*****Official October 2011 Thread*****

[Rorey]

can you see about moving your reservation to another agency if that would save any money?

You know, I love my AAA but I've spoken to a friend in NH who has had a horrible time with hers. I just assumed they were all great like mine. Well, you know what they tell you about assuming.... That sucks, though. They really should have consistent policies.

Well I called Disney and AAA and they both told me the same thing. I could add the AAA discount but I would lose my dining as part of my package (we have Deluxe Dining added right now) and for the saving of $200 and losing the dining part of our package it's not worth it for us. They both also told us that we could always switch a PIN for the AAA discount, but they can't be added together.

My AAA agent in California was amazing, but here in VA, the closest agent is an hour away and I've been doing everything online. oh well back to hoping for a PIN. lol

 

[lmc318]

Well I called Disney and AAA and they both told me the same thing. I could add the AAA discount but I would lose my dining as part of my package (we have Deluxe Dining added right now) and for the saving of $200 and losing the dining part of our package it's not worth it for us. They both also told us that we could always switch a PIN for the AAA discount, but they can't be added together.

My AAA agent in California was amazing, but here in VA, the closest agent is an hour away and I've been doing everything online. oh well back to hoping for a PIN. lol

That sucks. I will need to triple check with my AAA agent about that but I could've sworn she used both. We got a room discount, though, so either way I'm good where I am. I was very lucky to get it.

Have you ordered the Vacation Planning DVD from Disney yet? I've heard people say they got a PIN shortly after ordering theirs.

 

[tlenzendorf]

Well I called Disney and AAA and they both told me the same thing. I could add the AAA discount but I would lose my dining as part of my package (we have Deluxe Dining added right now) and for the saving of $200 and losing the dining part of our package it's not worth it for us. They both also told us that we could always switch a PIN for the AAA discount, but they can't be added together.

I'm really confused about that. How would you lose your dining? Is AAA only good for room only discounts? As long as you buy your room and tickets thru WDW or a travel agent working with WDW I thought you could always add dining on or upgrade the dining.

 

[Rorey]

That sucks. I will need to triple check with my AAA agent about that but I could've sworn she used both. We got a room discount, though, so either way I'm good where I am. I was very lucky to get it.

Have you ordered the Vacation Planning DVD from Disney yet? I've heard people say they got a PIN shortly after ordering theirs.

lol I've ordered the DVD (just ordered the cruise one), ordered maps (which I highly recommend, because they are AWESOME), accept every form of mail on the Disney site, though DH's e-mails tends to get the PIN's, so I'm hoping that still happens since we've booked.

I'm really confused about that. How would you lose your dining? Is AAA only good for room only discounts? As long as you buy your room and tickets thru WDW or a travel agent working with WDW I thought you could always add dining on or upgrade the dining.

They said that the dining that comes in a package is considered a discount, so there can't be two discounts on one package, so they would have to break up the package and I'd pay OOP for the tickets and get the AAA discount on the room, but then have to OOP for any and all dining, which does not make it worth it for us, and I don't want to hold my breath about getting a PIN in case we don't.

 

[exwdwcm]

Thanks I'll keep checking to see if we can get a good deal for our trip.

yes, the key is to keep checking- early and often and especially right before. Even sites like expedia will give you different rental car deals. Also, i recommend signing up for the FREE cards many of the rental places offer, that way you are on their list to get coupons etc. A few make you pay for the 'membership' like National, but I believe mousesavers has a link or code to get it free (i had gotten mine through work).

We are wanting to rent a vechicle for one day this trip, could you tell me what services are on site, or lead me to some information that would tell me. We want to rent a vechicle to have the day we leave POR as we will be staying at a hotel close to the airport and flying out the next day. Is there places on site that have another place at the airport? I'm new to renting a vechicle, never done it before.

here is a link that offers what is on site vs. off site. Many more companies moved on site in the past couple of years.

http://www.orlandoairports.net/transport/rental_cars.htm

there is also a rental car facility on WDW property, near the MK- as you drive out, near the gas station and I believe you can also rent from the Dolphin/Swan too (we looked at all options).from mousesavers:
National/Alamo has locations on the Walt Disney World property at the Car Care Center (near MK), Dolphin Hotel near Disney's BoardWalk and Buena Vista Palace near Downtown Disney.

