Premium Plan for One Night Just for the Tours, LaNouba, etc.??

[joedog]

Can you still book it as 1 night in 2011?

I was able to book a (1) night Platinum last Saturday in the middle of my other reservation(s) with no problem.

 

[Lehuaann]

The three night minimum is true. According to http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/vacation-packages/2012/platinum/

This stinks. I kept telling DH they were going to end up doing this...I knew it!!

Can you still book it as 1 night in 2011?

According to the website the 2011 packages remain the same. So yes, you can book 1 nt in 2011.

 

[TinkOhio]

We are seriously considering booking the premium plan again for this December, seing as this will be our only opportunity to try this on our budget. We are a family of 4-two adults, one 20 yr. old, and a 13yr. old. My father might be joining us, too. We will be staying off property, but would pay for one night on property, just so that we could participate. What would be the cheapest lodgingfor our party? Any suggestions?

TIA!

 

[marivaid]

So glad we decided to move our trip from February to October. Outstanding Disney deals never last long...

 

[papamouse1]

Once again, Disney snatches a benefit from our hands for the almighty dollar. 6 months of planning... waiting... for nothing. So frustrating.

I want to encourage EVERYONE to drop them a line and let them know you are disappointed in the 3-day requirement..
wdw.guest.communications@disneyworld.com


Now I have to figure out where to go for our anniversary... we were so excited to do this. Sad thing is, we were going for a week, and were even looking at doing 2 days, but no way am I doing 3 if only for the principle behind it. They limit the tours, won't include WIld Africa Trek, but make you try to plan 3 days of stuff to make it worthwhile?

Anyway... good luck everyone, sorry we won't be able to give any insight as to how this worked for us

p.s. Make sure you let Disney know the days of "The Happiest Place On Earth" are being replaced by "THe Most Profitable Place On Earth"

 

[Tiresius]

I want to encourage EVERYONE to drop them a line and let them know you are disappointed in the 3-day requirement..

Personally, I don't blame Disney for this change. Yes, it is a little disappointing, because it was so much fun, but I have to say that I felt a little guilty taking advantage of the plan this way. It wasn't designed to be a one-night, two-day, get a ridiculous amount of value for minimal cost, plan. We gave Disney less than $400 and yet asked them to give us $1200 (or more?) of services. Yes, I know, it didn't "cost" Disney $1200, but still, it had to be a huge money loss. And threads like this one, while great for those of us in the know, only contributed to the problem. The more people using the plan for just one night, the easier it was for Disney to catch on to their own loopholes.

So, while everyone is absolutely entitled to their own opinion, and I would never ask anyone not to complain, I for one will not be complaining to Disney. Here on the boards, sure, its disappointing that I can't do the one-night extravaganza again. But I am not mad, not angry, and in no way blame Disney for needing to make this policy change. Just my own personal opinion.

 

[Sugarglider]

Tiresius - I suppose you have articulated the essence of what I felt too. I would have liked the opportunity to do it again in the future - but that's business. At least I'll get one go at it. I'll still do tours on future trips.

 

[marivaid]

Disney is, and has always been, a business.

I do not feel "guilty" for using the plan to our advantage (Disney is hardly going to go bankrupt over this) but I won't be complaining either. The truth is the plan was never meant to be used for one night, and guests were never supposed to get $1000 worth of dining and activities for $229. There must have been enough of us doing this for someone at Disney to see the loophole and fix it.

We'll try the package in 2011 and it will be a test to see if it's worth doing it over 3 days in the future. It won't be as good a deal, but I think we can still make it worth the money if planned right.

 

[papamouse1]

Hehehe... I have to admit I find it a little humorous how maganimous some can be towwards Dsiney about this change AFTER you have used this system to your benefit... but as you say, each can have their own opinions, that's what makes America great.

However I still stand behind my displeasure, and I still hope people will voice displeasure to Disney... but not because we lost this little "perk".
My biggest problem with Disney's approach here is the over reaction to a problem. Here's the dilemna now, even if we were willing to do 3 days...

1) I (and many others who have done this perk) am a DVC owner, which means we are not even offered the Plat/Prem plans, so we must book a cash room to get it. So now to get it, we must book 3 cash nights almost tripling the expense.

2) With the limited spa treatments, exclusion of certain tours, blackout dates for La Nouba, etc. I personally think it would be extremely difficult for me (& others) to be able to book enough things even in 3 days (without just booking things to book them even though we have no real interest in doing them) in order to cover the $2700 in cost it would now take for me to do this. They have once again taken a DDP and not just reduced it's "value", but in essence made it of no real "value" other than convenience.

