I love credit cards so much! v2.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[ten6mom]

Since @PolyRob was kind enough to invite me to ask my WDW questions here, I will take the offer!

First thing is: On site vs Off Site.

I have mentioned before that my usual hotel is a Best Western. (Best Western PLUS, if you please! ). Unless I am getting the room for free, Best Western is quite sufficient to my needs as far as a hotel goes.

I see there is a Best Western outside WDW that a lot of folks stay at. I also understand that WDW is not walkable like it would be if I were staying on Harbor or Katella at DL.

I know that the WDW resort hotels have some sort(s) of transportation to/from them and the parks, but is there any reason why I could not just get an Uber from the Best Western to whichever park I plan to visit that day? (I plan on one park per day).

That particular Best Western is an "official" WDW hotel but I really don't know what that means.

What else do I need to know, generally speaking, about staying off site or on site? Pretty much it comes down to money, right?

 

[PolyRob]

Since @PolyRob was kind enough to invite me to ask my WDW questions here, I will take the offer!

First thing is: On site vs Off Site.

I have mentioned before that my usual hotel is a Best Western. (Best Western PLUS, if you please! ). Unless I am getting the room for free, Best Western is quite sufficient to my needs as far as a hotel goes.

I see there is a Best Western outside WDW that a lot of folks stay at. I also understand that WDW is not walkable like it would be if I were staying on Harbor or Katella at DL.

I know that the WDW resort hotels have some sort(s) of transportation to/from them and the parks, but is there any reason why I could not just get an Uber from the Best Western to whichever park I plan to visit that day? (I plan on one park per day).

That particular Best Western is an "official" WDW hotel but I really don't know what that means.

What else do I need to know, generally speaking, about staying off site or on site? Pretty much it comes down to money, right?

So there are really 3 types of resorts at WDW. Onsite, “official” offsite resorts (like you mentioned), and just offsite resorts. Onsite resorts provide you with Extra Magic Hours (similar to DL), 60+ day FP+ planning based on length of stay (very important for new/high demand rides), “complimentary” MagicBands, and “complimentary” Disney’s Magical Express shuttle to and from MCO. “Official” offsite resorts will also provide you with the EMH and 60+ day FP+, but not the other benefits. Other offsite resorts that are not "official" provide nothing "extra" for WDW.

You can absolutely 100% utilize Uber to and from the parks. The only place where you can’t go directly to a park is Magic Kingdom. You would have to be dropped off at the Transportation and Ticket Center and either take a monorail or boat to Magic Kingdom. You could also ask to be dropped off at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and walk to Magic Kingdom since it has a very short walking path and dedicated security line (this would be my personal preference).

Besides that, the only thing you would not have staying at an "official" offsite resort would be room charging privileges or MagicBands. You can still buy MagicBands if you really wanted them, but still no charging privileges. You can also still visit the different resorts and explore their grounds, shops, and dining. I personally love experiencing the different resorts at WDW.

One major thing to know about WDW resorts and transportation is that you cannot go resort to resort on a bus. You must go resort to park or park to resort. You also cannot go from Disney Springs to a park. You have to go from Disney Springs to a resort, then to a park. Park to park is ok, but can be annoying depending on which parks and time of day. Just some limitations if you didn’t only use Uber.

 

[PolyRob]

2am and still 30 days. I won't check again for a few hours (only because of sleep) LOL

 

[ten6mom]

So there are really 3 types of resorts at WDW. Onsite, “official” offsite resorts (like you mentioned), and just offsite resorts. Onsite resorts provide you with Extra Magic Hours (similar to DL), 60+ day FP+ planning based on length of stay (very important for new/high demand rides), “complimentary” MagicBands, and “complimentary” Disney’s Magical Express shuttle to and from MCO. “Official” offsite resorts will also provide you with the EMH and 60+ day FP+, but not the other benefits. Other offsite resorts that are not "official" provide nothing "extra" for WDW.

You can absolutely 100% utilize Uber to and from the parks. The only place where you can’t go directly to a park is Magic Kingdom. You would have to be dropped off at the Transportation and Ticket Center and either take a monorail or boat to Magic Kingdom. You could also ask to be dropped off at Disney’s Contemporary Resort and walk to Magic Kingdom since it has a very short walking path and dedicated security line (this would be my personal preference).

