Finding the best deal

[KaptainK]

how do I know when I've found a great deal on a Disney resort? We have FL resident annual passes and plan to take several one night trips over the next year. I'd love to try out a bunch of different resorts at the best prices I can. I'm looking at room only discounts, no packages. So far I have AoA Little Mermaid at $126 (I don't think this ever goes on sale), ASMo at $83, and POR at $140. Booked for Oct, Nov, and Dec in that order. Are these good rates? How will I know when I see a rate that is not to be passed up? Is there a certain percentage discount that is the best you can expect?

 

[rwdavis2]

You need to research undiscounted rates at each resort. allears.net or Mousesavers has them. There's no way to tell what the "best" rate is.

 

[KaptainK]

I can figure out what rack rates are but what I'd like to know is what are some examples of rates that are not to be passed up. Is there no such resource? Or even personal experiences? Like "I always book xyz hotel when it's this price or lower."

 

[TeamSy]

Honestly, I would just compare what you got to rack rate. If you're happy with what you're paying, then that's all that really matters. You will drive yourself crazy otherwise! FL residents get great rates. You can also use the above sites to read about the discounts disney offers regularly, like free dining, etc. Disney usually offers the same discounts every year... and then you can get into the whole renting points system, which allows you to pay mod prices for deluxe hotels, etc.

 

[rwdavis2]

Honestly, I would just compare what you got to rack rate. If you're happy with what you're paying, then that's all that really matters. You will drive yourself crazy otherwise! FL residents get great rates. You can also use the above sites to read about the discounts disney offers regularly, like free dining, etc. Disney usually offers the same discounts every year... and then you can get into the whole renting points system, which allows you to pay mod prices for deluxe hotels, etc.

This is what I meant. Compare and if you are comfortable, book it. From what I have seen over the years 30% is the biggest discount you get, on Deluxe resorts. I think discounts on Moderates & Values my be less. Considering how there no longer seems to be much of a "slow period" at WDW the discounts will dwindle. Free dining for the Fall was harder to get this year.

The longer one waits the harder it may be to get the resort you want. We usually book the room with a trusted travel agent and she lets us know when any discounts pop up. Last trip is was $15 less per night at Wilderness Lodge in a better location. I stop looking once I book a room.

 

[Babsy]

FL resident rates are as good as it gets. If you get a FL res rate on a room, you are unlikely to get a better rate anywhere, unless you are or know a CM that will book at their rate for you. I believe that CM's have legitimate family and friends rates that are awesome!

The rates that you quoted for AoA, AS and POR look great to me! I would be happy with any of those.

Rates that i wouldn't pass up have changed over the years as WDW rates have climbed steeply.

In the past I would have booked (and have done so), and been happy with: the All Star at $49 per night, the Poly at anything near $200 per night, the BC at $129 per night, CBR at $79 per night.

The best rate that I ever had was the $129 room rate at the BC. It included breakfast for all four of us (2 adults and 2 children). Character breakfasts and buffets were included, as well as taxes and gratuities!! We were blown away! That was MANY years ago! Not something EVER to be seen again, IMO!

Today I booked POFQ for $164 per night and the Poly at $501 per night. I can't say that I am as happy with those rates, but they are as good as I can get right now. I will try to edge the price down a bit, but it looks like there won't be much more of a drop available.


Good luck! I envy you the rates to which you have access!

 

[KaptainK]

FL resident rates are as good as it gets. If you get a FL res rate on a room, you are unlikely to get a better rate anywhere, unless you are or know a CM that will book at their rate for you. I believe that CM's have legitimate family and friends rates that are awesome!

The rates that you quoted for AoA, AS and POR look great to me! I would be happy with any of those.

Rates that i wouldn't pass up have changed over the years as WDW rates have climbed steeply.

In the past I would have booked (and have done so), and been happy with: the All Star at $49 per night, the Poly at anything near $200 per night, the BC at $129 per night, CBR at $79 per night.

The best rate that I ever had was the $129 room rate at the BC. It included breakfast for all four of us (2 adults and 2 children). Character breakfasts and buffets were included, as well as taxes and gratuities!! We were blown away! That was MANY years ago!

Today I booked POFQ for $164 per night and the Poly at $501 per night. I can't say that I am as happy with those rates, but they are as good as I can get right now. I will try to edge the price down a bit, but it looks like there won't be much more of a drop available.


Good luck! I envy you the rates to which you have access!

Thanks! This was just what I needed to know!

 

[Mynamewastaken]

I have always gotten the best rates with Orbitz and have always used them but I don't have an FL residence so I am not sure how that compares