• If you are staying at a Disney resort, the easiest option is to rent a car from the Walt Disney World Car Care Center, which is operated by Alamo (location ORLR72) and National (location ORLR02). The Car Care Center offers a shuttle that will pick you up from any Disney hotel and take you to the Center to pick up your car. The shuttle will also drop you off at your Disney hotel after you return your car. If you wish, call the Car Care Center up to 24 hours in advance and arrange for them to send a shuttle for you. Alternatively, go to the front desk of your Disney resort about 30 minutes before your pickup time and ask them to call the Car Care Center shuttle. The phone number of the Car Care Center is (407) 824-3470.
• Another location for Alamo and National is Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel (Alamo location ORLR74; National location ORLR13), located on Disney property. From any of the theme parks or Downtown Disney, take a Disney bus to the Dolphin. The Alamo/National office at the Dolphin keeps short hours, but you can drop off your car to the hotel's valets after hours. The phone number of Dolphin's Alamo/National desk is (407) 934-4930.
• Yet another location for National is Buena Vista Palace (location ORLR03), near Downtown Disney. Take a Disney bus from any of the Disney resorts to Downtown Disney. Get off at the Marketplace stop, then walk across the street to Buena Vista Palace. The phone number of Buena Vista Palace's National desk is (407) 827-6363.

I just booked the Haunted Carriage ride for October 5! I can't wait, it should be lots of fun, I can't wait to check out Fort Wilderness!

Ugh, I've been looking at car rental rates for the week I'll be there and they are outrageous!!! I refuse to pay over $200 for a rental car, and I can't seem to find anything under $300 total! I like Alamo, because you get to pick your car, and if you book through Costco, you get a free additional driver, but I really hope rates go down! They should as our trip gets closer, but wow, right now, prices are insane!!!

i checked my favorite, national and it was crazy high, like $400 for a standard for 8 nights. i agree, it is crazy high right now. like completely ridiculous! lol- it will go down quite a bit the closer we get to October- just keep checking. A lot of the companies will also allow a free extra driver if you sign up for their card or a member of another group (besides Costco), so check them all out.

Another set back on getting the list updated.

no problem- hope work isn't too tough this week, but you gotta love the extra spending money, right?

Hi everyone we will be joining in the fun in October 2011 as part of our 5 week trip to USA. Will be arriving 9th October after our Caribbean cruise and staying at the All Star Sports resort until 14th then moving to Double Tree at Universal for a further 5 nights. Notice noone else is at the Sports Resort - is this a bad sign!!

I am a solo mum (self employed Chartered Accountant) travelling with my 11 year old son (leaving my 2 older daughters back here). We are from Christchurch, New Zealand and have had this trip booked since last October - meant to join up earlier but been having a few earthquake issues to say the least. Back onto the planning now though. First real trip to the States apart from a stopover in LA for me many years ago.

Really looking forward to it - we have got park hopper tickets with water park option for every day but not sure which days we will go to which park at this stage - seems I have alot more planning to do. Have managed to work out what MNSSHP is (struggling with some of the other abbreviations though I have to admit) I managed to get tickets to MNSSHP for 11th October and they have arrived by courier today. Very exciting especially for my son as we don't celebrate Hallowean here!

Any help or advice anyone can offer would be greatly received. I notice that everyone seems to be making dinner reservations already?

Welcome! sounds like a very special trip!! I would start booking your dining reservations now - as others have mentioned, youc an book at 180 days out, so all the popular/good places will get booked fast. I know 6 months out is early to select where to eat, but that's how they do it. I recommend visiting allears.net for all of their great dining menus to see what looks good to you. there are reviews here on the DIS too of restaurants. pick what you want and get it booked online now. You can always change or cancel later. Most don't require any payment except a few (like Hoop Dee Doo Review, Cinderella's Royal Table etc.). Your son might enjoy something like the Sci Fi Dine In, T-rex etc.

That sucks. I will need to triple check with my AAA agent about that but I could've sworn she used both. We got a room discount, though, so either way I'm good where I am. I was very lucky to get it.

Have you ordered the Vacation Planning DVD from Disney yet? I've heard people say they got a PIN shortly after ordering theirs.

