Trip planners-- help me!!!

[newscick27]

Okay,

So my family is planning to visit the mouse house December 2-9, there are 5 of us dh, me, dd10,dd4,ds,3. So what are our best options, are we better off waiting for some code or something (we are not ap holders) should we go ahead and book. Would we be better off going for two rooms instead of one or a suite. We would like to cut costs as much as possible without being cramped in a room. I guess I am just overwhelmed by the options and dont want to unnecessarily pay too much. I read about people getting great rates for rooms, but how? Oh. and we do want the dining package.
So all of you wonderful, fabulous people help me out (yes that was a giant pucker you heard.


Thanks so much
Laura

 

[ReninDetroit]

I've managed to get pretty good rates without ever using a code, because I book way ahead of time and use expedia, travelocity, orbitz, etc.

As far as one or two rooms or a suite, we always do two rooms. We've considered doing the 5-person rooms at Contemporary and Polynesian, but they're very expensive, and for roughly the same price we can get 2 rooms (meaning 2 bathrooms and the ability to shut doors) at the French Quarter, which we love.

On our next trip, we're staying at the AKL. We paid for standard view rooms but we're being uprgaded to a savanna view room for free and possibly concierge level because we decided to return to the AKL after a bad experience previously, and the manager was more than thrilled to have us return. The room price was $299 per room per night, which is not bad considering a 5 person room at the Contemporary or Poly was $550. Personally, I would MUCH, MUCH, MUCH rather have space at a moderate than be cramped at a luxury.

As far as the suites go, we've looked into them, but they're not priced at where they should be. WAY too expensive. Again, better to go with 2 rooms.

I've never done a dining plan so I can't help you there.

 

[hockeybabe]

Perhaps consider POFQ...they have a trundle bed, so can fit 5, and with your little ones, it should be a comfortable fit. I think the value season rates are $139 per night.

The dining plan is so worth it. You should do it.

Do you have AAA? You can get a pretty good discount there. And I believe that if your TA is good, they can change your package if another discount becomes available (can anyone confirm this?)

I think the discount packages for winter usually come out in September-ish.

OK, so I'm not a wealth of information Keep searching the boards, there's tonz of info here!

 

[GoingtoSeeRella]

We're a family of 5 too, so I know it can be a pain....but my kiddies, like yours are still young...and small. DD3, DD5 and DS9.

We're staying at the CR this April, but ONLY because my mom is footing much of the bill Otherwise, it most likely would have been PORiverside for us...I believe they are the only resort with the trundle bed to accomodate a family of 5.

IMO, the kids are still small and we're barely in the room, so at this point, I much rather save the money and just get one room. However, as the kids get bigger and we need more space, I will most likely opt for 2 connecting rooms at a Value or Mod...that way you have the two bathrooms, etc.

Haven't done the dining plan yet, but it sounds like a great deal if you ask me!!

Good luck and have a blast!

 

[newscick27]

bump

 

[noladave]

The one great thing about Disney that seperates themselves from Airlines and other travel places is that if you book now, and a new rate (or code) comes out later, you can call back, and they will give you the new rate.

You are going at a time that is rated one of the least busy times - right after thanksgiving, and before the Christmas rush, so you should get a good rate.

From my own point of view, the toughest part of your vacation will be that the young ones (3&5) will want to go on the same rides that the 9 year old can go on. That can cause more issues than anything. And if the 5 year old is tall enough, but the 3 year old isn't, they just don't understand it.

After staying at an ALL STAR resort, I try to go at least a MOD, if you can afford it. The food courts at the value resorts can be interesting, to say the least. Noise, crowds, etc, you just don't get a break when you stay at a value resort.

Good luck in your planning, and have a fun trip!

 

[tjmouse]

Have you looked into renting points? That would be a popular time of the year so you'd have to rent quickly. I rented a suite at the BWV for April and it was $128 a night. Plus, if you rent points, you can take advantage of the dining plan, which might be good for you with the 2 little ones sharing meals, but paying adult price for the 10 yo might not be worth it unless she's a good eater. Plus at the suite, you would have a kitchenette with a microwave at least.

Worth a second thought I think.

 

[a*lil*bit*goofy]

i would book now...we had to change our ressies to the week u are talking of, and i was told that there were more res's done for that 1st week of dec at the resort (Port Orleans French Quarter ) than there were the original week of travel (November 11th) Also, i was told that our dinner plans on night of arrival at Hoop De Doo revue were WIDE open on the 11th, but when we changed it to december 2nd, it was much busier. Anyway, if you want more choice, i would book now esp if u know that is when you are going. and then if a rate or code comes out in the fall, u call and have it applied to your reservation. :O) Hope that helps! and hey maybe we will see you there! :O)