Discounts ever at FW Campground?

[tinkerdorabelle]

Trying to plan trip to stay onsite at Fort Wilderness Campground late winter early spring in a camper van. There are good discounts going on at the resorts, however, none at the campgrounds. My question, why no discounts at the FW Campground? Seems on looking into this there are never any? This is our first trip to campground having stayed at moderates yrs back but now with our little yorkie and now inheriting my mom's dog on her passing, we really want to drive down and stay in the campgrounds. Even the lowest level eating plan would like to do. The campsites are not cheap. In fact, they are going to cost around what we paid for at a moderate last time we were there. Thanks all!

 

[KonaKaiTom]

The campsites are 85 per night, we are paying 235 per night for a cabin, but we did get free dining. Did you really get a moderate for 85? When we stayed at CBR last October we paid 185 per night and got no meal plan for that price.

Tom

 

[Lynne M]

Disney only offers discounts on accommodations when they need to - in other words, if the campsites are booking up without a discount, there's no business justification for them to offer a discount.

The same goes for all of their resorts. That's why you'll see discount codes that exclude certain resorts or room types.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

Disney only offers discounts on accommodations when they need to - in other words, if the campsites are booking up without a discount, there's no business justification for them to offer a discount.

The same goes for all of their resorts. That's why you'll see discount codes that exclude certain resorts or room types.

It is all about supply and demand. Their business model and staffing requirements mean that they must maintain a certain level of occupancy in each hotel, and as time starts to go by, they start doing what they have to in order to fill the hotel. Note you will never see advertising for periods around the holidays, nor spring breaks -- but right about now you will see all kinds of ads for the deal I got, "Stay, Play and Dine" because in February, they aren't yet over 90% occupied so they will fill the rooms. And, there is no guarantee when you book that you will get the discount -- there are only a certain number of rooms at only certain resorts -- some resorts are popular enough that you won't see any discounts at all.

Tom

 

[staceyrhood]

Very rarely... In the 16 times we have stayed at FW in the past 18 months, we have got a discount (fl resident) only once. The campground is very popular and fills up often.

 

[DebbieB]

Now that campsites are being used as "throwaway rooms", you'll be lucky to get a reservation.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Disney only offers discounts on accommodations when they need to - in other words, if the campsites are booking up without a discount, there's no business justification for them to offer a discount.

The same goes for all of their resorts. That's why you'll see discount codes that exclude certain resorts or room types.

The late winter discounts i believe include ALL the resorts.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

The late winter discounts i believe include ALL the resorts.

It might seem that way, but no -- when you check where there are rooms available some resorts won't have any type of room available. It is all about them filling the space that isn't completely booked.

When I booked my February Stay Play and Dine, there were no rooms available at Poly, CR and only Lagoon View at GF.

Tom

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

The campsites are 85 per night, we are paying 235 per night for a cabin, but we did get free dining. Did you really get a moderate for 85? When we stayed at CBR last October we paid 185 per night and got no meal plan for that price.

Tom

NOT $85 I wish. I believe u mean a tent site during a lower season. I need sewer also I am not in a tent. Sites I'm looking at are $135 to $140 a night and yes i have gotten mods at that price and better in the past. Plus mods are offering meal plans etc. and ALL resorts have specials going on except campground.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Now that campsites are being used as "throwaway rooms", you'll be lucky to get a reservation.

What does that mean throw away room? This is our first time to campground. We are not tenting.

 

[KonaKaiTom]

NOT $85 I wish. I believe u mean a tent site during a lower season. I need sewer also I am not in a tent. Sites I'm looking at are $135 to $140 a night and yes i have gotten mods at that price and better in the past. Plus mods are offering meal plans etc. and ALL resorts have specials going on except campground.

Wow, I didn't know there was a diffence on campsites -- and having a dog that I hate to leave behind I completely understand why you are doing it.

However, if you click on the link below you will see that the only resorts offering Stay Play and Dine are:

BWI
AKL
FW
POFQ
POP
ASR

https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/discount-room/

No other places have the discount -- they might have had a room or two, or none.

Tom

 

[MakiraMarlena]

because the campsites are probably full due to offsite guests booking throwaway rooms. lol

It's a practice that offsite guests are doing- book a night in a campsite (but don't actually stay there) and you get free magic bands and early FP+ booking.

If you are looking for free dining, campsites haven't ever been included in free dining or Stay Play and Dine. the cabins, yes, but not the campsites. But if you buy a package reservation you can purchase the dining plan at full price.

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

Holy cow I just read another thread about the throwaway rooms at FW too. I guess i know now why no discounts. That's too bad people take advantage and Disney can't or won't try to stop it.

 

[DebbieB]

What does that mean throw away room? This is our first time to campground. We are not tenting.

People staying offsite book them to get free magic bands, 60 day FP+ and 180+10 dining reservations. They never actually check-in. You can reserve up to 10 people with a campsite.

Here's a thread about it with over 2,000 posts:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3218652

Another thread discussing it:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3350645

 

[Grumpy92]

You might want to check out the Camping at Disney World forum. They are really knowledgeable about the campground. In past years we have gotten AP and Fla resident discounts at FW but nothing recently.

Disney has also changed the way they price rooms & sites. It used to be one set price no matter when you booked. Often they would offer discounts in a limited number. Now they do the common hotel practice. The more in demand the rooms are the higher the price goes with any remaining rooms. That is why the throw away situation is really upsetting to the campers. It is the cheapest way to book a throwaway but with a limited number of sites it raises the price and lowers the availablity.

FW is to me one of the best resorts at WDW. So much to do, so relaxing and the nicest guest. I know guest who camp there and never enter a park. Good luck on your discount hunt. Once booked it is worth the the work.

You might want to check out the Dis unplugged podcast. They recently discussed the throwaway room challenge and have done reviews of FW.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEkuZ1dQgPg

http://www.disunplugged.com/2014/11/12/dis-unplugged-podcast-111114-orlando-show/

 

[tinkerdorabelle]

The throwaway thing was enlightening as to why no discounts. Also see they allow 10 to a site so I see the prob. Personally never saw a campgroung allow that many on one site. I'm over the no discount and super excited about booking soon. Now hopefully I'll be able to get a pet site. Didn't realize onle certain sites allow pets.