Has anyone stopped @ Ocala & got a good deal??

[disneyfan551]

We are going down this weekend, and wondering if it would be worth our time to check the rates at the Ocala welcome center. Has anyone had any good or bad experiences?

Thanks!

 

[Bstanley]

We've stopped at the Disney Information Center in Ocala a number of times and have always been able to get a discounted deluxe resort room there. The discounts have ranged from 20% to 45% off of rack rate. We've never tried for a moderate or value so I'm not sure what else might have been available.

Last Fall we managed an AKL standard room at the $134 rate - and were lucky enough to be upgraded to a Savannah view on arrival! Gotta love that kind of Magic.

They will not give out any information over the phone, and if you have an existing reservation they will not change it to a discounted rate - unless you are 'upgrading'. Typically I will make a reservation at a moderate resort and then get it 'upgraded' to a deluxe at Ocala - yes they will transfer your deposit.

We've asked for/been offered the Polynesian several times, the GF once (we ended up switching to the Polynesian when we got to WDW , the AKL once, and the FW Cabins once.

It takes about 90 minutes to get from Ocala to WDW so from where we start from it makes sense to just stay the night in Ocala. There are a number of hotels nearby (on Exit 68), but the Best Western is literally right next door (they share a parking lot) so that's where we stay. Then it's up early and off for a fantastic day at 'The World'!

 

[MeToWDW]

Have a great weekend at WDW. We will be there also. We are from Sylva. Isn't that wild two people on this website and also going to Disney the same weekend from WNC?!! Have a blast! And no, I have never tried the Ocala ressie center.

 

[AnnMarie3]

We tried the Ocala info center in early November, 1999. Everything was booked and we ended up with rack rates at Dixie Landings. When we got there, the CM offered us a discounted rate, whcih was very nice. We are also going this weekend, staying at Caribbean Beach. Have a good trip. Memo to MeToWDW- I live in Atlanta now, but went to Western Carolina University near Sylva. Small World!

Ann Marie

 

[disneyfan551]

WOW! I can't believe it either! Hope you guys have a great time, too! We are really excited about taking our 7 mo. DD for her 1st trip! Look for our Mardi Gras stroller, decorated with purple metallic ribbon! (and a few lime green ribbons floating around...)

AnnMarie3 - it IS a small world...I also went to WCU...AND....I work @ WCU now! (Can you tell I like to visit the dis from work... I LOOOOVE my job!!!)

Thanks for the info on the Ocala welcome center! I think we are going to give it a try, JIC...

 

[corndog]

We got the GF there in the low $100s last September.

 

[AnnMarie3]

Tiffany,
Hope you have a great time taking your baby on her first trip to WDW. That first trip is so special. Our DS was 13 months on his first trip. Now he is 6, loves it! I'll be on the lookout for your "Mardi Gras" stroller. This will be my Father-in-laws first trip at age 72! We will be at the MK on Sunday! Have a safe and magical trip!
How is WCU these days? I graduated in 1988, but have been back several times. My parents have a home in Cashiers.

Ann Marie