GCA $259, DL Hotel $169, Paradise Pier $159, 8/24-12/18 2008

[sydangel68]

Aghhh, got the PIN today. Have been trying to call and am constantly on hold. Problem is I am at work and it's very expensive to call from Australia. Has anyone had any luck getting through?

Also has anyone managed to book late August/Early Sept at GCH?

Cheers
Angela

 

[cccdisney]

It seems like Disney made that mistake with a bunch of us - putting someone else's name on the card/e-mail, even if that person had nothing to do with planning or paying for the trip! In any case, I can't see that it matters a huge deal. I thnk it just the code that they are concerned with, not really the name. I know it says non-transferable but I doubt they will enforce it.

I just got off the phone with reservations. I have my room on a 7 day courtesy hold for the three nights of Nov 22-24! She said that as long as my ID had the same address as the mailer with the PIN it was okay (it has my sister's name on it).
The nights we are staying are actually $179 a night (DLH). The rates listed on the card are starting rates - some night might be more (like ours are right before Thanksgiving).
she didn't know when any AP rates would come out but said I can always change them if they are better!

 

[grizbuzz]

OK. I got through, but was on hold a long time. And after I got off hold they put me to a special line to wait on hold for another long period.

I was able to book 2 rooms with my mother's pin - one in her name and one in my name. I had to pay deposit on the first night's room for each reservation which is refundable up to 5 days prior to check in. I was told that I did need to present the postcard with pin info at check in. Got premium view at DLH for $209. I asked if I could cancel either reservation without it affecting the other and was told yes. So, unless grandma wants to come to DL, I'll be cancelling her ressie.

 

[cccdisney]

Aghhh, got the PIN today. Have been trying to call and am constantly on hold. Problem is I am at work and it's very expensive to call from Australia. Has anyone had any luck getting through?

Also has anyone managed to book late August/Early Sept at GCH?

Cheers
Angela

I was on hold for about 10 minutes - but I went to the Annual Passholder's booking because I am an AP holder!

 

[sydangel68]

I've been onhold over 15min and given up. Will try again later.

Does anyone know any other numbers that I can call apart from the one listed on the offer email?

 

[DL4my2kids]

I was quoted $209 per night for DLH August 29, 30 and 31.
I tried to get a better rate but they would not budge so I changed the dates to Nov 21, 22 and 23. I got the DLH for $179 per night.

If we can get a better AP rate, I'll switch it over.

Okay, now that I am coming down from my great rate high, I am rethinking. We talked about staying off site next time we go and we also talked about not doing Disney this year. DH and I got caught up in the moment. We had better ponder this decision a bit more.

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

Sydangel -
here is the number given to me when I called the first time about the pin code offer just to find out about availability for some dates we were considering: 714-956-mickey

I called this number and wasn't on hold forever and put a courtesy hold on 3 nights at the GCH in Oct. for $269 ... no matter what dates I asked about in Oct ,Nov, or Dec I was getting $269 or higher not $259. I guess maybe the $259 is for Sept or something??? If anyone has any info on how to actually get the $259 I'd appreciate it!

Good luck to you!

 

[godalejunior]

That's great you guys got it to work for you. I am still checking my email, junk mail and all. DH and I are going in December for our 10th anniversary and would like to stay on site with discounted rates. I am keeping my fingers crossed I will get something in the mail or by email.

 

[grizbuzz]

I was quoted $259 for Sept 20+21 for GCH. But I opted for DLH stay instead.

 

[Sy-]

I called this number and wasn't on hold forever and put a courtesy hold on 3 nights at the GCH in Oct. for $269 ... no matter what dates I asked about in Oct ,Nov, or Dec I was getting $269 or higher not $259. I guess maybe the $259 is for Sept or something??? If anyone has any info on how to actually get the $259 I'd appreciate it!

Don't stress about $10 when you are saving $100!

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

Grizzbuzz-

What made you change your mind and go with DLH? Having never been to DLR we don't know whether GCH is really worth it considering our main reason for wanting to stay there is ease of getting in and out of parks, proximity, etc...

DLH looks as nice really... the rooms at GCH don't look worth that much to me considering I love the Poly in WDW and it is a totally different animal! I really hate to drop that much on a room... again... but with little ones I just can't take the extra walking after being on my feet all day pushing a stroller, parking a stroller, carrying one of them in line, etc... My feet were unbelievably sore after our trip to WDW. We can afford the 2 nights at $269 plus tax and that stupid resort fee, but is GCH worth it?

 

[disneydreamer74]

Okay, I just received the postcard offerin the mail today. I am not an AP holder or DVC member. I guess I received the offer bc I just booked a stay at the DLH for our upcoming visit. Anywhooo, the rates are so good I am seriously considering a Dec. visit. Darn it! Thought I could make it until Dec. 09. Oh well! Im hooked!!!

 

[Hofmanns4]

Having never been to DLR we don't know whether GCH is really worth it considering our main reason for wanting to stay there is ease of getting in and out of parks, proximity, etc...

DLH looks as nice really... the rooms at GCH don't look worth that much to me considering I love the Poly in WDW and it is a totally different animal! I really hate to drop that much on a room... again... but with little ones I just can't take the extra walking after being on my feet all day pushing a stroller, parking a stroller, carrying one of them in line, etc... My feet were unbelievably sore after our trip to WDW. We can afford the 2 nights at $269 plus tax and that stupid resort fee, but is GCH worth it?

