Marathon Weekend 2013 - accommodation help!

[mittmee mouse]

So, I'm signed up for the 1/2 in Jan 2013! So thrilled that my DH came through and signed me up as our anniversary gift. Now here's the dilema.

I'm not quite sure if my family can come with me (we are 2 adults, 2 kids, and a 2 year old at time of travel.) I'm hoping we can save enough for them to join me, but I can't count on it right now. Either way, we can still fit in a standard room, so that won't change things.

Here are my questions!

Anyone know when the pins come out for January stays?

Do they typically offer free dining during Marathon weekend?

Which value is best for getting to the corrals?

Lastly, and most importantly, how do I investigate renting points for a DVC property that weekend (Thurs-Tues probably)?

I've read over the DVC board a bunch of times but I'm still confused as to how to see if it's an options. I've always stayed on property, so I am looking into doing that as well. But I wondered if I could get a deal renting from someone. For me, alone, it wouldn't be worth it. But my best friend, her DH, and her infant are definitely going, so for 3 adults it might be worth it. Then if I can get my family there (4 adults, 2 kids over 3, and 2 kids in Pack n Plays) it would definitely be worth it.

TIA!

I hope to find a good rate because that week is my 2 year old and 4 year old's birthdays. I don't want to be away from them during that time.

 

[jmasgat]

According to Mousesavers, for 2012, the general public discount for room only for that time period (which I used) came out on October 5, 2011. Free Dining offer didn'ttake effect until the Sunday of Marathon weekend.

All the resorts have bus transportation. I don't know if the All Stars share a bus or if Pop and Animation will share.

Look at the Rent/Trade section of the DVC board. Here's a link.

http://http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?f=29

People will post points for "rent". Going rate is $10-12/point. And you can see the point charts so you can figure out roughly what it would cost. Read the Stickys. There is another board outside DIS, but DIS blocks the name from posting. (Hint: Take Mickey's last name and add "owners" to it)

There are also 3rd parties that will handle this for you charging $12-13/pt. You pay the added cost for peace of mind on the transaction. There are always risks to this type of transaction.

If you decide to go this route, do it soon, as things are already booking.

Maura

 

[cewait]

I'll just add a couple things.....

I think the Pop and the new Art of Animation are just a hair better for transportation to the expo and race due primarily to its location between the WWoS (Expo) and the start. It is also less than 2/3 the rooms served by resort transportation.

With regard to DVC, it is still expensive renting points, at least on the surface. Example: A OKW Studio requires 56 points for the TH - Tu period. That would equate to $560 @ $10 / point or $112 a night. A 1 BR is 105 points. But if one looked at the square footage of the two rooms, you would find a larger 390 sq feet vs the Pop's 260 sq feet. Look at the Link Maura provided and it becomes clear. I have rented points out through these places in the past and find that if you follow the guidelines in the forums, you should be fine. The most important thing in renting points is to get the reservation in YOUR name.

 

[mittmee mouse]

Thanks Coach Charles and Maura! I'll keep all of that in mind.

Coach Charles, what is your favorite place to stay for the races?

 

[cewait]

Thanks Coach Charles and Maura! I'll keep all of that in mind.

Coach Charles, what is your favorite place to stay for the races?

As a DVC member, we prefer the Boardwalk. It requires bussing or driving to the start but if you want to burn a day on a park pass, you can walk home. About every 3-5 years we have a crew of folks and end up in the OKW resort. This year we are trying to put 9 folks in a 2 BR at OKW.

Prior to DVC, we were almost exclusive Caribbean Beach resorters. We started staying there in 89 when the resort was nearly new.