I want the Deluxe property, but need to do it cheap

[anbouk]

Swan/Dolphin have discounted rates all the time.

Yes, but you CANNOT do the MAGICAL EXPRESS (trip from Airport and Back) and the Dining Plan with the Swan/Dolphin Hotel.

 

[kidd_freeper]

Rent DVC points. You get a Deluxe-level hotel for the price of a moderate.

But if you want the Poly for cheap, you'll have to do what I did...win a contest.

 

[NeverlandPixie]

Yes, but you CANNOT do the MAGICAL EXPRESS (trip from Airport and Back) and the Dining Plan with the Swan/Dolphin Hotel.

I thought this too. However, when I went online to check prices, it gave me the option of booking the Swan or Dolphin on a package, and low and behold, also gave me the option of adding ME. Perhaps it is on room-only reservations that the Swan/Dolphin doesn't participate in ME?

 

[Disney Fool]

I didn't think that the Swan/Dolphin participated in ME either, but lo and behold, when I went this July, at the airport while we were in line for our resort, there was a sign for the Swan/Dolphin at ME. ....I never had an opportunity to ask if this was now being added as a perk for those guests, or whether they were just testing it out. But, there WERE people lined up for the Swan/Dolphin at the bus queue.

 

[spiceycat]

another suggest but only for 5 days - Sun-thur (leaving on Fri) - rent a reservation from a DVC member.

you can then get either 2 studios or a 2-bedroom. 2 studios much, much cheaper.

but a studio will sleep 4.

OKW has 2 queen beds, the others have a queen and a sleeper sofa (see why you need 2 studios)

renting a DVC resort is probably your best option.

VWL, BWV, BCV, OKW, SSR and the new AKV - would be your choices

OKW is the economy, followed by AKV and BWV (standard views only in both), then SSR, after that BWV (preferred), BCV, VWL, AKV.

 

[NancyIL]

My preference is for the Swan/Dolphin. I have no interest in the dining plan, and I usually rent a car because I visit my mom in Cocoa first, then drop-off the car at the Dolphin. Parking is $9 + tax/day. It would be great if Magical Express ran to the Swan/Dolphin, but I don't mind taking Mears back to the airport. I prefer taking it that direction than waiting around for it to go TO the Swan/Dolphin!

 

[Lewisc]

DME transports cruise passengers, who purchased DCL transfers. Cruise passengers who are staying at the S/D are transported on DME buses. AFAIK other S/D guests can pay Mears, and will probably be transported on DME buses.

I didn't think that the Swan/Dolphin participated in ME either, but lo and behold, when I went this July, at the airport while we were in line for our resort, there was a sign for the Swan/Dolphin at ME. ....I never had an opportunity to ask if this was now being added as a perk for those guests, or whether they were just testing it out. But, there WERE people lined up for the Swan/Dolphin at the bus queue.

 

[timmac]

You could rent points and stay at one of the Epcot DVC's. Not as convenient as the monorail resorts for MK, but great for Epcot and much cheaper than paying Disney directly.

WL Villas will get you the boat to MK

 

[Lewisc]

I thought this too. However, when I went online to check prices, it gave me the option of booking the Swan or Dolphin on a package, and low and behold, also gave me the option of adding ME. Perhaps it is on room-only reservations that the Swan/Dolphin doesn't participate in ME?

I just checked and the Disney website doesn't offer the S/D. Were you looking at a cruise land/sea package? You can book the S/D as part of a DCL package and get DME.

 

[missypie]

Last week when the codes came out (first Disney Visa, then AP, then General Public), I called every time and was unable to use the code. I am staying at the Poly Thanksgiving week, so I wasn't surprised. However, every time, they had availability at the BC and the YC. SO....my guess is if a code was available there during Thankgiving week, it will be available for your dates. Can you get excited about either of those? They are great resorts, you can walk to Epcot and MGM, they have SAB and have two sinks outside the restroom.

 

[NeverlandPixie]

I just checked and the Disney website doesn't offer the S/D. Were you looking at a cruise land/sea package? You can book the S/D as part of a DCL package and get DME.