I too have no problem with Disney making adjustments, and couldn't agree more that it's reasonable for them to adjust when people figure out how to take advantage... but there must be a better way to adjust than to TRIPLE the requirement. HOw about a 2 day requirement, or a different price structure for DVC owners (we would pay a little more), or adjustments in the program to avoid the 2 days usage out of 1 day abuse... but making it 3 days? Bad choice IMHO.

That is why I say tell them they made a poor choice... but like you said, just my opinion

 

[let'sgo]

I'd rather see the 2012 plan as a two-day minimum with you being able to use your discounts on the room as well.

 

[GetGlowing]

2) With the ... blackout dates for La Nouba

Has that changed? The 2012 Premium/Platinum webpages & the PDF brochure say:

Admission to the Cirque du Soleil Show La Nouba
Live it up at the spellbinding Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba. It's a must-see for anyone who wants an evening of truly spectacular entertainment.

One admission per person (seating category 2). Reservations are required and may be made up to 180 days in advance. Theatre is dark Sundays and Mondays and certain other days during the year. Call (407) 939-7600 for more information or to make reservations. (Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.)​

 

[nannette]

Personally, I don't blame Disney for this change. Yes, it is a little disappointing, because it was so much fun, but I have to say that I felt a little guilty taking advantage of the plan this way. It wasn't designed to be a one-night, two-day, get a ridiculous amount of value for minimal cost, plan. We gave Disney less than $400 and yet asked them to give us $1200 (or more?) of services. Yes, I know, it didn't "cost" Disney $1200, but still, it had to be a huge money loss. And threads like this one, while great for those of us in the know, only contributed to the problem. The more people using the plan for just one night, the easier it was for Disney to catch on to their own loopholes.

So, while everyone is absolutely entitled to their own opinion, and I would never ask anyone not to complain, I for one will not be complaining to Disney. Here on the boards, sure, its disappointing that I can't do the one-night extravaganza again. But I am not mad, not angry, and in no way blame Disney for needing to make this policy change. Just my own personal opinion.

Disney is, and has always been, a business.

I do not feel "guilty" for using the plan to our advantage (Disney is hardly going to go bankrupt over this) but I won't be complaining either. The truth is the plan was never meant to be used for one night, and guests were never supposed to get $1000 worth of dining and activities for $229. There must have been enough of us doing this for someone at Disney to see the loophole and fix it.

We'll try the package in 2011 and it will be a test to see if it's worth doing it over 3 days in the future. It won't be as good a deal, but I think we can still make it worth the money if planned right.

I have to agree with you both. I am booked on the platinum plan November 2011. I and DD will be 6 nights 7 days on the platinum plan at the YC with 2 nights before at BLT and 2 nights after at AKL CL on our DVC points. I have to tell you planning for 7 days worth of activities was really no problem. I fit a lot into 7 days without rushing and with enjoying our vacation with a lot of value added. DD is having a golf lesson every day during the trip and 2 spa treatments. We are enjoying more food than we will know what to do with including the Chef's table at V&A followed by a Fireworks cruise. We have Cirque booked and Fantasmic. The tours are amazing and enjoyable and we have one just about everyday. I've done a lot of the tours without the plan through my DVC discount that is offered as a DVC owner. I would never think to do this plan on 1 night 2 days because I personally would not enjoy the rushing from one thing to the next just to get the value out of the plan. I am getting more than I'm paying for out of the plan, but what is more important is I will enjoy the things that are planned without the rushing. To those of you who have enjoyed the experience of this plan for one night I'm glad you enjoyed it and shared your experiences here. I read this thread to get ideas and see how others plan it and have gotten some good advice to use with my 6 night trip. Those of you who are planning before they change the plan ENJOY!!! Those of you who decide to do it for 3 nights it is a lot of fun so ENJOY!! I first did this plan about 6 years ago when it included everything even tips and I had a blast... then Disney changed it to tips not included and people thought the same Disney taking things back to make it a not so good value. Things are always changing and i'm sure there are other loop holes to be found and I for one can't wait to find the thread here that teaches me that!!

Enjoy your trips and don't be to harsh on me

~Nannette

 

[joedog]

I have been thinking, even though it "seems" like we are pulling something over on Disney by exploiting a loophole in the Premium and Platinum dining plans and booking only one night, maybe it is Disney who is really just fishing us.

