Not sure what to do first...

[MickeysFan]

We have traveled to WDW several times, but this December will be the first time we've stayed on site. I am very unsure about how to find the best rates, we have basically decided on a moderate resort, but I don't know how to check for the best discount or rate, and I've read through these threads and feel like I still don't understand the best route.

Is there a number to call for rez or do I have to book at the WDW website? How do I check for AAA or AARP discounts? I had done some research earlier this year, but have been so busy and now we are getting so much closer, I would really like to nail down all the details.

Any advice on how to book the best rate would be wonderful. We are traveling with a total of 10 people, but we will likely chose 3 rooms, 2 with 4 people each and one for my mother and her best friend.
They both qualify for AAA and AARP, one is retired military. In another room we have my sister and her husband, who is active military, stationed in S. Korea, who will be on leave at the time. All the adults are AAA members.

Thanks!

 

[ashleypmo]

We have traveled to WDW several times, but this December will be the first time we've stayed on site. I am very unsure about how to find the best rates, we have basically decided on a moderate resort, but I don't know how to check for the best discount or rate, and I've read through these threads and feel like I still don't understand the best route.

Is there a number to call for rez or do I have to book at the WDW website? How do I check for AAA or AARP discounts? I had done some research earlier this year, but have been so busy and now we are getting so much closer, I would really like to nail down all the details.

Any advice on how to book the best rate would be wonderful. We are traveling with a total of 10 people, but we will likely chose 3 rooms, 2 with 4 people each and one for my mother and her best friend.
They both qualify for AAA and AARP, one is retired military. In another room we have my sister and her husband, who is active military, stationed in S. Korea, who will be on leave at the time. All the adults are AAA members.

Thanks!

two good websites: allearsnet.com and mousesavers.com
I think either Disney or AAA would have the info on the AAA rate. I believe AAA & AARP discounts are similar, but I don't know for sure. Annual Passholder rates are typically deeper discounts, but not always available. They are typically released just a few months in advance. You only need to buy a AP for one member of your party and can book (I believe) 3 rooms, plus iff you buy the AP you can buy the DDE for $65, which gets you 20% on food for a party of up to 10 people (but only the people eating together get the discount. IOW, if you split up to tour the park and ate meals separately, only those of you dining w/ the AP holder would get the DDE discount.)

One option that I would seriously look into if I were traveling w/ all adults would be renting points from a Disney Vacation Club member and getting a 3 bedroom villa. The villas are really nice (check out the photo slideshows on allearsnet.com under "accomodations," and scroll down on the left to the Disney Vacation Club properties) and have full kitchens, nice living areas, etc. You can actually check out point rentals here on the DISboards.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Have you stayed at or looked into Shades of Green?

 

[MickeysFan]

We had looked into Shades of Green and decided it was too expensive for what it offered, and wanted to be more central.