First timer wants to book hotel...

[Angelcatsmom]

...and I need some input. I am planning to go November 20-24 and want to get my hotel ressies in soon. Figure the tickets can come a little later after I've worked some OT. Now, from what I've heard, CRO and Disney Travel Company are the same number, but that you can only do ala carte (my choice) through CRO. What do you say to the operator to let them know that you only want to book hotel at the time of your call?

I have also been thinking of joining Disney club. Would it be a big enough savings for a person traveling alone to do so? I heard that you are charged more if there is only one person per room. If you join on the internet, will they give you a member number at that time so you can call and make ressies, or do I have to wait until I get my packet in the mail?

Leslie (not a patient person )

 

[Janet2k]

I would like to point you at the owner of this website, Dreams Unlimited Travel. I used them for my last trip and they were excellent. Here is the link to them: Dreams Unlimited Travel's website

Sometimes you can get decent discounts by being a Disney Club member. Sometimes you can get great discounts by being an Annual Passholder. I don't know how soon you can get your Disney Club number if you order it via the Internet -- try calling them directly and doing it over the phone (my guess is that they could get you a number very quickly). Their phone number should be listed on the Disney Club website.

If you have an Annual Pass or a Disney Club membership, let Dreams know and they will check to see if any discounts can be applied to your reservation. I was able to get an Annual Pass discount for a few of the resorts that I stayed in (the Contemporary Tower Club and the Caribbean Beach Resort). That was the first time that I ever got a discount on any Disney resort (I was very happy).

 

[Janet2k]

Here is a link to the Dis' webpage regarding Disney Club Information

 

[LoriZH]

You'll get your DC number within in 48 hours via email when you do it over the web! The discount is about 20% off during the time you are considering going (that is value season so you are in luck!) It is also one of the best times to go weather wise (if you ask me I'm not big on the hot hot weather).

As far as the DC being worth it, well if you spend a lot at the Disney Store or online (like I do for birthdays, holidays, etc...) then it is well worth it. It is $29.95 using discounts that are either in the entertainment book (it s/b on the DC site, if not email me and I will give you the code) or through your employer. Otherwise, most of the time the discount codes you can obtain from this site are usually a better deal, but they are not guaranteed to be available during the time you plan on going (neither is the DC discount).

Do you know which resort you are looking at?

 

[Angelcatsmom]

Yes Lori, I'm looking at staying at one of the All Stars. Since I'm basically going to visit the parks and don't care about the pool or he restaurant situation, I want to spend as little as possible on the room without staying offsite (I figured it would cost less to stay in the park than outside and renting a car-both in dollars and in consternation ). I am hoping that week won't be busy as it is the week BEFORE Thanksgiving (I know for a fact-the 21st is my birthday and NEVER has it fallen on the holiday). Will probably be calling within the next couple of weeks, but want to get all my ducks in a row before doing this.

Leslie

 

[joyful1nh]

I'm another satisfied Dreams Unlimited customer (after using a local travel agent once and CRO once). Try them -- they'll get the best rate available now and keep looking if a better one comes up.

 

[susy]

Leslie,
Well, you picked a great time to go. You will be there from Wed.- Sun. and thanksgving is the following Thursday. Be sure to mention your birthday when making your reservations through CRO and when making your dining priority seatings. If you want to get Cinderella's Royal table for breakfast be sure to read the threads at the top of the restaurant board. The Unofficial Guide to WDW 2002 has great touring plans (be sure to keep in mind that early entry is no longer in effect). We stayed at the All-Star Movies in January and loved it. The food court was so convenient.
Be sure to ask on these boards before making your room requests, so you'll be in a good location (close to bus stop,etc). I believe that with a DC discount you have to book through WDTC and it is considered a package, even if it's room only. Actually, on all my ressies (even throughCRO) the ressie sheet always says"package total". WTDC is more strict on cancel policies, though. You may want to buy an AP if you plan on returning even a week earlier next year. Then you would qualify for the AP rate. If you are a AAA member, you can always book using that discount and then call back and change it when codes come out.
Even the rack rates won't be bad, since it is value season. I think you will love the All-Stars!

 

[JulesMom]

June will be our 3rd trip with DU! That is the only way to go!

They will check for discounts after you make your ressies. You only have to pay one night's deposit with them.

They will make all PS for you. You also get a printable schedule to take along on your trip with all your info on it--including park hours and parade times.