Trip Budget Input Requested...

[kristenrice]

I usually book our vacations using our DVC points, but this time, it's different, and I need a little help.

My BFF would like to go to F&W again in 2015. The last time we went together was in 2009 and we had a blast. Since the kids and DH's will be left behind, I don't want to use our DVC points to book a room. This is an "extra" trip (which means it is not something I include in our vacation budget) so the funds to pay for it are coming from my longevity bonus from work. I'm looking at about $1000 for my half of the trip.

Here are the details so far...

We're planning on going October 15-20, 2015. I have an AP that expires October 21 so I will not need a ticket. I will be purchasing a TIW in May 2015 so I will have that in October also. Neither of us are big eaters, but we do enjoy a lot of the TS restaurants. We will avoid the buffets/AYCE places and probably split entrees or order apps/desserts for dinner.

Right now, the top-end of my airfare budget is $300. I am planning on about $300 for my food/entertainment budget. This leaves me about $600 to cover everything else, including my half of the room. After talking to my BFF, we're looking to keep the room cost at or below $800 total. I know that even if we pay rack rate, we can get a standard room at Pop Century for $657. Since we stayed at Pop Century last time, and we have no desire to stay at an All-Star anything, I was also looking at the standard Little Mermaid room at AoA which would cost us $756.

This leads to my questions...

First, are there ever discounts on the LM rooms at AoA? I thought I'd read somewhere that they are typically excluded from the fall specials, AP discounts, etc.

Second, how deeply do they discount the moderate resorts? Is it within the realm of possibility that we could get a moderate for $160/night (incl tax)? That would put us at the upper limit of our budget while still allowing us to upgrade from the value category. I have stayed in value and deluxe so a moderate is something I would like to try out sometime.

Third, should I consider a travel agent in order to get the best price on a room? Since I have a park ticket and I book my own airfare, I don't need the extra services that a TA offers. I am quite comfortable booking my own ADR's, DME and FP+ so I would really only need their help with a room.

And, finally, when booking a room-only, I know I can pay using Disney Gift Cards. When is the final payment for a room-only reservation due? Since I usually book DVC, I haven't paid for a room since 2009.

 

[Marionnette]

I usually book our vacations using our DVC points, but this time, it's different, and I need a little help.

My BFF would like to go to F&W again in 2015. The last time we went together was in 2009 and we had a blast. Since the kids and DH's will be left behind, I don't want to use our DVC points to book a room. This is an "extra" trip (which means it is not something I include in our vacation budget) so the funds to pay for it are coming from my longevity bonus from work. I'm looking at about $1000 for my half of the trip.

Here are the details so far...

We're planning on going October 15-20, 2015. I have an AP that expires October 21 so I will not need a ticket. I will be purchasing a TIW in May 2015 so I will have that in October also. Neither of us are big eaters, but we do enjoy a lot of the TS restaurants. We will avoid the buffets/AYCE places and probably split entrees or order apps/desserts for dinner.

Right now, the top-end of my airfare budget is $300. I am planning on about $300 for my food/entertainment budget. This leaves me about $600 to cover everything else, including my half of the room. After talking to my BFF, we're looking to keep the room cost at or below $800 total. I know that even if we pay rack rate, we can get a standard room at Pop Century for $657. Since we stayed at Pop Century last time, and we have no desire to stay at an All-Star anything, I was also looking at the standard Little Mermaid room at AoA which would cost us $756.

This leads to my questions...

First, are there ever discounts on the LM rooms at AoA? I thought I'd read somewhere that they are typically excluded from the fall specials, AP discounts, etc.

Second, how deeply do they discount the moderate resorts? Is it within the realm of possibility that we could get a moderate for $160/night (incl tax)? That would put us at the upper limit of our budget while still allowing us to upgrade from the value category. I have stayed in value and deluxe so a moderate is something I would like to try out sometime.

