yearly basis. Our DS is now 6 and he has been there 8 times in his six years. We LOVE this resort. The playground there is perfect for your kids ages. Isn't too big and has the "soft" ground under it. The pool is fabulous and very much geared towards kids. The resort itself is also fun. The foodcourt has madigras masks hanging from the ceiling and all types of different things that are colorful and kids love them. There is a TV playing disney movies in the food court area.

The resort itself is quite a bit smaller than your other resorts. It is very compact and great for young kids as it isn't quite so big in terms of getting to your room. We really like bldg. 5 it is central but there isn't a "bad" walk in the whole resort. Plus, the bus stop...there is only one...you share a bus with Riverside but the POFQ stop is first on ... and first off ...which is nice at night.

We are headed back there in six weeks and my six year old is quite excited. (We were just there for a couple days in Nov/Dec before moving to AKL and it was a hit then, too.). The service was good. Housekeeping did a good job. They just remodeled so the rooms are fresh and up to date. There is now a fridge and coffee in the rooms along with a hairdryer. All nice updgrades from before. We really like this resort and next to Animal Kingdom (which is a whole different experience) it is our favorite.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

I have used Dreams Unlimited in the past, but for my past few trips have used Dream Come True Vacations - they both have saved me quite a bit of money, and service has been excellent.

 

[CarolinaBlue]

Welcome! We are using Magical Journeys for the first time for our Dec. 05 trip. I have AAA so Melissa booked a room only with a AAA discount and then she will watch for a better discount. If you choose to book the trip yourself, it is better to call then book online because if you book online and then a discount code comes out, you will have to call to have it applied and they will have to cancel the online ressie and make a new one. This was the experience that I had last year. We are staying at POFQ for the first time and are really excited!

 

[cjsmom5]

NJDisneymom

Sent you a private message with some info in it. Just wanted to let you know.

 

[NJDisneymom]

thank you all. I had no idea you could get the discounts AFTER you book until I started reading this board. You guys are the greatest!!!!

Thank you Debbie for the info. I will give them a call on Tuesday!!

I'm so glad to hear that POFQ will be good for the kids. I stayed there when it first opened as part of the "big red boat" cruise but I was quite a bit younger and was there with an old boyfriend so paid no attention to how it would be for kids, LOL!!!!

 

[cjsmom5]

If your 5 yr old likes to fish ... you can go to the POR and they have a "Huck Finn" type of fishing. You rent the poles ... they give you the bait ... and the kids can throw the line in the water and perhaps catch a few. Luckily it is catch and release.

Also, the slide at the POFQ is perfect for younger kids... a little shorter and not fast at all. Ours loved it at age 4 and above ... of course he is a fish in water.

And, don't forget to take the boat to Downtown Disney. It is a nice ride and typically a good experience for the kids. Plus, once you get to downtown disney it is fun for them also, especially if it isn't crowded.