I know we got a pin shortly after ordering the DVD AND custom maps a few years ago. Now I order both at least once a year. The custom maps were fun to have anyhow. http://customizedmaps.disney.go.com/

 

[tlenzendorf]

They said that the dining that comes in a package is considered a discount

I've never heard of that before unless it's free dining. Interesting!

 

[lmc318]

lol I've ordered the DVD (just ordered the cruise one), ordered maps (which I highly recommend, because they are AWESOME), accept every form of mail on the Disney site, though DH's e-mails tends to get the PIN's, so I'm hoping that still happens since we've booked.



They said that the dining that comes in a package is considered a discount, so there can't be two discounts on one package, so they would have to break up the package and I'd pay OOP for the tickets and get the AAA discount on the room, but then have to OOP for any and all dining, which does not make it worth it for us, and I don't want to hold my breath about getting a PIN in case we don't.

I just read on the AAA website that their vacation package for value resorts includes QS dining, so maybe that's why. They consider the QS to be that package "deal" so that is what the discount is on. Still, it seems odd that they can't give you a room discount with the total package you have. If Disney can apply a room only discount, why can't AAA? Are you getting a discount for having that entire package? I'm going to have to ask my AAA agent if that's the case with them. I'm intrigued.

 

[Bets19]

Hi everyone we will be joining in the fun in October 2011 as part of our 5 week trip to USA. Will be arriving 9th October after our Caribbean cruise and staying at the All Star Sports resort until 14th then moving to Double Tree at Universal for a further 5 nights. Notice noone else is at the Sports Resort - is this a bad sign!!

I am a solo mum (self employed Chartered Accountant) travelling with my 11 year old son (leaving my 2 older daughters back here). We are from Christchurch, New Zealand and have had this trip booked since last October - meant to join up earlier but been having a few earthquake issues to say the least. Back onto the planning now though. First real trip to the States apart from a stopover in LA for me many years ago.

Really looking forward to it - we have got park hopper tickets with water park option for every day but not sure which days we will go to which park at this stage - seems I have alot more planning to do. Have managed to work out what MNSSHP is (struggling with some of the other abbreviations though I have to admit) I managed to get tickets to MNSSHP for 11th October and they have arrived by courier today. Very exciting especially for my son as we don't celebrate Hallowean here!

Any help or advice anyone can offer would be greatly received. I notice that everyone seems to be making dinner reservations already?

I've not stayed at AS Sports, but I have stayed at the other value resorts. I think you and your son will enjoy them.

As for reservations, I agree with everyone that you should make some. However, since there are only 2 in your group, you may find last minute availabilty at some restaurants. So if you don't get a reservation for a restaurant you want to try or change your mind while in WDW on where you want to eat go ahead and ask if there is availability when you are there either at guest services or at the restaurant check in. You never know. I've done this as a solo traveler and have had lots of luck.

Have fun and enjoy your fabulous trip.

 

[avic77]

Please help me with my plans We will have 3 day hoppers 1 day Universal. Arrive 10/9 leave 10/14. YES class 10/11 so we cant do MNSSHP on 10/10 cause we will need sleep and i think we will be to tired to Party on same day as YES class since its really really for us). This leaves only 10/13 for the party.



Plan A:
10/9/11 Sunday: Arrive hit MK for night time shows maybe a couple rides
10/10/11 Monday (columbus day): WWOHP (universal day)
10/11/11 Tuesday: 8:30am YES classes till noon. stay rest of day
10/12/11 Wednesday: AK am hop to kid's choice park around 4pm
10/13/11 Thursday: pool in morning MNSSHP in afternoon

Plan B:
10/9/11 Sunday: Arrive hit MK for night time shows maybe a couple rides (EMH pm)
10/10/11 Monday (columbus day): AK am (am emh) hop to kids choice park around 4pm
10/11/11 Tuesday: 8:30am YES classes till noon. stay rest of day (pm emh)
10/12/11 Wednesday:WWOHP (universal day)
10/13/11 Thursday: pool in morning MNSSHP in afternoon

I am leaning towards A becuase: This leaves our Wednesday open to pick a park we want to revisit after having a couples days in the parks, however i am worried about WWOHP on Columbus day. Plan B is basically the same BUT I switched Monday and Wed putting monday as our open park day and WWOHP on Wed. This may mean less crowds at WWOHP but we wont know what we want to revisit since Monday is our first day in any parks.

