The NEW WL FAQ (Part 5) Simbas and Tiggers and Humphreys OH MY! Part 2

[Piglets Mommy]

we are staying at WL club level in March & I wanted to add an extra day but having troub le getting a room. Does anyone know if we have to go to a different resort, say AKL, do we need to get a taxi for our luggage or is there a way to do it to the other resort through Disney?

I THINK that you can call Bell Services and they will handle the luggage transport for you, so that you can just go enjoy your day at a park and then go check into your new resort when you are ready.

I'm in the early stages of planning a trip for June and I have a few questions
What's the best deal out? AAA? I don't have AAA but last time we went my mom signed up for it just to get the discount and still saved money... then got an better deal by getting an annual pass. (the AAA membership cost was still absorbed.)

We're already going on my airline miles I got from visiting my dad almost every month for 5 years flying seattle/san jose round trip, which is the only reason I'm even considering staying at WL, but I'm still going to deal hunt.

I know how good of hunting guides all you DISers are, if Cheney had you that rich guy would never have been shot in the face.

How soon do I need to make reservations to make sure I can stay there? I'm going with a friend of mine and we're both in college (but different ones) so we have to pick dates around that and other stuff, which is why we haven't decided yet. We're going for a standard view, we're not gonna just be hanging around the room much so why bother paying for something we're not going to use.

You have me With that one!

We booked through AAA and found it to def. be worth the membership price! The Disney Visa code actually wound up being similar, but by the time that came out for us, there wouldn't have been any rooms left at WL at Christmas time and no room at the inn =

As for when to book....if you want a specific resort, I'd say asap....also note that with AAA there is not always a disc. in every category...we wanted woodsview but have courtyard, cause that's what they had...still cheaper than woodsview rack rate, though!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[orangekid13]

As for when to book....if you want a specific resort, I'd say asap....also note that with AAA there is not always a disc. in every category...we wanted woodsview but have courtyard, cause that's what they had...still cheaper than woodsview rack rate, though!

Good luck and have fun!

I'm glad you enjoyed the Cheney hunting joke

I'll also talk to my mom cause she was the one booking the last trip (my HS graduation present, yes, I chose WDW over anywhere else in the world she was willing to go and pay for) but what's the best way to find out the AAA prices for each room category before getting a membership? Obviously if I can get a better view for a better-than-standard-view-price I'd go for it in an instant.
What's the Disney Visa deal you mentioned? I wouldn't have a problem getting one (unless there's a requirement to keep it for X months and spend X dollars on it) if it could save money.
How is it that I would make reservations under one deal then get a better deal later if that's even possible? maybe there's a thread that's already covered this that someone could direct me to? the search on here isn't the best and I don't want to be a bother...

 

[tiggrbaby]

If you bookwith one rate and a better one comes out, most times you can call and get it changed, but you would need to do it immediately. I believe DU has a reputation of doing that for you.

Last year when I went to AKL, I booked with the AAA myself, then watched mousesavers until they came out with the AP discount, then immediately called and had it switched to that rate.

I beleive there are new rules for the AP, but at that time you could book with one person having the card, and you did not need the card until check-in. For example, I booked a WL reservation before I got my AP. They only had woods view, but with the AP discount, it was much cheaper than a standard rack rate. I bought my AP at a local Disney Store, and did not activate it until the first day that I went to a park. I did show the card at check-in. Maybe it would be the same for AAA; then you can wait to sign up until you know whether or not you need the membership.

I'm glad you enjoyed the Cheney hunting joke

I'll also talk to my mom cause she was the one booking the last trip (my HS graduation present, yes, I chose WDW over anywhere else in the world she was willing to go and pay for) but what's the best way to find out the AAA prices for each room category before getting a membership? Obviously if I can get a better view for a better-than-standard-view-price I'd go for it in an instant.
What's the Disney Visa deal you mentioned? I wouldn't have a problem getting one (unless there's a requirement to keep it for X months and spend X dollars on it) if it could save money.
How is it that I would make reservations under one deal then get a better deal later if that's even possible? maybe there's a thread that's already covered this that someone could direct me to? the search on here isn't the best and I don't want to be a bother...

 

[amw]

but what's the best way to find out the AAA prices for each room category before getting a membership? Obviously if I can get a better view for a better-than-standard-view-price I'd go for it in an instant.

From mousesavers:

In general, the discounts run as follows:

During Value Season you can get up to 15% off at the Disney Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts, or 20% off at the Value and Moderate resorts and the Ft. Wilderness campsites.

