First time back in 25 Years!

[michellecuff]

Hi All,
I'm new to this board and am really excited about finding it. I haven't been to DW in over 25 years. My husband and I want to plan a trip this November for our 3rd wedding anniversary. We are intersted in a romantic getaway in one of the nicer resorts. Does anyone have any suggestions of hotels, what a good rate is, how to get good deals, whether it's better to buy things separately or as a package, etc. Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Michelle

PS. we live in NJ and would fly out of PHILA.

 

[minnie1928]

Being new to the DIS here are a couple suggestions:

1. Check out mousesavers.com - Mary has a great site FULL of information, including the full price rack rates and the comparable rates with discounts.

2. Since you're already here, why not read some past posts on the DIS. Learn from the experiences of others and don't be afraid to ask questions!

3. I've been to WDW many, many times and have never found a better deal in a package. I always book my pieces seperately and make out really well this way.

4. I think that Southwest Airlines recently opened up service to the Phila airport. I fly them out of Baltimore. The prices are great and so is the flight!

5. Good deals - there's the $64, 000 question. They come and go, depending on what Disney wants to offer. You will see all the codes on this board. Once a significant rumor is out, people will go nuts!!! Don't rule out the possibility of an Annual Pass. If the discount is offered (they aren't always offered) you can see discounts of up to 45% off your room. Also, you only need one annual pass to book a room.

6. Tell the hotel it's your anniversary, they may throw in a little extra Disney magic

7. Keep coming back to the DIS, new information is always being posted.

Enjoy and Welcome!

 

[aesalsa]

<marquee>Welcome to the DIS, michellecuff!</marquee>

You've certainly come to the perfect place to start planning your WDW vacation!

Well, one piece of advice I can give right now is research the Deluxe resorts: Animal Kingdom Lodge (Animal Kingdom Resort Area); Wilderness Lodge , Contemporary Resort, Polynesian resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (these 4 are located in the Magic Kingdom resort area); Beach Club resort, Yacht Club Resort (these 2 are connected), Boardwalk Inn (these 3 are located in the EPCOT Resort area).

Both of the Lodges are the least expensive in the Deluxe category (start at $199/night standard room for value season); however, their standard rooms are the smallest of all the deluxes-- approximately 345 sq. ft. Next is Contemporary, then the EPCOT Resorts, then the Polynesian. And the most expensive is the Grand Floridian.

Try to book a room as soon as you can. Then you can watch this board (Resorts Board) for any information about the release of special codes (Annual Passholder codes or public codes) that enable you to get discounts off the the price of accomadations.

Gotta go now; hope this helps a bit. I know some more friendly DISers will come by to eagerly help you plan a great anniversary trip!

 

[cooldisneymom]

WELCOME MICHELLECUFF!!!!!!! Like minnie1928 says, mousesavers.com is a great tool and source of information. However, the best source you'll find anywhere is right here on Disboards!! So have fun and enjoy!

 

[Tina26]

Welcome to DIS boards Michelle!! You'll find this place invaluable for planning your trip, tons of great info to be found here. I hope you guys have a great anniversary trip!

Tina

 

[DepCor0311]

Hi michellecuff...
Just to throw in my 2 cents...If you are looking for an adult's romantic-type getaway, I would recommed the Poly. You guys can head down to the beach at night and watch the fireworks...very nice. AKL is great too...but to immerse yourselves in the "romance" I don't think any resort can beat the Poly. Have a great trip

 

[Disney Fool]

Welcome to the DIS!!! and your first of many, many posts.
Well, here's my two cents worth: November is a great time to go; the Food and Wine Festival will be ongoing at Epcot. This event features specialty foods and wines and beer from several countries (more countries than the World Showcase has) and there are booths everywhere for you to sample their items for $2, $3, or $4. Check out this link: http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/guides/epcot/events/index.htm

To add to the other posters, the Polynesian has a South Sea Island feel; the Grand Floridian is an elegant Victorian resort, where the maids show up for work in peach dresses, with parasols , and the Contemporary is a busy resort with the monorail passing through it on the Grand Concourse--great views in the tower rooms.

In twenty-five years, you will not be familiar with the Boardwalk area behind Epcot. this is a whole new resort area which has been built up over the years to house (from left to right around a lake): the Boardwalk Inn and villas, the Swan, the Dolphin, and the Yacht Club, and the Beach Club resorts. The Boardwalk area is constructed with stores, a bakery, ESPN club, two restaurants, The Flying Fish, Spoodles, there's an art gallery, two clubs, Atlantic Dance Hall, and Jellyrolls. In addition, there are carnival type entertainers at booths. It's a very lively area at night, and you can walk to your resort after Epcot closes through a back exit.

The Magic Kingdom area is still the same, although the Grand FLoridian has been added to the Monorail loop. You can get to the Magic Kingdom by boat from the Wilderness Lodge, a very stunning resort reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest lodges. It even has a geyser!

The Animal Kingdom Lodge stands alone --it cannot be compared to anything--It is next to the newest Disney Park, the Animal Kingdom--it features a huge savannah with animals ranging from zebras, cattle, giraffes, exotic birds, gazelles all roaming right outside your room. When you stay here, you are reminded of being on a safari. The Lodge itseft is quite beautiful and remote, a true getaway.

Hope this helps. Keep reading the DIS, you'll get lots and lots of tips and ideas. I hope you have fun planning this special trip and I hope you have a great vacation.

 

[michellecuff]

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE GREAT INPUT!!!

A few more questions...
Is there a place where I can get a map of WDW? When I was there, Epcot wasn't even built!
Which are the newest hotels/resorts?
Is the Dolphin and Swan the same resort?
Is there a place where you can swim with dolphins? I seem to remember one of my friends talking about that.
What is an anual pass? is it just for the park or does it include lodging and food?
and there was also something called a platnum upgrade? where you get wishes???

As you can see, I truly am a WDW virgin. All your help is really appreciated!

 

[finnie48]

Welcome!!

Hi Michelle,
If you are a government employee, nurse or teacher, the Swan/Dolphin offers a special rate. They are sister resorts but separate hotels. Not Disney owned but with all the privilages of a Disney hotel except for charging back to your room. And as previously posted, the location is fantastic. We will be there this August. The Boardwalk Inn is our favorite place and we think a rather romantic place to stay.
Birnbaum's guide to WDW would give you a good deal of practical info along with maps. But these boards are a great place for all sorts of info!!
We live on the No. Jersey shore and this time we are flying Spirit Air out of Atlantic City. We found it easier than Newark and less expense as we left our car at the Airport for a nonminal fee - about $25 dollars three years ago for 4 nights on a trip to Tampa. No hassle with city traffic and no one has to drive us to the airport.
There is a package deal right now that allows you to book for 7 days and pay for just 5, including tickets. Might be worthwhile to check it out.
Whatever, you will have a most magical time!! Oh, take the time to smell the roses - what you miss, you can catch the next tim. Have fun! Peg and Bob

 

[donac]

If you are looking for romantic and want a slightly lower cost, check out Port Orleans French Quarter. It is one of the smallest Disney hotels but in my opinion one of the nicest. It just reopened in the last few months after a major rehab and it is a lovely building. The grounds are quiet and peaceful and easy to get around since is so small. Look into it.

Dona