I figured it out.... how to save $$ on my vacation

[vicb]

we'll just cut out our four tickets to La Nuba, 2 adults on Segway tour and one of our 7 nights at YC and we'll save $1,000! Sounds sarcastic but this might be what we have to do to get to WDW in Feb. We really want to stay at YC and if 10% AAA is the only discount that works for us then that is probably what we'll do.

Anyone else in that same boat?

 

[Joyfulsnuff]

I totally understand what you are saying! I keep trying to figure out how to go since there have been no general discounts, e-mails, or postcards for us to use. All the discounts over the past 4-5 years have kept us coming back each year but by the time we return (if we return in the fall) it will have been 2 years since we have been there. The only solution for us at this point if we really want to go is to cut back our time there, instead of staying 6-7 nights we might stay only 4-5 and instead of 4 or 5 day hoppers we might only do 2 or 3 days in the parks with no hopping option. I guess Disney has not noticed that it has caused many of it's faithful repeat customers to come less often. So, I really understand looking for ways to cut back on your vacation just so you can go.

 

[planning06]

I would rather downgrade my hotel than stay fewer days. Is it that important to stay at the YC?

 

[j's m]

My DH loved the Segways. He said it was the highlight of our trip last year.

We love the Yacht Club, too, but have been staying at the WL when we can only get AAA discount.

 

[DisFlan]

I guess Disney has not noticed that it has caused many of it's faithful repeat customers to come less often.

I think you're beginning to get Disney's point. Disney is generating new loyal customers - guests who pay rack rate. And they'll expect to pay rack rate when they come back. As long as the parks and resorts are doing well, this will continue.

WDW is, simply, going to cost more for the foreseeable future. It's not the first time. Years ago, you had to book anything at WDW WAY ahead (as in a year or two), and you paid the going rack rate for whatever was available. Or you didn't go. Period. We're probably heading for something similar now.

The only reason we've had a "discount-fest" for the last four years was the travel turndown/fiasco following 9/11. That's pretty much over. Travel to WDW is booming. We'll all just have to learn to live with the new situation, or vacation somewhere cheaper.


DisFlan

 

[vicb]

I would rather downgrade my hotel than stay fewer days. Is it that important to stay at the YC?

Yeah, it's pretty important. I am discussing a split stay with my crew but they/we really like to park in one resort for the week. Just seems more relaxing to us. There are 4 of us and we really want the 2 queen beds as opposed to the double sized beds.

I was thinking a couple of days at WL and a couple at YC for SAB might please everyone and save a few more bucks.

I guess it is just hard to go back to rack rates when the discounts have been so good these past few years.

 

[SEC]

If you do go to WDW every year and/or for several nights, you might want to consider DVC. I have been a member since 2001 and it has paid for itself. It was really a no-brainer for us after pulling out our WDW hotel bills for 4 years. I am a member at Wilderness Lodge Villas, but have stayed at Old Key West a couple of times. It is great to be able to check out and have a zero hotel bill!

 

[disnyrtl]

Last year I rented points from a DVC member for a 2BR at Old Key West Resort. The total cost for the room via renting the points came to about 55% off the rank rate. The normal rate for a 2BR villa at this place was $649/night and we paid $315/night. The intent was after 30+ years going to WDW (since I was a baby) and staying offsite or even at "value" to "moderate" rooms, I wanted to spoil myself. OH BOY, I really got spoiled. The villa was about 1200 Sq Ft which is larger than some apartments I used to live in. Of course, a full kitchen, full washer and seperate dryer, jaquzzi and a "SUPER king" bed in the main BR and two queens in the 2nd BR along with a sofa bed, we had more room than we know what to do with. Plus the kids got to run around once we got back from the parks (where id they get the energy?) and even with them running around they did not bump into us.

Sorry for going so long. Point being, you might give yourself a gift and rent a DVC vacation from someone. Most 1BR villas start off at 16 points a night, if you rent the points at $10/point which is the norm, you get a great 1BR room for $165/night. That is cheaper than the deluxe resorts but you get a "home away from home"

Anyway...give it a try.