During Regular Season you can usually get up to 10% off at the Disney Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts, or 15% off at the Value and Moderate resorts and the Ft. Wilderness campsites.

During Peak Season and Summer Season you can usually get up to 10% off at the Disney Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts, or 15% off at the Value and Moderate resorts.

The only time AAA/CAA discounts don't usually apply is Holiday Season (around Christmas) at the Value and Moderate resorts.

We're going in April, so we're saving 10% -- which is nothing to sneeze at at WL. I'm hoping for a better discount to come along, but at least I have a room reserved no matter what. For me, the savings was $247.50 plus tax (9 nights).

The problem with the AAA rates, is that there are only a limited amount of discounted rooms. I booked as soon as the 2008 discounted rooms were released. I know WL is very popular, and those rooms go fast.

Your best bet is to call Disney and see if there are discounted rooms for the time you are going. You can always book the AAA-rate without membership --they don't ask for your membership number, but you do need it at check-in. If nothing better comes along in terms of discounts, buy a membership before you go.

Like I said, if a better discount comes out, I'm switching.. so in that case, purchasing the plan if you didn't already have it would not be worthwhile.

 

[DundasDad]

Woohoo! Just booked 10 days at WL mid to late Jan, Woods view

We stayed there in Mar 2007 (had Courtyard), loved it sooo much we had to get back ASAP!

Is there anything I should know? Weather concerns (ie: how's the swimming at that time of year - the pool is heated if I recall correctly) - any particular woods view rooms to avoid?

We were on the dining plan last time, couldn't see the value in it this time with gratuities not included. One of the best things was not having to carry cash around - not an option if you have to tip though.

 

[firsttimemom]

we are staying at WL club level in March & I wanted to add an extra day but having troub le getting a room. Does anyone know if we have to go to a different resort, say AKL, do we need to get a taxi for our luggage or is there a way to do it to the other resort through Disney?

If you call down to Bell Services, they will come get your luggage and transfer them to your new resort. Then when you check in there, you can call and get them sent to your room. We've done this a couple times and it's a great service. Having said that, if there's something in your luggage that you will need, say, mid-day like a swimsuit, you might be better off bringing that with you because the baggage transfers can take a while.

 

[hockeybabe]

Woohoo! Just booked 10 days at WL mid to late Jan, Woods view

We stayed there in Mar 2007 (had Courtyard), loved it sooo much we had to get back ASAP!

Is there anything I should know? Weather concerns (ie: how's the swimming at that time of year - the pool is heated if I recall correctly) - any particular woods view rooms to avoid?

We were on the dining plan last time, couldn't see the value in it this time with gratuities not included. One of the best things was not having to carry cash around - not an option if you have to tip though.

Actually, you don't have to carry cash around, you can use your room key and charge everything to your room, including tips. We never carry cash around.

 

[hockeybabe]

Very excited! Booked our WL vacation for Jan 30-Feb 3 with a PIN code! Got the Park Hopper and Water Parks and more upgrade free with my base tickets, and, if I have my math right, am paying about $185 a night (std. view room)! Yay!

 

[CHunterK]

I will be staying at the WL Dec 2-8, 2008. From what I can tell on google maps I will drive up World Drive to get to the hotel. However from what I can remember there is a parking booth at the end of the road. Will I have to go through the booth or is there another way to get there??

 

[Mad Tea Party]

This time tomorrow me, my sister and dad will be in the WL

 

[BlueFairy]

I will be staying at the WL Dec 2-8, 2008. From what I can tell on google maps I will drive up World Drive to get to the hotel. However from what I can remember there is a parking booth at the end of the road. Will I have to go through the booth or is there another way to get there??

I can't remember exactly what we've told the people at the booth, or if there is a separate lane for the resorts. Regardless, I do remember that you go past the parking booth without paying in order to reach all of the MK resorts.

 

[Piglets Mommy]

I'm glad you enjoyed the Cheney hunting joke

I'll also talk to my mom cause she was the one booking the last trip (my HS graduation present, yes, I chose WDW over anywhere else in the world she was willing to go and pay for) but what's the best way to find out the AAA prices for each room category before getting a membership? Obviously if I can get a better view for a better-than-standard-view-price I'd go for it in an instant.
What's the Disney Visa deal you mentioned? I wouldn't have a problem getting one (unless there's a requirement to keep it for X months and spend X dollars on it) if it could save money.
How is it that I would make reservations under one deal then get a better deal later if that's even possible? maybe there's a thread that's already covered this that someone could direct me to? the search on here isn't the best and I don't want to be a bother...

If you book a package through AAA directly, you need a membership to book....each AAA is run differently...they may price it out for you before you buy a membership.

