WL for $5,000 or less.....is it possible?

[J Lynn]

I really want to stay there. We have 5 in our group and therefore will need a deluxe room. We're going during peak time next year (week of Mardi Gras, kids have off of school). I want to be close to MK, but my budget cannot exceed $5,000. I want to include 6 day park hopper passes and dining if possible. Disney's website quoted me a price of $5,279 not including dining. I've contacted Small World TA to see if they can help....haven't heard back yet.

My question is.....has anyone in a simaliar situation ever stay for less than that and how did you manage to cut costs?

Thanks in advance.

 

[brittsmum1998]

I don't have all the numbers you need but did you try Disney's website staying at Port Orleans? They are the only moderate that will sleep 5. There is a trundle bed under one of the double beds. That should save you some money right there.

 

[poppop]

I haven't checked for certain, but its possible that you may be able to get two rooms at a value resort and still meet your budget. You could request connecting rooms and you would have two bathrooms and plenty of beds.

Just a thought.

 

[WANNABE@WDW]

Hi to a fellow Louisianian! The WL is wonderful, we stayed at the VWL for this past Mardi Gras. Is one of your children under 3? Because if they aren't you won't fit into a standard room. I would suggest renting pts from a DVCer. We are doing this for our Dec trip. The point cost vary but you can really save some money and stay in an awsome room. We have stayed in both a studio and a 2 bedroom. Having a full kitchen and the washer and dryer was great! We are planning on renting pts again in March (peak season) for a cheerleading competition that we have to attend. On our trip this past Feb (it was still value season) we were able to get a good AP rate, but you can't always count on the AP discount to be available at the resort you want. The WL is close to the MK, the boat ride is really enjoyable.

 

[Disney Spaz]

It is hard to say now that there don't seem to be any general discounts for rooms. I would say either book at POR or two rooms at a value and keep your eyes open for a deal like the free dining they have been offering lately and then upgrade. If you are dead set on WL then you may have to be prepared to spend more. Also how much you plan on spending for food can really affect your budget.

 

[KIRSTIN'S MOMMY]

We're headed back to the WL in Dec. This will be our 3rd trip at this resort, and I don't think we've ever gone over $5,000 even with purchasing AP's! This trip we're staying at the VWL and it's cheaper than the courtyard view at the lodge I had originally booked because we used the AAA discount. We're getting a studio (and the washer/dryers are free for use for studio occupants as well, they're just not in the room).

 

[dcgrumpy]

How old are the kids? How many nights are you staying. That price sounds like a lot. I agree with trying to rent DVC points .

 

[poohluvrs]

Do you have AAA? A membership is $49 & saved us @$100/nite ($600 ttl) for our week at the GF....this may be worth looking into, assuming there are still AAA rate rooms available there for your stay.....

 

[newcomer52]

Renting VWL poiints is the way to go. Post over in the DVC rent/trade board to see if you can get points. I've rented three times and was able to stay at VWL and BCV for between $130 - $145 a night. (no taxes either) Good luck.

js

 

[Jen117]

You won't fit 5 in the WL unless you get the "deluxe" suite rooms. That is why the cost is so much more. I have never gone over $5000 at the WL with 4 people staying concierge. I suggest that you try the moderates with a discount such as AAA. Or one of the other Deluxe resorts that sleep 5 in a standard room. We never pay full price, ever! We also found that the WL "deluxe/suite" rooms were just as costly as the Poly Concierge. Try the Poly standard.

 

[mistaroo]

I just got back from a WL deluxe room/jr suite and honestly, I didn't think it was that big of a room. It was certainly smaller than two regular rooms. We had three adults and two kids ages 2 and 1 (two cribs) and it was a tight fit. Having a couch was nice but there was just one bathroom. Two standard rooms with a discount would have been less expensive per night (the deluxe rooms are not discounted) and if we ever go back to the WL we will definitely pass on the deluxe and get two regular rooms. Oh, and it was a t-r-e-k to the lobby from the room. Good luck

 

[J Lynn]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I may have to look into the AAA discount. There also may be a way around having to get a deluxe room. My sister, her husband, and her son (age 5) will be going also. That's only 3 in a room. If I put my fifth person with her, then we can all be in a standard room. I like to think I've figured out every possible way to cut the cost but still have a wonderful experience in a nice resort close to MK (which I'll spend at least two days with DD (age 5). I want to be able to come and go with little to no hassles. I want to be in the middle of the magic (sort of speak). I've up'ed my budget for this since I'm not sure when we'll be back and the last time we went 3 years ago, we didn't plan any attractions or shows. We just sort of "winged it". And we stayed in a vacation home about 15 mins away. This time I'm doing it right. Every minute will be planned so we'll get the most out of the whole vacation and again, I want to be close by with convienent transportation.
Ok, I've rattled long enough. After 2 months of lurking, I've finally feel like I need to vent...........still excited about all the planning anyway.
Thanks again.

 

[Mich Mouse]

That price sounds high! Have you thought of piecing the vacation separately? If you purchase only one AP, you can get significant room discounts! I have never found a package that has beaten booking room only and purchasing tickets.

You found the right place to figure your best options out. Many people will help you out here!

 

[erinz]

Have you tried an AAA rate in a CR wing? 5 peole woud be totally comfortable, and you'd be a monerail ride away, or a 10 minute walk from MK!

Good Luck!

 

[J Lynn]

I crunched some numbers last night (again) and came up with these:

WL Courtyard view
7 nights
4 guests
6 day hopper
plus dining
Total: 4,629.90
I'm happy with that. I may even ask for standard view and hope for an upgrade I told my DH about my price plan last night for the first time..........he didn't freak out like I thought he would. Of course, I can always bring up the fact that he has a $5,000 ATV sitting in the garage.

 

[tubachick]

sounds like you found what you are looking for.

sometimes checking with a TA is also a good idea, they can be on the lookout for discounts/codes that you may not be aware of.

Have a great trip, with whatever you decide. We love the WL and think its worth every penny.