Nope, I was on the Disney World website, went to Tickets and Reservations, ticked off room and tickets package, plugged in my dates (April 1-6, 2008), and up it came under View by Price (listed right under Fort Wilderness Cabins).

 

[Lewisc]

Nope, I was on the Disney World website, went to Tickets and Reservations, ticked off room and tickets package, plugged in my dates (April 1-6, 2008), and up it came under View by Price (listed right under Fort Wilderness Cabins).

When you go to add ground transportation to your reservation DME isn't shown. You can only add rental car, limo, towncar or shared shuttle (Mears).

Looks like the first screen offering DME, is the same screen that's used for WDW run resorts but the error is catched when you go to book it.

 

[dijid]

I'm staying in a standard view Garden Wing room at the Contemporary in a week. The rate was the lowest you can get at a deluxe. Rack rate at value season this year is $249/night. We have 5 people staying there during free dining, which worked out to a 40% discount. I can live with looking over the trashcans if I know I can walk to the MK and view Wishes from the hotel.

 

[skiingwife]

I'm staying at the Swan for the first time in October and I'm considering it a deluxe because it has everything I look for in a deluxe: very comfortable beds (heavenly beds), nice swimming pool with slide and hottubs, transportation to the parks by boat or walking, and Epcot/Boardwalk area. And best of all - my rate is $169. Sure beats the deluxe price.

 

[Cool-Beans]

There are a whole lot of folks (like me) who rent cars, so the Magical Express thing doesn't mean diddly to them. And a lot of people who don't care about dining plans, either.

If you are a bus rider and/or dining plan person, maybe the Swan/Dolphin isn't for you. If you aren't, it might be a good alternative.

 

[G8r4evr]

There are a whole lot of folks (like me) who rent cars, so the Magical Express thing doesn't mean diddly to them. And a lot of people who don't care about dining plans, either.

If you are a bus rider and/or dining plan person, maybe the Swan/Dolphin isn't for you. If you aren't, it might be a good alternative.

 

[Markstudy]

There is another way to solve this problem

Ploy is really only good for your MK days, and pool days and resort relaxing evenings.

Epcot, MGM, and Water parks are all grouped together. Stay on-site at the least expensive resort you can, and hit all the parks that are close to that area. Also do all your night time activities that keep you away from the resort....time-it so you only have time for sleep at your low cost room.

Then move to the poly for your last two nights and hit the MK for those days. and plan your resort-time and pool-time. Use the Delux for those slow days when you can enjoy the expensive resort.

What would it cost for 3 days at the least expensive resort and then 2 days at the Delux?

When I go for a 5 day trip to a Delux....The first 3 days are so busy, I'm not even getting my moneys worth beign in an expensive room. I walk in at 11:30pm flop on the bed and lights out

Staying at the Delux I find I have to plan some down-time to enjoy the place


.

 

[DisneyD]

WOW! I had no idea I'd get so many great responses from this post.

I have started checking into renting DVC points. Can you rent those for the regular Disney resorts or only the Vacation Club ones?

We'll have 8 people in our party; we could all stay in a two-bedroom. We've thought about it.

I didn't realize how close the BC was to MGM. I think MGM and MK are our two top parks.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions. I have a lot to research!

 

[Deb & Bill]

The best value for DVC points are at DVC resorts. You can't use DVC points at any resort that has a DVC resort connected to it (AKL, WL, BC, BWI) or at any value resort.

Check out the DVC Rent/Trade Board and read all the FAQs and sticky threads at the top of the page before you do anything. Make sure you have a member ready to make that reservation at 11 months and be ready to pay at that time.

And if any of the rest of the family decides to back out, you'll be stuck with the two bedroom and the cost of the two bedroom. DVC members can't just cancel without a penalty. If you rent a reservation from a member, you might be stuck with the cost of the penalty.

Disney doesn't get involved and you don't get daily cleaning. No one makes the beds except for you (or if you stay at least 8 nights, then they give your villa a full cleaning on day 4).

 

[jcpuppy.com]

with all of you going simply pay cash for a 2 bedroom villa, you will love it! Just split costs amongst everyone staying