December 2005 Info, Code, Dining, & Special Package Watch! :)

[theostwalts]

We may have to move our reservations from 10/29/05 - 11/6/05. I am thinking about December so we could replace MNSSHP with the christmas party. How is the weather in Dec. Thanks........

 

[ScottNBecky]

the weather is hit and miss. usually 80 during the day and 50-60 at night. Dress accordingly. We went last december and there were 2 days where in the AM it was 30!

 

[cjsmom5]

We go every year in Dec. One day we are in shorts and swimming while the next day we are pulling out our mittens, hats, and mufflers, wishing we had long underwear. It can be both warm and cold. We pack for all types of weather. Since we are from the SW the cold there is a damp cold which feels much colder to us ... but one can never predict ... that is why we plan for weather from 10 degrees to 90 degrees and pack accordingly.

 

[J and R's mom]

How is the weather in Dec. Thanks........

Both times that I've been in early December (and the one time in late November) I've needed my shorts AND my warmer clothes. I learned to dress in layers. In the mornings it might be chilly (50's) but by mid afternoon it's in the 80s.

 

[PigletsPal]

Great thread. Thanks for all the information. I especially can't wait to find out more about the Candlelight Processional for 2005.

I am also, plus Fl Rest rate. Other wise I'm all set, just waiting for the months to pass.....

 

[JAndreu]

I am looking for discount /codes for Nov- 11-15 on moderate resorts and any dinning discounts .if you can help that would be great





Jackie

 

[tzuhouse]

We're in. We will be there 12/4 - 12/14. Have the room ressie made (POR), but really hoping for AP discount to come out soon. If it close to the historical rates, the room, tickets, etc. are completely paid for. If it's not or if there isn't an AP rate, I've still got paying to do.

We are going on the Family Magic Tour, MVMCP, possibly let the boys do the pirate cruise, etc.

Mary

 

[Ishy]

Best Rate for Dec 2-9 $305 for Beach Club! I'm really disappointed I thought it would be lower I may try AAA instead.

I would also explore renting from a dVC member.

 

[mdduckman]

Hello everyone! I just joined this board, and I too am planning a Disney Trip in December of this year. My family (wife and 4 year old daughter) is going with 2 other families (both have 2 children). One family is pretty set on staying at Saratoga Springs. The other is considering either renting points for a DVC, or staying at a moderate (most likely POFQ). I'm torn between where to stay. We were interested originally in Wilderness Lodge, but would also consider either Saratoga or POFQ. I'm nervous about the renting points concept, and have also considered going through eBay. And just reading this board, I have looked into AAA - don't know if that would be worth joining or not. I'm getting a quote, but I've seen someone say it's a 20% discount on the room.

Anyway, like everyone else, please let me know if you hear of any deals, esp. if they continue the free meal plan into December. Our planned dates (nothing booked yet) is December 1 to December 8 - Thursday to Thursday.

Thanks!!

Mort

 

[mom_rules]

$305 does sound high-we check in on the 9th and our best rate is $224 before taxes. Is this price for a waterview room?

 

[Luthien]

We'll be there in December too! We (me, DH, DS 11, DD 6 and DD 4) will be at the YC from November 27 - December 7! MVMCP Nov. 29 and CP Dec. 6. We can't wait - this will be our third early December at the YC since 2000. Right now we're paying rack rate (yuck) but hoping for something to come up!

Cheers
~Luthien

 

[J and R's mom]

Hello everyone! I just joined this board, and I too am planning a Disney Trip in December of this year. My family (wife and 4 year old daughter) is going with 2 other families (both have 2 children). One family is pretty set on staying at Saratoga Springs. The other is considering either renting points for a DVC, or staying at a moderate (most likely POFQ). I'm torn between where to stay. We were interested originally in Wilderness Lodge, but would also consider either Saratoga or POFQ. I'm nervous about the renting points concept, and have also considered going through eBay. And just reading this board, I have looked into AAA - don't know if that would be worth joining or not. I'm getting a quote, but I've seen someone say it's a 20% discount on the room.

Anyway, like everyone else, please let me know if you hear of any deals, esp. if they continue the free meal plan into December. Our planned dates (nothing booked yet) is December 1 to December 8 - Thursday to Thursday.

Thanks!!

Mort

How exciting! I bet you guys are all thrilled!

Although I've never rented DVC points, I hear that it's pretty easy. Please be sure to visit the DVC DIS boards (there's also one for renting points) and ask some questions there as well (if you haven't already). I will caution you, though, that the DVC resorts tend to book up fast during the first two weeks of Dec because that's when most DVC members like to go.

I just called to check for you and there is no availability at any DVC resort for any of the room types for the week that you're wanting. They did say that they have rooms through the 4th but not all the way through the 8th. What you could do is go to the rent boards and work something out someone renting out points and they can put you on a waitlist. It's very probable that the waitlist will come through. It's hard to beat DVC accomodations. They will spoil you. A regular hotel room at ANY of the hotels on property will never look the same after staying in a villa.

