I think I can make Mousefest/Disfest!

[UrsulasShadow]

There's a good chance I'm going to be in WDW from Dec. 9-Dec. 17. I got some really good fares from Jetblue, and a small windfall in the form of a rebate check. So, I need you guys to help me figure out the absolute CHEAPEST way to stay while I'm there. I considered camping at FW, but as much as I enjoy camping, it would cost a mint to ship all the stuff I'd need for a week down and back. Since I'll be solo, that's a lot of gear to handle, too! So I'm thinking cheap offsite room. The cheapest I've seen is the Seralago, but don't know if I'd be utterly skeeved out by the accomodations. I've had the Super 8 suggested, and that sounds very reasonable. I've also seen a deal for a little over $550 for a room at the Ramada Orlando Celebration Hotel and a rental car package through Hotwire...do I trust them?

Or, maybe there are other solos doing the same dates, that might want to split something???

This is not something I expected to do this year...I really thought I'd have to wait til May to get back down there!

 

[ADP]

Hey Mindy,

Depending how many times you will be visiting WDW during 2009 I'd recommend you getting an AP. Use the AP to get the AP resort discount at Pop Century. The rate should be around $69 per night + tax (Maybe cheaper). You will get all the benefits of staying on property; EMH, Disney transportation, including ME, etc plus you will be at a Disney resort.

That's what I would probably do; in fact, I'm staying there December 12th and 13th.

 

[WaltD4Me]

Mindy, I would wait to book anything if I were you. I just checked my favorite hotel deals site and I found a rate of $39 a night at one of the DTD hotels, but you had to travel by September 30th. Really good rate though and still "on property" - I think you could even walk to DTD. It's a bit early for early December deals though.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

So booking the airfare was okay, but I should wait on hotel deals...got it. How about rental cars? I do like to venture off property...is it better to look early, or wait for deals?

 

[WaltD4Me]

It's too early for December deals on car rentals too I think.

When we went to Orlando in Feburary, our car rental rate went WAY down 2 weeks before the trip. When we first checked it was around $250 for the week, 2 weeks out we got it for $113 for the week.

And seriously if you got the airfare, you are golden, considering the uproar on the Transportation board over Southwest's newest fare release, I think you are going to be seeing more and more hotel and rental deals, but not quite yet.

Believe me, if I could get there, I would join you! --- Go tell Oskey to pick me and we'll meet you!

 

[Annette_VA]

I am so jealous!!

Say hi to the Podcast team for me

 

[ADP]

So booking the airfare was okay, but I should wait on hotel deals...got it. How about rental cars? I do like to venture off property...is it better to look early, or wait for deals?

We use Alamo a lot. I always seem to get the best deal using the Wal-Mart code 430710 and combine it with a coupon code (usually found on Alamo's website). I once booked a midsize vehicle for a week at a rate of $89 (tax included) using this strategy.

 

[chirurgeon]

I hope you can make it Mindy. It would be great to meet you in person before the cruise. Kathy will be there too and maybe Kim (Mommyceratops to be specific about which other Kim)

Kim

 

[kab407]

Dang! You're heading down the day I leave.

Do we have an official word on "DISfest"? I know it was mentioned in chat last night.

 

[kab407]

I hope you can make it Mindy. It would be great to meet you in person before the cruise. Kathy will be there too and maybe Kim (Mommyceratops to be specific about which other Kim)

Kim

Too many Kims!

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Dang! You're heading down the day I leave.

Do we have an official word on "DISfest"? I know it was mentioned in chat last night.

I haven't heard anything official, but I'm staking my hopes on there being a meet the same week as Mousefest, like last year, which is why I gave myself a full 8 days...so I didn't miss anything. Now I'm missing you... ...not fair. Can you stay an extra day??? Please??? I won't call you Kim, I promise! Looks like I'll have a couple of other Kims to call Kim, who won't be offended if I call them Kim, like SOME Kims I know...(Hi, LisaLisaLisa!)

 

[UrsulasShadow]

I hope you can make it Mindy. It would be great to meet you in person before the cruise. Kathy will be there too and maybe Kim (Mommyceratops to be specific about which other Kim)

Kim

What days are you there, Kims?

 

[MenashaCorp]

BWV 12/5-12/14. Hoping myself....

 

[TSWJan78]

I have always booked rental cars early and then keep looking as you can cancel at any time. Mousesaver.com has some great rental car rates

 

[kab407]

I'll be at SSR 12/3 - 12/8. Unfortunately, I can't switch days. I head out on real vacation on the 18th and am not back till after New Years. Work has finally gotten use to the fact I am not around for most of December.

Jason, you'll be meeting the Kims any myself for drinks one night, right???

 

[chirurgeon]

I'm scheduled for December 5-15. Everyone keep their fingers crossed I don't go on strike and have to use my strike fund for silly little things like food and bills. I would prefer to use it for Disney.

Kim

 

[MenashaCorp]

Jason, you'll be meeting the Kims any myself for drinks one night, right???

Kungaloosh! Susan and I will be up for that.

And please... Call me Kim!

 

[winotracy]

I'll be at OKW from 12/3 to 6 and then on the cruise from 12/6-13.

 

[calypso*a*go-go]

Oh man -- you Kims are going to have a whole bunch of fun without me, aren't you? Now I kind of wish I wouldn't have planned a 10-day trip for August.

 

[NC Belle]

Now I can plan my MA trip for those dates and avoid the cistern side trip. Just kidding...

The Sheraton Visitana is a nice timeshare with some specials. NC B.'s parents stayed there while we were at Pop back in 2006 (RCI exchange).

Calypso--- maybe we can convince some people to have a mini meet for August.