Besides that, the only thing you would not have staying at an "official" offsite resort would be room charging privileges or MagicBands. You can still buy MagicBands if you really wanted them, but still no charging privileges. You can also still visit the different resorts and explore their grounds, shops, and dining. I personally love experiencing the different resorts at WDW.

One major thing to know about WDW resorts and transportation is that you cannot go resort to resort on a bus. You must go resort to park or park to resort. You also cannot go from Disney Springs to a park. You have to go from Disney Springs to a resort, then to a park. Park to park is ok, but can be annoying depending on which parks and time of day. Just some limitations if you didn’t only use Uber.

Wow that's good information to have (no directing "driving" access to Magic Kingdom???? How odd...). Also good to know about the different "resorts." (I was excited to see a Best Western in the area since by the time I get there, maybe I would have enough points with them for at least part of the stay).

I'm not worried one way or the other about charging privileges (at least I don't think I am... should I be?). I am used to carrying a purse/wallet and paying with a card (gift card or credit card, whichever).

Any idea what transportation options from the airport to an "offsite-yet-official" resort might be? I see it's about 20 miles (on a toll road??) so that might be an additional cost factor. Perhaps the price of airport transportation added to an off site cost would be the same as a value.... ohmygoodness so so many things to think about!

 

[PolyRob]

Wow that's good information to have (no directing "driving" access to Magic Kingdom???? How odd...). Also good to know about the different "resorts." (I was excited to see a Best Western in the area since by the time I get there, maybe I would have enough points with them for at least part of the stay).

I'm not worried one way or the other about charging privileges (at least I don't think I am... should I be?). I am used to carrying a purse/wallet and paying with a card (gift card or credit card, whichever).

Any idea what transportation options from the airport to an "offsite-yet-official" resort might be? I see it's about 20 miles (on a toll road??) so that might be an additional cost factor. Perhaps the price of airport transportation added to an off site cost would be the same as a value.... ohmygoodness so so many things to think about!

Room charging privileges really isn't that big of a deal. It is nice not having to pull out a form of payment for something small like a snack, but a minor inconvenience. I usually charge to the room and pay off with discounted Disney gift cards anyway. Some use it here because the charges will code as "travel" on most CCs when it comes from the room.

You could also Uber from MCO to your resort. It would probably be around $25-$40 each way depending on time of day and type of Uber.

The value resorts are cute and all getting refurbished. POP and AoA will be on the new Skyliner which will provide easier access to DHS and Epcot so that is something to also consider. What time of year are you considering? WDW usually has promos and one "magical" place already has rates out for POP.

One other thing I forgot about onsite is the dining plan. You can only purchase it when staying onsite. It never works out to be a better deal for me because I use Tables in Wonderland as a passholder, but that is another onsite only "perk."

 

[ten6mom]

Room charging privileges really isn't that big of a deal. It is nice not having to pull out a form of payment for something small like a snack, but a minor inconvenience. I usually charge to the room and pay off with discounted Disney gift cards anyway. Some use it here because the charges will code as "travel" on most CCs when it comes from the room.

You could also Uber from MCO to your resort. It would probably be around $25-$40 each way depending on time of day and type of Uber.

The value resorts are cute and all getting refurbished. POP and AoA will be on the new Skyliner which will provide easier access to DHS and Epcot so that is something to also consider. What time of year are you considering? WDW usually has promos and one "magical" place already has rates out for POP.

One other thing I forgot about onsite is the dining plan. You can only purchase it when staying onsite. It never works out to be a better deal for me because I use Tables in Wonderland as a passholder, but that is another onsite only "perk."

I was just looking at January (only if I could fly out on points, of course) and the WDW website has a handy dandy rate calculator. The resort I was looking at (strictly based on cost) was All Stars but good grief there are three of those too! How does anyone make a decision????

As a cost comparison, for Jan 5- 10 a standard room at All Stars is an average of 113 a night. By comparison, the BW is an average of 96 a night PLUS a resort fee, so really an average of 110 a night. So in this particular instance, there's only a $20 difference over the length of the stay. For that small a price difference, with "free" transportation thrown in, All Stars actually comes out to be less expensive.

By comparison, the same dates at Pop Century would be $220 more.

Talk about overwhelming. I am used to hopping in the car and driving to DL pretty much whenever I feel like it. I know which hotels are close enough for me to be willing to book (or even better, I sometimes stay with friends who live 10 minutes away) and I never have to give it another thought!

