Desperate Room Help

[KJMAX1]

My husband, three children (7,4,2) myself, and my sister, and her son who will be 14 will all be going end of July. My husband has to work a week so we will be getting a suite by Universal. However, we will be spending most of our time at WDW. We have decided about a 5 night stay would be enough. We are on a budget, and we do have a 50% off stay coupon for Swan and Dolphin from a trip at a Westin we took to Hawaii. We have stayed at the WL and CBR, however we are willing to try a Value.

So do we use AAA, or purchase an AP, or do we use our 50% off? I am so confused since things have changed. Also if someone would be really kind and explain the new way the APs work I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks!

 

[janets]

about the APs.

If you purchase an AP, you know that you're entitled to unlimited entrance to the parks for a 1 year period (with the Premium AP, that includes the water parks as well).

Also, you would be entitled to some perks, such as free parking at the parks, some discounts at different restaurants, certain passholder things like that. Also, you would be eligible to take advantage of the Best Rate Program, which is the current room discount program.

Right now, I believe that the discounts are only out through some time in April. When (or if) the extend them to later in the year, you would be able to reserve room only at a discounted rate (I'm sorry at this time that I can't give you a discount amount since they have lowered the savings since last year). Since you have 3 adults and 3 children (the little one under 3 doesn't count), you'd definitely need 2 rooms.

However, be aware that if you wanted to purchase the dining plan, you need to book a package (that includes room and tickets for everyone in your party). That means that you can't use the Best Rate room discount.

Everyone generally agrees that you should consider purchasing an AP if you feel that you will have enough visits in a year to make it worthwhile for you, and the extra perks are just that, extra.

If you choose to stay at the Swan/Dolphin, be aware that it does not participate in the MYW Dining Plan, since they are not technically WDW hotels. Of course, your room savings might be enough over another WDW hotel to make it worth your while to pay for our dining OOP.

I'm sure others will be able to give you some comparison rates to work with.

 

[JayCT]

I looked online and found that the Dolphin has rooms starting at $189 per night in late July. With your 50% discount, the rate would be about $95 per night. That is a pretty good rate for a deluxe hotel. AAA only gives you a 20% discount on a Moderate or Value. I would defintiely consider the Dolphin or Swan. You need to look at each rate for the dates you are going and see which is best. Good luck. Jay

 

[KJMAX1]

OK, when we went last time we got a really bad flu and have some days leftover on our tickets, we arent sure how many because at the time it wasnt a big deal like it is now to use those days. I believe one ticket has 3 days and another has 2 days, plus a ton of days for the water parks and DisneyQuest. Do I have to be at a park to check those tickets to see what is left?


Also, we are willing to stay in Downtown Disney as well to make it more affordable. What are the better hotels? My husbands company has its HQs in Orlando so he is there often. I thought if someone were to get an AP it would be him because he is down there more than me and the kids. How much is parking, and do they generally give an AP discount on rooms in July? If not I probably should look into AAA is my guess.


Thanks!

 

[Trena]

Yes, you do have to be at a park or Disney resort at Guest Services to check how many left over days are on the tickets. I bet they could also check it for you at Downtown Disney Guest Services.

Since you already have some old tickets to use (with water park days), it might be worthwhile (cheaper) to stay at the Swan or Dolphin..than a package deal on site. That way you wouldn't be paying for theme park admission on a day you could use the old tickets for a water park.

We have stayed at the Doubletree Suites in Downtown Disney. That would have more room for a family of 5 than the value resorts. You can only have 5 people in a value room if the baby is 2 or under and sleeps in a crib.

If you still have questions about tickets, try this link and see if it helps:
http://allearsnet.com/pl/ticket.htm

I think parking is $8 a day. You pay once and can park at any of the 4 parks for the day.

July is a peak time of year and discounts are a little harder to get than in the off season. (Call and make sure your 50% the Swan is valid during that time of year.)

hope that helps some and doesn't confuse you more.

 

[CarolA]

Also, lots of those 50% deals are only good on "rack rate" so be sure you understand what you are getting!