Need some help PLEASE!

[Drinehart811]

So some background, I am going to WDW from 9/28-10/5. We are kindof locked into the dates since we can't go any earlier and rooms are scarce due to free dining. Since I am flying from San Diego I have 2 options with flights: red eye the night before and get there bright and early (a little tired, but a nap once we can check in is fine) or spend the whole day flying-get there still tired but not have much time in the parks. I usually go red eye, otherwise I feel like i'm paying for a whole day and getting nothing.

The problem is that flights are WAY more expensive then I was planning. I can usually get RT for around 300-350 pp. The cheapest I've seen over the last month is 225 each way...way more than I'd been hoping to pay.

So...the other day I found a flight there on Southwest (yay! no baggage fees) for just $140. The only issue is that it gets there the day before (9/27). I decided to just do it, I mean even paying for a room for another day its way less then anything else I've seen and we'll be fully rested for our 1st day in the parks. The problem I'm having is trying to decide if it makes more sense to pay for a value resort the first night and them just switch to the wilderness lodge, or if it would be less expensive to stay offsite and then take a cab to the hotel and then a cab to the WL (or if the hotel offers a free shuttle from the airport). We aren't renting a car and don't plan to go off resort otherwise. Thoughts or advice?

 

[momto3pirates]

Have you thought about staying at an airport hotel? Then you could get up early and take Magical express to your disney resort.

 

[jimandami]

Have you thought about staying at an airport hotel? Then you could get up early and take Magical express to your disney resort.

I would do that if you can get a good rate. If not, we have done the value and transfer thing and it's not really a big deal. We stayed at Pop for one night, got up early and took our bags to Bell Services. We then went about our day and took a bus from the park to our new hotel when we were finished. We often do AK on a transfer day because we usually finish around 3ish and can go check in at the new hotel. Your bags will arrive sometime around 3-5 PM.

 

[Drinehart811]

I would do that if you can get a good rate. If not, we have done the value and transfer thing and it's not really a big deal. We stayed at Pop for one night, got up early and took our bags to Bell Services. We then went about our day and took a bus from the park to our new hotel when we were finished. We often do AK on a transfer day because we usually finish around 3ish and can go check in at the new hotel. Your bags will arrive sometime around 3-5 PM.

That would be ideal but I thought I would need to go to WL first to activate my park tickets and dining plan? Or can they activate those at the value resort?

 

[kat3668]

Personally I do this all the time.. I just priceline a 3 and a half or 4 star zone 17 on priceline... always works out great! Crash that night and get up at the crack of dawn the next day and head over to disney property with Magical express or rental car. Saves me a ton of money!

 

[jimandami]

That would be ideal but I thought I would need to go to WL first to activate my park tickets and dining plan? Or can they activate those at the value resort?

We never do the dining plan so I didn't think about that....yes, I do think you have to go to WL and check-in to have your credits activated. Then yes, I would probably either stay at the Hyatt at MCO or a nearby hotel that has a shuttle. Then, go back and catch your ME bus the next day. I personally wouldn't pay the money for a cab to WDW when ME is free.

 

[damiel]

We are flying is from Seattle and we always stay the first night in a value and then transfer to a deluxe. I can't stand paying for a deluxe when we are going to get to the room at 10:00 and just fall into bed.
This year we are going to stay at an airport hotel (Holiday Inn Express) for $59.00, have breakfast (free) and then take magical express straight to the Contemporary. My DS always does this and thinks it works out very well.

 

[Drinehart811]

Thanks for the info all. Good food for thought. The only problem I have with staying at the airport hotel is our flight gets in at around 5pm, just seems like too much time at a hotel so far from everything with nothing to do...

Oh well...wouldn't be a trip to WDW without some type of conundrum.

 

[MagicalMawMaw]

I'd stay in a value as you'd have enough time to enjoy the resort or go to DTD that evening.
After checking out & getting your luggage ready to go to the next morning
I'd catch the early bus to MK & then go from there to your new resort to check in & get your tickets, etc.
Could get a early start to your day that way.

 

[Drinehart811]

I'd stay in a value as you'd have enough time to enjoy the resort or go to DTD that evening. After checking out & getting your luggage ready to go to the next morning I'd catch the early bus to MK & then go from there to your new resort to check in & get your tickets, etc. Could get a early start to your day that way.

Yeah...this is what I was leaning towards...just helps to hear someone else say the same thing. Thanks!