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

[Wendy*Darling]

Was that $238 a night for AKL?

Yes, it's AKL Concierge.

 

[PIRATEGIRL007]

I would love to have your TA, too. That is a fantastic deal. Much better than BR that I got.

 

[sanke]

Hi everyone,

I hate to say it, but our family of 6 is now looking for a place to stay that's off-property. If there were discounts or free dining, I could justify spending the extra and staying at Disney. But without the discounts, I know I can get a cheaper hotel room/suite (and not have to get 2 rooms) offsite. And we'd be able to each much cheaper off-site, too, so we may as well be sleeping off-site, too. Sigh... I hope things change, but as of right now, we're looking! Any suggestions?

We stayed at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Family Resort, a few years ago. It was nice, included breakfast buffet, and had a separate kid's room. Our daughter was so excited w/her room, bunk beds, Nintendo, TV and a jungle theme. You might check them out. With gas still going up we've moved from the WL to CSR, hope I can stay in the budget!

 

[luvindisneyworld]

Wendy I sent you a PM.

 

[budbeerlady]

bump up!

 

[orzecap]

Wendy*Darling,
Could you please forward us the TA you are using for your Disney trip? I read your post and our family is planning on going in December.

I really appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Rosie and Tony

 

[PrincessMo]

yes, Wendy Darling I would like that info as well. I am having my wedding in WDW this year and could use that help for me & my guests.

Thanks!!

Have A Disney Day!!!

 

[goodeats]

I'm still holding out for free dining, but how long should I wait to buy tickets? I have my AAA discount on a room only, so the only way I would go with a package is if they offered free dining. If they don't I will buy tickets from Ticketmania or Maple leaf. How long does that take? What happens if they do offer free dining, am I stuck with the tickets? I guess I could save them for next time! I'm thinking of waiting until November 1st to order tickets. What do you think?

 

[mom_rules]

Ticketmania took 14 days to get our tickets to us. Not sure, but maybe they would express post them or have resort pickup.

 

[100AcreWood]

I ordered my tickets on tickmania and it took 7 days!

So I would think a month out is reasonable.

 

[The6ofUs]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to update. I found a very good rate at an offsite hotel that could accomodate our family of 6 for just a little bit more than what I would pay for only one room at the value resorts during value season (and we'd have to get two rooms due to our family size). I'm pretty certain we're going to stay there instead. Even if we were to get the new postcard code going around (for $49/night for value resorts), this offsite hotel would still be less expensive. It gets great reviews for cleanliness and service, and they also offer shuttle service to the parks.

If Disney offers free dining, we may decide to switch back, though, so I'll still be around!

 

[Mom+4]

We too are a family of 6. What offsite option have you found that is cheaper than one room at a value? I'd be very interested to know, as we are hoping to go in December too.

 

[MinnieMouseMom]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted to update. I found a very good rate at an offsite hotel that could accomodate our family of 6 for just a little bit more than what I would pay for only one room at the value resorts during value season (and we'd have to get two rooms due to our family size). I'm pretty certain we're going to stay there instead. Even if we were to get the new postcard code going around (for $49/night for value resorts), this offsite hotel would still be less expensive. It gets great reviews for cleanliness and service, and they also offer shuttle service to the parks.

If Disney offers free dining, we may decide to switch back, though, so I'll still be around!

There's a postcard rate for Value Resorts? Oooh, I hope I get one. I've gotten them in the past, but never used them, so I hope they will still send me one.

 

[The6ofUs]

We too are a family of 6. What offsite option have you found that is cheaper than one room at a value? I'd be very interested to know, as we are hoping to go in December too.

It's Buena Vista Suites and it's almost as cheap as one value room at Disney, plus they offer a full American breakfast buffet free for everyone in your family. (With the free breakfast, it works out to be cheaper than the values, actually). The reservations person listed everything the buffet includes and it's indeed a full breakfast with cooked-to-order eggs, bacon, saugage, pancakes, coffee, other drinks, etc... she listed a lot.

The MouseSavers.com rate is $89 per night for most of Decemeber. Here's the url that describes the hotel and the suites: http://www.mousesavers.com/buenavistasuites.html You would want to get the room with two queens instead of one king, because the king suite sleeps only 4. They also offer free shuttle service to all the parks. I've read great reviews of the hotel and service at MouseSavers.com and at these message boards.

I've already made my reservations. They don't charge your credit card until you arrive, and as long as you cancel before 48 hours there's no penalty.

I hope this helps!

 

[The6ofUs]

There's a postcard rate for Value Resorts? Oooh, I hope I get one. I've gotten them in the past, but never used them, so I hope they will still send me one.

Yes, I've heard that people are starting to get them in the mail.

 

[bigmac5]

We too are a family of 6. What offsite option have you found that is cheaper than one room at a value? I'd be very interested to know, as we are hoping to go in December too.

A family of six would need two rooms at Values. We were 5 and had to get 2 rooms

 

[A Mickeyfan]

We too are a family of 6. What offsite option have you found that is cheaper than one room at a value? I'd be very interested to know, as we are hoping to go in December too.

How old are your children? Unless 2 of them are under 3, you will need 2 rooms in a value & if 1 is under 3 you can get one room in any of the deluxe's that sleep 5 or PO-R. As far as staying offsite, if you are staying 7 nights, you can use SkyAuction & bid for a condo..you can get really great deals....

 

[HulaHoop]

Yes, it's AKL Concierge.

Could you please give me the name of your TA? It's probably too late now, but I'd like to try forthat terrific rate. I'm booked now at AKL for Dec. 19-26.

 

[Timon71]

Wendy,
I could REALLY use your help. My entire family is going with us to WDW this December, in-laws to. Everyone has a reservation, except for in-laws. They aren't big Disney fans like my family. Could you possibly get the information for a nice rate at either the POLY or AKL Conc for them. They are deluxe resort individuals that aren't used to Disney prices and the entire process has my wife alittle upset.
I just want my wife to relax and have fun. This is our first trip to WDW with our DD, she just turned 18 months. We are staying @ GF. The rest of my family is staying at the BC, WL, & POR.

Thanks in advance for all your help,
Jay,Monica, & Alexis Angoff
Sunset Pointe Wedding
10-29-02

Alexis's 1st trip to disney
12/2/05---12/11/05

 

[Laurin612]

I don't think you're going to get super cheap rates at AKL or the Polynesian at any time, even if it is technically "value season"! If your in-laws are not crazy about staying at a Disney resort anyway, why not have them check out bidding on either a resort or 4 star hotel in the WDW area at priceline dot com? They can get a really nice hotel room for 1/3 of what they would pay at either of the Disney resorts you mentioned. Caveat: Before bidding, you should always check biddingfortravel dot com. Excellent tips there!