You can also book AAA room only thru Disney. Then I think you only need to show your card when you check in.

Check out the codes and rates board for the month you plan to go. For Dec. a code came out in Aug. for a discount when you booked with your Disney Visa, It was pretty much the same as I already had with my AAA Disc.

 

[Cory's Gal]

Do all the rooms have open railing balconies or do some have a half wall?? Which rooms have open railings? I would love to have an open railing instead of a wall. Thanks!!

 

[orangekid13]

the ones at the top level have half walls, and the ones in the middle of the ends not only have half walls but are really narrow and short, there's barely room for the chairs.
If you go for ground level like we got last time, ducks will come visit you in the morning, and if you feed them frosted flakes they'll bring a friend the next day hoping for more...

 

[Wish_I_Was_At_WDW]

the ones at the top level have half walls, and the ones in the middle of the ends not only have half walls but are really narrow and short, there's barely room for the chairs.
If you go for ground level like we got last time, ducks will come visit you in the morning, and if you feed them frosted flakes they'll bring a friend the next day hoping for more...

Are the ground floor rooms convenient at all to the boat dock, buses or Roaring Fork?

Sounds like a wonderful location!

 

[tanyaandallie]

When we stayed at CBR two years ago, we tried both methods of transportation. When we caught a bus reasonably quick (within 10 minutes or so), the buses worked great and took less than the times in the books to get to the parks. The exception was coming home from MK at closing. That was generally a no win situation - either wait 3 or 4 busses back to the resort (generally 30 to 40 minutes holding tired/sleeping kids - then walk to the room) - or wait 30 to 40 minutes (holding tired/sleepy kids) to get a ferry or monorail to the TTC then drive to the resort.

We mainly used the car if we had any ADR's when we weren't in the park (ie - dinner in Epcot but we were hanging out at the pool prior).

For this trip at WL (19 days away!), we plan to use transportation as much as possible - and planned our days so that we are generally in the park (or a monorail ride away, MK to GF as an example) from where we have ADRs that day/night.

However, for $100 (total for 8 days) for a full size car at Alamo for the week we are going (about $30 less for a compact!) it is worth it for us to have a car as a hedge against any transportation issues, as well as for our day at SeaWorld.

I wanted to try ME this go 'round, but $100 is too good to turn down.

I'll post a report upon my return.

Ed

WOW! $100 for a week is great. That is too good to turn down!!!

Thanks for all the transport info. That's excactly what I was looking for!!!

 

[DADof2Princesses40]

Hi Wilderness Lodgers,

I'm flying Southwest, and I want to be able to print my boarding pass 24hrs before my departure time (want to get that "A").
I know I can pay for internet access, but is there a way I can print something from my laptop?

 

[orangekid13]

Hi Wilderness Lodgers,

I'm flying Southwest, and I want to be able to print my boarding pass 24hrs before my departure time (want to get that "A").
I know I can pay for internet access, but is there a way I can print something from my laptop?

I know that they will print your boarding passes for you the day of your flight, at the desk out front, hold your bags while you spend some more time (and money) in the parks before going back to the airport, so you could probably go up there the day before and ask them to do it. make sure you find out if that desk is the only place they'll do it (and if so the hours it's open) when you check in.
and let everyone know how it works out if you go that route.

You could always go over the CR's business center thing and see how much they'll want for 5 minutes online and a few pages printed, they weren't hard on the pricing or time the one time I've been in there.

 

[Sk8Leigh]

I know that they will print your boarding passes for you the day of your flight, at the desk out front, hold your bags while you spend some more time (and money) in the parks before going back to the airport, so you could probably go up there the day before and ask them to do it. make sure you find out if that desk is the only place they'll do it (and if so the hours it's open) when you check in.
and let everyone know how it works out if you go that route.

You could always go over the CR's business center thing and see how much they'll want for 5 minutes online and a few pages printed, they weren't hard on the pricing or time the one time I've been in there.

I know that if you have a web-enabled cell phone you can also check in on your phone and then print out the boarding pass when you get to the airport. It will tell you on your phone what group you're in. I'm not sure if you can check in on the computer and not print out the boarding pass, so I didn't do it.

 

[nonsmom]

Hi Wilderness Lodgers,

I'm flying Southwest, and I want to be able to print my boarding pass 24hrs before my departure time (want to get that "A").
I know I can pay for internet access, but is there a way I can print something from my laptop?

I was there in September, and I also flew SW. I just went down to the front desk 24 hrs before and they were happy to print out our boarding passes for us. No problem! Have a great trip.