September 2011 - We are going to Disney World {THIS MONTH}! (Third Thread)

[janabananas]

We are hoping to be going back in January as well just waiting to hear if there is a room available where we are hoping to book.

We are thinking of getting AP's and going back again in december of 2012. Do you always get discounts on resort bookings? we were planning on using points but if we can get a room for even less with the discounts then I would seriously look into that for our trips lol

There are not always discounts, but there are most of the time. I only have experience trying to book with Sept, Oct, Nov, & Jan, since we just got our AP's in September. So far they have been available, but certain nights do not apply, such as xmas-new years week, etc. I am pretty sure any of the higher occupancy times like that do not have discounts. On mousesavers.com they have a historic listing of discounts to give you an idea.

I would't buy the AP only if you want to use it for room discounts. If you plan on going a bunch, then go for it. You do get a merch. discount too.

I figured it out like this. I planned on staying so many days for this trip. I would only have to go 2 more days for this year to equal what I am paying for the AP. As long as I went ?? days in the year, I would come out equal. I am a local though, so it makes sense for me to get one. But for you, since you are out of state, it may not be a value to get it. One added perk you get with the AP and not being a FL resident is the ability to buy and use TIW. That saved us the cost of it with only 3 meals including alcohol. (We are drinkers...)

About using your points, I am not sure how it works out, but as a renter ( I just rented points for next september), even if a 40% AP discount comes out for my time it is cheaper for me to rent points at $13/point, then to buy direct from Disney using AP rate. I figured it would be $828 for my stay if BWV got a 40% code, but with renting points I got the same for $598.

 

[sparks19]

There are not always discounts, but there are most of the time. I only have experience trying to book with Sept, Oct, Nov, & Jan, since we just got our AP's in September. So far they have been available, but certain nights do not apply, such as xmas-new years week, etc. I am pretty sure any of the higher occupancy times like that do not have discounts. On mousesavers.com they have a historic listing of discounts to give you an idea.

I would't buy the AP only if you want to use it for room discounts. If you plan on going a bunch, then go for it. You do get a merch. discount too.

I figured it out like this. I planned on staying so many days for this trip. I would only have to go 2 more days for this year to equal what I am paying for the AP. As long as I went ?? days in the year, I would come out equal. I am a local though, so it makes sense for me to get one. But for you, since you are out of state, it may not be a value to get it. One added perk you get with the AP and not being a FL resident is the ability to buy and use TIW. That saved us the cost of it with only 3 meals including alcohol. (We are drinkers...)

About using your points, I am not sure how it works out, but as a renter ( I just rented points for next september), even if a 40% AP discount comes out for my time it is cheaper for me to rent points at $13/point, then to buy direct from Disney using AP rate. I figured it would be $828 for my stay if BWV got a 40% code, but with renting points I got the same for $598.

Yeah we are planning to make at least 2 trips out there this year. january and then again in december (with maybe a day trip when we go to see my inlaws who also live in florida). I priced out hopper passes for the amount of days we would use tickets for and the AP's actually work out cheaper if we do two trips with those amount of days... which is the plan but best laid plans right? lol still thinking on it and doing some figuring of course

 

[MamaJessie]

I am gonna jump out of my skin I am so happy!!!

I just booked for January 2012, the WL, CY for 40% off using the AP rate. I waited on the phone for 30 min but it was SOOOOO worth it!!

I am at work and NO ONE!! understands how happy I am about this!!

Now I am waiting for a response to my DVC rental request for Sept 2012!! I don't really care about that anymore... Ok that isn't true but I am so excited I could scream!

That is awesome!!!

 

[sillylily]

Woot, that's awesome, Janet!! I'm totally jealous!

 

[janabananas]

Yeah we are planning to make at least 2 trips out there this year. january and then again in december (with maybe a day trip when we go to see my inlaws who also live in florida). I priced out hopper passes for the amount of days we would use tickets for and the AP's actually work out cheaper if we do two trips with those amount of days... which is the plan but best laid plans right? lol still thinking on it and doing some figuring of course

I know what you mean by best laid plans. I feel like I am playing a game of roulette booking BWV so early, but I know we have wanted to stay there for awhile. Fingers crossed that nothing happens. Luckily, we have a room booked and tickets, so our only expense will be food, and we will have a kitchenette to prepare food if necessary.

