Finally reservations are done, not so fast (update)

[jaw62901]

Thanks for everyones information on my post.

Since I have not been to WDW since 1980, I need all the advice I can get.

Here is my vacation goal for my trip Dec 26 to Jan 3 by myself: My goal is to stay at a disney resort where I can relax and enjoy myself. A little pampering woundn't hurt either.

Well, I contacted CRO to find out that last night I was quoted the standard rate of 361.26 for the two nights at AKL instead of the Savannah rate that the lady said she was giving me. I find out this morning that the savannah rate for Jan 1 to Jan 3 is 457.15 per night and that rate wont be set instone until June. That is why it is only $50+/- difference between my four nights at AS-Sports and 4 nights at CBR and the 6 nights at AS-Sports and 2 nights at AKL.

Oh well that idea was nice while it lasted. I guess I am back to the drawing board once again. :veryconfu

Maybe I am looking at this all wrong. When I started looking at WDW for Dec 26 to Jan 3 here is the budget that I came up with and one that I was very happy with an could do.

Reservation: $1500-$2000 (would go higher, but would have to be one of those vacations of a life time that includes everything and royally pampered
Food: $520 {$65 per day)(21 per meal)}
Souvenirs: $300+/-
Airfare: $400
AP or Hopper tickets: ($295.02 6 day hopper plus, $327 for 7 day hopper pass, $393 AP)

Total: $3015 to $3613+/-

I was thinking that if I stayed at a delux resort like AKL for 2 or 3 days of my stay, I would only spend 6 days at the parks and the other 2 at the resort and even make my trip cheaper.

This is just a budget and I know that I might not spend $300 on souvenirs. However, I figured that my budget would be enough to have a very nice vacation, now I am wondering. I know that I am currently going at the most expensive times (holiday rate), but I never thought that my budget would not be enough. Maybe I am aiming to high.

Also, I really didn't want to stay any of my vacation at a value (x-mas and all the kids, probably not relaxing). Everyone has told me that they are ok, but very crowded during this time with families and kids.

Another thought, is the possibility of coming in late on 12/25 which I have been told is value season still and get a better rate that way, but there is no way to find out what the cost would be until September or October and by then, all of the good rooms will be taken.

What should I do? I am sure that my unfamiliararity with WDW and resorts is causing the biggest problem, and that when I go back again, I will no what is going on.

I know that I have asked this before, but any resort advice would be great.

Thanks

Jason

 

[princessmomma]

Hi Jason,

I personally could not and would not pay more than $200 per night for a deluxe. We stayed at Polynesian Dec 18-22, 2002 for $189 per night garden view and AKL December 22-25, 2002 for $179 Savannah view a night. Some people love AKL, it was nice, but I wouldn't stay there again. I loved Polynesian and would stay only if I could use a code and get the $189 rate again.

The code was good for all deluxe resorts with check in before December 25th. After December 25th the rates sky-rocketed to over $400. I am sure a code will be out this Christmas as well. I wouldn't worry about the good rooms being taken. We booked mid November and had great rooms at both resorts.

We are actually planning a return trip next week, Easter week, and the rates are high season again. Therefore, I booked the Dolphin at the teacher/nurse rate of $129. Just last night I found the Dolphin on Hotwire for $81 a night, so I cancelled my Teacher rate and have an extra $200 in my pocket for meals!!!

I am willing to try the Dolphin because of the high praise it gets on this board. Also because of the Epcot location and we love being in the Boardwalk area. (We spent 3 nights at Beach Club in 2001, which we loved!)

So, if you could book you trip for arrival before December 25th, you can save substantially on your Disney hotel. Or when the time gets closer look into Hotwire for Swan/Dolphin. Someone just booked $81 rate for Thanksgiving on Hotwire. Just remember Hotwire, like Priceline is non-changeable, non-refundable.

 

[castleri]

If you use Hotwire do you know before you pay which hotel you are going to get? I need rooms for Dec25-28 and would like to be at Dolphin or DD area. Have never tried priceline or any of the other ones so am afraid I would end up out at the end of 192 soemwhere.

 

[princessmomma]

No, you do not know which hotel you will get on Priceline, but Jim has done a lot of research on Hotwire and you can tell what hotel you will get by checking the star level and the amenity icons listed with each offer. I just booked the Dolphin for $81 a night over Easter.

The Dolphin and Swan show up as 4 star and have the following icons: Restaurant, Pool, Fitness Center, Business Center, Golf nearby, Tennis nearby and Laundry. Like I said it has been going for $81.

Check out this thread for more information.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=353314

 

[castleri]

Thanks for the info- one more question - is it better to wait until closer to when you want to go or should you do it as far out as possible?

 

[princessmomma]

I personally would not book Priceline or Hotwire more than 4-6 weeks in advance, just in case my plans change. (I have a 3 and 5 year old!) Remember, tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable.

That being said, this week people on this board have said they booked the Swan/Dolphin on Hotwire for Thanksgiving weekend. Again, the inventory changes all the time. For instance, the dates that I booked two days ago do not show up on Hotwire anymore. (April 20-24)


Good Luck, and check out that thread from above, that is where I gleened all my information.