If you do decide to rent points remember that it's MUCH CHEAPER to rent points for DVC resorts than it is to pay cash for those rooms! Also, you'll probably find a better deal renting points from the DIS DVC boards than you will on eBay.

If you decide against renting points, though, WL is GREAT(as long as you like the outdoorsy motiff), and is BEAUTIFUL during the holidays. It's one of my favorite resorts! (They have DVC Villas there as well).

Either way, have an awesome trip!

 

[sanke]

Try AAA. We got November 29th -December 6th for $249.00 a night.

Hi,
I'm wondering about the AAA discount. Yours sounds way better than the one we got, does AAA vary from state to state? We're booked at WL for Dec 11-16, rate $216/night for 3 people. It figures out to save $158 total, does that sound right?
Thanks for the help!

 

[mom_rules]

3 adults @ WL Dec 11-16 is $279.99 rack rate (before taxes).
The AP Best rate shows as $210 per night before taxes-your AAA
rate looks pretty good @$216. Isn't that about 30% (my math skills aren't
the greatest so feel free to correct me)?

 

[sanke]

Thanks for the reply, I was just figuring the per night savings. WDW reservations quoted me $224/night rack rate for the WL on Dec 11-16, a standard view. We're in good shape I think w/AAA, are still hoping for the free dining to be extended.
Thanks!

 

[Sezza]

Hi everyone. Another newbie here. Great thread by the way, thanks for all the helpful links etc.

We are visiting WDW from 15th - 20th Dec. That's myself, Sarah, DH, DS (5) and DS (10 months) and are currently booked in at the Sheraton Safari. We're considering cancelling this with our TA and booking POR. We do have AP's so could really use one of these AP rates (getting the abbreviations slowly but surely). Not sure whether to book one of the Best Rates now - only says 10 days max so would I have to make 2 bookings? Also, if I booked this "Best Rate" and AP rates come out at a later date am I stuck with the higher price? Rang disney direct but they weren't very helpful. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My head is ready to explode.

 

[RachelTori]

Hi everyone. Another newbie here. Great thread by the way, thanks for all the helpful links etc.

We are visiting WDW from 15th - 20th Dec. That's myself, Sarah, DH, DS (5) and DS (10 months) and are currently booked in at the Sheraton Safari. We're considering cancelling this with our TA and booking POR. We do have AP's so could really use one of these AP rates (getting the abbreviations slowly but surely). Not sure whether to book one of the Best Rates now - only says 10 days max so would I have to make 2 bookings? Also, if I booked this "Best Rate" and AP rates come out at a later date am I stuck with the higher price? Rang disney direct but they weren't very helpful. Any help would be greatly appreciated. My head is ready to explode.

Hi, Sarah!

Once you book Best Rate, you are stuck with it - you will lose your one night's deposit if you cancel. Not sure at this point "if" AP's will come out, we're sure hoping they will though!

Yes, 10 days is the max so you would have to do some creative booking. Might there be a TA you could work with who can give you some guidance? Dreams Unlimited is one I would recommend and I know that at least one of the TA's lives in the U.K.!!

Good luck with your planning. I think you'll be happier staying on property rather than off.

 

[Sezza]

Thanks Laura.

I've just asked Dreams Ulimited for a quote, so fingers crossed and hoping I'll get some sleep tonight lol.

 

[jrogers345]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this board. Not familiar with these specials that come available. I did see the free dining one and told my sister about it who already had reserv. made for end of Sept/beginning of Oct with dining plan. She called up and after a while was able to get the free dining which saves her around $600!

Now I'm not going in Dec. Going right before Thanksgiving, Nov. 18-22. Hoping that there will be a special for that time announced in the future and can call up and get it. Any chance of that happening?

Also, been seeing that some people get free upgrades on their room. How does that happen?

Thanks,
Janice

 

[RachelTori]

Hi everyone. I'm new to this board. Not familiar with these specials that come available. I did see the free dining one and told my sister about it who already had reserv. made for end of Sept/beginning of Oct with dining plan. She called up and after a while was able to get the free dining which saves her around $600!

Now I'm not going in Dec. Going right before Thanksgiving, Nov. 18-22. Hoping that there will be a special for that time announced in the future and can call up and get it. Any chance of that happening?

Also, been seeing that some people get free upgrades on their room. How does that happen?

Thanks,
Janice

Hi, Janice!

Can't help you with the discounts - those have gotten complicated lately. All I can suggest is: keep checking these boards because if things become available, you WILL hear about it on Disboards!! Also, keep AAA in mind - if nothing else, you can usually get a discounted room or package that way.

The best way to get a free upgrade on your room is simply to ask nicely at check-in. Often depends on when you go too. You're much more likely to get an upgrade if you travel in a non-peak time. But *Magic* can happen anytime!

HTH