Specials for 2015?

[CouponAngie]

We are planning a Summer 2015 trip to WDW. My son, who will be graduating from HS, has asked to go as a graduation gift!
We last went in 2011 and it was just myself and my 3 kiddos, so finding a room at a decent price was relatively easy. We did room, airfare, transportation, food and park tickets for about $3700.00. (thanks to tips from these forums and Mousesavers!) This time, my husband will be going too and I was surprised how having 5 people in your party, rather than 4, changes the whole game!

I've been pricing out the costs of various locations. My son wanted to stay at an actual Disney Resort this time, since it is a special occasion, but I can't wrap my brain around these prices! The Family Suites at AofA Resort will accomodate 5 people and have a small kitchenette, but it's over $2000.00 for the room alone!
I'm looking at a few other places that are non-Disney like the Caribe Royale and also am trying to read up on renting DVC points.
My question is, when can I expect Disney and other resorts to start sending out special offers for 2015? I don't want to wait too long to book, but I also don't want to jump the gun and possibly miss out on some really good savings!
Thanks!

 

[ellochka]

The resort discounts are out 6 months in advance at most. You will have to wait until December the earliest, March the latest to see if there are any deals.

I would check out sites like HomeAway for off-site or book a family suit now, and wait for any discounts to apply later. DVC is a fine option in general, but in most resorts you will need book a two-bedroom to accommodate 5 people. One bedrooms and studios that accommodate 5 are only at a few resorts, and they go very fast - you may wand to book now.

 

[eyor44]

May I suggest using a Travel Agent? A good TA will help you wade through all the choices and help you pick the best accomodations for your family. Also, when you book with a good TA, they will monitor the discounts and when one comes out for your dates and resort, they will make the change for you, and you won't have to do anything.

A lot of people on here will tell you to not use a TA, that all the information is available to you here but some times you get mis-information here and why not take advantage of someone knowledge and have a one-on-one contact with someone, especially when their services are free to you.

With that being said, Port Orleans Riverside has rooms that can sleep 5, but you only get one bathroom. The family suites at Art of Animation and All Star Music sleep six, have two bathrooms and a small kitchette. You might also consider two Value rooms and request they be connecting. While a request is not guarranteed, I am usually successful at having my request fulfilled.
For renting DVC points. The onebedrooms at AKL sleep 5 but you can also sleep 5 in 1-bedrooms that show only 4. Difference is you have to bring bedding for the 5th person.

A good TA would tell you all of this and more. Plus help you navigate through all the new stuff like My Disney Experience, Fast Passes and Magic Bands.

 

[bcinohio]

We are a family of 5 and we do two rooms at a value resort and it is cheaper than the family suites. They have fridges and their is usually a microwave in the food court. We got a discount on our July trip last month.

 

[lauradis]

Two rooms at a value is only about 1800 for a week. Dec 2-9 2015

We are a family of 3-4 and hubby doesn't like to share a room with the kids