Is this a good deal and other questions from a newbie

[vikivoly]

Hi all! This is my first post and I'm also a WDW virgin, so I'm an all around newbie. I have a few questions, but first a bit of background. We were originally planning on making our first trip to WDW at the end of Jan/early Feb. I have a 2 year old and a 4 year old. The 2 year old turns 3 on 10/5/07. I received one of the postcard pins and called and was offered this deal, but we would have to arrive at WDW by 9/29. We could stay at AKL w/bunk beds and a pool view for $165/night. There was no discount on the park tickets or the dining pass. I'm not sure if the deal is good enough to rush our trip and go when life is much busier for me or not. The other obvious advantage is my 2 year old would be free. I had always planned on purchasing the dining package, but with the 2008 changes, not sure it's such a great deal if we do go in January, so that makes September's deal a bit sweeter.

Here's my questions:

1. How good is the deal we were offered?

2. September 28th vs late Jan/early Feb. Which is more crowded? What about the weather? We live in the mountains of PA, so we're more acclimated to colder weather.

3. If we decide to book the Sept package, should we make it solid before 8/5, to avoid any park ticket increases? Would making it solid guarantee the current park prices?

4. Do you think we would get as good of a deal in January?

5. Since we would be going on such short notice, will we be able to make any ADR's, or will everything be booked? My biggest concern would be the character meals, especially CRT.

TIA!

 

[Quinn222]

I'd stay with January. It's very very hot in Sept. On the other hand, January is lovely but can be cool. Rates tend to be good in January since it's slow, you'll have low crowds and a better shot at getting ADRs. Ticket prices are going up, so you can either buy them now for use whenever or wait and buy a package when the time comes for a January trip.

Not sure how much help that was but if it was me I'd stick with January.

 

[Alesia]

I would stick with January, as well. Unless you have your heart set on a deluxe resort, you could stay at a value or moderate for considerably less than $165 per night if you go in January .

 

[vikivoly]

Quin222 - Are you saying I could purchase my tickets now and use them whenever I want? I didn't know that. Is it less crowded in January than September?

Alesia - Yes, my heart is set on a deluxe. If we go in Jan/Feb we are planning on staying at the WL.

 

[ldo]

you MUST buy at least 1 day of park tickets to get disney dining plan, plus the rates goes down A LOT per day on the 5+ day tickets---a 5 day is not much more than a 3 day. So, you are better (even with a ticket price increase) to wait and buy the number of days you want for your trip when you book your package.
But, if you are SURE that you don't want dining, then you could buy them---but what if they do a special deal, or include park hopping for free, etc. later in the year??
I would wait, personally.

 

[jcpuppy.com]

First off..once you stay in a deluxe you won't want anywhere else(in most cases) if this is a "once in a lifetime" type trip, do it the best you can afford.
We like Sept..may be hot but it keeps the tourist out You can easily do pools and water parks then as well

That said I have never been in jan, but understand it is nice and slow too except around MLK day. Cooler temps, may be more enjoyable for some and I know some folks swim then too(one water park may be closed for rehab)

check out www.allearsnet.com and see what kind of money you are saving, between the 2 trips

 

[Quinn222]

Quin222 - Are you saying I could purchase my tickets now and use them whenever I want? I didn't know that. Is it less crowded in January than September? .

Yes, you can buy them now and they become active at first use. However, if you intend to do a package with dining etc. then you need to get your tickets and room together.