Got a good PIN, need advice!

[Mom23WildBoys]

Howdy everyone! I've been reading the forums for months now, getting advice for our planned trip for Jan/Feb 2012, but this is my first post!

We received a PIN today for $67 standard value rooms in Nov/Dec of 2011 (paying all upfront and with no chance to change reservations), and we have four free flights from SW that we could use, and in a few days will post enough SW RR points to get the fifth ticket so that we'd all fly for free. Sounds great right? It appears that suites are excluded from the deal though, so we can either go super cheap and put all five of us in one room (my boys will be 6, 4 and 2), or try to get connecting rooms at one of the value resorts. My boys have been sleeping in the same room while on vacation and seem to like it. I don't know about us grown ups sleeping in the same room as they are though... Oh, and we've already purchased AP's, since we planned two trips in 2012 already, but this way we'd get to use them a third time!

My questions are, does this really sound like a good deal, or should we save our free flights for Nov/Dec 2012 as we were originally planning (although we'd have to pay $100 to bump the tickets to the year after they were to expire) and let the boys grow up some more? If we take the deal, which value resort would be the best choice? My oldest son has asthma, so we'd need a very clean room for him, and they're all fairly light sleepers, so it's probably best to avoid louder areas. Are we trying to go too many times within one year?

Also, can we use the Magical Express when flying SW? If not, what's the best way to get from the airport to the resort?

Thanks in advance! We're so excited about becoming a Disney family!!!

 

[nrpofp]

If you bought ap's I would try to go as many times as you can affford to go. Why not make the most of your investment. Thats what were doing. We share a room with our 2 boys, but we stay deluxe so its a little roomier. A suite would be nice, but not something thats really affordable for us at wdw. I would take the trip this December, because you never know you might be able to afford to go next December too. Pop Century seems to be the most popular value on these boards. I'm sure there are some posters that stay at the values that can help you with this. Have fun. BtW I am pretty sure the magical express is availalbe no matter what airline you fly in.

 

[abminer]

I booked a $67 room at Pop in October with a PIN (but was told it is refundable/changeable ).

Have you called WDW and asked about the discount PIN? When I called to book the CM I spoke to gave me a preferred room as an option and it too was 30% off rack rate (so more than $67, but less than usual). I think they sometimes list just the cheapest option on those PIN emails/cards to get our attention, but when you call you may find there are unadvertised options.

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

If you bought ap's I would try to go as many times as you can affford to go. Why not make the most of your investment. Thats what were doing. We share a room with our 2 boys, but we stay deluxe so its a little roomier. A suite would be nice, but not something thats really affordable for us at wdw. I would take the trip this December, because you never know you might be able to afford to go next December too. Pop Century seems to be the most popular value on these boards. I'm sure there are some posters that stay at the values that can help you with this. Have fun. BtW I am pretty sure the magical express is availalbe no matter what airline you fly in.

Thanks for the advice. You're right about being unsure of what next year holds...good point to mention to DH!
I'll look into Pop Century for sure then and hope that we can make a decision soon. We only have until the 7th!

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

I booked a $67 room at Pop in October with a PIN (but was told it is refundable/changeable ).

Have you called WDW and asked about the discount PIN? When I called to book the CM I spoke to gave me a preferred room as an option and it too was 30% off rack rate (so more than $67, but less than usual). I think they sometimes list just the cheapest option on those PIN emails/cards to get our attention, but when you call you may find there are unadvertised options.

Hmm, I must have a different PIN, because the "freedom" rate (ability to make changes to the reservation, etc.) is $91 per night and the email specifically states that it's $67 only if we pay it all upfront and make no changes. The CM I spoke to today did emphasize the same thing, but it did appear that booking on a Friday night had some kind of discount too (although the discount is listed for Sun-Thurs), because it was still cheaper than the rack rates I saw. I'm sure you're right about there being discounts that aren't explained. I'll be sure to ask about more options when I call again.

I'll assume you'd vote for Pop Century, since you're staying there too?

 

[Brandilovesdisney]

For your son's asthma you can request the VIP cleaning of the room - it's not guaranteed - I'm guessing it's due to time constraints of the cleaning staff when the hotel is close to full capacity. But I'm sure Disney will do their best due to your request being health related. As for general cleaniness - Pop has recently been refurbished and the rooms at Movies are currently being done. Hope this helps!

