Wow! They really stick it to you for the holidays

[Cris]

Disney is a business and this is America. So there isn't anything unfair about it.

 

[Gator Kate]

Thanks to those who offered useful suggestions.Here's an update for anyone who's interested. It turns out we need two rooms and my sister's travel agent rate is only good for one. Also,at least one room has to have a balcony as my Mom smokes and her traveling companion doesn't. We can't get there until after Christmas and all the discounts are only good until 12/25. I know...lots of variables. Sis and I are treating for the whole trip hence the need for some budget consciousness. We're considering the Gaylord Palms.
Hate to stay offsite but may have to this time. There does seem to be more availability then we expected at this late date, even onsite. A helpful reservationist at Universal found a promotional rate at Portofino for $249 plus tax, which isn't bad since it's such a nice hotel. Only problem is that they can't guarantee a balcony because so few rooms have them. So...this is a work in progress and will let you know how the story ends.

 

[TigrLvsPooh]

I do a lot of last minute traveling. You have to understand that when you wait until the last minute to book a vacation you aren't going to get the best rates and availability. Especially during a holiday.

My advice is to keep calling CRO regularly to check for cancellations. Two rooms at a moderate or value resort would be much cheaper... or try one of the cheaper deluxe resorts (AKL and WL).

Good Luck! If you can't get anything reasonable onsite then go for Portofino! It's beautiful!!!! Your Mom can always step outside to smoke if she has to. Or better yet she could quit! Make it a New Year's resolution early!!!

 

[robinb]

Kate,

Since it looks like you're willing to stay off-site, have you considered Priceline? You won't be guarenteed a balcony, but the prices are right! Go to www.biddingfortravel.com to learn how to bid on PL and see what others have been getting rate-wise for your dates.

The other option you have is to take advantage of the Wyndham 50% off of retail (NOT rack) rates sale. It's only good for a few more hours, but folks have been getting some great rates. FWIW, I tried the Wyndham Palace near Downtown Disney, which has balconies, and I get $70 per night plus a $8.88 resort fee when I plug in your dates.

http://www.wyndhampromotions.com/72hoursale/

 

[DisneyPoly]

Have you given any thought to the Swan or Dolphin? They are offering a holiday rate of $175 per night and a second room for $100.00.

Might be worth checking into. Good luck!

 

[montessori]

Great suggestion, DisneyPoly!

 

[The Pluto People]

We are also going to WDW over the vacation and checking in after Christmas. We got a great passholder rate at the Dolphin - and we LOVED our last stay there!!! I did look at the Disney site to see how many resorts still had availabilty and was very surprised to see that most still had rooms open! I'll be very surprised if all the Disney rooms are occupied - if people have not reserved by now I think it unlikely, at those VERY HIGH prices, they will decide to go last minute. Not to mention that in our part of the country the flights (if any seats are left) are now going up in price daily!