ETA: I doubt I'd ever do a dining plan. I am more of a quick service kind of girl. I THINK the dining plan is for table service meals, isn't it?

 

[PolyRob]

I was just looking at January (only if I could fly out on points, of course) and the WDW website has a handy dandy rate calculator. The resort I was looking at (strictly based on cost) was All Stars but good grief there are three of those too! How does anyone make a decision????

As a cost comparison, for Jan 5- 10 a standard room at All Stars is an average of 113 a night. By comparison, the BW is an average of 96 a night PLUS a resort fee, so really an average of 110 a night. So in this particular instance, there's only a $20 difference over the length of the stay. For that small a price difference, with "free" transportation thrown in, All Stars actually comes out to be less expensive.

By comparison, the same dates at Pop Century would be $220 more.

Talk about overwhelming. I am used to hopping in the car and driving to DL pretty much whenever I feel like it. I know which hotels are close enough for me to be willing to book (or even better, I sometimes stay with friends who live 10 minutes away) and I never have to give it another thought!

ETA: I doubt I'd ever do a dining plan. I am more of a quick service kind of girl. I THINK the dining plan is for table service meals, isn't it?

It can definitely be a lot to consider! I almost stayed at POP, but was switched to AoA because of an issue with my room and very, very late arrival due to delays. I can't really speak to the All Stars, but I believe Sports is the most convenient for bus transportation? An All Stars fan would have to also weigh in. I believe @speedyfishy really likes Movies?

POP definitely went up in price with the Skyliner addition. Check your PMs on this...

Yeah, it is a big shift from DL! I took a friend for the first time last year and she wanted to go from one resort to Epcot for a meal, then stroll through Disney Springs, and make a FP+ in another park. She didn't understand why we couldn't do it and just walk everywhere until she arrived and was like OH... it is a highway... and we would die, ok, gotcha

There are actually 3 dining plans, quick service, dining plan (1 quick service and 1 table service per night) and deluxe dining (3 credits, your choice). You could price out the QS based on party size to see if it would help. Places like Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom would definitely be a great place for those credits since it is an expensive QS (breakfast and lunch only). The catch here is that you need a reservation... for a quick service

 

[ten6mom]

It can definitely be a lot to consider! I almost stayed at POP, but was switched to AoA because of an issue with my room and very, very late arrival due to delays. I can't really speak to the All Stars, but I believe Sports is the most convenient for bus transportation? An All Stars fan would have to also weigh in. I believe @speedyfishy really likes Movies?

POP definitely went up in price with the Skyliner addition. Check your PMs on this...

Yeah, it is a big shift from DL! I took a friend for the first time last year and she wanted to go from one resort to Epcot for a meal, then stroll through Disney Springs, and make a FP+ in another park. She didn't understand why we couldn't do it and just walk everywhere until she arrived and was like OH... it is a highway... and we would die, ok, gotcha

There are actually 3 dining plans, quick service, dining plan (1 quick service and 1 table service per night) and deluxe dining (3 credits, your choice). You could price out the QS based on party size to see if it would help. Places like Be Our Guest in Magic Kingdom would definitely be a great place for those credits since it is an expensive QS (breakfast and lunch only). The catch here is that you need a reservation... for a quick service

A reservation... for quick service. Hmmmmm. That doesn't sound fun AT ALL. Are there, in fact, quick service places where I can literally just walk up to a counter and order and get my food and sit down???

 

[PolyRob]

A reservation... for quick service. Hmmmmm. That doesn't sound fun AT ALL. Are there, in fact, quick service places where I can literally just walk up to a counter and order and get my food and sit down???

Yes, a majority of WDW QS is just walkup. BOG and ABC Commissary are the only two QS with ADRs that I can honestly think of. You can also mobile order on your phone which will also save you a ton of time!

ETA: Pizzafari has the ADR for the family style dinner meal

 

[ten6mom]

Yes, a majority of WDW QS is just walkup. BOG and ABC Commissary are the only two QS with ADRs that I can honestly think of. You can also mobile order on your phone which will also save you a ton of time!

Definitely a fan of mobile ordering! In fact my sister is going to DL at the end of this month and she has never done mobile ordering so she and I are having a meeting later this week to discuss! Does it work the same way at WDW as it does at DL? (Obviously I need to get the WDW app)

 

[speedyfishy]

The resort I was looking at (strictly based on cost) was All Stars but good grief there are three of those too! How does anyone make a decision????

