Room only with discount--or package? Please advise

[khanna]

Hi everyone,
Here is the deal: We are looking at going October 2009 for my husbands conference-staying at the BWI--conference is at the BW. The conference rate standard room is $271/night + tax. there are 5 of us--2 adults, 3 kids--ages 6, 5, and 4. My dilema is this: do we go with the discount room through the conference and just add tickets seperately and pay meals out of pocket (cannot add a dining plan due to the conference room discount) AND be a little cramped in the room OR do we go with the option of staying at the BWV (2 bedroom b/c they said 1 bedroom only sleeps 4) and do a package (no conference discount on this)--I know this would be more expensive but we would be more comfortable AND have a kitchen and w/d. How much time would we really spend in our room OR is it worth it to have the extra space and ammenities? I do like space and ammenities but am I willing to pay so much for it? Also--do I go through a travel agent for this or is that a waste of money?
Any ideas would be appreciated. This is for 5 nights/6 days--and we are driving there--7 hrs. Thanks!!!
Kim

 

[justplaingoofy]

Hi everyone,
Here is the deal: We are looking at going October 2009 for my husbands conference-staying at the BWI--conference is at the BW. The conference rate standard room is $271/night + tax. there are 5 of us--2 adults, 3 kids--ages 6, 5, and 4. My dilema is this: do we go with the discount room through the conference and just add tickets seperately and pay meals out of pocket (cannot add a dining plan due to the conference room discount) AND be a little cramped in the room OR do we go with the option of staying at the BWV (2 bedroom b/c they said 1 bedroom only sleeps 4) and do a package (no conference discount on this)--I know this would be more expensive but we would be more comfortable AND have a kitchen and w/d. How much time would we really spend in our room OR is it worth it to have the extra space and ammenities? I do like space and ammenities but am I willing to pay so much for it? Also--do I go through a travel agent for this or is that a waste of money?
Any ideas would be appreciated. This is for 5 nights/6 days--and we are driving there--7 hrs. Thanks!!!
Kim

FYI, A 2 bedroom unit it ALOT more money. Also, booking through a travel agent does not cost you any more money. They are paid through Disney. I would recommend asking around if there are any good agents that specialize in Disney if you are unsure of all the in's & outs of Disney.

If you the conference room is refundable up until a certain date you may want to book at the conference rate and keep an eye out for any specials that may come up. (just a guess, but I would think around June or so they would run October specials). That way if a package is released with a great rate you could book that and cancel your old conference rate.

I do love the Boardwalk area, but if you are looking for less expensive accomodations for all of you, but still with kitchen amenties you could also check with Fort Wilderness Cabins. Queen bed & bunk bed in one room, kitchen, dining area, living area with pull down murphy bed.

 

[bookwormde]

If you are willing to do the due diligence needed to rent from a DVC member, and the 5 days are weekdays you may be able to get a standard 2br BWV for about $240 per night and with things being slower you might even get a preferred Boardwalk view for about $320. Normally points this time and this far out demand a premium but this year there seems to be a lot of BW points available without a premium.

We would never consider a meal plan when we have a full kitchen since breakfasts and other meals are just easier “at home” and we save our money for special meals out.

You might also consider BCV since then you would have access to storm along pool and slide.


bookwormde