Going last week of Aug, where to stay for under 170.00 a night?

[KJMAX1]

OK, we want to get the best resort for our money. We are taking our new daughter, and a bunch of other friends and family. We will buy an AP pass if needed, but from CRO we understand that the prices drop for rooms in the last week of Aug because its considered off season then. Any suggestions from past history? I really want to stay at the Poly but dont think it would bein our price range.

 

[Belle1962]

You might be surprised at what is in your price range---keep watching these boards (the budget board too) and the mousesavers.com site for codes and other bargains.

Last August there were some good rates out so unless things change there "should" be some this year.

My advice would be to book what you can afford now, (using AP, Disney Club or whatever) and then when you find a code or deal you can always change your ressie.

 

[jel0511]

AP rates are now available for your stay, valid until 9/30. I'd call CRO and check on availability on resorts in your price range. The AP discount is 30% off rack rates. You can still look for better codes to come out, thus lowering your cost, but at least you'd lock-in something now. The lowest I've seen the Poly in a couple of years were last years AP rate of $179 + tax, which would be a little above your price range. Also, just remember with the drop off in room rates in the last week of Aug, so do the park hours, I found out this the hard way when I went down that week a few years ago.

 

[Gillian]

Last year we had the Yacht club for $169 + tax, which is about 187. That was in september, but I think the same rate was available for late august. The polynesian was a little bit more, the contemporary wing rooms a little bit less. The moderates were around $100.

I think the deluxe resorts have value season for all of August, so if that's what you want, you might not have to wait until the last week. The crowds go down a bit, but as jel0511 said, so do the hours.

 

[Bstanley]

Figuring that the current prices will also be available in late August AKL and WL 'standard' view rooms would be approx. $130+tax, and WL 'woods' view would be just a bit more. Both are great places - WL would get the nod if you want more 'MK' time.

Unfortunately $170 will be just short of a Poly price (especially when you add the 10% resort/hotel tax.

One idea to help you manage the price - the Poly rooms are easily large enough for a 5th person (there are 2 REAL queen beds and a twin in each Poly room) and if you have a group going that includes 'singles' they could help pay for the room. We 'bunked' with my sister in law, who was traveling alone on our last Poly trip for example. It saved her (and us) money and other than having to be careful with bathroom 'timing' wasn't a problem.

 

[KJMAX1]

Ugh...We were told by CRO that park hours do not end early in the last week of August, so were they wrong????

 

[A1A1]

You will get the most bang for your buck staying at the AKL. It is considered a deluxe resort, with the price of a moderate (with some of the discounts that are out there).

This resort, while only having the bus system or your own car for transportation (VS being on the monorail or having boat launch) is very relaxing. It is out of the way of the madness. There is a lot to do there. The animal views are so special, and the African experience is outstanding.

I always recommend people stay there if they want something just a little different.

The pool is very nice, the pool bar is great, the restaurants are outstanding, and the lobby will take a whole day to explore. There are artifacts, I think Disney has the largest collection of African artifacts in the US (maybe the world besides Africa itself!), and you will certainly be entertained and educated.

 

[jel0511]

Well, historically the last week of Aug they do drop off hours, meaning MK and MGM will close early. Epcot always closes at 9 - 9:30, and AK always closes at 5 or 6. MK and MGM will be open late on the weekend(during off season usually 9) but during the week will close between 6 and 7. This happens because attendance drops off since most children are back in school and the majority of families have already taken their vacations. As others have noted the deluxes (with the exception of AKL and WL) are value season all during the month of Aug so that won't be a problem. Also, CRO is notorious for not knowing certain things.

 

[Letsbgoofy]

Park hours do change that last week - that's the week we go every year. We have been so many times that we don't need the extra time at night (we DO need EE though!); otherwise we would go the week before when the crowds are a little heavier but the hours are much longer.

 

[Ityldu]

We have Polynesian for late June with the current AP discount and it comes to $259 including tax. I think it would be slightly cheaper in August but should still be around $230(AP discounts are out until 9/30).

I think the absolute best bang for the buck is Swan/Dolphin. They have many fabulous discounts and you should be able to find something in or below your price range. At Swan/Dolphin, you have easy access to Epcot/MGM and BW, plus all the amenities of a deluxe, which it truly is.

Is anyone in your party a teacher, nurse or any type of government employee? If so, you can get book up to 3 rooms at a price of $129 each. If you don't qualify for that discount, there are also 50% off AP, entertainment and I believe DC discounts.

If you're set on Polynesian, but can't afford it, WL is the next best thing. Close proximity to MK and just as much themeing as Polynesian for a more reasonable price.