WDW hotel

[alisonbestford]

Hi there,
I'm not certain that I'm posted in the correct forum but, here goes.
We're in the UK and are hoping to travel to WDW in Jan 2005 (1 year after my DH's major neuro surgery for a long standing brain tumour )
This year has, so far, been pretty stressful so we've promised ourselves (DH, myself and DD age 5) a trip to Florida next year and to stay in a WDW hotel.
We're obviously pretty money conscious at the moment - sickness and disability problems etc so I've been looking at either All Stars or the new Pop Century Resort.
It would work out a little cheaper for us to stay at Pop Century but, the question is, would All Stars be more Disney orientated for a 5/6 year old?
She's seen pictures of the pools at All Stars and is pretty impressed with the Fantasia themes and I'd hate to 'go cheaper' and disappoint her - she's been so good and supportive throughout the whole hospital, surgery scenario.
The next question I'd like to ask is how are the crowds in January?
Also, how is the weather? We were in Florida in August and, obviously, the crowds were huge and the rain storms very wet
Any help would be much appreciated.
Alison

 

[bigbabyblues]

My DS is a big fan of the Toy Story movies, and he wants to stay at All Star Movies. I think the theming there is more kid-oriented, but the Pop looks very bright and colorful in the pictures too.

How does it work out cheaper for the Pop over AS? They are both value resorts, and I thought they were the same price, were you able to get a discount? If the price difference is very much, I would stay at the less expensive one to be money conscious. If the difference isn't enough to matter, maybe let her look at pictures of the buildings, rooms, etc and see where she would prefer to stay?

I think I remember reading that after the first couple days in January the crowds really get a lot smaller, as people have to return to work/school after the holidays. I believe it's one of the cheapest times of the year for this reason.

Regardless of where you stay, I hope your trip is full of magic. Your family deserves a great vacation after then year or so that you've been through. Congratulations!

Hope this helps, Steph

 

[Teaching in NV]

January is a great time to go to WDW. Small crowds, its value season, and the weather is very nice (a little chilly in the evenings, so bring a coat) The only problem you might have is a few rides or a water park may be closed for refurbishing at this time of year.

Any of the Disney properties will be wonderful - the CM's are incredible and you will be treated well no matter where you stay.

Of the two resorts, I like Pop Century. My daughter is 4 and loves the giant toys that you find all over the property.

Also, keep an eye out for special discounts offered by Disney on hotel rooms, even after you have made your reservations. If you make a reservation through WDW and later find a special rate, if you call the WDW number, they will apply the discount to your reservation.

Have a fabulous time planning this trip - its so much fun finding out all the great things you can do!!

 

[eleanor]

Make sure to check Mousesavers.com to get any discount codes for Jan. Check in the fall .

 

[Tinkmagic]

Hi,

I am new to posting, so please be patient with me if this is not correct! I have been reading these boards for a long time, and really enjoy them. I have learned so much, and I hope I can return the favor and be helpful to you.

When my children were younger, we often went to WDW in January, and it was great. The crowds were much smaller and the weather was pleasant. Now it wasn't hot, but we live near Buffalo, NY, so it definitely was warmer and sunnier than January at home!

We really thought it was a great time for our young children, because they had more opportunity to interact with the characters, it wasn't hot and crowded, so they could try many rides, and even though the operating hours are shorter for the parks, they could not have been there very late in the evening anyway.

I do not know about the Pop Century, but my kids loved the All-Stars, and we thought that they were fine.

After such a stressful year, I hope that your family has a wonderful trip!

 

[snuggles]

I'll move this over to our Resorts board for you so that you can get more answers. I hope you have a wonderful trip.

Tinkmagic, your response was just fine. Welcome to our boards.

 

[alisonbestford]

Thankyou to everyone who replied to my post
Pop Century, booked through Virgin, works out around £200 GBP less than ASM. I'm not sure why either
I wrote to Mary at Mousesavers and she suggested not booking until nearer the time as Disney's rates will go down nearer to January. She felt the package price I'd been quoted from Virgin was quite expensive so now I don't know! I guess I wanted to have everything organised and pay it off as we went along. Mary reckons we may be able to save around 40% of the Virgin cost (£2700 GBP, including Ultimate park passes for a 14 night stay, which includes free breakfast for Eve every morning) by leaving it!

Bigbabyblues, I'd already shown Eve the photos and, of course, she wants to stay where the big Mickey is-the Fantasia pool at ASM. I'm sure I can sort some excuse out though if we decide to go for Pop

Alison

 

[richard3330]

Hi Alison

You can save a fortune by not booking the holiday as a package through Virgin.

It would work out much cheaper booking everything you require separately. For example, use www.expedia.co.uk or www.lastminute.com to look for Virgin flights. Visit www.dreamsunlimitedtravel.com for a Disney resort hotel quote and use another website, such as www.novacarrental.co.uk for car hire.

The dollar rate is so good at the moment, that it would be advisable to book your Disney hotel direct with Disney at www.disneyworld.com or to book with Dreams Unlimited - who will guarantee the lowest price. They search for codes and discounts and will apply them to your reservation as they become available.

Visit the U.K Trip Planning Board if you have any other questions about booking from over here - there will be lots of good advice.

Richard.

 

[disneygirl729]

pop is a little cheaper something to do with taxes 6 percent at the all stars and 5 at pop i guess it has somethong to do with the area

 

[alisonbestford]

Wow,
Thanks Richard.
I'm on a mission now.
I've already e-mailed one of the Disney planning travel agents about a price but I can't remember which one and they haven't replied yet.
I'll be over to the UK boards soon
Alison