Third, should I consider a travel agent in order to get the best price on a room? Since I have a park ticket and I book my own airfare, I don't need the extra services that a TA offers. I am quite comfortable booking my own ADR's, DME and FP+ so I would really only need their help with a room.

And, finally, when booking a room-only, I know I can pay using Disney Gift Cards. When is the final payment for a room-only reservation due? Since I usually book DVC, I haven't paid for a room since 2009.

1. LM rooms are usually not included in the discounts. It can happen, but don't count on it.
2. $160/night at a Moderate Resort, including taxes? That's about a 25% discount on a std. room at POFQ or POR. It could happen. A lot would depend on availability. CSR is often excluded from discounts and POFQ often gets booked up quickly because of its size.
3. A TA is helpful if you need some hand-holding. Not so much if you are looking for discounts that are readily available over the internet. Some TAs sell packages at Deluxe Resorts that come at a great price but it sounds like you don't need a package.

You might want to check the thread about Expedia .co.uk discounts for 2015. You might be able to find a great deal for October, but you would need to pay for your room completely at the time of booking.

 

[MAO]

Just a reminder - there's nothing keeping you from renting DVC points from another member, either directly (check the rent/trade board here) or via a service. It looks like David's has the possibility of a studio at OKW for $812, or an AKL studio for $714. You might be able to get a slightly better deal going through a member directly.

 

[natashag76]

I agree with MAO - why not rent points from a DVC owner? Before we purchased our own DVC, we did that a few times and always got a great deal for a great resort. I rented directly from owners, but my friends have rented via the Timeshare Store and always had a good experience. Have a great trip!

 

[msmama]

If the point is to go for F&W, personally, I wouldn't eat any meals really and just focus on what I can get there (granted, the small plates can still add up).

Spring room only discounts have just been announced so play around on the Disney website and see what you can find for mods. I'd bet you'd be able to get a fair impression of what rates would be later (though always add more $$, never subtract when it comes to Disney, lol). I think the mods are often discounted 25% when it comes to these deals.

 

[kristenrice]

I've definitely considered renting points. If we decided to go that route, we would stay at OKW because their studios have two real beds...and they are HUGE! I've stayed at OKW, BLT, BWV, and my home, AKV, as well as WL and Pop Century, so I'd like to try something new. While I like the idea of deluxe amenities (I'm spoiled by DVC), in reality, we just shower and sleep in the room when we take an "adults only" trip.

When we stayed at Pop in 2009, we ordered from Garden Grocer and included a styrofoam cooler in our order. We filled it each evening with ice from the ice machine and it kept our breakfast foods (yogurt, string cheese, milk and OJ), soda and liquor nice and cold. With just the two of us, we didn't need a lot of space or amenities and found that Pop Century suited us quite nicely. It's hard to justify spending $100-$200 more just for something "nicer". I guess what I'm saying is that I've done "nicer" and I would like to try "different". Does that make sense?

The reason I am averse to the All Stars is simply because the theming does nothing for me and I have heard a lot of negative about the bus transportation. I found that Pop Century had great bus service because it shares with no one and it is more centrally located. I assume that AoA will be similar because of it's proximity to Pop Century.

I am really leaning towards AoA because we enjoyed Pop Century and it seems very similar in location and amenities...but it is still something new and different. The food court looks AMAZING...AND it accepts TIW.

 

[Marionnette]

I've definitely considered renting points. If we decided to go that route, we would stay at OKW because their studios have two real beds...and they are HUGE! I've stayed at OKW, BLT, BWV, and my home, AKV, as well as WL and Pop Century, so I'd like to try something new. While I like the idea of deluxe amenities (I'm spoiled by DVC), in reality, we just shower and sleep in the room when we take an "adults only" trip.

When we stayed at Pop in 2009, we ordered from Garden Grocer and included a styrofoam cooler in our order. We filled it each evening with ice from the ice machine and it kept our breakfast foods (yogurt, string cheese, milk and OJ), soda and liquor nice and cold. With just the two of us, we didn't need a lot of space or amenities and found that Pop Century suited us quite nicely. It's hard to justify spending $100-$200 more just for something "nicer". I guess what I'm saying is that I've done "nicer" and I would like to try "different". Does that make sense?

