Help calling all S&D experts?

[mhelsley]

OK i have 2 WDW vacations coming up(mid Oct & mid Dec)and i have a few hotel days to fill in and thought about tring the Swan or Dolphin. I've gotten very good at finding discounted Disney rooms(codes or AP rate)but can't really get a good rate at the above(can't use nurse/teacher). I have an AP and an Entertainment card and i'm also a spg member(no points yet). I heard that last year they offered rooms for $99 in Dec do they do this offen? What kind of AP or Entertainment rates do you get for the months i have listed and how far in advance do they come out? If i book and deal comes out latter will they switch me? I would also like any other info or advice you can give me.

 

[Samsma]

I think they honor the 50% off of the rack rate for the Entertainment Card. There are some black-outs, because they didn't have anything for Pres. Day weekend. I would call and find out if your dates are available under the 50%. Also, you can apply for a Starwood American Express, I think there is a link on Starwood.com. Sometimes they give you points after your first purchase with the card. I got 4,000 I think. Maybe by your trip you will have enough points for an upgrade or maybe to stay using cash and points. They also have a 35% off rate, that they might not tell you about, but you can ask. I had enough points for one free night, but transferred enough regular American Express rewards points at a 3 to 1 ratio to stay another 2 nights on points (10,000 a night at the Dolphin). Probably a dumb move, but I really wanted to stay at the Dolphin, and knew my DH wouldn't go for the extra cost. (In real $) I don't think they will automatically switch you, so you might want to watch for better deals.

 

[wdwphanatic]

... but have you considered getting rooms thru Priceline or Hotwire? I've found they have the best deals for the Dolphin, in particular (the Swan doesn't come up hardly at all anymore, though). I got 2 rooms at the Dolphin last May for $69/night (plus assorted fees) -- far and away the best deal you're likely to see anywhere else. Priceline is definitely the cheapest way to go, but obviously there's some risk in bidding. Hotwire rooms are closer to $90 or so a night, but there's less risk in going that route if you do your homework beforehand!

Just thought I'd mention this as an alternative!

Happy planning,
Sarah

 

[mhelsley]

I have look but even at 1/2 off BC & BW are less with a code. Yes i've thought about Hotwire but as a last resort but only for the Oct. trip. Is there anyone out there that has experience with AP rates for S&D? Thanks keep the advice coming.