Newbie needs help!

[Bob Ufer]

Everyone on this board seems so helpful, I am hoping you can pitch in on some of my questions. We are Disneyland vets, but are finally taking the plunge for a quick-hitting 4-day trip to WDW in October. The available information is, well, overwhelming. Here are my questions:

1) If we are likely to return for spring break in March, is the annual pass our best bet (4 days this October, likely 7-8 days next March)?

2) If so, where do we get them?

3) Can someone provide details on this FTP I've been reading about, or maybe a link? Could that be a better deal than the annual pass?

4) Striking out so far finding deals on accomodations. Have checked Mousesavers, but not many discounts out there. Any other good sources?

5) Must I stay at a Disney property to be eligible for early entry? Do annual passholders get early entry through those passes?

6) Are any hotels within walking distance to MK?

7) What does the "d" in front of DH, DW, DS, etc. stand for? Is that, e.g., "Disney Wife?"

Thanks for any information that anyone can provide!

 

[Tank]

Can't help with annual pass questions, but i do know that they sometimes have room discounts with AP, you should post any quetions about money and room discounts on the budget board. I do know the only hotel you can walk to MK from is the CR(Contempory Resort).But the Poly and GF are only a monorail ride away. The WL and FT wilderness are only a boat ride away. If you have problems with any abbreviations their is a page on this site that lists them all, it says the D in DW, DD DS can be Disney or Darling. The FTP is no longer available for this year. It was a great deal, pay for 4 nights get seven, including tickets. Hopefully they will offer something simular next year. Yes to use EE you must stay at Disney, its one of their biggest perks to get people to stay onsite.
My biggest suggestion would be to read the budget board regularly to find out any hotel dicounts coming up. they seem to find great deals all the time.
Have a great trip

 

[tink2dw]

Also check the Resort Board they get the first wift of any breaking deals!!

 

[mommyflower]

Welcome to DIS!
An annual pass would be a much better value if you are going twice in one year. You can buy them in disney stores, online at the WDW website, or at the park when you get there. There are sometimes discounts on room rates for AP holders. I believe there are some for October, but there are a limited number of rooms at each hotel at that rate. To get these rates you just have to call and ask if they are available and show your AP at check in. So you could wait to buy it till you get there as long as you stop at a park before going to the hotel to buy your AP. AP holders get discounts at a few places, but early entry is only for those who stay in disney hotels regardless of what type of pass you have. Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

[mad4themouse]

Hi Bob and Welcome to the DISboards. I'll try to asnwer your questions to the best of my ability.

1) If we are likely to return for spring break in March, is the annual pass our best bet (4 days this October, likely 7-8 days next March)?

If you plan to return to WDW within a year, the AP will be your best bet. The rule of thumb is that you will begin to save money over the cost of Park Hopper Passes around the 8 day mark.

2) If so, where do we get them?

You can purchase AP vouchers (which can be redeemed at any parks' Guest Services window) at your local Disney Store or via the disney.com website. You may also purchase an AP at the parks.

3) Can someone provide details on this FTP I've been reading about, or maybe a link? Could that be a better deal than the annual pass?

The FTP (Fairy Tale Package) was a terrific offer where you paid for a 4-day package (room + Ulitmate Park Hopper passes) and got 7 days. It was one of the few packages that was more economical than purchasing Park Hoppers and rooms separately. Unfortunately, it is not being offered for 2004. At least not yet.

4) Striking out so far finding deals on accomodations. Have checked Mousesavers, but not many discounts out there. Any other good sources?

I have to admit that MouseSavers is probably your best source. And you'll find all kinds of help on the resorts boards as well. Another option would be to use Dreams Unlimited or another Disney-related TA who will book your room now and keep checking for the best possible discounts for you as they become available. Rumor has it that a room-only code will be coming out soon for Jan. and Feb.

5) Must I stay at a Disney property to be eligible for early entry? Do annual passholders get early entry through those passes?

You must be staying on Disney property to gain Early Entry. AP holders who are staying off-property cannot get into the parks for EE. You might be able to get EE with some of the DTD hotels but I'm not sure which, if any, offer it.

6) Are any hotels within walking distance to MK?

You can walk from the Contemporary to the MK. All the others are a considerable distance from the MK. You will need to rely on DIsney transportation or your car to get from any other resorts to the MK.

7) What does the "d" in front of DH, DW, DS, etc. stand for? Is that, e.g., "Disney Wife?"

The "D" can stand for a number of words, depending on how you feel about that person. It can mean "Disney", "Darling", "Dear" or "darned". Just substitute your preferred word.

 

[debbiedoo]

I would recommend the ap if you pplan on going twice in one year. That would be your best deal. I would also recommend getting the Birnbaum's offical book, it offers lots of info. Can get at bookstore, or disney store. good luck!!

 

[Bob Ufer]

Thanks all. Everyone on this board is terrifice, and I appreciate all the help. I knew this was a little more complicated than DL, but Holy Cow! There are something like 500+ posts on the discrete topic of how to get reservations for the Cinderella breakfast. Yikes! Feel like I need an advanced degree. For right now, we have reservations at the Port Orleans River Landing, which looks pretty nice, and fairly central. Thought I had found a nice rate on Expedia for BC at $329/night, but found out when I tried to take it that I had to also take the Deluxe Park Hopper from them (which I clearly won't want if I am going to the AP route). Back to the drawing board, but at least we have our Port Olreans res in the bag if I can't find anything else.

 

[Skylarr29]

Besides the resort discount which is by far the biggest advantage of the AP you also get free parking at the theme parks, just show them the back. You also recieve discounts on tours, food , and shopping at certain locations. Make sure to read the back and know what discounts you are entitled to.Have a great time!