The reason I am averse to the All Stars is simply because the theming does nothing for me and I have heard a lot of negative about the bus transportation. I found that Pop Century had great bus service because it shares with no one and it is more centrally located. I assume that AoA will be similar because of it's proximity to Pop Century.

I am really leaning towards AoA because we enjoyed Pop Century and it seems very similar in location and amenities...but it is still something new and different. The food court looks AMAZING...AND it accepts TIW.

All of the Value Resort food courts accept TiW. You could stay at POP and walk over to AoA if you want to use its food court or just wander around. It is easily accessible from POP and the main building is actually closer to some POP rooms than the main building for POP.

 

[kristenrice]

Hi Everyone!

A little update...none of my friends were able to go with me. BFF recently changed jobs and can't get the time off....other close friend just had surgery leaving her return to work (and income!) questionable...and two others already have international trips scheduled this fall and can't afford any more.

...so my dad suggested that I take my mother. My birthday is the 16th and hers is the 27th so that, combined with F&W, makes for a great reason to take a mother/daughter trip. It should be interesting...

I went over to their house today to set up an MDE account for her. Then I pulled up a YouTube video of the AoA and the Little Mermaid rooms. She asked if that is where we were staying. I said we could, if she wanted to. She replied with, "We're staying at the cheapest resort that they have!"....so I guess we're going to Pop.

Since my parents are planning on going with the extended family in 2016, my dad had already purchased a 6-day park hopper for my mom. Now that she's going in October, she will just upgrade it to an AP so she can have the AP benefits as well. I haven't booked a regular (non-DVC) room in years so this is all new for me. I put in a quote request with a TA, hoping that they will be able to find a better discount than I can since I am not really sure where to look.

I'm sure I will have more questions...stay tuned.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Have you tried looking at Expedia UK? CBR and CSR are £500 each which equates to $743.80.

Edit: Just noticed she wants to stay at the cheapest room. £267 is equal to $397.19 through Expedia UK.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Also try booking through Orbitz.com. They usually have promo codes you can enter for 15% off of whatever promo pricing Disney is offering at the time of booking. They give you a special confirmation # you can enter in MDE to link and IIRC the confirmation page provides a link to book DME if desired.
The only negative about Orbitz is that you must pay in full at time of booking. The cancelation policy stays the same. Keep in mind though that Orbitz would be acting as your TA so any changes would have to go through them. I have cancelled with them in the past and they were very prompt in refunded the $ back to my cc.
I also find it annoying that they charge extra for children in the same room as their parents by default so we book just 2 adults, then contact (call or online chat) Orbitz to add the kids. They have to call Disney to verify there is no extra charge, then they'll add them. Kind of a pain but 15% is a good chunk.

 

[kristenrice]

Alrighty, folks...let me throw some more information at you and grab your feedback...

I have a DVA which I opened to pay my DVC dues (I know, it's not "allowed", but it allowed me to seamlessly combine $900 in gift cards and pay with one number) and added an additional $10 with my credit card. Since I will be booking a regular reservation on this trip, I'm thinking I could take advantage of the DVA, if it would be of benefit to me. Since the room will only be about $700, I wouldn't qualify for the bonus. I plan to buy the discounted Target gift cards and combine them with my RedCard to buy Disney gift cards in $50 increments. This amounts to a savings of about 11%, and that would be ON TOP of Disney's best room price and my TIW discount on food.

My portion of the trip is being paid for with my longevity bonus that I receive from work. It will hit my paycheck at the end of April so until then, I can't book anything anyways. If I book with a TA (so that they can scour the web for discounts on my behalf), can I still use gift cards to pay for the deposit? Since it is a room-only reservation, I believe that the balance is due upon check in and I assume that gift cards are fine at that point...but what about the DVA? Can I use that via a TA? What about at the resort, to pay the final balance?

