Conventions at WDW

[IDreamofPoly]

Good morning! Has anybody booked rooms at WDW for a convention? I am going to a convention while we are there, but I booked directly through Disney so we could get a CL room (not included for conventioners) since I will be in meetings in the morning and DH can have a nice place to eat breakfast and take DS.

I just can't let go, in my head, of the wonderful convention rate vs rack rate that we are currently booked for. I keep waiting for public pins, but not sure if they will come. Are there any disadvantages to booking with a convention? I know the other downside is that I won't be able to book a dining plan if we stay convention. Do you think it's okay to book convention rate if I am bringing my family (DH & DS) and going to the parks in the afternoon?

 

[buzznina]

Like you mentioned, the downside to convention rates is you cannot add the dining plan or upgrade to CL. I learned that conventions are usually not happy when people do not use their convention rates because they have a contract with the resort for a certain number of rooms and if they do not hit their minimum number of rooms they pay a fee. But there has been a few times that the discounted AP rate was cheaper then the convention rate and in this day and age, you try to save whatever you can.

 

[goteamSy]

When we went during a convention, my husband's company paid for everything. While we couldn't add dining (for me at least since his meals were paid for) or get a special room, we essentially stayed for free. Very worth it. Do without CL and get the good rate!

 

[goofy4tink]

My dh has stayed at the YC for a convention. It worked very well. And, he was able to get discounted passes. I don't really think the ddp is all that terrific anyway. I would just pay oop for dining. I would recommend booking through the convention. There are plenty of places that your family can have a nice breakfast in while you're in meetings.
What resort would you be booked at?

 

[IDreamofPoly]

We are staying at the GF in October because of the convention. I figured it would be the most convenient to be staying where the meetings are held. The conventioners rate is like $300/night lower than rack rate. Now that I think of this, it's kinda like a no-brainer.

 

[vinotinto]

What is the convention rate and what is the rack rate? And what is the cancellation policy with the conference rate (in case the room discount is better)? We've gotten GP room discounts in October of 30%, but we've had black-out dates where we've had to pay rack.

 

[Sadie22]

What is the convention rate and what is the rack rate? And what is the cancellation policy with the conference rate (in case the room discount is better)? We've gotten GP room discounts in October of 30%, but we've had black-out dates where we've had to pay rack.

AFAIK convention rates vary because they are arranged by contract between Disney and the group holding the convention. We were able to stay in a nice tower room at the Contemporary last trip at a convention rate. That spoiled me.

 

[melissafox18]

I recently booked my boss' trip in October at BC and it was about 40% off rack rate for the time. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw what the convention rate was. I was impressed with the discount!

 

[WendyWuWu]

I've attended conventions at YC the last two Decembers. I stayed for about $170/night! I thought it was well worth using the convention rate. As far as resort tickets, we chose the regular park hopper "all day" tickets rather than the ones after 2 or 4pm, but they were still at a reduced price. I recommend taking the convention rate and paying OOP for meals. I compared DDP with what we paid OOP for our meals, and we actually came out ahead paying OOP.

 

[WisconsinDad]

I know it is technically not a WDW operated resort but I've booked the Dolphin for a convention. I got an excellent rate and I didn't find any disadvantages to booking through the convention. Also, regarding bringing your family, I think WDW expects many folks to bring family even if they are there for a convention. At the convention I was at, I saw many there for the convention with there families.

Regarding the CL, I am assuming it is much more costly to book CL through Disney than book the convention rate. I'm sure your DH could take your DS out for a nice breakfast that would be much less expensive than the price difference. I realize there are other advantages to CL but I've just never been able to justify the cost.

 

[CarrieR]

My roommate had the opportunity to attend a convention at YC this past Feb... we paid $199 while rates were above $600/night. Considering it would have cost $189 to stay at a value that same weekend (and we are value people) I cannot think of any complaints.

With whatever you save by not booking CL, you can send your DH & DS to get a nice TS breakfast at the resort each morning and STILL come out ahead. I actually love Captain's Grille and they have a great breakfast, if you're at the YC or BC.

The only negative I can see is that now we're extra spoiled and I've been hinting around that perhaps she should attend that convention again...