Evaluate my 8-night honeymoon (including 4-night cruise) - $4000 CDN

[trivial]

I've been researching my [delayed] honeymoon on-and-off for well over a year, and it looks like we'll finally be able to afford to go this winter. Target date is probably January 2007, or possibly December 2006.

The plan is to take a rental car from the airport to hotel, where we'll spend 4 nights and visit WDW. Then we'll take another rental car to Port Canaveral and embark on our 4-night cruise. Then, you guessed it, we'll rent a car to take us back to the airport. That's a lot of one-drive car rentals, but I figure it's our cheapest, quickest, and most convenient option.

I'm looking for comments and suggestions! Here are the details (some of the prices are rough or rounded):

• Hotel: 4 nights at the Hotel Royal Plaza (US$600)
• Cruise: 4-night Disney Cruise (US$1335)
• Flight: JetBlue (US$475)
• WDW Tickets: (US$400)
• Rental Car, Food, Other stuff: ~US$800
• Total: ~US$3600 (~CDN$4000)

I'm partial to the Hotel Royal Plaza due to reviews, decor, pricing, and shuttle service. Because we're going at a relatively slow time of year, I'm expecting the shuttles to be not terribly crowded. I decided to stay off-site because we'd like a break from Disney when we're not in the parks, and because WDW resort prices are terrible.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Cruiser1969]

Have you considered a limo service for each leg of your trip? It may be less expensive and it will definitley be much more convenient than renting a car. We used FL Tours and were completely satisfied. Just a thought.

 

[trivial]

Have you considered a limo service for each leg of your trip? It may be less expensive and it will definitley be much more convenient than renting a car. We used FL Tours and were completely satisfied. Just a thought.

Thanks for your input, Maria. I had looked at renting a town car, and with a limo company recommended by mousesavers.com, I'd be looking at about US$300 when all was said and done -- limos were much more expensive. That would include drives from the airport to the hotel, from the hotel to the Port, and from the Port to the airport.

Alternatively, I can get 1-day car rentals for approximately US$40 inclusive each. Other than taking, say, a Mears shuttle (which isn't much cheaper, and isn't nearly as convenient), I can't think of any comparable alternatives.

 

[tmli]

I don't know where you are flying from but SWA out of Buffalo would result in cheaper flights. I have never paid more than 150 each and they are non stop.

ANy reason you are not staying onsite? A moderate resort would be less expensive and you could also purchase dining plan. You would also get ME which would save a one way car rental from the airport to the hotel. Also if you have a CAA membership you will get the package even cheaper...even if you don't have one it may be worth spending the $35 to get one for the discount.

Of course if you are set on your hotel choice I do thing your plan is not bad.

 

[trivial]

I don't know where you are flying from but SWA out of Buffalo would result in cheaper flights. I have never paid more than 150 each and they are non stop.

Southwest is currently providing quotes and reservations only up until October 2006. JetBlue is charging US$99 per person each way, plus taxes, etc. There are other airlines within that price range, but for the same price, I'd rather go with JetBlue. We'll be flying out of BUF.

ANy reason you are not staying onsite? A moderate resort would be less expensive and you could also purchase dining plan. You would also get ME which would save a one way car rental from the airport to the hotel.

Price is a factor, but we'd also prefer to stay off-site as a break from Disney. I know some people live for the whole Disney experience, but I'd like to leave it in the parks, personally. Staying at a moderate on-site resort looks like it would be about $50 more, which is negligible, but I think for the price we're getting a much nicer and larger room. Still, $50 for ME and free Disney transportation in the parks is awfully tempting, although I hear that ME has its problems.

I will definitely look further into this, along with the CAA suggestion. Thanks!

 

[tmli]

SWA...watch the fares and sign up for ding. My trip two weeks ago was $125 rtn non stop. The one a month ago was $110 rtn non stop.

ALso I have used ME a total of 5 trips since its conception...while at times it has taken a bit longer than a rental...it has been well worht it as well. Again though these things are totally your preference and about personal choice just offering my advice.

I priced 4 days at pofq in beg. of December (value season)...beginning of January is also value season.

Hotel and 4 day tkts (no hopping/waterparks..which i assume is what you wanted based on your 400 budget for tkts)...$913 taxes in (CAA price). If you wanted dining it would be $38 each per day...

Obviously by the slant of my post I am always all for on site....but again it is about personal preference.

Whatever you decide have a great time!

