College Student needs help, Please!

[bizwiz24]

Hi everyone,

I am a college student that needs help. I have a Walt Disney trip planned for July 22 - August 1 with my girlfriend and her family, one day each way will be spent driving from Chicago. I am trying to save as much money as possible.

Ok, about two weeks ago Budget gave me a rate of $415.00 for 10 days on a Ford Escape SUV. Today I checked back and now it's $345.00 for 10 days. Does anyone think the price will drop further or should I take advantage now before it jumps back up. Any advice wil greatly appreciated.

Oh yes, I also chose the Hyatt Grand Cypress over the Disney Caribbean Beach Resort. Does anyone think this was a good choice?

Everyone have a great day!

 

[betterlatethannever]

Make the reservation now. If the price drops further, make a new reservation and (after makeing the new ressie) cancel the old one.

It happens all the time. Last year my 10 day reservation for May initally was over $400 when I made it in February. The final cost (after about three new ressies) was $168.

Ed

 

[Battleship Bob]

Hi bizwiz24,

I would go ahead and reserve the $345 deal and then cancel the $415 reservation. Then keep checking every few days or hours and if it goes down again do the same thing.

Go to mousesavers.com for discount codes, etc. that could drop your rate even further in the future.

I personally haven't stayed at either resort but I would probably opt for CBR just for the convienience of Disney on-site transportation (free buses & monorail for guests). Mind you I'm not trying to bad-mouth Hyatt but if you're looking to impress the future??? in-laws..........you can't beat Disney.

Good luck
Bob

 

[safetymom]

I agree with the other advise. I would recommend CBR because it is on property and so much closer to everything. CBR feels like you have escaped to the islands.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Are you planning to drive the rental SUV back and forth from Chicago? If so, it might be very good to check with the rental company to make sure they know that you are taking the vehicle out of state.

That is quite a trip to make in one day, isn't it?

 

[bizwiz24]

Thank you everyone for your comments. I will take everything into consideration, and it does sound good to book now just in case. After all, their policy is I can cancel prior to 24 hours from the day I leave.

I have also called Budget and they said it isn't going to be problem taking the car out of state. Good thing I called first.

Once again, Thank You everyone!

 

[Lewisc]

Hyatt Grand Cypress is generally expensive. You mentioned you're trying to save money. What rate are you being charged?

Make sure you have unlimited mileage. Some agencies don't give you unlimited mileage when you're driving out of state.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Just to complete the questions you had, you chose the Hyatt Grand Cypress over the CBR onsite. What were the reasons that you decided to go this route on lodging? Both are very nice but quite different. The Hyatt is fairly expensive and you said you were trying to save money.

Also, isn't this a 20 to 22 hour trip driving? Do you have multiple drivers to do this straight through?

 

[pumpkinboy]

Go to mousesavers.com for discount codes, etc. that could drop your rate even further in the future...
I would probably opt for CBR just for the convienience of Disney on-site transportation (free buses & monorail for guests). Mind you I'm not trying to bad-mouth Hyatt but if you're looking to impress the future??? in-laws..........you can't beat Disney.

Battleship Bob is right on here. Check www.mousesavers.com first: you can often get good deals at Animal Kingdom Lodge, our favorite hotel ever and sure to impress the future in-laws. You might also look for the section wherre they talk about renting timeshare points to stay on site. The DVC rent/ trade site is right here on the disboards (29), and you could stay at the Boardwalk or some equally elegant DVC resort on-site that way (depending on availability of course).

I also concur about the advantages of being on-site (i.e. in a Disney hotel). The boats, monorails and buses beat having to drive, fight traffic, park and only then get to the parks. You'll be tired of driving by then anyway.

Good luck. I hope you get something really nice.

 

[bizwiz24]

I agree that the Hyatt is extremely expensive, but the biggest reason I chose it over CBR is because I received an $80 per night rate. That is unbeatable for a resort that is ranked as one of the best in the country, let alone Orlando. Besides, the people I am traveling with are first-timers. They already made it clear they have no intentions on spending much time at a hotel. Perhaps on a future trip I will indulge myself with one of Disney's Deluxe Resorts.

To answer another person's question, I will be driving with my girlfriend, her mother, and her two siblings (age 10 & 3). Although it is a 20 hour drive, I will have plenty of support.

Thank You everyone!

 

[WDWisTheBest]

That is a great rate. No wonder that you chose the Hyatt. Is the room going to be large enough for 5 people? I assume you have checked that out already.

Enjoy the trip.