My Shock

[pixie8]

I and 12 other people were going to stay in the Wilderness Lodge with the "trip protection" included and it was going to cost about $18,500!

 

[Tissa]

I understand the sticker shock but I'm not surprised. Wilderness Lodge rooms run from $240 a night in value season all the way up to $460 for peak times.
You can look for special deals that come out like the new 4/7 deal or do like I do and book a value.

You can look at Mousesavers.com to get an idea of costs and discounts.

 

[mmmears]

Just to make you feel better -- we (4 people) priced a 7-night Alaska cruise for this summer (no air included, one room, not a suite, etc.) -- and it came to $14,000!!! Even the 2 travel agents who were helping us said that they were in shock!!!

...and no, we're not going!

 

[pixie8]

Oh, my gosh! That seems outrageous! I hope you can put the price aside and just have fun!

 

[mmmears]

Yup! We're going to WDW instead!

 

[Mrs D]

I can understand how that looks like a big number! But you have a really large group going, so the per person price is really only $1423. You didn't list any dates or what all is included with that. The cost for 2 people to stay 1 night in a standard room at WL during regular season is $328, add in a park ticket for those 2 people their cost is now about $488 or $244 per person. Add the basic dining plan and it's $284 per person for 1 day. The trip insurance is $67 per person regardless of number of days. Of course the daily ticket price drops the more days you buy, but that might help put it in perspective.

If you are looking for an alternative, perhaps you could look into renting points from a DVC member to stay in the Villas of Wilderness Lodge. I was there with a large group in September and we loved it! I would really recommend VWL or any villas for your group. A grand Villa will sleep 12 but you could also do a combination of various room sizes. Check out DVC points rentals on the DVC boards. Be sure to read all the stickys first.

I hope you have a wonderful trip. You will make memories that will last your lifetime!

 

[pixie8]

I suppose that's true! I guess it all adds up but in the long run I'm sure it's truly worth it!

 

[happymommy]

It does sound high, but that is a huge group! Broken down, it may not be that bad.

How many rooms are there, and what did that include?

Are you doing a grand gathering? We kind of did one, last year, but honestly it was a pain. Whenever we needed to make a change, I had to be the one to call to do it.

I'd look into any special rates or packages, and book for each room individually. If you are including tickets and meals, that can make a difference. I bought our insurance separately from Travelguard, but didn't really save too much, only a few dollars. I think mine is more inclusive, though.

I find planning fun - hope you do also!

 

[Sxofus]

Just to make you feel better -- we (4 people) priced a 7-night Alaska cruise for this summer (no air included, one room, not a suite, etc.) -- and it came to $14,000!!! Even the 2 travel agents who were helping us said that they were in shock!!!

...and no, we're not going!

What cruise line was that??? I just priced a Royal Caribbean 7 day Alaska cruise for 4 adults in a balcony room (July 2009). It was less than $6000.

 

[snykymom]

You have 13 people. It comes out to $1423 per person. Depending on when you're going (value season is less than peak season, for example), how long you're staying, whether you've added dining or other specials, whether you've added tickets and if so, for how long and with what options (park hopper, water parks & more, no expiration), etc.

Just to give you some perspective, I tried booking WL on the Buy 4 get 3 free for 2 people for 7 days, 7 day base ticket, no dining, during value season, and got a price of $1750 ($875 per person). But this is the cheapest you can get with one of their biggest discounts at the cheapest time of year. Change any of these variables and your price goes up exponentially.

 

[pixie8]

Thanks, I will look in to some packages. I think that might really help.

 

[disneyag]

pixie8--Why don't you get the help of a Dreams Unlimited travel agent? They specialize in Disney travel. They will search out the best deals for you. You also have a post on the transportation board about not flying due to expensive price--DU might be able to help you with that.