Confused...need help please?

[EricOSU]

Hello all,

So I've been browsing through disney website after disney website and forum after forum and have been trying to find the absolute best deal on a vacation to wdw. I was a CP back in 2004-05 (typhoon lagoon and epcot) and would love to take my girlfriend to the parks because she has never been. However, I am now a recent college grad and as most college grads know...also broke. However, I am saving up and I believe I may be able to go early September. Exact dates perhaps could be 09/05 - 09/12. Obviously on my budget it looks like Pop Century or an All Star resort is the best bet. But what is a way I could get the absolute best deal? I've found 7 day park hoppers for $248, and Expedia has the room rates for $69/night plus $11.80/night taxes. Is that the best? I'm also flying in from Oregon so airline tickets are going to run about $240/each. But if anyone could please help me out that would be amazing! I'm hoping to get ahold of a few friends and see if anyones still working there...but I don't know how likely that would be. Thanks to everyone who assists me! Take care!

Eric

(Edit: I also have AAA if that helps any?)

 

[SnoopyDancer]

Since you have AAA, I would call them to see what the lowest package they can offer you is. Tell them you want quotes with and without airfare. Then call Disney and see how it compares. Remember when you call Disney if the person you are talking to is not helpful, call back because you will probably get someone else. I read somewhere that Disney can give you a AAA discount, but there is one particular discount you can only get by booking through AAA--that's why I think it is best to call both places.

Also, if you or your girlfriend is a teacher or government worker, let them know when you book. You may get a discount.

 

[cjnix29]

Mousesavers.com always has the insight on good deals. They have some info on tickets, etc. I am sure you are aware that it is almost always cheaper to stay offsite, but there are trade offs there too. Good luck!!

 

[beth_cam]

Rack rate for a value is 82, so the deal you found is the current special giving $13 off per night you can get this yourself if there is anything left through the disneyworld.com or through any travel agent. AAA will do slightly better for you since they will save about 16 per night. Unfortunately it is getting rather close to that date and the rooms especially discounted rooms are going fast.

Some people really do enjoy the hopper feature, but for us with a week long vacation, that is enough days to visit each park once with 3 days to revisit, so why hop? But I know many others have perfectly valid reasons for why to hop. Anyway Not getting hoppers will save you about $90. You can save some by purchasing your tickets through a place like undercovertourist.com and even a couple of dollars more more by using the link in the free newsletter from mousesavers.com. Remember the prices you see on the site already include taxes/shipping and handling so even though they may look the same or slightly higher than Disney they to come out less in the end. However is you want to purchase a package, you have to get your tickets with your reservation.

The Dining plan - it is a good money saver for some if they are going to eat those kinds of meals anyway. We love it and won't go without it. The cost for 2 adults per day is $78. It will cost you about that much if not much more for most sit down table service dinners at Disney. So check it out and see if it will help you save money. Check out the menu's and prices
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/dining/diningmain.cfm

Airfare - where are you flying from? Do you mind driving to another airport?

Are you renting a car to use while you are there? Disney transportation can do it all for you if you don't need one.