 

[Bete]

but I would wait a little while longer to see if a public offering discount will come along for this winter season; it may be a better offer. Usually, the first offers to surface are not as good. We are all hoping for free dining and that would surely help your family of 5. Most of us feel an offer coming out in the next few months will surface. You can book now with the pincode offer you have and change latter for a better deal (with the refundable offer), but the more people that book now for the winter season the less the incentive is for Disney to offer a better deal to the public. It's simple math if Disney gets enough bookings now to be satisfied for the winter season there won't be better deals. I know it's hard to resist, but you still have the offer. All you have to do for now is wait a little to see if a better deal will be out there.

It's easy to get excited and anxious about a pincode deal, but in this case the early bird does not catch the worm.

If you have the same code as a lot of others have there are two offers in the same deal. One is to pay upfront, non-refundable and get $67/night for a value or a moderate. The catch is that you don't get to pick your resort. The next part of the deal is to get more flexibility with $91/night for a value only resort and you can cancel within certain time constraints.

By the way with a free dining offer you can get the park tickets for the package promo necessary and then you can upgrade your tickets at guest relations for annual passes before your last day of your trip. I would definitely wait a little while longer; you can only gain by waiting.

 

[hkeller27]

In your situation, I'd be very careful to check out the flight situation first. Be sure you can actually book reward flights on the days you are planning; it would not be fun to book a non-refundable vacation only to find that your flights don't jive!

Also, I'd hold off a bit and see what GP offers are to come....

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

but I would wait a little while longer to see if a public offering discount will come along for this winter season; it may be a better offer. Usually, the first offers to surface are not as good. We are all hoping for free dining and that would surely help your family of 5. Most of us feel an offer coming out in the next few months will surface. You can book now with the pincode offer you have and change latter for a better deal (with the refundable offer), but the more people that book now for the winter season the less the incentive is for Disney to offer a better deal to the public. It's simple math if Disney gets enough bookings now to be satisfied for the winter season there won't be better deals. I know it's hard to resist, but you still have the offer. All you have to do for now is wait a little to see if a better deal will be out there.

It's easy to get excited and anxious about a pincode deal, but in this case the early bird does not catch the worm.

If you have the same code as a lot of others have there are two offers in the same deal. One is to pay upfront, non-refundable and get $67/night for a value or a moderate. The catch is that you don't get to pick your resort. The next part of the deal is to get more flexibility with $91/night for a value only resort and you can cancel within certain time constraints.

By the way with a free dining offer you can get the park tickets for the package promo necessary and then you can upgrade your tickets at guest relations for annual passes before your last day of your trip. I would definitely wait a little while longer; you can only gain by waiting.

We don't have that PIN...ours only says for a value resort and nothing about Disney choosing the resort for us. We also already bought the AP's and have the vouchers at home, so we don't need a package deal at all

Do you think there'll be a better room only kind of deal coming out? Should I just book the $91 deal and will they let me rebook if a better deal comes out? It only says no changes if we book and pay upfront with the $67/night deal...

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

but I would wait a little while longer to see if a public offering discount will come along for this winter season; it may be a better offer. Usually, the first offers to surface are not as good. We are all hoping for free dining and that would surely help your family of 5. Most of us feel an offer coming out in the next few months will surface. You can book now with the pincode offer you have and change latter for a better deal (with the refundable offer), but the more people that book now for the winter season the less the incentive is for Disney to offer a better deal to the public. It's simple math if Disney gets enough bookings now to be satisfied for the winter season there won't be better deals. I know it's hard to resist, but you still have the offer. All you have to do for now is wait a little to see if a better deal will be out there.

It's easy to get excited and anxious about a pincode deal, but in this case the early bird does not catch the worm.

If you have the same code as a lot of others have there are two offers in the same deal. One is to pay upfront, non-refundable and get $67/night for a value or a moderate. The catch is that you don't get to pick your resort. The next part of the deal is to get more flexibility with $91/night for a value only resort and you can cancel within certain time constraints.

By the way with a free dining offer you can get the park tickets for the package promo necessary and then you can upgrade your tickets at guest relations for annual passes before your last day of your trip. I would definitely wait a little while longer; you can only gain by waiting.

Our boys are still young and don't eat much at all, so I think we'd only benefit from FD in a few more years, plus, DH and I usually share one meal anyway. I don't think I could get DH to book a more expensive deal unless I could get all of our money back. Is that possible if I booked the $91 PIN deal and nothing better came out?

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

For your son's asthma you can request the VIP cleaning of the room - it's not guaranteed - I'm guessing it's due to time constraints of the cleaning staff when the hotel is close to full capacity. But I'm sure Disney will do their best due to your request being health related. As for general cleaniness - Pop has recently been refurbished and the rooms at Movies are currently being done. Hope this helps!

