One decision down, thanks and now more?

[KandK'smom]

I wanted to thank everyone who responded about the time of year for our family to go- Spring Break or early June. Hands down the replies were for June, so being that I used my lifeline and polled the audience- I am going with your advice! We'll be going in June 2003! My next question is about where to stay when we arrive late in the day on Saturday. After driving from VA and arriving in the late afternoon on Sat., my plan is to stay somewhere cheap for Sat. nite and then check into the Poly on Sunday. I think I read if you stayed at the All Stars they will move your luggage for you. Is this true? I looked up the prices on Our Laughing Place and they showed for that time of year $99 a night. That still is a bit much for "cheap" for us. Can you get it for less or would it be best to stay outside at say HoJo's or a HInn? Has anyone used any outside the world that they particulartly liked in this situation? Again thanks so much everyone! I don't know what I'd do without this board!

 

[Disney Doll]

Keep an eye on Mousesavers.com and see if you can get any code for the AllStars for cheaper than $99/night. That's not a terrible price...about average I'd say. If you want one of those $34/night deals, you'd probably have to stay outside somewhere...a lot of times, they have great deals at the Fairfield Inn or the Comfort Inn and they are decent hotels too.

 

[Janet2k]

KandK'smom, welcome to the Dis. I believe all of the Disney owned resorts will transfer luggage amongst themselves. I have used this feature a few times and it has worked out well (normally, however, I transfer my luggage myself when I transfer resorts via a taxicab).

The Dis has a webpage devoted to discount rates at WDW resorts. The link is found here: Dis Discount Webpage

Also, the muscle behind the Dis website is Dreams Unlimited Travel. I have used them and they are excellent, in my humble opinion. They were even able to get some room discounts for me for my last vacation (first time I ever got any discounts on a WDW resort room). The Dreams website is found here: Dreams Unlimited Travel's website. They have rates posted for both Disney and non-Disney hotels.

 

[JulesMom]

We have stayed the first nite at off site hotels many times.

We usually pack one suitcase with all the stuff we will need for the one nite for all 4 of us. That way we don't have to lug all our luggage to the room.

We can usually find a room for between $25-$50 depending on the time of year we are staying.

 

[josierac]

What you found on ourlaughingplace.com is the rack rates that are available right now. The $99 rate will most likely go up in 2003 as all resorts will raise their prices. Since Disney has not released any rates for 2003. I would use this as a guide.

Also it's WAY too early for discounts for June 2003. So if you want to stay at the all stars you can reserve it and then if any discounts come out you can adjust your reservation.

ourlaughingplace.com also gives you the benefit or checking your rates for you and if any specials come out they will adjust your reservation. Just like the DIS here. Both are very good but since this is the DIS, I can understand Janet2K suggesting this sites services. That doesn't mean that OLP is not good.

 

[cindyfan]

How late is "late in the afternoon"?
Check in isn't til 3pm anyway.
Also, what type of tickets are you getting? If you have an UPH and plan the parks that first full day, that might work out good for you. Stay somewhere cheap the day you arrive, next morning check in real early, even though your room won't be ready, you will get your tickets and have a full day at the park. Your luggage will just wait at the resort til the room is ready.
If you opt for an AP (which is cheaper if staying 8 days or longer), then the type of ticket doesn't effect what day you check in. And you may be able to get a discount. If you can get a discount, it might be worth it to just head straight for Poly. It will be a Sat and they will surely have the fireworks. You will be able to enjoy the resort and see the fireworks from the beach. Have a relaxing evening at the resort!!!

If you stay at All Stars....then YES they will transfer the luggage for you. It is really easy! We have done it.

If you really want to get something dirt cheap.....$39, you will have to stay outside....that time of year, not sure how cheap the closer hotels will be.
We've never done that because we fly and find it better to head straight for the hotel. Even if we don't arrive til 7pm we are still able to enjoy the resort.

What ever you decide....have fun

 

[eeyore0062]

We have driven down from Richmond before ourselves. Took about 13-14 hours. We usually left about 4 am and got there around 6 pm. When we do drive, we usually stay offsite for the 1st night. We have stayed at the Super 8 maingate (cheap, yes!!! but don't!!!) Last time we stayed at the Ramada --- it is across from the Holiday Inn Family Suites (don't remember if that is considered Maingate or West, but it was really nice, and we got a pretty good deal on it with the Orlando Magic Card. It took us less than 5 minutes to get to the Disney property from there.

Whatever you decide, have a great time!