Just back and planning next trip...help!!

[ksy8384]

We literally just got home last night and had started planning for next year before we even left for home. My DH said before we left for WDW that this is a once only trip. No need to go more than once.... well, I think he got sprinkled with some pixie dust because he was the one talking about "next year" even before we were done with this year....lol. Works for me.

We ate dinner at the Wispering Canyon and fell in love with the WL (we stayed at Pop Century this time). I also did the DreamMaker Prince and Princess Pkg this time and I found you guys too late to get any good deals, discounts etc. For next year I am going into the planning well prepared.

We want to "upgrade" to the WL and I am wondering if I would be better off doing a room only or a package deal in terms of future discount availability. I know that quite a few room only codes come out but you also have the 5 for 7 etc. What do you all think? We are looking at going sometime in July 2005 when the deluxe resorts are back to value season.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Kalen

 

[Shelle&Dave]

There are different codes and packages every year. They can't really be counted on and usually aren't released until a couple months prior. I believe what most people do is make a room only reservation at the resort of their choice to start with. If a code comes out for that time period you can always apply it to your reservation later.

Sounds like you had a good time. Have fun planning your next trip.

 

[momtofour]

Kalen,
Have you thought about renting points from a Dvc member? (Go to the rent/trade board on this forum!) I am a DVC member and was at WDW last week too and stayed at the Villas at Wilderness Lodge. It truly was incredible!! A studio for next July would run you 70 points for 5 nights. Each point typically goes for $10.00 per point so it would be $700.00 for the 5 nights. There is no sales tax on this so that is a huge savings right there. Also, the rooms have a small refrigerator and microwave so you could fix some simple meals and snacks in your room. (The reason I am suggesting 5 nights is that the points required for Friday and Saturday nights are very high.) Best of luck!!

 

[CHIPSTER]

I've always found room only to be better than a package deal. Also if you go off season you may be able to get some good rates. WL is beautiful decorated for Christmas. Beginning of December is great. Too bad you didn't know the bug would bite or you could have saved on admissions and bought an annual pass for this trip and spaced your next trip within a year. Would you consider doing half your time at a value and the other half at WL?

 

[ksy8384]

I would consider it but DH doesn't want the hassle of having to change resorts.... even though they do it for you more or less (don't they?).

Unfortunately DH's job is in propane and they can only take their vacations during slow season and that is the heat of summer. I would love to go during the kids' school breaks but it's not possible.

I also was trying to think about the AP thing but I messed up the timing for us to do it this year. June 1 is about the earliest we can go between school and DH's job so maybe next year if we do July then the following year do June again.

Thanks for the advice..... keep it coming.

Kalen

 

[macs4us]

Everyone has such great ideas here...so here are mine...

Basically, I make more than one budget. I budget for buying an AP with and without AP room discounts; and I budget for Park Hoppers, with AAA discount and room only codes. I use historical rates as a base, which is usually not too difficult as I generally travel at the same times every year, or I start researching a year early, and note the rates as they come out.

This year the AP discounted room only rate in July is $124 for WL standard. I would call and find out rates for this July for the room types you are looking into, including the Villas at WL, just to give you a ballpark figure. Go to mousesavers.com and get the latest codes - I usually check whatever public code is available, as well as AP discount (which we have purchased once we arrived) and AAA. Once you know your dates, call and book room only, use AAA if you have it (or ask for the AAA rate, as the savings may pay for a new membership). You can always change your ressies if a new code or a great package becomes available.

Hold off on admission until you have a better idea of what will work for you. I would budget for park hoppers and APs, and that way you will know what your best option is, even if a package deal comes along. We took advantage of the 7 for 4 package last year, but that was the only time we actually found a package to make sense for us. However, that package didn't become available to book until May, so you would definitely not want to count on something similar coming available and holding out to book.

For meals we have used the meal vouchers extensively the last few trips, and have saved a lot of $$$. However, they are not a good deal for everyone, and it can be a hassle to deal with Connections/Hotwire. We like to use the Lunch vouchers at Alfredo's (Epcot) and the Concourse Steakhouse (Contemp), and have heard they are a great value at Rainforest Cafe. We use the counter service ones at Beaches and Cream and Pepper Market. I have also gotten BOGO Ghirardelli hot fudge sundae coupon through the free online trial membership at entertainment.com - but you need to do that just before you leave, as the coupon expires quickly. Usually we stay in a room with a kitchen so we have snacks and drinks on hand, and breakfast in our room.

Make sure you sign up for the mousesaves.com newsletter to keep up to date on the latest offers... If you haven't already, go over to the Rewards Board to find out how to get into some rewards programs.

Hope this info helps!!!