Disney's Wilderness Lodge - booked at $120/night woods view!

[poohnpiglet3]

I'm so excited and had to share with you all. I spoke with a CM today and she found a rate for me of $49/night at the Value Resorts, and then she told me to call back to see the availability on the Deluxe and Moderate ones (she didn't have any availability when I talked with her.)

Well, I called back a few hours later and got in at the Wilderness Lodge for $120! It's a woods view, too. I added a night onto our reservation just because I had really wanted to stay there (we're going to be buying into DVC and this will be wonderful to stay at WL first before picking which resort will be our home resort.)

Anyway, I could have also done POFQ for $79/night or done AKL for $120. Did I make the right decision on resorts? Our twins will be turning 2 while we're there.

Thanks for any advice!

Sherri

 

[momxx5]

Sounds like a great rate to me!

Happy birthday to the twins and congratulations on becoming a DVC member - you are lucky on all accounts.

 

[MiraDawl]

What discounts were you getting?

Those are great rates!

~Mira

 

[buckeye]

What are the dates of your trip? Those are really good rates, especially if they are not AP rates!
Thanks for sharing

 

[dizcrazy]

YES!!!! CONGRATS!!! AWESOME RATE!!!!

The WL is beautiful and convenient. I like that everything is under one roof - its nice to take a stroll and get your coffee or snacks without getting wet if it rains outside.

And if you have a stroller, you will appreciate the ferry. We thought it was easier than folding up the stroller and carrying it on to the bus.

Have a wonderful trip!

 

[baileybaby]

I would love to know when you are going. THose sound like great rates!

 

[mickeycw]

It sounds like we'll be there at the same time....I need to try for a better rate too! I booked with the 5+2 but was hoping for a good room only rate......right now with the tax ($120 doesn't include tax does it?) by the time I bought passes I would only save $40....for that my DH wants the convenience of it all on 1 card!! Was hoping for AP's this year but we're off to Hawaii in June 2005 so no Disney next year

 

[revrob]

Did you have a code or something? I just tried to call, but couldn't find anything without knowing where the rate was from.

 

[Alice28]

Oh wow! Great rate! You will LOVE the Lodge! So nice and close to the MK. Have a great time!

 

[poohnpiglet3]

So... here's the details... I called back again and changed to Animal Kingdom Lodge. I think the kids will enjoy that more - and I know we'll not be able to stay there with our DVC membership, so I wanted to experience that one. It's still $120/night. That's of the pool view, which is the middle rung. I've read that some people have been upgraded for free, maybe we'll get lucky to have that, considering it will be the twins' birthdays when we're there?? Not expecting, but it would be a pleasant surprise.

We'll be staying at AKL Sept. 16th-19th. Before that we'll be offsite with my brother and SIL at their timeshare in Vistana. I know that it's going to be worth it to have some days to ourselves when we're down there. Especially knowing my brother like I do.

Anyway, I received a postcard a while back and reserved the rate on that - which was $77. I called back and said that my friend (meaning one of you on this site ) had received a postcard for $49 for the value resorts, and was there anything available like that for me. She searched and searched, and found a "pin number" of sorts that didn't require a post card. Once that code was in the computer, I was able to call back and have free reign, virtually, of those same rates since the promo code or pin had already been entered.

I have to add that I am very, very polite on the phone. I don't ever call and "expect" them to change my rates, but I simply ask to see what they can do, if they can do anything. I always say how very thankful for them taking the time to look at everything and tell them how much I do appreciate them finding the best deal.

Maybe I got a fluke, or maybe just a magical CM who helped me. Either way, I've found that kindness and genuine thankfulness produces wonderful results, more than you could have ever hoped for. I just wanted to get a better deal on the value resorts, instead, I ended up spending even more $$ with Disney ($300 more) and added another night to my stay since they were able to give me this good of a deal. It worked out nicely for both Disney and myself.

Hope that helps answer any questions!

Sherri

 

[roadtripper]

Good for you Sherri!
Just wanted to congratulate you on your great rate and your manners! I have also found that being polite can help get you what you want, and everyone feels good about the transaction. People in the service industries work really hard, and appreciate people who appreciate them. Hope you have a great time. And as a fellow DVC member, may I just say-- welcome home!

 

[vettechick99]

Originally posted by poohnpiglet3

I have to add that I am very, very polite on the phone. I don't ever call and "expect" them to change my rates, but I simply ask to see what they can do, if they can do anything. I always say how very thankful for them taking the time to look at everything and tell them how much I do appreciate them finding the best deal.

it's kinda sad that you even have to mention for people to be nice. sad in the fact that everyone should be nice to people, but obviously aren't. that CM probably went home and told everyone about the nice lady that called today...and how appreciate you were.

but its really great that you got such an excellent rate! i'm hoping for the same for my october trip!

 

[CheapMom]

I'm jealous!
HAVE A BALL!!!