Is This A Crazy Idea?

[Swilcox]

I am planning a trip for September or October 2017. My family would like to stay at the GF but due to cost we are thinking about going with the POR. After doing the math I realized that if Disney offered a room discount or FD during our stay we would be able to work the GF into the budget. My plan had been to book POR and then if Disney offered any promotions call and upgrade to GF. I did not take into account how quickly the GF rooms book up when FD is offered. I don't want to miss our chance at the GF because the rooms sell out before I can contact Disney. So, is it crazy to book a room at both GF and POR and then cancel one after Disney lists the dates for the promotions (if the offer any at all?)

 

[smiths02]

When a discount comes out, you have to call and book a room that is available under the discount regardless of what you have booked already. They may be able to modify your existing reservation but ONLY IF that room is available under that promotion. Disney only releases some rooms into the promotions.

Personally, I would book what I liked best out of what I could afford and then call and upgrade IF a discount comes out.

 

[lynch34]

Not crazy to book at POR but if too many book GF then they would take GF off the list of those resorts that get free dining.

2017? You have some time.

 

[Quellman]

Sounds like you would benefit from an authorized Disney Vacation Planner or travel agency. They would be able to do what you are requesting without much trouble.

 

[smiths02]

I am planning a trip for September or October 2017. My family would like to stay at the GF but due to cost we are thinking about going with the POR. After doing the math I realized that if Disney offered a room discount or FD during our stay we would be able to work the GF into the budget. My plan had been to book POR and then if Disney offered any promotions call and upgrade to GF. I did not take into account how quickly the GF rooms book up when FD is offered. I don't want to miss our chance at the GF because the rooms sell out before I can contact Disney. So, is it crazy to book a room at both GF and POR and then cancel one after Disney lists the dates for the promotions (if the offer any at all?)

Disney won't automatically apply discounts for you. This is why there is a mad rush when discounts are announced. Booking for two resorts does not help you get discounts.

 

[JanaDee]

I am planning a trip for September or October 2017. My family would like to stay at the GF but due to cost we are thinking about going with the POR. After doing the math I realized that if Disney offered a room discount or FD during our stay we would be able to work the GF into the budget. My plan had been to book POR and then if Disney offered any promotions call and upgrade to GF. I did not take into account how quickly the GF rooms book up when FD is offered. I don't want to miss our chance at the GF because the rooms sell out before I can contact Disney. So, is it crazy to book a room at both GF and POR and then cancel one after Disney lists the dates for the promotions (if the offer any at all?)

You are talking about a trip that is over two years away. Why not just save the extra money in those two and a half years you'll need to stay at GF?

 

[Flynnismine]

IMHO, book what you can afford without taking discounts or promotions into consideration because who knows if Disney will even offer FD or RO discounts 2 years from now. With offer dates and resort getting less and less, 2017 may look very different from what we see today.

 

[Swilcox]

Thanks for the great advice everyone. I'll stick to my first plan, book POR and cross my fingers about discounts and the GF. Thanks again!

 

[Swilcox]

We are saving money for the trip. That's why its two years from now.

 

[Tomh]

As others have said, even if you have a room booked at GF . . when the discount comes out, you have to call, and if there are no rooms left for the discount when you call, you won't get it even though you already have a room there.

Best bet, book what you know you can afford, save up as much as you can, and watch for discounts. If you see one offered, get on the phone as soon as the offer is open.

 

[Farps]

Just to let you know, we booked a room at WL and when FD came out on 4/27 I tried calling and could not get thru. By the time I finally got thru they did not have a room available with FD even though I had one reserved. I did wind up getting FD on 4/28 by checking in the morning. The point is that even if you book a room there is no guarantee that you will get a discount there when it becomes available. Disney sets a certain amount of rooms aside for discounts and they go on a first come first serve basis. So you have to be ready to call early and keep your fingers crossed in hopes that you can secure a discount. Hope all works out for you, have a great trip!!!

 

[smiths02]

You may also consider renting DVC points. There is a DVC side of Grand Floridian. Renting points can make it more along the price of a moderate. This would be done through a DVC owner or a points broker (not directly through Disney). David's DVC is an advertiser on this board http://www.dvcrequest.com/ or there is a forum about renting directly from DVC owners.

 

[5kidsmommy]

I recommend looking at what you can afford at rack rate, it is the best way to plan your vacation. This is why I have never done the contemporary, I can't afford it. One of these days I might rent DVC points but for now I am happy with moderate resorts.

 

[JanaDee]

We are saving money for the trip. That's why its two years from now.

My point was if you really want to stay at the GF, save the amount needed for the GF.

 

[Wendydagny]

Actually, MDE now allows you to modify your reservation online. I was able to change resorts and even offer myself without calling anyone.

 

[happymommy]

If you get a room discount, then you MAY end up saving more at the GF than free dining. Free dining pays off more at the less expensive resorts, as you pay rack rate (something I've never done). For example, I just booked Pop with free dining, and it's only costing me $150 more total to add dining than the room only with a discount. That's for 7 nights for the 2 (or 3) of us (don't know if DS is going). For the GF, a 30% discount can potentially save more than a free dining plan. You have to see.

I loved the GF on my honeymoon, and really enjoyed it when we stayed with our DS (when he was 3, DD stayed with my folks nearby) but we were paying a military rate of way less than $200 a night. For a family, to me it's not as worth it, but I've been so many times. They used to do so many cool things, like no maid carts, just a basket of linens outside your door waiting till you left (they changed the sheets daily back 22 years ago, and replace all toiletries including a beautiful tin with a sewing kit - yup I had a dozen of those, kept taking them and they came by twice a day!). I could go on and on, but it's changed (it's still a great place, but I'd make sure you're comfortable with rack rate).

Dining plan is fun - I got it free a few years ago right before Christmas at the BWI, and at that time the promotion combined it with a room discount. I haven't seen that again! We didn't even use all our credits! I think we had a CS or two left. It's a lot of food!

 

[geogat]

My suggestion.. Save the mony from GF, go to POR. Then you may have enough to not wait and head down for a quick 3 day trip this October! But I am always looking to find a way to get down there more often!