What's going on?

[mufasa_74]

I always thought the weeks before Christmas were usually slow. I just checked availability at the hotels for the 15-18 of Dec and they are almost booked solid. But who cares I am going on an unplanned trip to disney. Any ideas on a good off site hotel in the $100 - $150 range.
By the way would you pay $149 for Swan and Dolphin or $149 for Caribean Beach?

ScottM

 

[bicker]

Even with Disney's resorts all full the parks need not be: Full resorts just indicate that Disney's managers are doing a superior job providing a superior product, and therefore guests when faced, as you were, with the decision of staying at a Disney resort versus staying off-property will prefer to stay at a Disney resort, even paying a little more for the experience.

I'd probably go for the Swolphin, just because I like to walk in to Epcot.

 

[goodferry]

I would definitely choose the Swan or Dolphin because of the superior transportation and better dining options. Also, I would keep calling to see if they have what you want, because cancellations come through every day. Which resort were you looking for?

 

[mufasa_74]

I am looking for any moderate or value, but I am also looking to get the best for my money. I can get the AAA and florida resident discount so I was realy trying to get a good rate on the WL. Or a sub $100 moderate. I think the Swan and Dolphin are looking better by the minute.
Can you make a res to the Swan and Dolphin then cancel later if what i want becomes available? I might try to get the $139 DIS rate @ the Swan and Dolphin.

ScottM

 

[Twoears]

I am having the same problem!! We did book the BC with a $234 per night rate (ouch!). I did see that the CSR had several rooms available with no discount. Good luck! We are also thinking of changing to the Swan or Dolphin. Might see you there!

 

[gatour]

I was able to get the Downtown Disney Hilton for $109 a night for that weekend. I booked this last weekend.

 

[BelleMcNally]

I'd probably go for the Swolphin, just because I like to walk in to Epcot.

OT: but I've never heard this term used before, but I LOVE it!! I'm going to have to pass it along to my mother...

 

[LvsTnk]

I would definately book the Swan/Dolphin for $139!!

I don't know what the age of your kids are but the Nickelodeon Family Suites is very close to WDW and was offering their 2 bedroom suite for $125 a while back. I stayed there for 2 nights this summer and I am definately going back next summer and my kids are older.

 

[ufgator]

Were the Swan/Dolphin and CBR the only resorts available? We were thinking about going for a couple of nights next week, possibly Thurs and Fri night. We use FL resident discounts.

 

[goofyforlife]

Our first night....(dec10th) we're off-site at the Peabody for only $75 thanks to Priceline.....

Swalphin $139 rate was blacked out for the night we wanted otherwise I would have stayed there..... But doesn't swalphin now have some kind of parking charge.....

 

[bicker]

Currently, CSR is available at $134, the YC, BC and BWI are available at $295 as is a studio at BWV (wow!), SSR 1BR is available at $351, and OKW (studio at $260 and 1BR at $351). Also, All-Stars and Pop Century at $77. CBR is available too. Seems wide open to me.

 

[JimVL]

There is no decision to make between the Caribbean Beach Resort and the Swolphin, if they are the same price; you stay at the Swolphin. I stayed at the CBR last December, and it was great, but the Swolphin is in another category completely. I think you're getting extraordinay value at the Swolphin for $149.00 no matter which resort you compare it to.

Jim

 

[jcriket]

Were the Swan/Dolphin and CBR the only resorts available? We were thinking about going for a couple of nights next week, possibly Thurs and Fri night. We use FL resident discounts.

Good luck, We got rooms months ago with FL discount, but DD's BF wanted to come for one night, and could not get anything except CSR suite, he ended up getting POP at over 100.00 a night from travelocity. It seems the days of calling at the last minute for the quick week end trip are becoming more difficult all the time.

 

[mufasa_74]

first Bicker when did you call? They person I talked to definitly did not give me those numbers. Anyway I ended up at the Hilton in DTD. The rpice was $65 a night through Priceline. Can't beat that price. Does anyone know if you get free parking at the parks if staying at one of these hotels?
Not a big deal was just wondering.

ScottM

 

[webray]

I always thought the weeks before Christmas were usually slow. I just checked availability at the hotels for the 15-18 of Dec and they are almost booked solid. But who cares I am going on an unplanned trip to disney. Any ideas on a good off site hotel in the $100 - $150 range.
By the way would you pay $149 for Swan and Dolphin or $149 for Caribean Beach?

ScottM

There is no comparisong there, definately swan/dolphin, probably dolphin during holidays as it has a splendid lobby, beautifully decorated. Caribbean beach is a disney moderate hotel, not much ammenities wise. Dolphin is a luxury hotel, big comfy beds, wonderful bathrooms and ammenities..great restaurant options within minutes, great park access, good bus service. Definately the Dolpin.

 

[bicker]

I got those number live, right off of travelocity.com, as I was writing the message.

 

[Twoears]

Mufasa- Just wanted to let you know that I called this am and got WL for the 15-18 with the FL res rate. WOOHOO!!!! We also saved over $200 by switching from the BC and ended up where we wanted to be in the first place.

 

[mufasa_74]

Mufasa- Just wanted to let you know that I called this am and got WL for the 15-18 with the FL res rate. WOOHOO!!!! We also saved over $200 by switching from the BC and ended up where we wanted to be in the first place.

Oh don't tell me that. I was playing around on Priceline last night and got accepted for the Hilton in DTD. Yeah it's only $65 a night but I would have loved to stay at WL. By the way what the price you got?

ScottM

 

[Twoears]

It's 189 a night tax included. That's woods view. Sorry for the late reply, been away for a few days.