Please help me select hotel quickly

[ftmyersgirl]

mshinrockford

I tried booking the Swan and for my time frame it was 220.00. I could get the Polynesian for that with my Florida resident discount. I read the language there were many exceptions to the 139.00 rate.

Jaysue, Thank you for the post regarding the point rental. Have you done this? I am a bit apprehensive. I won't be able to do it this trip because the two bedroom villas are sold out. But for future reference it is something I will get more familiar with and consider.

 

[chrissyk]

If you are looking for a 2 bedroom villa at the Boardwalk or Beach Club, why not rent some points from a member of the DVC? It's very easy to do...look over on the DVC rent/trade board (I think that's what it's called). You'll save a bundle by doing this! My DH and I rented points and stayed in the BWV last Nov., and we loved it so much that we bought into DVC (resale) when we got home The accomodations were awesome, and sooooo much cheaper than any other non-DVC deluxe accomodations. Also, I really loved the pool at the BWV. The pool at the BCV (Stormalong Bay) is really awesome too. The concensus seems to be that the "Grotto" pool complex at the Swan and Dolphin is really great, too

One other option that you have is to book 2 rooms at the Swan or Dolphin at the presently low rates ($139 I think), and then, as your dates get closer, see if the S+D are popping up on Priceline for your timeframe. You can keep an eye on this on the Orlando Hotels board at www.biddingfortravel.com . My husband and I lucked out and got 2 nights at the Swan in early May for $59/night by researching on biddingfortravel and then using the research to make an informed bid on Priceline. From my research, I felt pretty confident that the Swan or Dolphin would come up for my dates at that rate, and it worked out just like I'd hoped There is no guarantee of getting the hotel you want via Priceline, but my experience has been that the data available from other posters on biddingfortravel has been reliable

I just read your last post where you said that the 2-bedroom villas are sold-out for your upcoming trip. I believe that there is a difference in cash availability and points availability (available to DVC members). Maybe someone can help me out here by explaining this, as I'm still a relatively new DVC member. You might still be in luck in terms of renting points for a 2-bedroom villa for your trip

 

[ftmyersgirl]

Cryssyk

Thanks for the information. I have chosen to stay off premise the May trip because I did not have much time to learn about renting points, etc. I know the villas were not available at the time I looked although now I see that the Key West resort was available.
On the Orlando site someone recommended the Wyndham Palms Resort as they had just come from there and said great things about it. I took a 2-bedroom villa there and resolved on this trip to visit the resorts and learn a little more about the DVC.

My grandson is only one and the things we can do with him will be limited. As he gets older, however, we will need to either buy or rent points because we want to spend as much time with him and do not want to have single hotel rooms because we want to sit in a living room and talk.

Is it better to get the points in resale?

Is Christmas week super expensive.

I am now planning for Christmas week.

Your collective support has be wonderful.

 

[chrissyk]

We bought our points resale, and it was a great savings over the Disney price. However, recently Disney has been exercising their "First Right of Refusal" on quite a few resales, so the deals have consequently not been as good on resales. Disney has some incentive programs to bring the cost of purchasing directly through them down. We had to go resale, as the resort that we wanted as our "home" resort was already sold out. Check out the DVC discussion board for more info on this topic...I learned so much from that board when we were making our purchase

As for XMas being much more expensive, I think that it is one of the high points timeframes. I'm not sure how much more expensive it is cash-wise, because I've never stayed at WDW during XMas time.

Have a great trip!!

 

[Lisa BC]

Originally posted by mshinrockford
We're planning to stay at the SWAN in May but were not able to get the $139 rate. Doesn't this only apply to nurses/teachers/military persons? My rate through AAA was $179 + tax + service fee. Did I miss something???

Here's the thread that talked about the $139 rate: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=265057

The $139 rate is good June 1 through Sept 30, and you have to book by April 15.

Hope this helps!

Lisa

 

[ftmyersgirl]

Lisa,

I see why I can't get the 139 rate, the date commences after my May trip. Thanks for that web site.

 

[jaysue]

http://www.wdwig.com/faq_swan.htm

Not sure if better deal for you but take a look (Thanks to Deb)

Thanks
Jason

 

[mshinrockford]

Lisa BC > Thanks for the link. I followed the link, and read the entire thread including the annoucement of the $139 Special Limited Time Offer. But I didn't see where I was supposed to "click" to make a reservation. I noticed that it said to leave"none" in the "Check for discounts" section, but I can't even get to the reservation system. Is there a special pathway that I need to use to get the $139 rate? I didn't see it? Thanks again for your help!

 

[Lisa BC]

mishinrockford,

I'm not sure if you can book that rate directly on the Swan Dolphin website. Someone on the Swan Dolphin thread maybe be able to assist you. http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=276303

But, I know that the folks at Dreams Unlimited would be glad to assist you with the reservations. I've not personally booked through Dreams, but lots of people on these boards have great things to say about the folks at Dreams. If you go to the following thread, about 1/2 down the post you'll see a link to book the Swan or Dolphin throught Dreams

http://64.4.20.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_...m/showthread.php?threadid=347437&goto=newpost

or you can go to the Dreams Unlimited website at:
http://www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com/

Good luck!

Lisa

 

[Lisa BC]

Sorry about the bad link!

the dreams unlimited post / ad is:

http://disboards.com/announcement.php?s=&forumid=12

about 1/2 down on the page is a link that takes you to the dreams unlimited website to book rooms at the Swan or Dolphin


Lisa

 

[polygurl]

Hi,

Gotta let you know that the Floridian is a very beautiful and classy resort but since going there since '82 with my family I suggest you try the Polynesian. A couple of reasons are, the resort is not as "busy" due to the layout of the hotel, all the individual buildings only 3 stories to each, I agree with easy access to the TTC, (that is great) but since you mentioned the 1 year old, this is the home of "Neverland Club" if you are so inclined to want a few free non-worry hours for the adults, my children always loved this place.
The Hawaii building is a secured building with a lounge with snacks for the kids and adults all day long, great stuff like crustables (PBJ sanwiches, gummy worms, etc for the kids and finger sanwiches and beverages for the adults plus more all day long). Sooo easy, Disney can be a hard trip on the little one, make it easy for every one and sit back and relax. Remember, you're there for V A C A T I O N !!!!!!!
Try to get the lagoon view, (these rooms book fast) that way your castle is in view all night long, changing colors

 

[MELSMICE]

I would suggest the Poly because it is on the monorail & because of the zero entry pool for your little tyke! He will be able to splash in the water & have a blast without you holding him in your arms the whole time. You can hold his hand or sit down next to him.

The CR is very convenient to MK because of the walkway but the Poly is just as convenient with the monorail & I really think the zero entry of the pool would give you & him more enjoyment. CR does not have a zero entry or a kiddie pool.