extra magic hrs/hotels only on official website

[jeannie1962]

I have a few questions: Here is some background:

We are going to Disney Aug. 6-9 to take our nephew who just graduated from high school. We are florida residents and have been to Disney before, but we never stayed on property.

We wanted to try something different this time, here lies the problems. We are 5 people total, myself and hubby, our daughter 22, son 16 and nephew 17. I cannot find a value hotel to accomadate us,(all star music resort). We don't want to spend alot of $$ because we will only be in the hotel to shower and sleep.

We do want to take advantage of the extra magical hrs, but I don't think that will happen unless we book 2 rooms. I did find the Buena Vista in Downtown that will accomodate us comfortably, bedroom and living room for the same price as the Disney value resorts.

I guess that my question is first, any ideas/suggestions????, maybe people know other secrets we do not know about. Are there other hotels that are affiliated with WDW that offer the extra magic hrs.

Also, if we stay off property, is the extra magic hrs worth it?

Thank you very much for all you advise and help!!

 

[susy]

Welcome to the DIS!!!!

I would book two rooms at a value. You will need the two bathrooms-trust me. It is also nice to have the four beds. Did you call up and ask for the FL res rate? The code is EXF and it is for $74 at the values. Our favorite is Pop Century. It does not share buses, has three pools and has nicer room decor. Ask for connecting rooms- it is nice to have a room for those who want to get to bed early and those who want to stay up. There is nothing like staying onsite. The EMH will be worth it with kids that age. A truth I have learned (and I grew up in FL and have done disney a million times)- no such thing as not spending a lot of money at disney-perish the thought!!!!

 

[sugermouse]

Try the Hilton hotel located across from DTD. We paid $129 a night, sleeps five and participates in the EMH program.

 

[CarolA]

Just a note. The Hilton in DTD is the only DTD with Extra Magic Hours.

 

[jeannie1962]

Thank you, that is great! I was wondering if other hotels participated in the extra hrs.

Is the hilton the only one that does?

 

[Luv2Travel]

hi jeannie1962, welcome again. Since you're new to the boards, have you read about the free dining plan if you stay onsite from Aug 28 - Oct 4? I'm sure you have, but I'd thought I'd bring it up incase you haven't and could change your dates.

Also wanted to add that we have gotten the Hilton at DD through Priceline.com several times (although it's not a guarantee, that's for sure). One time my family of 5 upgraded to a deluxe or junior suite type room. It had two double beds and a sleeper sofa which gave us lots of room. At that time we were able to get it for $99/night. Just something else you may want to check into to give you more room. Yes, the Hilton is the only "non-Disney" hotel at DD that will give you "on-site" priveleges. Have fun!

 

[indigoxtreme]

Yes the Hilton is the only one. Did you try the Florida Residence Code as mention in an earlier post for the Pop Century and two rooms?

 

[jeannie1962]

No, I didn't call for the residents rate, I am going to call and see what I can come up with, thank you for all the info

we cannot change our dates, b/c our nephew is flying in to go with us and that is the only time he is able to go.

I am also going to try priceline for the hilton. thanks!

 

[singitalto]

I don't know if your familar with Priceline or not but when you place a bid you are NOT guaranteed to get a particular hotel- just a star level(Hilton is a resort level). You may not get the Hilton. Just an FYI!

 

[Mister Disney]

The first week of June EMH were also HORRIBLE.

I would never waste my time with them again.

The parks were PACKED and they don't offer fast pass, so all the rides had wait times of over an hour.

I SO miss the E-ride night, which was an extra cost thing.

 

[TiggerInLBV]

Thank you, that is great! I was wondering if other hotels participated in the extra hrs.

Is the hilton the only one that does?

The WDW Swan & Dolphin also are part of the EMH program.

Enjoy!

 

[OKSTATE99]

The first week of June EMH were also HORRIBLE.

I would never waste my time with them again.

The parks were PACKED and they don't offer fast pass, so all the rides had wait times of over an hour.

I SO miss the E-ride night, which was an extra cost thing.

I agree with that.. We went in May during MK EMH it was packed so we just left and soaked up the experience as we left.

Mister Disney do believe I saw you in 2004. On June 5, 2004 around 6 pm we were riding the boat from MK to GF as my big family of 7 were on our way to have dinner with Cinderalla at 1900 Park Fare. I could be wrong but you look so famliar to me.