resort planning

[ctrezek]

OK, I've been collecting alot of information, with forums help of course.
As I've posted a Help! message already.
My family of 5 adults (teens) and 6/7 day vacation in disney. Trying to get the most for my money.

Checked with a Travel Agent (get confused by all the initials). Got a quote for $5,280 for five of us at the Polynesian Lagoon view with Dream Maker Package.

But from charts I've seen...I can get it cheaper, unless I'm reading it wrong.
When I calculate Disneys package with Ultimate Hoppers its alot less.

When I calculate the price from this sites chart for the room and a price chart for 4 or 5 day Hopper Plus, Its closer to around $4,000.

Am I missing something?
Also, I really would like a private balcony, are they balcony rooms?
Also, this site says the rooms are for 4 adults. (even though I see rooms with two queens and a day bed.

Can anyone explain any of this to me so it makes sense?
I thought travel agents got you the best deal. I used one from Mousesavers.com

Also, is the Polynesian noisy because of the monorail?
Is it mostly for luv birds? honeymooners?

 

[KathyTX]

Prices on any of the Disney resorts will vary by date. There are four seasons, with different pricing: Value season, Regular season, Peak season, and Holiday. A lagoon view room at the Poly will range from $385 to $560 per night, depending on your travel dates. There's also an additional charge for more than 2 adults in a room.

Every travel agent won't always find you the best deals- it really depends on the agent. If getting the best deal is really important, then you need to be sure your agent specializes in Disney travel planning.

You say you priced a package (the Dream Maker). Most of the time, Disney's packages won't save you any money. You're paying for every one of the little extras and "wishes" included in your package. If you want to save money, look into booking your room alone - a "room only" reservation- and then adding on the most appropriate ticket for your trip length.

The tickets included in the Dream Maker package (Unlimited Park Hoppers) give you lots of flexibility, but they are NOT usually your best value. Booking this package is pretty convenient, but not your best cost cutting strategy.

I know you'll find lots of answers to make this trip a memorable one here on the Resorts board!

 

[maciec]

I think that the concensus on these boards is to book the trip yourself and not use a travel agent. However, I have heard many good things about Dreams Unlimited (they are a sponsor on this web site).

Why not start by calling Disney themselves and asking what the rate would be for the exact room that you want. I would then go from there as far as seeing who has the best rate. If you feel comfortable with the rate that Disney is giving you, put the room on hold.

While you have Disney on the phone check to see what the additional price would be for the Dream Maker Package.

Total everything up and see where you stand travel agent vs. Disney.

If you really want a travel agent to help you call Dreams Unlimited.

While I have never stayed at the Poly I would love to! I don't know about the noise level of the monorail, but I can tell you that the resort is for everyone (not just lovebirds). We went there for the Luau and I just thought that the resort looked very very nice. I really want to stay there sometime with DH and the kids.

Good Luck! I'll throw you some pixie dust.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We've stayed at the Poly a couple times with our kids. No, not just a place for love birds. I never heard any noise from the monorail. We liked the building that were on the TTC side of the resort because we could easily walk there and catch the monorail to Epcot. It's really a great location!

We've never gone with an agent or a package since I love planning all the details--half the fun for me!

Personally, with teens, I would split my stay. Stay 3 nights at the Poly and 3 at an Epcot resort. From what I've heard all of them are nice, and teens would really like to have the boardwalk area so close. My older kids loved staying at the Swan a few years ago. Something to at least consider.

T&B

 

[Jackie H.]

Try this website to learn lots about the Poly.

BTW, I did not notice any noise from the monorail.

Tikiman Poly Site

 

[ctrezek]

Thanks for all the info....

The polynesian link was wonderful.
I'd like to see one for the Animal Kingdom too.

I'm wondering...I hear so much about the transportation...assuming its all included no matter what..

...Is it?

 

[prncess674]

5 adults in one Poly room is alot of people and alot of luggage. While the deluxe resorts are great have you thought about booking two moderate resort rooms? This would give you tons more space and a second bathroom.

 

[maciec]

ctrezek .... what did you end up doing?

By the way, if you never got the answer to your question about the transportation if you stay on site you have free unlimited use of the Dinsey transportation systems.

 

[ctrezek]

sorry for not replying to your question earlier....

What did I end up doing?

Well, I havent done anything yet.....I'm leaning towards the POLY, really would like to do the Lagoon Concierge....but might do the Garden Concierge for less money, or just the Lagoon without concierge.

I think I'll wait until Spring for the prices to come down.

I've found the Hopper Plus tickets are cheapest at "The Official Ticket Center" on the web. Does anybody know if this is a legitimate place to buy tickets.

I'm thinking a 4 day Hopper Plus, and we'll go one day to Universal.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

My family of 5 adults (teens)

How old are the teens? If they are under 18, Disney considers them juniors or children as far as the room goes. If they are 18 or older, you would be looking at an extra adult charge for every adult 18 or over in a single room. This fee is $25 per adult at a Deluxe.

As far as park tickets, adult tickets are for ages 10+.

My TA recommendation goes to Joe at Dream Come True Vacations.

Dreams Unlimited comes highly recommended also.

I thought travel agents got you the best deal. I used one from Mousesavers.com

Yes, they do, within reason. If you ask for a package quote, they will give you the best package quote they have. If you want room-only with separate tickets then that is what they will quote you. Did you start a dialog with the agent to see if he/she would be able to break things out for you?

 

[ctrezek]

I tried to email some questions back, but no response...it may be the filters on our web server here.

Anyway, pricing Tickets at the Official Ticket Center was the best I've seen.

I may go with a TA just for the rooms only, since its been said the TAs will adjust the prices as the specials come up.

If I book now through Disney "rooms only", Will they adjust the prices as their prices drop in the Spring?

My Teens will be 21, 19 and 17 in June 2005.

 

[ILoveWDW2003]

If I book now through Disney "rooms only", Will they adjust the prices as their prices drop in the Spring?

No, Disney will not automatically lower your rates. Either you need to do it yourself, or use a Disney specialist travel agent that will.

My Teens will be 21, 19 and 17 in June 2005.

LOL, does the 21 year old like you calling them a teen??

Seriously, with a 21 and a 19 yo in a single Deluxe room, you will be charged an extra $50 per night on top of the normal room rates. You may be better off with 2 rooms at a moderate or value resort - this gives you a second bathroom too!

Your other option would be a home away from home resort.