In my case, for example, I had planned on staying at the Polynesian at the discounted military rate. In the past when we visited Disney we never did any tours or pay shows and almost always just ate quick service meals for breakfast lunch and dinner. Now I am upgrading for one day of the Platinum plan which is going to cost me over $800.00 above the cost of the room. I figure that the most I would normally spend a day, over and above the cost of the room would be $150.00 so Disney is getting at least an extra $500.00 ($800 minus $150x2 days) from me that they would not have gotten if I just did what I have done in the past.

Sure I am using more of their facilities, but did they have to bump someone to make room for me or and I just filling a seat that would have otherwise been vacant?

If just 10 people were doing the same thing as me, Disney would be getting an extra $5000 a day, or $1,825,000 a year that it would not have normally gotten.

Just a thought.

 

[papamouse1]

Has that changed? The 2012 Premium/Platinum webpages & the PDF brochure say:

Admission to the Cirque du Soleil Show La Nouba
Live it up at the spellbinding Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba. It's a must-see for anyone who wants an evening of truly spectacular entertainment.

One admission per person (seating category 2). Reservations are required and may be made up to 180 days in advance. Theatre is dark Sundays and Mondays and certain other days during the year. Call (407) 939-7600 for more information or to make reservations. (Guests under age 18 must have parent or guardian permission to call.)​

No it hasn't changed. When I mentioned that and the other things, I was merely pointing out how certain limitations that have existed in the plan that may have been easier to work around when you could simply pick a 1 or 2 day plan where LN wasn't dark... that now becomes harder to fit into a plan that requires longer stays, as it limits what you can do on each day.

 

[Tiresius]

1) I (and many others who have done this perk) am a DVC owner, which means we are not even offered the Plat/Prem plans, so we must book a cash room to get it. So now to get it, we must book 3 cash nights almost tripling the expense.

This point, I totally agree with. As a non-DVC owner, the difference between a PIN code rate in a value room and a rack rate value room is maybe $30 for a night. So being asked to pay that difference to use the plan is not really a big deal for me. However, if I were in your shoes, I can 100% agree that not allowing DVC folks to get the plan without having to jump through hoops and pay a great deal more, that does seem a bit much. Regardless of the length of stay minimum, I would agree that there should be some way for DVC owners to be able to use the plan in a way that works for both the vacationers and Disney (along the lines of how the Dining Plan was added as an option). You should be able to pay for the plan on top of whatever you are already paying for the room. If you pay for the plan, you pay for the plan, and it only seems fair not to penalize the people who are probably actually giving the most money in the long run through years of vacations.

 

[sarahgirl]

What this new change is doing for me is that I am making sure that I am putting in all the higher cost recreational items into those 2 days in September, as I am sure I will not be ever able to afford them otherwise. So instead of doing archery ($25) I am doing tubing ($165) and/or another fishing excursion ($270).

I totally understand why Disney has made this change though as I really do feel like I am taking advantage of the system that Disney put into place. For the $169 I paid for the premium plan I will get at least $1300 worth of value out of it. I don't feel bad for doing it as I am following every one of Disney's rules that they set forth.

 

[papamouse1]

I have to agree with you both. I am booked on the platinum plan November 2011. I and DD will be 6 nights 7 days on the platinum plan at the YC with 2 nights before at BLT and 2 nights after at AKL CL on our DVC points. I have to tell you planning for 7 days worth of activities was really no problem. I fit a lot into 7 days without rushing and with enjoying our vacation with a lot of value added. DD is having a golf lesson every day during the trip and 2 spa treatments. We are enjoying more food than we will know what to do with including the Chef's table at V&A followed by a Fireworks cruise. We have Cirque booked and Fantasmic. The tours are amazing and enjoyable and we have one just about everyday. I've done a lot of the tours without the plan through my DVC discount that is offered as a DVC owner. I would never think to do this plan on 1 night 2 days because I personally would not enjoy the rushing from one thing to the next just to get the value out of the plan. I am getting more than I'm paying for out of the plan, but what is more important is I will enjoy the things that are planned without the rushing. To those of you who have enjoyed the experience of this plan for one night I'm glad you enjoyed it and shared your experiences here. I read this thread to get ideas and see how others plan it and have gotten some good advice to use with my 6 night trip. Those of you who are planning before they change the plan ENJOY!!! Those of you who decide to do it for 3 nights it is a lot of fun so ENJOY!! I first did this plan about 6 years ago when it included everything even tips and I had a blast... then Disney changed it to tips not included and people thought the same Disney taking things back to make it a not so good value. Things are always changing and i'm sure there are other loop holes to be found and I for one can't wait to find the thread here that teaches me that!!

