What To Do????

[scanne]

I just called CRO and asked for room prices for 8/1 through 8/10/03 for the CR, WL and VWL. I was quoted $335 per night in a tower room at the CR, $239 for a standard wing room at CR, $275 for a garden view wing room at CR, $219 for a woods view at WL and $380 for a 1 bedroom villa at VWL. My parents will be travelling with us, so we will need two rooms, but it is cheaper to go with the villa. My question is:

ARE THERE EVER AP RATES AVAILABLE FOR THE VILLAS???

I know I could probably get great rates for CR and WL either with AP discounts or a code, but what about the villa???

Thank you for your help!

 

[sharoncity]

I have gotten an AP rate at BWV in the past. I couldn't get one this past year because I wasn't quick enough. Keep your eyes peeled and jump on the ressie as soon as they announce the AP discount for your time frame. You'll love having the full kitchen and laundry right in the room with your little one along! Good luck scoring the rate!

P.S. - How about renting points from an owner? That can be a cost saving idea too.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I've never had any luck getting an AP rate or a discount code for a villa, but I'm sure some people probably do. But you probably have to call right when they first become available.

It would be much cheaper to rent points from a DVC owner. That way you won't have to worry about discount rates.

Also, just so you know, there is only one king bed and one sleeper sofa in a one bedroom.

 

[zulaya]

Can't quite remember about the AP rates but I seem to remember that some of the codes this year have yielded some pretty good discounts for villas.

Actually, if you can find a DVCer to rent from, it's a much better deal. You'll pay much less than Disney charges usually and there's no taxes to figure in. I'll send you a PM with the details on what it might cost you for your dates.

 

[kda]

Don't assume that renting points from a DVC owner will always save $$$$. It usually costs twice as many points for a Friday or Saturday night stay, so a 1 bedroom villa renting for the standard $10/point at Beach Club, Boardwalk (preferred view) or Wilderness Lodge would cost at least $500 for a weekend night, depending on the season. I've seen AP rates for a 1 bedroom at those DVC properties be under $300, plus tax, in less busy seasons. If you're staying Sunday through Thursday nights, it will take approximately 1/2 as many points, so will cost less $$$. I have no idea how much availability there would be during the time you want to vacation, so it may be safer to rent the points and try to avoid the weekend. It also takes less points for Old Key West (it's great to have a car there) or standard view Boardwalk.
A 1 bedroom is lovely --- what space! And the jacuzzi and full kitchen (PLUS washer and dryer, so you can pack light) make these a real luxury. However, the second bed is the pull out couch in the living room. Another option is an efficiency at VWL. This still has a pull out couch as the second bed, but has a small refrig and microwave (no jacuzzi or W/D). When CRO has special rates available, I've also notice that Expedia has 'special rates' at similar prices. Just look under the resorts you're interested in, including DVC villas, to see if a special rate is available, or just the regular rate. Good luck!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Humm, scanne, I have heard of some discounts for 1BR villas, I seem to remember them being between $289 and $339 a night.

Also, remember that Shades of Green will still be at the Contemporary, reducing 1/4 of the number of available rooms.

Right now I'd probably book either a wing or tower room at the Contemporary, and then wait for the discounts to come out (as discounted rates can persuade you to change your mind on resorts!).