HELP!!!

[meme8898]

I am new to this website and thought I might ask the experts how best to handle my situation.
I would like to take my parents to Disney for the first time. I am, by no means, loaded with money...which leads me to this site. I have been doing some "surfing" to find a way for 4 adults +1 child (my husband, my parents, my son...and of course me) for a reasonable price. Many sites mention the rental of DVC points. I tried to explore further but am now somewhat confused! I would like to take my parents in Feb (I hear that is the slowest time at Disney) because of my parents not being able to get around easy. I will prob only be able to afford tickets for 3 days in the park so any advice on tickets and rental of points would be greatly appreciated. I am not trying to "poor mouth", I just want my parents to experience what all of you already know...the GREATEST place on earth!! I have only been to Disney twice and stayed at the value resort.......if we did that again....i think i would have to get two rooms so thought this idea may be better for us. Sorry for the long message.

 

[FreeTime]

You may want to take a peek at the rent/trade board and see what members are offering for rent. Usually the points go for $10 or so each point. It sounds like you may need a 2 br. How old is your son? The studios and 1 BR villas only sleep 4 + a child under 3. If you do get a 1-br you may want to go with OKW as the villas are quite roomy compared to the others. I have seen lots of specials in the Sun papers lately for all resorts and the AS have been advertising around $55 per night. I am not sure if these speacials will be running when you go, but it is always something to look out for. However, if you can rent some DVC points you will save tons of money on food, if you cook in your room. I hope this helps a little.

 

[Chuck S]

You don't mention if you will have your own car for the trip. If so, and I had to choose between being able to afford a 3 day pass to stay on-site or a longer park pass and stay off-site at a reasonably priced hotel/motel, I would stay off-site. I doubt, considering the availablilty of reasonably priced off-site resorts, that renting DVC points and cooking in-room would save any money. I'd stay in Kissimmee and eat most meals off-site at reasonable restaurants, if it would mean extending the number of days in the parks. Parking is $8 per day at the theme parks, so factor that cost in as well.

 

[DarrenSt]

We went in Feb and it was extrmely busy. We like early Dec much better weather and alot less busy.

 

[AFMom]

Here's an example of what it might cost to rent DVC points - a 1 bedroom (which would probably be fine for the 5 of you) at Old Key West from Monday Feb 7th to check out on Friday 11,2005 (4 nights) would cost a member 80points. If you could get the points rented at $10 pp (which you probably could) it would cost you $800 for a 4 night stay - that does not include anything except the room. Now - they are wonderful rooms, and compared to the Disney rack rates - it's a great deal. If you could move your vacation to January 2005, a stay with a check in of Monday the 3rd, check out Friday, Jan 7th (4 nights), a 1 bedroom would only cost a member 64 points - so only $640 for 4 nights in a very nice 1 bedroom. The per night on that would only be $160. Make sure no matter when you go that you try not to include any Friday or Saturday nights - they are very expensive! Good luck!

 

[donald...really]

With going in February you have to watch out for school vacations when the parks are very crowded. If you want to avoid crowds, early January, as mentioned above, is a good time to go.

 

[meme8898]

Thanks for all the wonderful tips. We are flexible as to when we go. Any suggestions-it sounds like Jan. is a good option..I just thought the "new year" events would cause more people therefore causing more $$$? I think the DVC points will not be an option for us. Maybe Downtown Disney? Has anyone ever stayed at the Best Western LBV?
Also, what about the tickets? Any ideas about savings on that?
To answer the posted questions: We are probably driving our Tahoe...we are considering flying simple because of the time factor of a 12 hr. drive. Our son is 8. You guys have been great! I am excited about sharing this experience with my parents...it is time I give them something for all they have done for me! We told them about it today and they are EXCITED:thewave: Any more tips will be great...since we are breaking the bank for this trip!

 

[DrTomorrow]

If minimizing your costs is a big issue (and it sounds as if it is) then renting DVC points might not be for you. As AFMom pointed out, 4 weekday nights in early Feb will cost you approx. $200/night for an OKW 1BR. But 2 rooms at the new Pop Century would cost $77 each for $154/night - a $200 savings over the 4 days. Are DVC Villas nicer - full kitchen, W/D/DW, master suite w/Jacuzzi? You bet! But if you're not going to take advantage of a lot of those items, but you still want to stay on-site, there are other options.

Best of luck!

 

[AFMom]

Other than pre-purchashing through Disney, and saving there, there are AAA rated tickets, I believe, and also Miltary/DOD employee discounts (I think that includes Civil service as well). If those aren't options - wither get the basic Park Hoppers (you won't be there long enough to bother with any extras). However - the park hoppers only start at 4 days passes. So - if you're going for 3 days to the parks - and won't mind not being able to Park Hop - check out Bounce Back tickets - they'll save you about $15 or so per person (maybe more?). They aren't advertised, and you buy them at the ticket counters.
As far as other savings, I highly reccommend this website -
www.mousesavers.com
Excellent info!!!! You may also want to get a copy of The UnOfficial Guide To WDW - it's well worth the money!!!! Have a great trip!

 

[WithDisneySpirit]

Before you purchase park tickets, definitely check out mousesavers.com and get on the mailing list right away(no cost for this). Then, also compare the price of tickets to what you could get at Hotwire Savings Club (hotwiresavingsclub.com)!!!

In order to buy there, you will have to join, but it was well worth it to me for the savings I received! Check out the food vouchers when you look around at the site

Have fun planning!
Lisa