Help with Trip planning

[pcotten]

I have read a lot on this wonderful board but I am still confused. I will be taking my son (6 yrs.) to Disney & Universal in August. We will be arriving on Sunday, August 22nd late afternoon.

My plan was to spend august 22 - August 25th at Universal & Seaworld.

Then shift to Disney, August 25th - August 28th.

I prefer to stay onsite. My son would hate the lines, so would I.

I don't want to spend on Deluxe resorts but the next level is fine.

For example, The Royal pacific at Universal will be just fine for us. I hear it is $129/night with Annual Pass. I could buy two Annual Power Pass for $106 each and pay $129/night a RPR.

At Disney it is a little more tricky I found. I thought of splurging on Contemporary Resort but it is sold out. I also would love to stay at a resort that is on the monrail. The Swan/Dolphin have that promotion but they seem to be far compared to others. The Carribean resort looks OK. My son is so spoiled that at some point on this vacation he is going to tell me to carry him on my shoulders becuz he is tired of walking. So, it is critical for us to be as close to the attractions as possible and have as little wait time in the lines as possible. I am not got going to carry the little critter. I wish Disney had the same no-wait deal that Universal has for on-site stay. I might have even ponied up for Deluxe resort.

I want to keep the budget under $1500 for Hotel and passes.

Are there other things we can do such as VIP tours, etc?

Are there possibilites to meet characters such as Sponge Bob, Buzz Lightyear, Jimmy Neutron, etc.

My son is also a picky eater. That is going to be another nightmare. Do the resorts have Firdge, Microwave, etc in the rooms?

I have Disney Visa card, AAA membership and Entertainment Card. I hope I can get some mileage out of them.

All help is greatly appreciated.

 

[hulabird]

Have you been to http://www.mousesavers.com? I would go there to get the code for the August specials that are good from 8/1-8/28 check-ins. You would use the code and call CRO and tell them you have a discount code and you would like to use it. On the homepage of mousesavers you will see about the August special, just click that and it will give you an idea as to the rates using the code.

I have stayed at CBR (I love it!), AKL, WL, CR and YC and love all but CR (sorry, it is just not my style). We are trying BWI for the first time this year. Also the Swan and Dolphin are really nice and they are at the BW area, it is very close to staying at a Disney resort because you have access to boats, the BW, walking distance to Epcot and MGM and use of Disney buses. The deal they have now is very good and they have those heavenly beds which I am dying to try someday!

Check the attractions board for ideas of different things you can do.

Hope this helped some!