Thanks! I will definitely request a VIP cleaning (and maybe a fridge for his medication???). If Movies would give us a refurbished room we'd definitely consider staying there too!

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

In your situation, I'd be very careful to check out the flight situation first. Be sure you can actually book reward flights on the days you are planning; it would not be fun to book a non-refundable vacation only to find that your flights don't jive!

Also, I'd hold off a bit and see what GP offers are to come....

I've spoken to SW and would definitely try to book our flights first. I think we'd have an easier time choosing dates to stay in one of the values than we would choosing dates to fly!

 

[DOPEYLUVER]

I've spoken to SW and would definitely try to book our flights first. I think we'd have an easier time choosing dates to stay in one of the values than we would choosing dates to fly!

And this changes. I recently booked a free flight for December. My times are terrible, but what the heck, free is free.

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

And this changes. I recently booked a free flight for December. My times are terrible, but what the heck, free is free.

Free is free, but this'll be the first time for my boys to fly and I'd really like to avoid weird flight times or layovers, etc. Plus, I'm TERRIFIED of flying myself and avoid it at all costs! It says a lot that I'm willing to fly to Disney World!

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

Another thing I just thought of (after reading other posts!) is that the AP rates might come out soon. If they're out before the 7th and cover through December, we could possibly use that discount instead.

 

[Minnie&Nana]

For your son's asthma you can request the VIP cleaning of the room - it's not guaranteed - I'm guessing it's due to time constraints of the cleaning staff when the hotel is close to full capacity. But I'm sure Disney will do their best due to your request being health related. As for general cleaniness - Pop has recently been refurbished and the rooms at Movies are currently being done. Hope this helps!

It absolutely IS guaranteed for a severe allergy! I don't know who told you it;s not, but they were very misinformed. If guests ask for VIP cleaning that does raise a red flag.

Mom23WildBoys, make this request when booking your reservation and ask the CM to contact special needs for special cleaning of the room. Do not call it VIP cleaning. Simply explain your child has severe allergies. If you are not guaranteed the room will be specially cleaned, please pm me and I will give you a contact.

 

[nrpofp]

but I would wait a little while longer to see if a public offering discount will come along for this winter season; it may be a better offer. Usually, the first offers to surface are not as good. We are all hoping for free dining and that would surely help your family of 5. Most of us feel an offer coming out in the next few months will surface. You can book now with the pincode offer you have and change latter for a better deal (with the refundable offer), but the more people that book now for the winter season the less the incentive is for Disney to offer a better deal to the public. It's simple math if Disney gets enough bookings now to be satisfied for the winter season there won't be better deals. I know it's hard to resist, but you still have the offer. All you have to do for now is wait a little to see if a better deal will be out there.

It's easy to get excited and anxious about a pincode deal, but in this case the early bird does not catch the worm.

If you have the same code as a lot of others have there are two offers in the same deal. One is to pay upfront, non-refundable and get $67/night for a value or a moderate. The catch is that you don't get to pick your resort. The next part of the deal is to get more flexibility with $91/night for a value only resort and you can cancel within certain time constraints.

By the way with a free dining offer you can get the park tickets for the package promo necessary and then you can upgrade your tickets at guest relations for annual passes before your last day of your trip. I would definitely wait a little while longer; you can only gain by waiting.

She can always switch to a better discount if one comes around as long as she doesn't do the 67.00 non-refundable. I switched discounts at least 4 times. I'm not a gambler an I can't pass up a discount. The only thing beter than 67.00 room rate might be free dining.

 

[Bete]

Our boys are still young and don't eat much at all, so I think we'd only benefit from FD in a few more years, plus, DH and I usually share one meal anyway. I don't think I could get DH to book a more expensive deal unless I could get all of our money back. Is that possible if I booked the $91 PIN deal and nothing better came out?

I still think you can sit on the fence and wait a week or so to see what else may be brewing. I don't see the rush factor, here. It's still early on for December and discounts.

If you want to lock in now and the $91/night rate allows you to modify without penalty then you don't really have nothing to lose there if a better deal comes along. I prefer not to make modifications; so, I wait it out when it's early on with the deals. More deals will come; it's anyone's guess if there will be a better deal or not.

By the way, I wouldn't discount free dining because you share meals. You could always take advantage of signature restaurants (2 credits per person) and special shows like Hoop-de-Do (2 credits) and even have three meals a day or whatever.

 

[Mom23WildBoys]

Thanks for all of your advice! We're going to see if the AP rates come out within a couple of weeks and then really discuss if the deals are good enough to make us want to travel to Disney twice in two months. I think it's worth it, but DH needs some persuasion...