Hotel Reservation Questions - Packages/Discounts/Conscierge Level Please Help!

[lacp]

OK, several questions here. Thanks in advance for your help. I am trying to book reservations at the Grand CA for October. There will be 4 adults and 2 kids. I want to do 2 different rooms. One of us is over 60 so we can do a senior discount (30% off) on rooms alone, no package. But then I think we have to pay regular rate for the park tickets (website prices) is that right? I have seen some of you write in here that the packages aren't always the best prices, but how is that true when park tickets are so much more at the regular rates? What am I missing?

I am thinking of doing one room on a package where we get the park tickets included and then do a separate reservation of a room only to get the senior discount of the second room. Thoughts?

And what about the concierge level. It seems like with 2 little kids it will be so much easier to have easy access to breakfast, snacks, food, etc. Is it worth it?

And do all of the rooms in the Grand Ca hotel have balconies or just some?

Thanks!

 

[lana772]

Hi. We have stayed at all 3 on site hotels and a few off site. You should be thrilled with your choice in GCH. It is by far our favorite.

As far as package vs non-package, I think it depends on how many nights you stay and when. I have found it cheaper for us to buy the annual passes and get room only AP rates (min of 10% off or as much as 30% off). You would have to play with the math for your best deal. If you are only staying 4 nights (5 days in the park) this whole year then it is probably better to get a package.

For the rooms, your best deal may be to get a suite. Call the reservation line insted of booking on line and ask them about the 2 bedroom suite rate with a sr disc. That may be the best way to go. Then you will have the kitchen for snacks for your children.

As far as CL goes at GCH. It is wonderful, but we have decided that my family of 4 just can not eat $300+ worth of snacks, pastries, coffee and beer a day. White Water Snacks has a great selection and it's on the way into the park and GCH room service is amazing.
For balconies... Every room we have ever had there (standard view and park view) have always had balconies, but I had a friend tell me that they had a room there that didn't. If you get a suite it will have at least one or two balconies.

 

[GrandBob]

Usually the best price is to do hotel-only and buy separate park tickets online. That's doubly true since you can get the senior rate. That 30% off that's available to you (and me!) all the time, is equal to the best discounts that are ever offered, even with PIN codes. It's better than the normal AP discounts. And the senior can book two rooms with that discount.

I'd price it out with two rooms at the senior discount (or perhaps a suite, as Lana suggests), and online ticket pricing. You can then compare that verus various scenarios with packages, APs, etc. But I'd be very surprised if you find a better method than just using the senior discount on the rooms.

You can call for a reservation, give the CM your details, and have him/her check out the various options. We went to PPH in Feb, and had the CM check out prices with senior discount, AP discount, a super-special public offer they had going on, etc. The senior discount beat them all.

-Bob

 

[lacp]

Thanks so much for the suggestions! I am so excited!!