If rather stay at an All Star than stay off property. Movies is getting renovated and the rooms are really nice.

 

[disneybirds]

Any recommendations for June and when to go to WDW? I have been in May and August but never June. Needs to be after June 4 but other than that I am open. @PolyRob didn’t you go last June?

I am all over the map with going to WDW in June but am going to book even if we have to cancel just because this deal with Delta is so good. I used DH’s miles to pay for our spring break trip but I have another 170k SkyMiles in my account still. I just don’t want to pass this up...for our October trip I am still smarting for the 220,000 miles I had to burn to get us all there. I also have my MR’s but am want to avoid transferring those for now.

I wanted to book July when there is a state holiday (so wouldn’t have to use a work vacation day) but I said something about it to D8 and D11 about going next July and they were upset at the thought of missing Grandma’s holiday/BBQ party. So June I guess. Cute and big props but to Grandma but a little annoying for vacation planning.

I have DVC but don’t want to use the points since I have an October UY. Any idea when room rates might be a little better?

We have been in June and enjoyed our trip. It did rain pretty much everyday at some point. I did see that you can enter SMLOYAL19 plus your Skymiles number on the Delta Vacations site for a small extra discount. I saw it range from $50 to $150. Every little bit helps! Love all these vacations you are planning. I need to work on ours today.

 

[Judique]

I just saw this offer on SW. Its a lot of points, and not something I would have thought about before but it sounds really nice!

I haven't read any other answers but I think the $1k sw gift card makes this a pretty reasonable offer. Looking forward to other assessments.

 

[Judique]

In researching options to get to SYD next Christmas, it looks like going out of SF might be the best option. So awardhacker shows me the various point options but when I look that routes, I am thoroughly confused.

So let’s say I wanted to go with the direct option, how would go about that?

View attachment 432660

I have no idea what you should do but I envy your ability to travel like the wind all year long and to enjoy so many different adventures. You are right up there with some of the unnamed greats on this board! (No talking about complete use of points here, just your travel history in general.)

 

[disfanforlife]

I haven't read any other answers but I think the $1k sw gift card makes this a pretty reasonable offer. Looking forward to other assessments.

We were thinking about going to Hawaii in March this year anyways...

 

[1st*toright]

I'm booking a work trip and considering being unfaithful to Southwest and flying American instead - American is the only carrier that I can get a direct flight to DCA (and flying into Regan National puts me MUCH closer to my conference than flying into BWI or Dulles). I have a shiny new Amex Gold that I could use - any tricks to get the $100 fee to credit? Does a <$100 fare trigger the credit on American? Any way to pay a baggage fee, then cancel it and get a credit? Other ideas?

Or does everyone here have so many AA miles they would never ever actually *pay* for a flight on American ?

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

I'm REALLLLLLY trying to figure out what I want to do with this Delta promo. Hey FL experts, I know going to Disney at Xmas is a kiss of death, is Universal as bad? I would be looking at going sometime before Xmas, 12/21-24. We've never done Universal and I was thinking of making it a present to the kids.

Or the other option is to book myself a Spring Break somewhere, LOL.

And delta peeps, I can call and book a trip that is say 12/20 to 12/25 and only book hotels part of it (use free certs and points the others), right?

 

[Judique]

Wow. I have the “old” version of the Hyatt card. I’ve refused their paltry offers to upgrade to WOH so far. My award night just posted 8/31 and my AF posted 9/1. I opened the card 9/1/17.

I opened my card on September 3, 2017 also but my annual fee won't post until Oct 1. So I'm now watching to see what day the free night posts. Based on your experience I should get it by Oct 1st.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

I'm booking a work trip and considering being unfaithful to Southwest and flying American instead - American is the only carrier that I can get a direct flight to DCA (and flying into Regan National puts me MUCH closer to my conference than flying into BWI or Dulles). I have a shiny new Amex Gold that I could use - any tricks to get the $100 fee to credit? Does a <$100 fare trigger the credit on American? Any way to pay a baggage fee, then cancel it and get a credit? Other ideas?

Or does everyone here have so many AA miles they would never ever actually *pay* for a flight on American ?

I never pay for my American flights....and something has always gone wrong, and so I get miles back

 

[amalone1013]

What's more depressing than going home early from your Disney trip? Having google photos come up and be like, Look! A year ago you were at Epcot and Volcano Bay!