Possible change: What do you guys think.
I am considering calling YES class and see if I can switch to 4 day hopper. It will cost about $42.60 more (for all five tickets not each one). But I will save $55.00 by doing MNSSHP on Tuesday.
If i get 4 day hopper I am thinking this will be our plans:

10/9/11 Sunday: Arrive hit MK for night time shows maybe a couple rides (EMH pm)
10/10/11 Monday (columbus day): AK am to DHS around 4pm
10/11/11 Tuesday: 8:30am Epcot YES classes till noon /nap/ MNSSHP 4pm-12am
10/12/11 Wednesday: revisit Epcot maybe hit MK in pm
10/13/11 Thursday: WWOHP
10/14/11 friday: go home

 

[Rorey]

I just read on the AAA website that their vacation package for value resorts includes QS dining, so maybe that's why. They consider the QS to be that package "deal" so that is what the discount is on. Still, it seems odd that they can't give you a room discount with the total package you have. If Disney can apply a room only discount, why can't AAA? Are you getting a discount for having that entire package? I'm going to have to ask my AAA agent if that's the case with them. I'm intrigued.

lol ok here's what I did. I called again and a super nice CM explained it to me much better. AAA discounts can't be on "packages" it's room only, which I totally get and wasn't expecting it to happen otherwise. But what I can't get the CM to tell me is why can't I buy the room/tickets/dining separately so I can get the room only discount. He did suggest I ask for a quote from AAA (since I REALLY want to upgrade from POP to BC) and see if it's worth saving there. Which I did, so now I wait for AAA to get back to me. According to their website Deluxe rooms are roughly 20%-30% off, which would be awesome. But I'm not getting my hopes up too much.

One concern I do have is I already have my ADR's, (which I don't think I would have a problem getting again if I have to cancel them), but uugg what a pain, but worth it if we could save some $$$.

So has anyone tried buying things separately and not as a package? I figure as a package it would save some money (which is why I see them saying it's already a discount). It really seems like this is being much harder then it needs to be.

 

[tlenzendorf]

So has anyone tried buying things separately and not as a package? I figure as a package it would save some money (which is why I see them saying it's already a discount). It really seems like this is being much harder then it needs to be.

We are doing things separately. We rented DVC points, we were going to buy our tickets thru Undercover Tourist, but got them thru the YES program instead, and are doing our food OOP.

It sounds like the AAA thing is a free dining discount?

 

[lmc318]

lol ok here's what I did. I called again and a super nice CM explained it to me much better. AAA discounts can't be on "packages" it's room only, which I totally get and wasn't expecting it to happen otherwise. But what I can't get the CM to tell me is why can't I buy the room/tickets/dining separately so I can get the room only discount. He did suggest I ask for a quote from AAA (since I REALLY want to upgrade from POP to BC) and see if it's worth saving there. Which I did, so now I wait for AAA to get back to me. According to their website Deluxe rooms are roughly 20%-30% off, which would be awesome. But I'm not getting my hopes up too much.

One concern I do have is I already have my ADR's, (which I don't think I would have a problem getting again if I have to cancel them), but uugg what a pain, but worth it if we could save some $$$.

So has anyone tried buying things separately and not as a package? I figure as a package it would save some money (which is why I see them saying it's already a discount). It really seems like this is being much harder then it needs to be.

I don't think your ADRs would be effected if you changed your reservation, would they? You still have the confirmation numbers and all. I would think AAA could just take those numbers or Disney could and associate them with your new reservation #.

Also remember that AAA will apply any Disney discount you get once you're booked if it saves you more $$ than what their discount does. That's why I love going with them. I just send them what I get and the do all the work!

 

[Rorey]

I don't think your ADRs would be effected if you changed your reservation, would they? You still have the confirmation numbers and all. I would think AAA could just take those numbers or Disney could and associate them with your new reservation #.

Also remember that AAA will apply any Disney discount you get once you're booked if it saves you more $$ than what their discount does. That's why I love going with them. I just send them what I get and the do all the work!

