OK, Here's My Dilemma (please help)

[kath1210]

OK, we booked WL for December 18-23, planning on driving down when the kids got off for Christmas Break. Then, I was given an extra holiday (Christmas Eve) at work, so we decided to stay for Christmas and splurge by staying at the Contemporary December 23-26. Then, my husband got a BIG bonus at work, and we saw some good fares on SWA, so we decided to fly down instead of having to worry about the weather while we were driving.

So, here is my dilemma. Our plane gets in on December 17 (there was no reasonably early flight available on SWA for the 18th). I have checked into getting a rental car, and the prices are unbelievable - about $500-900! I have looked into all the specials, but they either end on December 15, or are already booked up. Am I too late to get a good deal on a rental car or will more discounts come out for dates afetr 12-15?

The other option is Magical Express, but I assume I can't use it unless we are going to a WDW resort on the 17th, right? I have tried to add a night to my WL reservation, but there is no availability under the BRP program. If we stay at another hotel at the airport, would they transport us to WL the next morning?

I guess I could make reservations for the 17th at another WDW resort, but would they transport our bags to the WL the next day?

TIA for your help!

 

[colleen costello]

If you stay at a less expensive Disney resort for that first night, then yes, they will move your luggage for you. We often stay at a Moderate resort before heading over to our DVC room. My parents always fly and all the luggage will not fit in my van, so theirs is always transported. It takes a few hours after checking in, but it does arrive. Pack a small bag with your bathing suits!

If you opt to stay at an airport hotel, I see no reason why ME would not work for you. Some folks choose to handle thier own luggage anyway, so the morning of checkout you would simply need to make your way to the pickup for the Lodge. Do call the Disney reservations line and they will give you info.

Keep calling the Lodge about availability that first night! Even if you wind up paying ONE night at "full freight," you will still come out cheaper than renting a car at those prices you quoted. Your trip sounds lovely but moving 2 times at Disney would be a pain. I would pay for one night full-price at the Lodge it was possible. If not, your airport hotel plan is a good one.

Have fun! The Xmas decorations at the Lodge are SO beautiful!

 

[GoofItUp]

I agree with the advice given above on the rooms situation and just wanted to add......congrats on all your good fortune! Have a great Christmas!

 

[kath1210]

Thanks to both of you! I called Disney and they said I could not use the Magical Express by staying overnight near the airport and then catching the bus the next day. Could not explain why - just said no. I asked him to check with a supervisor and the answer was still no, even if we just picked up our bags ourselves.

So, I looked for a room at WL - both best rate and rack rate, and the only way I could get a room at WL or WLV was to book 5 or 6 nights. If I book 6 nights, then cancel 5 (all except the first night),that would that work, right? There isn't a change fee anymore, and since the first night is nonrefundable, and I only need the first night, then we should be OK. We will be at WL for the start of our 2nd reservation, and would just need to change rooms.

What do you think of this plan?

 

[mousefansmom]

We got a rental through priceline christmas week -- a full size car for $19/day. Just another thought!
Mousefansmom

 

[kellyf2626]

I think your plan sounds good!

If it doesn't work, you can always book at another resort for one night, and have them move your luggage (like Colleen said). Or - if you end up staying at the airport, I don't think Mears shuttles are too expensive. You can use them to get to the WL the next morning. You can always use ME on your return to the airport.

 

[Lizzybee]

I dunno, with the ME thing, we just did it and they just stamped our booklet and told us to give them the vouchers on the way back. We had only carry on luggage so we just walked up with our paperwork. If you sign up with ME as if you were going to WL the day before but showed up at the airport the next day with your bags, I think they would just stamp your booklet and send you to the WL line. . If not you should be able to get a cab for less than that rental car deal and take ME back when you leave. I hate loose ends myself but I don't think they looked at dates or maybe they would assume you missed the flight or something.

 

[Avalanche]

We are taking Amtrak for our stay 12/26-1/2 and rented from Hertz at the Orlando Amtrak station for just under 200. I don't know how far that is from the airport, but it might be worth looking into other locations. Also, a lot of rental places will come pick you up.

 

[kath1210]

We got a rental through priceline christmas week -- a full size car for $19/day. Just another thought!
Mousefansmom

Thanks so much for that idea!!

I did not even know Priceline did car rentals. I went to Priceline and tried to get a full-size for $20 per day, but they said it was too low. I ended up being able to get a full-size for $25 per day, then upgraded to an SUV for $2 more per day. My DH will be using an ECV, so the room in the SUV should come in handy!!

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

 

[Alicnwondrln]

i hear theres good hotel at the airport
stay there...then take a cab or use mear sor florida tours to get over to disney property
if you want a car for your whole stay then check websites for deal
do you have aaa?
american express?
they can help