I'm new ... and I need help ... PLEASE

[Lemons]

This is the first time on the Web sight and I have a few (alot) of questions I really need answered. Please let me Thank ALL of you in advance for your help.

Do I need to belong to some kind of club to get discounts?
If so, what club and how do I get to belong?

Can you also explain codes and how do you get them for the discounts and what do I do with the codes once I get them?

Is it wrong to go with the package deals? I really like paying for my meals ahead of time.

How would I go about getting upgraded? Do I need to see the room first and then ask for an upgrade or do I do it ahead of time?

I'm thankful that I have a year to figure all this out.

Thank you ... Thank you ... Thank you again !!!

 

[olena]

Welcome to the DIS!!!!

There's no club for many of the codes. Some of the best codes are for Annual Passholders. If you plan to be in the park for more than 7 days in a 12 month period, it might be worth it to get an AP.

Once you see a code that fits your needs, you call CRO (407-WDISNEY) and tell the CM to check for availability for that code. Then you can book your room. The codes are often upgradable to packages, if that's what you need. I have found a better value in booking separately though.

 

[olena]

Enable your Private Message function and I will send you more info....

 

[dansyr]

Do I need to belong to some kind of club to get discounts?

Mousesavers lists all the discounts available. There are certain discounts available to certain groups. AAA offers some discounts. If you are an annual pass holder there are some discounts. Disney visa cardholders have some special discounts. I am sure there are others but I can't think of them right now.

Can you also explain codes and how do you get them for the discounts and what do I do with the codes once I get them?

codes are discounts offered for a certain time period. Go to mousesavers.com to get the codes. When you call disney to book your vacation tell them the code you would like to use and they will give you rates and if there are rooms available.

Is it wrong to go with the package deals? I really like paying for my meals ahead of time.

I would say if you are looking for the least expensive way to go...packages are not it. However, if you like meals pre-paid. like to eat at nicer restaraunts...will take advantage of some of the recreation at disney...I think packages are a great choice. We have done the gold package and loved it....but we will probaly not do it on every trip because it is a bit more expensive.

How would I go about getting upgraded? Do I need to see the room first and then ask for an upgrade or do I do it ahead of time?
Upgrades are completely by luck. Book the room you absolutely want and then at check in you might politely ask if there is a chance of receiving a complimentary upgrade.

If you have any other questions ....feel free to pm me. Soon you will know as much about disney as the rest of us....but be careful...it can be addicting...lol

 

[Jomrog]

and welcome!

My best advice is research! Use this website, mousesavers & wdwig.com. Then, decide on when you want to go & check these boards often. These people are on top of things & they will keep you informed.

As far as upgrades, it happens. When you call for your reservation, have them note your preferences but book std view. As your vacation gets closer, fax the room controller at the resort and maybe you will get an upgrade.

Good luck & don't be afraid to ask questions!

 

[S. C.]

Olena
I love your welcome mat, where did you find it at?



Lemons
Welcome to the DIS. You will find the most helpful, friendly and knowledgeable people here.
last july was our first trip back to disney since 1996. We had taken 2 trips when our kids were young and the 96 trip was hubby and myself, we spent 3 days at disney after taking a cruise. we didn't know much about disney during those trips stayed offsite etc.
Thank goodness we found these boards. We learned so much here. Last year we took our 9 yr old grandson with us. stayed onsite and had a great time. We had booked a package thru disney before we found these boards.
Thought about changing our plans & getting AP's, but because of past experiences figured we wouldn't be going back for a few years so we never got the AP's and since we were only going for 6 days didn't think we needed them. What a mistake that was. We could have used AP discounts for the resort and saved money. and you guessed it we are going back this year. if we would of bought the AP's then we would not of had to buy admission this year. We ARE buying AP's this time. we are staying long enough that they will pay for themselves & we are using the AP discounts. On our last day at WDW last year our grandson asked could we come back again for vacation that it had been the best time of his entire life.
and i agree these boards are very addictive I am on here just about everyday, there is always something new to learn.
I hope your family has a wonderful trip.

 

[S. C.]

Forgot to mention. Dreams unlimited travel is fabulous. If any discounts come out after you book with them they will get the discounts, ap rates, etc for you. and they will make your P.S.'s too.

 

[Lemons]

I am overwelmed on the help you kind Mickey-ites are helping with. I thank you so much!!! I'm having some trouble though...I feel like Dopey... but the abbreviations are killing me. I'm trying to guess what they mean. I'm sure I will figure it out though being that this is my 2nd day on.

 

[Gary M]

Lemons welcome to the DIS. As mentioned before you might try these other sites. www.mousesavers.com and www.wdwig.com

For abbreviations you can go to www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

DW and I went to WDW in 1992 for the first time. We knew nothing about it and spent way more than we should have. We had a travel agent who put a package together with bells and whistles that we didn't need or use. We went during the value season(early Dec.) and the TA got us no discounts at all. After a couple of trips like this, we found out about discount codes and in 26 trips to WDW since, we have never gone without a good room discount. We have booked our own trips without a TA.

I would compare the package cost compared to booking everything separately and I bet you can save a good sum of money booking separately.

Keep asking questions, the people on these boards are great.