Yeah I have all my ressie #'s, but wasn't sure if I would have to cancel the package booked through Disney to book through AAA.

And the fact that they would apply a Disney discount if it's more then what the AAA is much better for us, since at least the AAA gives some sort of discount in case I don't get anything from Disney.

Do AAA reservations still show up through the Disney site for easy managing and so I can look at stuff?

Does anyone know what the % discount for a deluxe is through AAA?

 

[lmc318]

Yeah I have all my ressie #'s, but wasn't sure if I would have to cancel the package booked through Disney to book through AAA.

And the fact that they would apply a Disney discount if it's more then what the AAA is much better for us, since at least the AAA gives some sort of discount in case I don't get anything from Disney.

Do AAA reservations still show up through the Disney site for easy managing and so I can look at stuff?

Does anyone know what the % discount for a deluxe is through AAA?

They are getting better with it but it's hit or miss if your reservations show up. Mine didn't at first but a month later they did. Weird. You have to enter your reservation number so I would say if they don't show up at first keep trying. I now have my ressie and all my dining ressies in there.

As for the discount, go to http://www.aaa.com/disney and you should be able to find all the discount info. I believe for deluxe resorts it's 30% but don't quote me on that!

 

[Rorey]

As for the discount, go to http://www.aaa.com/disney and you should be able to find all the discount info. I believe for deluxe resorts it's 30% but don't quote me on that!

Thank you! That's what I see too, but it seemed like a lot, so I was trying not to get my hopes up! lol Again I would be happy with 20%, because we don't have anything right now and I really want to stay at BC and DH says we can only move up if it's a substantial discount . I felt like a kid begging a parent when I was asking, "so what do you consider substantial?" lol

 

[lmc318]

Thank you! That's what I see too, but it seemed like a lot, so I was trying not to get my hopes up! lol Again I would be happy with 20%, because we don't have anything right now and I really want to stay at BC and DH says we can only move up if it's a substantial discount . I felt like a kid begging a parent when I was asking, "so what do you consider substantial?" lol

Well we got a PIN for 40% off at the Poly and it turned out to be $900! Woohoo! So I would think 30% at BC would be substantial by any measure. Then if free dining comes out or you get a PIN for a better room discount, it's just icing.

 

[Rorey]

Well we got a PIN for 40% off at the Poly and it turned out to be $900! Woohoo! So I would think 30% at BC would be substantial by any measure. Then if free dining comes out or you get a PIN for a better room discount, it's just icing.

Yeah to me anything over $400 is substantial, and he says $500, lol he's always trying to one up me!

 

[lmc318]

Yeah to me anything over $400 is substantial, and he says $500, lol he's always trying to one up me!

I just double checked and the site says up to 35% for resorts, so

 

[Rorey]

I just double checked and the site says up to 35% for resorts, so

Well, I got the quote and the package as a whole is $500 less than the Disney site, but not 35% off the room (more like 8% off the entire package). I'm wondering if the up to 35% is for a room only, or it doesn't cover our dates (though I see nothing about dates in the fine print). I received the quote after their business hours so I have to wait to call them tomorrow morning and get some questions answered. DH really wants the DxDP for the convince of having the food paid for up front, and I'm guessing you can't get the Dinning Plan separate outside of a package. But right now he's saying we can upgrade to BC. I just don't want to pay crazy amounts of $$$ for this trip, so I think he would feel much better if we got a PIN later on.

 

[sjs314]

Well, I got the quote and the package as a whole is $500 less than the Disney site, but not 35% off the room (more like 8% off the entire package). I'm wondering if the up to 35% is for a room only, or it doesn't cover our dates (though I see nothing about dates in the fine print). I received the quote after their business hours so I have to wait to call them tomorrow morning and get some questions answered. DH really wants the DxDP for the convince of having the food paid for up front, and I'm guessing you can't get the Dinning Plan separate outside of a package. But right now he's saying we can upgrade to BC. I just don't want to paying crazy amounts of $$$ for this trip, so I think he would feel much better if we got a PIN later on.

I used a 20% off pin for a garden view room at BC and it saved us $522 off of rack rate so it sorta sounds like you were given 20% AAA discount. I have never used AAA myself but I have seen it mentioned it is usually 10-20% discount.

Anyway congrates on being able to book BC.