That is awesome!!!

Woot, that's awesome, Janet!! I'm totally jealous!

Thanks ladies!! I am so super excited. I was so excited that I forgot to make my room requests, king bed on a top floor.... Oh well I will call later on to add that cause I had to wait 30 minutes this am. I am not doing that again.

 

[sparks19]

Woohoo we are now officially booked for a studio at OKW for jan 22-27

Yaaaaaaaay. 109 days lol

 

[janabananas]

Woohoo we are now officially booked for a studio at OKW for jan 22-27

Yaaaaaaaay. 109 days lol

We will be there at WL jan 20-22!!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Woohoo we are now officially booked for a studio at OKW for jan 22-27

Yaaaaaaaay. 109 days lol

Wow, that was quick!

Goodness...this September thread may need to turn into a January thread!

Chanting..."I will not be tempted, I will not be tempted..."

 

[sparks19]

Wow, that was quick!

Goodness...this September thread may need to turn into a January thread!

Chanting..."I will not be tempted, I will not be tempted..."

haha yeah it was. Unexpected too. i didn't expect to be going back until september or later but on our last park day this past trip hubby was like "wanna come back in January?" I thought he was being sarcastic or just messing with me... but he was serious I of course gave the idea two thumbs up things just snowballed from there

 

[disneychic2]

I am gonna jump out of my skin I am so happy!!!

I just booked for January 2012, the WL, CY for 40% off using the AP rate. I waited on the phone for 30 min but it was SOOOOO worth it!!

I am at work and NO ONE!! understands how happy I am about this!!

Now I am waiting for a response to my DVC rental request for Sept 2012!! I don't really care about that anymore... Ok that isn't true but I am so excited I could scream!

Yay!!! Great news! We stayed at WL for the first time this trip and it was awesome! Love the boat ride to MK and the resort was so quiet all tucked up into the woods. Enjoy!

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Disney just released another special offer for the Holidays 2011....

Save up to 30% at Select Disney Resort Hotels!

Each year, magical moments meld with holiday cheer at Walt Disney World Resort. Here, you'll enjoy seasonal events, festive décor and great nightly rates—all the makings of a happy holiday vacation!

This holiday season, save up to 30% at select Disney Resort Hotels when you book through November 19, 2011 for stays most nights October 30 to November 18, 2011 and November 26 to December 23, 2011.

http://bookwdw.reservations.disney....mo&promotionCode=fy12q1room&market=fy12q1room

Impatiently waiting for Disney to release 2013 cruise itineraries and 2012 Holiday special offers!

 

[sillylily]

I have our next WDW dates!!! And boy are they a long time out!We make a big hoopla out of turning 13 in our family, and do whatever the birthday girl chooses for that week. So, we'll be headed back February 1-6, 2013, when my younger DD hits her birthday milestone. We've just got to figure out where to stay, but I'm leaning heavily toward WL or BWV. My younger DD and I still have her field trip in March, so I won't have serous withdrawals.

 

[ForTheLoveOfDCL]

I have our next WDW dates!!! And boy are they a long time out!We make a big hoopla out of turning 13 in our family, and do whatever the birthday girl chooses for that week. So, we'll be headed back February 1-6, 2013, when my younger DD hits her birthday milestone. We've just got to figure out where to stay, but I'm leaning heavily toward WL or BWV. My younger DD and I still have her field trip in March, so I won't have serous withdrawals.

Seriously jealous of your trip in March!!! I would love to go in march and then our cruise in september. But financially it makes more sense to go 2 weeks together cause that's one airfare payment and not 2. I would love to go twice a year cause then that would break it up more and make it not seem so long. I like the big 13 idea. We try to make every birthday feel special with them picking their restaurant, since it was the 2 most special days in my life too. Will have to think about making one bday a disney one. Hard with one DD though cause hers is in June close to July 4th. Not my ideal time to travel. Maybe we can go at Dd(7) bday since hers is the others half bday....kill two birds with one stone...lol Well of to get girls off to school. Ttfn

 

[janabananas]

I have our next WDW dates!!! And boy are they a long time out!We make a big hoopla out of turning 13 in our family, and do whatever the birthday girl chooses for that week. So, we'll be headed back February 1-6, 2013, when my younger DD hits her birthday milestone. We've just got to figure out where to stay, but I'm leaning heavily toward WL or BWV. My younger DD and I still have her field trip in March, so I won't have serous withdrawals.

