Going back again........need to know where to stay?!?

[amdp]

Hey Everybody,

Well it is that time again. We are getting ready for trip reservations for spring 2002. We have always stayed off site. We need to know where to stay next year. I am considering perhaps staying on site next year. I have two kids 11 and 7. We have always stayed at a villa type resort so we are spoiled in that respect. What type of discounts are available? Any and all information would be appreciated along with tips to save money.

Thanks

 

[ZerasPride]

You may want to consider the SwanDolphin resorts. They are located in the Epcot resort area and are not Disney owned hotel but come with all the benefits of staying at Disney hotel like early entry, e-ride nights, Disney transportation, etc. The only things that you will not have are Mickey toiletries, Mickey wakeup calls and the ability to charge purchases back to your room account. There is a FAQ on the resort board that can give you all the details you could ever want about these two deluxe resorts.

As far as discounts are concerned, with an entertainment card or an annual pass, you can save 50% off the rack rates. Since you are used to being able to spread out, you can stay in a 2 bedroom jr. suite at the Dolphin with 2 bathrooms, two televisions and 4 beds. I am staying in one this summer and am very excited. The best part is that even these suites are available at 50% off the rack rate.

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful vacation and happy planning!

Lisa

CBR - 10/98
BC - 10/98
BC - 6/00
GF - 9/00
Dolphin - 6/01

 

[Mperry]

You may also want to consider renting points from a member of the Disney Vacation Club. The accomodations are very home-like, plus a hot tub (in the room). The rental price is negotiable, but averages around $10.00 per point.

A week in spring can "cost" anywhere from 196 to 218 points depending on when you go.

Just another idea. If you want more info try the DVC board.

 

[Lewisc]

Mperry is correct, the DVC properities will give you the type of accomdations you want. You can either rent points or reserve it throught Disney. It's a bit more expensive than offiste, but if it's in your budget do it.

 

[amdp]

Thanks for your info. I will look into it. Now I don't want to seem dumb; but can someone explain to me what an annual pass is? How much does it cost? What benefits does it give you? I am curious as to what it is........

 

[Lisa P.]

An annual pass (AP) is a ticket that allows you to visit the Disney parks for an unlimited number of days in a year (365 days). If you will be visiting Disney theme parks for 8 seperate days or more, it may be your best pass option. There are additional advantages to being a passholder but I would only recommend a purchase if you will actually plan to use it often enough for park admissions to get your money's worth there. Resort discounts are only available with short notice during quieter periods and not at every resort. Here's the DIS FAQ on AP's:
http://www.wdwinfo.com/wdwinfo/apinfo.htm

 

[Alicia T]

Lisa:

You mentioned the Entertainment Book offers 50% off the SwanDolphin Resort. Is this the Florida book? I checked my NY book and SDR is not listed. I'm going in November and would LOVE to stay there!!!

Thanks,
Alicia

 

[amdp]

Hey Lisa,

Thanks for the info about the annual passes. I saw so much about them on the boards but wasn't sure exactly what you got with them. I will continue my research and hopefullly come up with a good choice.......thanks again.

 

[mm42]

Did I read that correctly? $10/point and 218 points for a week comes to $2180, which is more than $300 a night! I don't consider that "budget" lodging.

--- Mark

 

[CookieGVB]

Alicia:

As long as you have the Entertainment Card, you will be able to get the rate at the Swan or Dolphin. (They also honor the Disney Club card for the 50% off rate). Give them a call at 1-800-227-1500 to see if they are offering the rate for the dates you are interested in. You can also use the Entertainment Rate if you book through Dis Res - hop over to the Resorts board for their link, plug in your dates, and see if the Entertainment Rate comes up as being available.

Good luck!

Sis-boom-baaaaaa!

I wanna go back to the SwanDolphin! I wanna, I wanna, I wanna!

<img width="200" SRC="http://www.wdwinfo.com/sites/awilliams/dalcooks.jpg"[/img]


Gail a/k/a CookieGVB

"All you need is mugs..."