 

[Disney Fanatic]

Just a thought, why not rent pts from someone who owns DVC pts nd stay at Saratoga Springs or OKW which are beautiful properties but far enough removed from Disney to get the feel you are looking for. At least you will be guaranteed a wonderful experience and the studios have a bar fridge, micro, toaster and coffee maker for added convenience. You can save a few bucks on meals here for sure. Also, from Saratoga you can walk to Downtown Disney for a nice variety of dining options or take the free shuttle to other Disney properties to try other restaurants.

By renting pts, , you can take advantage of Disneys magical express which is a free shuttle to the hotel. I believe (but not sure) you can take the Disney bus to the pier as well and save some on car rentals. Also you will save on the hassle of picking up and returning cars.

If you decide not to do this, make sure you check into the weekly rate of renting a car vs the daily rate. You may save money by getting a great weekly rate (especially in January) and paying for parking for the nights you are at the pier. Definately worth looking into. Also, when you book a car rental, make sure you keep checking back on websites because I found the price went down to $79.00 for one week in September of last year which saved us almost $70.00 from our original price.

I too recommend SW from Buffalo and if you choose January, you are looking for sure at some great rates!! Your patience will be rewarded.

Go to ticketmania to buy your park tickets and you will also save a few bucks there as well.

Good Luck and have fun planning your trip.

 

[trivial]

SWA...watch the fares and sign up for ding. My trip two weeks ago was $125 rtn non stop. The one a month ago was $110 rtn non stop.

Hmm, those prices are indeed quite good... I'll take your advice.

Hotel and 4 day tkts (no hopping/waterparks..which i assume is what you wanted based on your 400 budget for tkts)...$913 taxes in (CAA price). If you wanted dining it would be $38 each per day...

That's a better price than I realized. I haven't been able to check CAA pricing as I don't currently have a membership. I think I'll sign up with CAA when my current auto club membership runs out next month.

Just a thought, why not rent pts from someone who owns DVC pts [...] By renting pts, , you can take advantage of Disneys magical express which is a free shuttle to the hotel. I believe (but not sure) you can take the Disney bus to the pier as well and save some on car rentals. Also you will save on the hassle of picking up and returning cars.

I've spent some time looking into this option after reading your suggestion, and to my surprise, I'm actually leaning towards this idea now. The pricing for renting points to stay with a DVC resort is much lower than I had realized, and couple with both the free transportation (airport and in-park) and having a kitchen(ette), the price actually works out to be very competative, if not superior. In fact, if I decide to go this route, I'll probably be able to extend the honeymoon by a night or two.

Thank you both so much for your insight!

 

[MikeJ]

You know, call me a prude but I really don't think it's up to us to evaluate your honeymoon. I think that's really best left to the two of you....

 

[trivial]

You know, call me a prude but I really don't think it's up to us to evaluate your honeymoon. I think that's really best left to the two of you....

The idea was just to get some input from others who know Disney better than I do (which is pretty much everyone), in case I've overlooked something that might save us money and/or give us a better experience. The more informed I am, the better the decisions I can make. If you'd rather not participate, I don't mind if you abstain.

 

[MikeJ]

The idea was just to get some input from others who know Disney better than I do (which is pretty much everyone), in case I've overlooked something that might save us money and/or give us a better experience. The more informed I am, the better the decisions I can make. If you'd rather not participate, I don't mind if you abstain.

Sigh. I guess my subtle brand of humour fails me again.

 

[maryliz]

The idea was just to get some input from others who know Disney better than I do (which is pretty much everyone), in case I've overlooked something that might save us money and/or give us a better experience. The more informed I am, the better the decisions I can make. If you'd rather not participate, I don't mind if you abstain.

I'm pretty sure that Mike was just teasing you about the title of your post.

I highly recommend the DVC option. Saratoga Springs is probably the closest to what you were looking for in your original thought on the hotel in DTD. And it's the newest resort on-site. Although I'd take the Villas at Wilderness Lodge anyday ... they're AWESOME! And we loved Old Key West last October ... definitely didn't feel like you were in the middle of Disney!

Sounds like a wonderful honeymoon ... and you'll enjoy it, no matter what you decide.

Mary-Liz

 

[trivial]

Sigh. I guess my subtle brand of humour fails me again.

I'm not usually so daft, honestly, although you never know what kind of loonies (not the coins) you'll find on teh intarweb!