AWESOME!!!!

I will be staying at both, but WL first. I toured both of them and liked them for their own reasons.

WL was peaceful and serene, and I felt very romantic for our anniversary, but I also saw that there is lots of kids stuff to do, and it is just a boat trip away from MK and the monorail resorts. You can take a boat to CR and hop on the monorail to get to POLY or GF or transfer to TTC.

BWV is close to EPCOT and DHS and of course the Boardwalk. It has such a fantastic and fun vibe. I didn't see the clown pool for myself, but I read that there are lots of kids activities there as well. I don't think you could go wrong with either.

 

[MamaJessie]

Seriously jealous of your trip in March!!! I would love to go in march and then our cruise in september. But financially it makes more sense to go 2 weeks together cause that's one airfare payment and not 2.

We just pay for gas/tolls and that sways it enough that two times a year is not happening anytime soon.

Just had to share my "DH is a changed man" story.

Usually, I am the money miser of the two. He will buy lunch out and I will tell him exactly how much he could have saved if he brought his lunch. He sighs and tells me he works three jobs, he should be able to buy lunch out sometimes. At which point I relent and tell him that is true. So last night he asked what was for lunch today. I told him I forgot to buy bread so he should just buy something. He seemed bummed. I said to him "You usually want to buy lunch, what's wrong?" He said "That was the old me. New me wants to save as much money as I can and get back to Disney!!"

 

[haven_alise1997]

We just pay for gas/tolls and that sways it enough that two times a year is not happening anytime soon.

Just had to share my "DH is a changed man" story.

Usually, I am the money miser of the two. He will buy lunch out and I will tell him exactly how much he could have saved if he brought his lunch. He sighs and tells me he works three jobs, he should be able to buy lunch out sometimes. At which point I relent and tell him that is true. So last night he asked what was for lunch today. I told him I forgot to buy bread so he should just buy something. He seemed bummed. I said to him "You usually want to buy lunch, what's wrong?" He said "That was the old me. New me wants to save as much money as I can and get back to Disney!!"

Love it wish it would have affected my dh that way!

 

[janabananas]

We just pay for gas/tolls and that sways it enough that two times a year is not happening anytime soon.

Just had to share my "DH is a changed man" story.

Usually, I am the money miser of the two. He will buy lunch out and I will tell him exactly how much he could have saved if he brought his lunch. He sighs and tells me he works three jobs, he should be able to buy lunch out sometimes. At which point I relent and tell him that is true. So last night he asked what was for lunch today. I told him I forgot to buy bread so he should just buy something. He seemed bummed. I said to him "You usually want to buy lunch, what's wrong?" He said "That was the old me. New me wants to save as much money as I can and get back to Disney!!"

That is awesome! DBf changed his attitude as well. He thought we would only be riding "kiddie" rides and dealing with screaming "ankle biters". Even though we did ride kiddie rides (TSM which he loved and we did twice) and did hear screaming kids (it is Disney, what do you expect), he saw that even adults can have a great time. He loves the food choices and drinking choices too. He also really liked the new rides, like TSM, and the Star Tours redo. Now he is actually excited about going back, especially for F&W and getting to stay at WL and BWV. He really hated POP though. Too loud for him. Oh well you can't please everyone, right?

Now when discussing budgets and such, he wants to make sure we will have enough Disney money!!

 

[MamaJessie]

Anybody know when they usually take down the Christmas decorations at WDW?

 

[ThereYouSeeHer]

Anybody know when they usually take down the Christmas decorations at WDW?

I believe it's pretty quickly, like January 3rd or so.....

 

[Strawberry's mom&dad]

When you buy an AP you start down a slippery slope. You say we have an AP so we need to use them to get our money's worth so we need to book more trips. We are going to be here 4 times on this AP cycle with about 30 park days. Coupled with DVC and our other timeshare our out of pocket is airfare and food. We're addicted but don't want an intervention.