Enjoy your trips and don't be to harsh on me

~Nannette

Wow that is awesome Annette! I only wish our budget could handle that kind of investment... 7 nights X 4 people X $239 would be almost $6700!!
That is my car payment for 2 years... My mortgage for almost 6 months. Outside of one of the trees on our property suddenly producing $100 bills, we won't be enjoying such a treat in our household

I am excited for you folks and the fact that you feel you have a plan that is going to give you exactly what you want from it, and isn't that what it's all about? Congrats.

I would like to point one thing though in what you said... you said "I would never think to do this plan on 1 night 2 days because I personally would not enjoy the rushing from one thing to the next just to get the value out of the plan./B]". So who said you had to rush around to get it to be valuable? If you have 14 things you really want to do on the plan, and you can work those in over 7 days, and have a relaxed time then you only have to do 2 things in one day to have same value and still be relaxed.

Hope you have a tremendous time on your trip

 

[nannette]

Just booked.

Arrive Saturday 9/11 - Polynesian Resort Military Discount Rate 9/11 - 9/14

Switch to one day Platinum Package 9/14 - 9/15.

Switch back to Military Discount Room Rate 9/15 - 9/17.

Now I just have to figure out how to schedule La Nouba & Illuminations Cruise & (2) Dinners at Signature Restautants on the 14th & 15th.

Ideas anyone?

Wow that is awesome Annette! I only wish our budget could handle that kind of investment... 7 nights X 4 people X $239 would be almost $6700!!
That is my car payment for 2 years... My mortgage for almost 6 months. Outside of one of the trees on our property suddenly producing $100 bills, we won't be enjoying such a treat in our household

I am excited for you folks and the fact that you feel you have a plan that is going to give you exactly what you want from it, and isn't that what it's all about? Congrats.

I would like to point one thing though in what you said... you said "I would never think to do this plan on 1 night 2 days because I personally would not enjoy the rushing from one thing to the next just to get the value out of the plan./B]". So who said you had to rush around to get it to be valuable? If you have 14 things you really want to do on the plan, and you can work those in over 7 days, and have a relaxed time then you only have to do 2 things in one day to have same value and still be relaxed.

Hope you have a tremendous time on your trip

Thanks! Everyone is always going to have their own opinion on things... that was mine! To each his/hers own know what I mean that's why it says "I PERSONALLY". Hope you enjoy the planning of whatever trip might be planning

~Nannette

 

[cricketgirl]

jumping back a few pages everyone.

I need some help. I had problems with Itinerary planning screwing up my plans and booking me for days when I wasn't even in florida. Thought I had it all straightened out. Told everyone they should double check their plans just in case.

Well I thought it was straightened out. Until today. I sent an email with a spread sheet and several specific request. Activities that they need to schedual for me. Well, the same woman I had all the problems with before is the one who responded. She didn't book anything I asked her to. She has us double booked for Victoria and Albert's. This is just plain crazy. I have never ever said I wanted to go to Victoria and Albert's on September 23, 2011. But for some reason she keeps booking that date for us and giving me conformation numbers.

Right now I am so upset I could cry. I have done all of the work. Except the Firework Cruise, Fantasmic Seating and Booking Victoria and Alberts. I researched times etc.. Gave them specific times and dates in writing and they still can't get it right. I say they I mean SHE.

I did call and leave a message that I needed to Speak with Don or Miguel and see about getting this straightened out.

What do I do? Now I'm scared my whole trip is going to be screwed up and we are putting out alot of money for this trip. We did the 3 days platinum package at AKL in between Pop and CBR.

Is there a number or something I can call? Help please.

Lori

 

[joedog]

Okay, so I have booked early seating for La Nouba for the 1st night of my Platinum Plan. I am now trying to decide which Fireworks Cruise to book for the 2nd night. More people are recommending Wishes over Illuminations.

For dinners I am thinking Fulton's Crab House after La Nouba, and Yachtmans Steakhouse for before the Fireworks Cruise.

Does the above seem doable?

Does anyone have an idea what would be a reasonable reservation time for after early La Nouba?

Does anyone have an idea what would be a reasonable/safe reservation time for the Yachtman that would allow me to get to the Fireworks Cruise?

Does anyone know if one or the other Fireworks Cruise would be better to book with the idea that we will be eating at the Yachtman beforehand?

As always, any information/insight is greatly appreciated.

Joe