At this point, I think my plan will be to simply buy the discounted gift cards and use them as I need them (deposit, final payment, food, etc), unless there is a better deal out there....

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

Alrighty, folks...let me throw some more information at you and grab your feedback...

I have a DVA which I opened to pay my DVC dues (I know, it's not "allowed", but it allowed me to seamlessly combine $900 in gift cards and pay with one number) and added an additional $10 with my credit card. Since I will be booking a regular reservation on this trip, I'm thinking I could take advantage of the DVA, if it would be of benefit to me. Since the room will only be about $700, I wouldn't qualify for the bonus. I plan to buy the discounted Target gift cards and combine them with my RedCard to buy Disney gift cards in $50 increments. This amounts to a savings of about 11%, and that would be ON TOP of Disney's best room price and my TIW discount on food.

My portion of the trip is being paid for with my longevity bonus that I receive from work. It will hit my paycheck at the end of April so until then, I can't book anything anyways. If I book with a TA (so that they can scour the web for discounts on my behalf), can I still use gift cards to pay for the deposit? Since it is a room-only reservation, I believe that the balance is due upon check in and I assume that gift cards are fine at that point...but what about the DVA? Can I use that via a TA? What about at the resort, to pay the final balance?

At this point, I think my plan will be to simply buy the discounted gift cards and use them as I need them (deposit, final payment, food, etc), unless there is a better deal out there....

I've never booked a resort through a TA but I have made DCL cruise payments to my TA with a Disney gift card. No problems at all. I have applied Disney gift cards to my resort room account with no issues. I've never applied a large $ amount but if you want to avoid them charging your cc at some point during your trip, keep an eye on your account and apply gift cards as your balance goes up. Just be sure to always hang onto your gift cards, even after they've been applied to your account.
If you should get a refund for some reason (or cancellation) it will be refunded back to your gift card. If the card has been destroyed, there's no way to get it back.

 

[Marionnette]

Alrighty, folks...let me throw some more information at you and grab your feedback...

I have a DVA which I opened to pay my DVC dues (I know, it's not "allowed", but it allowed me to seamlessly combine $900 in gift cards and pay with one number) and added an additional $10 with my credit card. Since I will be booking a regular reservation on this trip, I'm thinking I could take advantage of the DVA, if it would be of benefit to me. Since the room will only be about $700, I wouldn't qualify for the bonus. I plan to buy the discounted Target gift cards and combine them with my RedCard to buy Disney gift cards in $50 increments. This amounts to a savings of about 11%, and that would be ON TOP of Disney's best room price and my TIW discount on food.

My portion of the trip is being paid for with my longevity bonus that I receive from work. It will hit my paycheck at the end of April so until then, I can't book anything anyways. If I book with a TA (so that they can scour the web for discounts on my behalf), can I still use gift cards to pay for the deposit? Since it is a room-only reservation, I believe that the balance is due upon check in and I assume that gift cards are fine at that point...but what about the DVA? Can I use that via a TA? What about at the resort, to pay the final balance?

At this point, I think my plan will be to simply buy the discounted gift cards and use them as I need them (deposit, final payment, food, etc), unless there is a better deal out there....

Theoretically, you should not share your DVA info with anyone. Unlike a bank account or credit card, you really have no protection against misappropriation of those funds by someone if the info falls into the wrong hands.

But having said that, you should be able to give your TA the information and feel just as comfortable as you would in giving them your debit card or CC info. You should be able to use your DVA funds to pay your room balance off before your arrival, if you so choose. If you wait until your arrival, make sure that you do online check in or leave a CC/debit card on file with your MDE account. Disney will charge your account on file for the remaining balance on the room on the day of your arrival. You can still have them reverse the charges and pay the room off with your GCs when you arrive, but it's a pain in the butt to do it and not a great way to start your vacation.