I highly recommend the DVC option. Saratoga Springs is probably the closest to what you were looking for in your original thought on the hotel in DTD. And it's the newest resort on-site. Although I'd take the Villas at Wilderness Lodge anyday ... they're AWESOME! And we loved Old Key West last October ... definitely didn't feel like you were in the middle of Disney!

I had considered Saratoga Springs, but given that we're going at the slowest time of the year, it sounds as though it might be a ghost town, which isn't what I want either. Picky enough for ya? I hear lots of praise of OKW, but I'm not a fan of the decor at all. Currently I have my sights set on a BWV Studio, but I'm still not decided.

 

[maryliz]

If you could get either BWV studio or BCV studios, you will love it! We went from OKW to BCV last October and being so close to EPCOT was awesome. Lots of places around the boardwalk to view Illuminations, and that would be very romantic for your honeymoon! Does put you back into the "middle of Disney" ... but you'll have a balcony that you can sit out on at night and enjoy some wine.

And hey, "decor" is important when you're on your honeymoon 'cause you're probably spending more time in the room.

Mary-Liz

 

[jmtf2004]

I put in my vote to stay onsite (we are DVC members - but use all of our points - so can't help you with renting) I recommend SWA as well. They offer non-stop flights from BUF, which is a big time and $ saver. Ding fares can be extremely cheap - we flew in May for $49 each way. However, SWA had a fuel contract that has run out since then, so their fares may not be quite so cheap when the December flights are finally released. (We are going end of December through first week of Jan 2007). Remember that in December/January weather can cause delays...well worth flying non-stop. AirTran and USAir also offer non-stop from BUF to MCO. We used ME in May and I highly recommend it. Convenient and free - pretty winning combination. Because the weather can be cool to downright cold, I don't think it's worth staying at BCV - the Stormalong Bay pool is awesome, but you wouldn't be using it too much if it's 40F outside. At the time of year I would think the Villas at Wilderness Lodge would be very nice for you - but SSR has the best location if you want to be close to DTD.

 

[barkley]

i've done wdw and disney cruises, and unless you are going down to port canaveral to spend the night before the cruise-the increased cost of using the disney transportation to the cruise terminal and back to the airport is well worth it. even if you are staying off site you can book reservations and just go to the disney hotel you choose for your pickup site (take a cab from the hotel you're staying at).

the issue with the rental cars and the port is-the rental car site is not at the port so you have to go to the company and then wait for space for both you AND YOUR LUGGAGE on the rental car shuttle (and they are in high demand so you may have quite a wait). when you return you have to get your luggage and get out to the rental car shuttle area and again wait to get to the agency to rent the car, then you have to check it in outside the airport, get the luggage out and find your way to the check in area for your flight.

with the disney bus your luggage is tagged for a certain area and is easily transported to the bus which takes you directly to your airline. they were also (in 11/05) when we last went working to enhance the system wherein your checked luggage went directly to the airline and you did'nt have to deal with it at the airport.

we were going to do the same rental car thing on our last trip (but retain the car for the entire week we were at wdw because it was much cheaper than 3 separate one day rentals), but after spending over 2 hours getting our rental car, finding out it was'nt what we reserved, seeing all the extra "florida car rental fees, levies, tarriffs" jacking up the price of the rental. we just booked the disney transportation for the return from the cruise. we got out of the port and to the airport hours earlier and it made for a much more relaxing trip.

if you end up going this route and will have a significant wait for your departing plane-the orlando airport hyatt hotel (inside the airport) offers good "day rates" (less than $100 u.s.) that provide a room and use of the hotel amenities while you wait for departure. you can check in for your flight and then check in at the hotel which is adjacent to the security check in for flights. we've done this a few times and just kicked back and relaxed (despite the cruise being relaxing the last morning is always so hectic i never get time to shower-so i use this as an opportunity to shower and change into my travel clothes).

dvc is a good option-we own at bw and wl, but stayed at ssr in november. it's laid back (a bit too much for my kids and dh)-but i liked that it was less "disney like". we had a 1 b/r non preferred view-but it was great, it looked over downtown disney and we could watch the fireworks from pleasure island each nite from the balcony.

 

[trivial]

Thanks very much for your advice. I sure am thankful for these boards and all the helpful posters . The nice thing about DVC is the included transportation (if not to the Port, at least to WDW). I'll inquire about transportation from WDW to the Port, then back to the airport; I just want to check the pricing before deciding on that route.