How can I get it all?

[Ohiomomof2]

All this confusion is driving me nuts! AP rates, Pin code rates, free dining, travel agent vs no travel agent, it is so overwhelming! Of course I want the best deal possible but I really don't know how to go about that. Can anyone help me?

I have been reading and reading these forums and I think I am more confused then ever! Should I just book the resort (we want WL) and apply codes as I get them? But then I would loose old codes right? How do I price out a new code without losing the old code? How do I get free dining? We are looking at August 17 - 23. I did just get a pin code in my e-mail for 30% - is that good or just so - so? Can someone help me put my feet back on the ground?

 

[brentalex]

Don't have all the answers for you, but possibly can help a bit. First, a 30% discount is a pretty good deal. Through AAA you can usually get a 10-20% discount, which people are generally happy to get. So 30 is good. As for free dining, the past few years Disney has offered the free dining in late August and September, since these are high hurricane times. They do it to attract people during a time when they may not normally want to be in Florida. Your dates are a bit before what they have been offering. But this year they did have a special during those times where it was offered. You never know.
You can make a reservation using one code and then if something better comes along, you can call and try to change the reservation to get the better deal. This will only work if there are rooms available where you want for the deal you want.
Hope this helps a bit

 

[Ohiomomof2]

Can anyone tell me if the pin codes can be used for resort only reservations or are they only for packages?

 

[Rylee]

You can only apply one (1) discount to a reservation.

This is how I look at it...

A "room only" discount will save you money.

A "package" discount will usually give you "more" for about the same amount of moneyyou were planning on spending anyway.

There are exceptions and other factors to consider, such as the number of people in your party and the length of your stay...

A "room only" discount is equal to the savings per night times how many nights you plan to be there.

A discount for free upgraded tickets to include hoppers and/or water parks is equal to the number of people in your party times the cost of the upgrade. PLUS, it is only a savings if you want/need/are able to use and were planning on purchasing this option. Or, consider it more bang for your buck!

30% is a good discount, of course, free dining would be better, (assuming you are traveling with others). However, no one knows for sure, if it will be offered, or if there will be availability during your travels dates.

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

I would book with the 30% PIN code you got. I think that's a pretty good deal. IF "free dining" is offered to the general public during your visit, go online and see what the package would cost. If it is worthwhile, change your reservation.

Be sure to book whatever table-service meals you really want, way in advance. And you can find menus for the restaurants by clicking "Dining" at the top of the page, or at www.allearsnet.com, and try to estimate what you might spend on food out-of-pocket. That way, you'll know if the free dining deal is worth it for your family.

Have fun planning your trip!

 

[Minnie&Nana]

Just a reminder that with free dining, the resort is rack rate.

We prefer the resort room only discount as it makes it possible to save a good amount on the resort, then use that savings to eat at a few nice sit down places.

The free dining is way too much food and ties us down to making ADR's too far in advance. After all, how do I know where I'll want to eat 6 or 8 mos from making the reservation? LOL We like to park hop, so too many ADR's tie us down.

It definitely is confusing!! As others have said, your 30% discount is excellent. I'd book that now and then watch the boards - or use a fantastic TA (pm me for the name of a truly great one!) and she will watch for a better deal for you.

Will be unlikely to get better than 30% discount, but one nevers know what WDW will offer next!

Enjoy the planning!

 

[TheGreatGonzo]

Call and see what your pin can be applied to. I received one for a Value Resort and they applied it to a full package w/ dining on a FW Campsite. Best yet, I didn't even ask for it, they saw the pin on their computer, told me what it would do for me and ask if I wanted it applied.

 

[Brian Noble]

Ohio Mom: you might find that the best way for you to go is to get in touch with a Disney Specialist travel agency. A good Disney agent should be able to get you the very best deal possible, with minimal work on your part. Best of all, it shouldn't cost you anything to book with one.

 

[JenH1969]

I have booked through CAA- if a discount comes out can I call Disney myself to have it applied or do I need to go through CAA?

TIA, Jen

 

[Ohiomomof2]

I went ahead and booked the room with the 30% discount pin code. It saved me over $530!! I also found out that I can get a 20% discount on 5 day park hopper tickets by purchasing them through my employer!! I think I am getting a great deal! We are not big eaters so this is much better than free dinning again. Now I just need to get a good deal on a rental car and figure out what parks to go to each morning and evening! Again - thanks for all your help!

 

[DisneyLaura]

you might find that the best way for you to go is to get in touch with a Disney Specialist travel agency. A good Disney agent should be able to get you the very best deal possible, with minimal work on your part. Best of all, it shouldn't cost you anything to book with one.

We're not going until 2009 but of course in my head I'm planning ust not on paper as yet. Is it better to go through a travel agent or through Disney themselves? Can I just go to any travel agent? Don't mean to sound stupid but thanks for the help.

 

[Brian Noble]

You want a Disney Specialist, not just any old travel agent.

A specialist agent works best for folks who find the whole "codes" thing confusing, or just want someone else to figure it out for them. If you're more of a do-it-yourselfer, then an agent isn't really necessary.

 

[DisneyLaura]

So Brian, do I call Disney themselves or can I find a Disney specialist at another location. Sorry for the silly questions. I just found out about all of these codes etc. Just curious on how to start when it's time. I am finally down to under 2 years but I know I can't book the hotel until 500 days, right?

 

[cherylp3]

You can go online to find a specialist. Most internet communities have an afilliation with an agency. Dreams Unlimited - http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/ is the specialist for the DIS Boards.
There are others as well.

 

[DisneyLaura]

Thanks Cheryl , I'm going to go check it out now.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Jen -- If you book through a TA (even AAA/CAA) only that TA can make any reservation changes. The TA actually owns the res, not the traveler.

 

[NickieMouse MO]

How can I get on the email list to have a pin code sent to me? Is there a secret society oath I need to swear into first?

 

[Claire&TheBoys]

How can I get on the email list to have a pin code sent to me? Is there a secret society oath I need to swear into first?

No one really knows who gets pin codes when or what triggers them. Sometimes they are mailed to people in a certain region of the country for particular times. Some people say that after they request a vacation-planning DVD, they have gotten one. Some have reported that if they have a vacation planned for a long time in the future, they get an email saying, "Smith Family, your Disney vacation could happen sooner than you think!" and they get a code. Some people even say they've called CRO and asked "do I have a pin attached to my name?" and sometimes the answer is yes, even though they didn't get a letter or email. I've never had a code especially for me. I've been to WDW many times, done their exit surveys when asked, been put on every mailing list for them I can and have a Disney Visa. I guess they know I'll be back anyway!

Good luck!

 

[Ohiomomof2]

How can I get on the email list to have a pin code sent to me? Is there a secret society oath I need to swear into first?

I got my code by registering on the Walt Disney website and requesting a vacation planning DVD. Before I even got the DVD I received an e-mail that stated

"We're so excited to hear you're thinking about taking your very first Walt Disney World® vacation! And you'll be excited to know that the Disney Parks DVD you ordered is on the way. But until it arrives, use the included offer and information to get a head start on the fun - there's plenty of it!"

They are excited? HA! I am the one super excited!!! Whoo-hoo!!!!!