We love the GCH especially for all the reasons that you listed. It makes it so easy to go back to the room in the middle of the day for naps and still feel like you never left the park. I have not stayed at DLH. Every time we go, we say "next time maybe we will stay at DLH", then when the time comes, we pick GCH. We have stayed at PP and found it is just too far away.

 

[MrSanderz]

Yay!! I got the email today from Disney Destinantions and booked the DLH for November 7-11th. I got it for $179 which I think is great since it's Veteran's Day weekend!
When I called I wanted to check-in on Nov. 8 for 3 nights but was told there was no availability but I was able to book, checking in on Nov 7 for 4 nights-strange.
I am not a DVC member or AP holder but I do have the Disney Visa, just booked a WDW room last week (for 2009) and ordered the WDW planning DVD. I also took a survey on the WDW website and like a pp, cruised with DCL this past May. Now if I can only get a code for our WDW vacation next year...

 

[sydangel68]

So excited. Finally got through and booked GCH for our stay 29 Aug - 4 Sep. The first 2 nights were $299 pn, then the rest were $259.

Also for those who had the email but the in a different name, just explain the situation. I got the email but it was addressed to my friend even though it was my email address. The reason is I ordered the Vacation Planning DVD last year and used her name/address as they won't deliver outside of the US.

The CM was so helpful, he put me on hold and came back and asked for the dates and was able to validate it.

We were originally staying at the Hojo but in a King Suite which was going to cost $229 per night, so for not much more we are now staying at GCH.

I still can't believe it. Will have to change my sig now.

Good luck everyone and hope you get the date you are after.

Cheers
Angela

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

Okay Angela- you are going to DL for 6 nights then to WDW for 12!!! Are you coming up for air in between? I am so jealous! I miss the Poly... it is my fav and I always try to consider others at WDW, but can't go through with it. What is ASM???

 

[mommy2allyandaveri]

A very good friend of mine forwarded me her e-mail with the pin number (she didn't know I was on the boards hoping for a pin) so I called and gave the pin. They asked for my name and zip code then put me on hold, then came back and asked for my address then put me on hold. Came back and said that I must have been e-mailed the wrong pin number so she gave me my pin number! I guess I was part of the promotion but I still haven't received an e-mail or mailer. I am so glad that I called. I am going to book the DLH for 5 nights in Dec for $179. This is such a great rate. I asked what the regular rate was: $260/night and the AP rate was $234/night. That is almost $100 off the regular rate, I don't think I can pass that up!

I'm not sure how I will bring the mailer with me though because she gave me my pin number over the phone.

 

[grizbuzz]

Grizzbuzz-

What made you change your mind and go with DLH? Having never been to DLR we don't know whether GCH is really worth it considering our main reason for wanting to stay there is ease of getting in and out of parks, proximity, etc...

DLH looks as nice really... the rooms at GCH don't look worth that much to me considering I love the Poly in WDW and it is a totally different animal! I really hate to drop that much on a room... again... but with little ones I just can't take the extra walking after being on my feet all day pushing a stroller, parking a stroller, carrying one of them in line, etc... My feet were unbelievably sore after our trip to WDW. We can afford the 2 nights at $269 plus tax and that stupid resort fee, but is GCH worth it?

I went with DLH because it is cheaper and I want to give it a try. I haven't stayed at DLH for 10 years and I think my boys will like the pool. We've stayed at GCH the last four times we've been to DL, so time to try something new. And I figure if we take the monorail into the parks, it won't be too much of a hike to get to Disneyland.

However, I am doubtful that I will like DLH as much as I like GCH. I believe GCH is the same architect as Wilderness Lodge and AKV --- it is a wonderful Arts & Crafts style with an Ahwahnee lodge sort of a feel to it. It is super close to DCA and is just a very relaxing atmosphere, which is a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the parks. I just love GCH!

BTW, I love the Polynesian at WDW, too!

 

[honeymom]

I got the card several days ago. I cannot use it because we were just there (I have Disney Visa, not AP, live in Arizona, have been to DL once a year past two years, stayed onsite last year, offsite this year and haven't been to WDW for 4 years, plus I do sign up for every Disney thing on the net).

I've been on these boards and Mousesavers for 7 years. I can tell you that it is not a pretty sight to share pin codes. They really do match you to the code. Even if you somehow get the reservation (i.e. you lie), when you show up and your credit card info doesn't match the address info on the postcard/email, you are charged the full rack rate for your stay. I have read about it happening many times through the years. And, remember the full rack rate is the highest rate possible.

If you didn't get the pin code, perhaps try calling and seeing if you are on the list to get one and just didn't get it yet or if there are any comparable rates that you qualify for.

For the poster that asked about drive to DL, we have done it in as little as 5 hours (we only took one quick potty break), but the average is about 5 3/4 hours.

 

[princessLoLo'smom]

Grizbuzz-
Thanks for the insight! I will be interested to hear how it went after your trip and if you are heading back to the GCH next time. Being new to DLR I am just trying to keep it as easy as possible considering the girls need naps. I hope I am making the right decision and really appreciate you chiming in on the subject.
-Lynda