Help with surprise trip

keithomas

Disney Dad, Trip Planner, & Photographer
Joined
Apr 30, 2001
Messages
193
Well, we're only 6 months removed from taking our kids on their first ever WDW trip (they are 4 & 6) and we've all got the itch to go back. It was by far the best, happiest, and most stress free vacation we've ever done.

Anyway, we've been looking at the pictures from the trip and I've been doing the financial math to see if we can swing another trip this coming June. I think it's possible, but would like to surprise everyone. We stayed at WL (bunk beds) and I'm thinking I'd like to stay elsewhere, but need to keep the costs down. We got an incredible deal with a code last year for like $130/nt woods view. I've budgeted about the same money for a surprise trip, but would like opinions of OTHER resorts that are good location for kids that I might get discounts for. (maybe BWV or that area?) All suggestions are welcome, and I know the discounts "normally" will come out sometime in January for June arrivals if they come out at all.

So help me plan the surprise and ease my itch to return with some good thoughts!!!

KT
 
If you can't get a good code for WL, I'd recommend PO-FQ as a good alternative that won't bust your budget. We've stayed at both resorts, and though we liked WL better in terms of themeing, FQ was very nice and family friendly too. And our kids loved the pool!
 
I'm surprising my whole family this week with a trip!!!!!

In recent years we've always stayed at the deluxes(WL and AKL) but since this is our 2nd trip this year & I'm doing this all myself, I couldn't swing a deluxe. So after much research we're staying at the POR; I got a great AP rate of of 79.00.

If you're looking for money saving tips go over to the Budget board, they are very helpful! Another idea is to check out the DVC board because you can rent points from people and I've heard of people getting some really great deals for them.

I'll let you know how we liked the POR as soon as we get back!
 
Of the moderates, PO does look like the type of place we'd like best. I'm going to hope for a good code discount for either WL again or BC/BW(I or V) lol. Right now the airfare is my biggest holdback. I can't find anything less than around $300 pp rt!!! Last summer we got $180 pp. I'm hoping for some sales soon, and also for Southwest to release June fares.

KT
 

Right now the airfare is my biggest holdback. I can't find anything less than around $300 pp rt!!!

I know what you mean, airfare is so expensive right now! That's why were driving, it'll take us about 16 hours. We're going to drive through the night so the kids can sleep and it'll be nice and quiet-lol.
 
I don't think you'll be able to get YC/BC or BW for $130.

But, we loved PO-FQ! It is very small and has a great feel.

My DS age 10 really liked CBR.

You can usually get a good rate at the mods. We stayed at PO-R in June for $94/night(with tax)--it was a post card rate!

Have a great trip!
 
I know I won't get the YC/BC or BW for $130. They seem to go for around $170/nt. If I can end up with a good deal on airfare, or we drive, or shorten the trip to 5 or 6 nights instead of 7 I can swing it.

I've started my at least twice daily check of airfares. That's how I got my deal last year. One morning the price dropped about 30% and I bought it on the spot. It was back up that afternoon. Amazing how that works. The airfare is the "commitment " stage. Once that is bought there's no turning back, but it will probably be the first portion of the trip to get booked.

KT
 
As you mentioned, the least expensive I have ever seen BC for is $169 a night plus tax with a code. It is definately worth it, in my opinion it is the best resort on property. Your other option as someone mentioned might be to rent points from a member. You could get a studio at BCV, which is about the same size as a deluxe room but also includes a mini fridge and a microwave for about $170 a night for 6 nights. This would include tax. The way this figures out is 102 points for 6 nights Check in Sunday - Check out Saturday at $10 a point = $1020 / 6 nights = $170 night.
 
My suggestion to you is to read everything you can on all the resorts, then watch the boards and MouseSavers for codes to come out. If you are not comfortable waiting (without booking something) book whatever you feel comfortable (a moderate or All Stars) with whatever discount you can get now: AAA, Disney Club. Then wait for codes.

My goal is to stay at all the resorts and I've only stayed at POFQ as far as the moderates go and we didn't like it, go figure. We loved Movies though. I haven't met a deluxe I don't like! LOL!

Have fun researching!

Lori
 
I have looked into the points rental and have "temporarily" rented enough points and booked BWV studio. I had forgotten about this possibility until you brought it up. The location is great, as my wife and I stayed there on our 5th anniversary. We actually got upgraded to a 1BR, but I wouldn't expect that in this case. Heck, I didn't expect it then!

Now, I just have to decide for sure so I can mail the check. To tell/cosult with my wife or just DO IT and wrap up some kind of Christmas present is my big concern now.

As you can probably tell, I am the personality type that makes up their mind and does things....I do my research...but once I decide it's usually a done deal. Can't help it, I'm an engineer.

KT
 
Well keithomas, I am impressed. When you decide something, you really get it done! I am glad I could help! As far as telling her or wrapping it up, I can only tell you, if my husband surprised me, I would be really grateful!
 
Truth be told, I had pretty much done the math and made up my mind before posting the original....just really wanted others opinions. When I saw yours, it got me thinking, as I really wanted a deluxe type resort but didn't want to wait around and HOPE for codes. Yes, they'll probably come out, but this is just as good a deal if not better since it is witout taxes!

Thanks a bunch....I think I'll keep my mouth shut 'til Christmas!

KT
 
Cool! I've been reading, I plan to do the same for my neice and nephew. I passed the bar exam this month and always promised them that as soon as I passed I would take them to THE WORLD. Needless to say, they are on standby, but I want it to be a surpise. First week in June, I am hoping, the day they get out of school I want to pick them up and leave!!! But I need a resort too. I am a passholder and can swing 90-100 a night and am hoping for a moderate. You all have given me hope.:bounce: :bounce:

I too will keep on top of mousesavers and mm monitor. We will also be driving from Cleveland it's about 14 hours and well worth the savings in money to spend on the really important things.

Also would any of you know about crowds? Is it okay?


thanks

Michelle

September 2003 honeymoon - CSR
June 2003 Coolest Aunt in the World Bar Exam Celebration trip- PO
 
This will be our 3rd trip during the first week of June. Although I have never been any other time of year, the crowds have never been a problem. A lot of places are still in school and the big crowds just haven't arrived yet. My best advice....GO EARLY! Be at the parks well before opening and enjoy the morning and get lots done. Take afternoon breaks. You don't necessarily have to go to your room and nap, but go swimming or eat a long lunch in someplace cool, etc. My kids were 3 and 6 this summer and they walked everywhere, all day long as long as we took these breaks. We didn't bring a stroller or rent one. It's so much easier than having a big wheeled monstrosity to keep up with. Anyway, also be aware of (for crowd reasons) the Orlando Gay Days schedule. The first full weekend of June (I think it's the 7th in 2003) is their group day at MK. Very crowded, so I'd avoid that park that day.

KT
 
Super thanks for the tip. My nephew is 11 and neice is 7. This is new for me in that I have made a million trips to the world but all with adults and I make an itineray so we go go go, first shower at 5:30am second at 5:45am out to the park by 7am.

So my plan is to go with a moderate, I love the delux but unless the tom cruise firm picks me up, we are destined for a moderate. Kids get out of school on June 5, meet them at home and ask them if they have any plans today, then ask them if they want to go. they are going to have a heart attack!

I was planning on the mk for early admission on saturday but due to your advice, we will avoid the crowds. I usually go in the off season, Sept, Oct., Jan., Feb. but the kids are the most important part of this trip so we will deal with June and have a great time!

thanks.

michelle
 












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