Wow! They really stick it to you for the holidays

[Gator Kate]

This is our 1st time going to WDW after Christmas and I'm in shock over the rates at on-site hotels. I was quoted $400 and something ( it was so high I didn't write it down) for a standard BC room. Geez. My sis gets a travel agent discount and the best they could do for her was $330 a night for YC concierge. I can only imagine what full price would be. They're not accepting AP rates, FL resident, AAA, etc. So...has anyone done any better? We're going 12/27-29. Thanks for your help and for listening to my whine!

 

[josierac]

All of the discounts that are available right now you have to check in no later then Dec 25th.

If you could arrive on Christmas you will get great rates.

 

[Trekker]

I'm sorry but I do not consider this "sticking it to you". This is the Hoilday season at WDW and it is simply a case of supply and demand. You will never see me at WDW during peak/holiday season - I travel value/regular for many reasons but the price of the room is one of them. Also the crowds in the parks.

A standard room at BC is:

Room Type Standard View, King/2 Queens
Value $289
Regular $319
Peak $379
Holiday $434

Concierge at YC is:

Room Type Garden Concierge
Value $ 415
Regular $ 470
Peak $ 535
Holiday $ 595
Room Type Lagoon Concierge $ 460 $ 515 $ 580 $ 640
Value $ 460
Regular $ 515
Peak $ 580
Holiday $ 640

So IMO $330 in concierge during Holiday season is a pretty darn good price - less than the value season.

You are looking at staying at Deluxe Resorts in Deluxe accomidations during the busiest time of the year. I'm willing to bet every resort will be filled to capacity - there will not be discounts for that time immediatly after Christmas.

 

[CarolMN]

FWIW, even if the room prices for the time you are going were discounted, by now, there would not be any on site rooms left for you. I'm a little surprised that there are still rooms available - after all, it's less than 45 days until your proposed arrival date.

You will have better luck on your next trip if you can plan farther in advance.

Best wishes.

 

[Gillian]

Well, I agree that the $330 is a good rate, but I also agree that holiday rates are really high!

Friends of ours tried to get rooms for that week at the code discounted rate. They couldn't get anything checking in on the 25th, even though that was when the code started. They had to check in the 2th, and even then had a limited choice of resorts.

I'm a bargain girl, and there's no way I could pay those holiday prices!! Or deal with the holiday crowds.

I hope you work something out & have a great time!

 

[Trekker]

Yes, I do agree the holiday rates are high. But this is not just at WDW - it is similar at many resort destinations.

That is why I spend my holidays at home - and travel during other times when prices are less...

 

[cinder1]

I also think that the holiday and peak rates are very high. Not everyone can travel during regular or value season. My kids are in school and my ability to travel during less crowded/expensive times is severely limited. (Their school district is extremely strict on absences.) I also think that although other destinations are more expensive during peak and holiday seasons, WDW seems to be extra high.

 

[BrianD]

Originally posted by cinder1
I also think that the holiday and peak rates are very high. Not everyone can travel during regular or value season. My kids are in school and my ability to travel during less crowded/expensive times is severely limited. (Their school district is extremely strict on absences.) I also think that although other destinations are more expensive during peak and holiday seasons, WDW seems to be extra high.

...And that is exactly why the rates are the way they are.

 

[peachgirl]

Actually, I got the best rates I've ever gotten for a Disney resort and we're staying through the holiday rate time. If you plan in advance, you can get some great rates. Just as with anything else, advance planning and flexibility are key in saving money. We paid more a night for a hotel near the Grand Canyon last year than we're paying for a deluxe resort at DW. The rack rates are terribly high, but if you take a look at rack rates at almost any popular resort destination they're just as bad.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

One thing to note for those of you travelling during the Holidays this year... Despite the high holiday prices and lack of discounts, Disney typically has no shortage of guests.

The week between Christmas and New Years are always JAM PACKED at the parks. Christmas is our singlemost busiest day of the year. My guess is that the Magic Kingdom will be reaching capacity each and every day from the 25th-31st. Epcot and/or the Studios might also reach capacity. When the parks near capacity, Disney Resort Guests are the ONLY ones who are let in. (A perk for paying that $$$$) However, once the park reaches capacity... NO ONE passes through those turnstiles.

