Priceline advice, near WDW

[HaleyB]

Hi

I bid on Priceline often locally, but it is hard to sort out the Disney area! Also if you know of any good deal booking any otherway, I am open to suggestions.

I am looking for advice on what the lowest star level to bid on, and what area, without risking anything really awful. We just need a clean room for the night we arrive and the night we depart. Looking for something well under $100 w/tax and any resort fee.

I found a few places that looked ok on Trip advisor that I can book directly for about $70+ tax.

Also it looks like the Universal Studios area is less expensive and perhaps a safer place to bid on... how far is it from WDW to the US area? Is it worth it to stay there to save $ considering it is just on the night before our package starts and the night after it ends?

Last question, how far out should I attempt Priceline if I go that way? I need a room Dec 17th and Dec 28th. A bit worried about the 28th.

Thanks in advance.

 

[HaleyB]

Forgot to add, I use both betterbidding.com and biddingfortravel.com

 

[Giggle]

I have booked three rooms in Orlando using Hotwire or Priceline. On Hotwire I don't go lower than a three star and on Priceline I don't go lower than 2.5. I think Hotwire gives higher star rankings to undeserving properties so that is why I am more careful. I have stayed at the Holiday Inn on International Drive and at the Wyndham in I drive. Also the Hyatt at the airport.

 

[cruise pup]

I wanted a resort hotel for the extras and wanted it near WDW. I bid a few times, starting very low at $35. At $59.00 I got a reply that if I increased my bid by $17. (i.e. $76) they'd have something for me. I did this and landed up with the Hilton at World Disney World which is pretty good. I think the least expensive I saw on their website was $90./day. The good news is that guests at the Hilton get the extra hours at the theme parks, which will be great on the day at Animal Kingdom since they close at 5pm and with the extended hours Epcot will be open til 10pm. Since it's across from Downtown Disney there will be a lot to do in the area, saving on the need for a rental car.