 

[Ludwig Von Drake]

Work associate just decided to stop by Disney a few days while visiting relatives during the holidays. Prices on site are high, but I managed to find her Gaylord Palms Resort Dec 27-Dec30 for only $99/nite! It was on Expedia last nite...check it out.

 

[Puffy2]

Radisson Resort Parkway is a great deal (rates starting at $66.00 depending on your dates), try this link for very low rates for this 4 1/2 star resort (according to the Unoffical Guide to Walt Disney World 2003 edition):
Radisson Resort Parkway Reservations: Check Dates and Rates

And no matter where you stay, arrive each day right before the parks open their gates so you can enjoy it the most.

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Well, it IS busy, and they will fill the rooms. Sad as it is.

We went this past year over New Years, and stayed at the Contemporary in the Tower on the Club floor. I hate to even think about what we paid for it, especially compared to what we've paid to stay at the Grand Floridian. But, it is nice to go at that time of year, it really puts you into the holiday mood (even though we got there a couple days after X-mas).

It's busy, it's expensive, and it really isn't worth it. But, if that's the only time you can travel, then I'd do it. I'm actually planning to do it again 2004/2005, and I don't even want to imagine what our nightly room rate will be.

 

[Grumpy92]

Just a suggestion, but I would keep checking. WDW would not be advertising the discount codes unless they had some reason. Normally during this time period there are no discounts advertised so this year is special. Only a specific amount of discounted rates are available and sometimes they release more later depending on their bookings. Also take into consideration that many people book a resv and change their plans later and have to cancel.
Persistance is the key word with CRO. I would suggest calling more frequently, especially the closer it gets. Remember the cxl policy is 5 days prior to arrival. So you never now you might get a cancellation. You also might be a little flexible in resort options. Instead of BC specifically ask about any Deluxe or Moderate availability using the discount code.
Hang in there and hope to see you there.

 

[Antonia]

Last year we were there for New Years - arrived the 29th I think. We got a great rate at the Dolphin - the nurses rate for $129 that was even valid for NYE. On New Years Day we moved to WL where we had a great rate. That was the only way we could afford it was to stay at Dolphin and then move once WL rates went down.

 

[rtrtx2]

we actually decided to spend Xmas holiday, staying onsite because of the great prices I felt we were able to get. We are checking on on 12/20 2 nts all stars@63.00 p/n and then $175.00 per night at AKL savanah for three more nights, ck out 12/26. Had I planned a tad better we would have added a day at all stars then did 3 at AKL.

You will be able to find decent rates offsite BUT you need to book asap.

 

[montessori]

The peak season rates are a little shocking!
Yet, I was able to get a fantastic rate for my Mom and daughter at the Boardwalk Inn, December 24th and 25th.
My husband and I are staying in a studio that we rented from a DVC owner, a great way to get a deal.
It's imperative to plan early for the holidays at DW.
Gaylord Palms is a nice hotel and that's a great price on Expedia. The location is very convenient.
Good luck!

 

[minnie56]

I just booked PO/FQ arriving Dec 23rd departing Jan 4th....nightly rate...$94.35 including taxes!! So pleased I booked 2 rooms..separate one for my DD's ages 16/18...they need their own space now too!
I thought for Christmas and being last minute planning...that was really great!!

 

[montessori]

Minnie56,
That is GREAT!
You must have been so surprised when you heard they had rooms at those rates. Surprised and thrilled!
And it's such a luxury to have 2 rooms.
Have a magical time!!

 

[eeyore0062]

I know that it is difficult to have to work around schedules to go on vacation, however... if you can get to WDW 4 or 5 days prior to Christmas, you may be able to find a room at the lower, or discounted price, for you entire stay.

Also, if you could do with a moderate resort, the chances of you being able to find a discount, and a better rate would be far better, as well.

Many people who go during Christmas book their rooms a year or more in advance, and of course, since Christmas is the single most busy holiday, and people are willing to pay the price to stay onsite during that time, why shouldn't Disney charge the rates they do. They aren't in any way any different than other resort destinations (think of how much Vail, CO would cost you at Christmas!)

Anyway, I hope you are able to obtain a room at a price you feel is reasonable, and that you have a wonderful time!