WWYD - late Friday arrival

[Snurk71]

We currently have a 1BR at BLT for Sat-Thurs this October. Our plan was to fly out early Saturday morning, early enough to get in and maybe hit BB for a few hours before dinner Saturday night. But the early time airfares for us aren't coming down to where we'd like them. However, the late Friday airfares are pretty attractive. If we come in Friday night, we could save $200 on air tickets (total, not each). That should easily cover a night's hotel and extra day of car rental, plus we'll be sure to be in WDW early in the day Saturday to do whatever we want.

So my question is - where would you stay Friday night, if you're not getting in until minight or after?

- Try to add another 1BR night at BLT for 43 points (OUCH!!!, would have to borrow to do)
- Try a studio for Friday night at BLT for 22 points (still seems pretty pricey, could handle with current year points)
- Try for a discounted room at the All Stars or (gasp) stay offsite in a cheaper place

Thoughts?

Thanks

 

[Chuck S]

I'd try for an AP discounted room at POP Century, if no discount were available, then offsite near Disney.

 

[DebbieB]

I wouldn't waste points if you are getting in late. I would find a cheap hotel somewhere, either onsite or off.

 

[bobbiwoz]

Since you have a car, find something off site. Without a rental car, I would go to a value hotel on site and do ME.

Bobbi

 

[Chuck S]

If looking for something "cheap", AVOID the Red Roof Inn near Disney. We stayed there once, room was not very clean.

 

[tay72699]

What about the Hyatt at MCO then ME or pick up rental the next morning. It's nice and very convenient.

 

[Coach81]

I'd try for an AP discounted room at POP Century, if no discount were available, then offsite near Disney.

I second with this idea.

 

[ssawka]

We were in a similar position and decided to just add the 1 BR for the night of arrival, but we did not have to borrow to do so. In your situation, I would probably just do another night at BLT or at POP. I would probably do BLT just because I have the points. I really do not understand being stingy with points. I would not necessarily borrow, but I also refuse to pay cash if I have the points. We bought enough points to stay at BLT for a week every year, and I see that as our "allowance".

 

[liznboys]

Our past three DVC trips we have arrived later in the day the night before our DVC stay began:

In December 2008 we stayed one night at the Contemporary (Garden Wing) using an Annual Pass rate before checking into SSR.

In June 2009 we stayed one night at Caribe Royale using a Mousesavers rate of $99 before checking into the THV.

Earlier this month we stayed one night at Buena Vista Suites (which is the sister resort to Caribe Royale) using a Mousesavers rate of $89 (plus free full breakfast) before checking into VWL.

If you can get a great deal onsite, I would do that, otherwise I would stay offsite near Disney. The two offsite places we stayed are 1 bedroom suites which was nice, and they were perfect for us (as a family of 6). You may not need/want that much room. I'm sure you can get cheaper places that are nice and are for smaller groups, take a look at the Mousesavers recommended places to stay: http://www.mousesavers.com/preferred.html

 

[dgaston]

liznboys has given you some excellent advice.

Another option is to use Priceline and bid $45 to $50 at the 3 1/2* level for MCO. You can use the shuttle to your hotel and save some rental car $ for the next day. Both the Marriott and the Hyatt have been coming up lately according to www.biddingfortravel.com.

 

[kato0627]

We just did this last week. We arrived on Thursday night around 10pm. We checked into Buena Vista Palace Resort and Spa. I believe we paid 103.00 for the night (including tax). We got up early on Friday and checked into OKW. I was very happy with the resort. Would do it again. My kids wanted to stay for the day and use the pool. We did this b/c OKW was not available Thursday night but we were happy in the long run. I suggest this resort.
Good luck

 

[Corinne]

I ***wish*** I had booked a room at the Pop for our late Friday arrival last week. Our Southwest flight was scheduled to depart at 5:40 PM, arriving MCO around 8:30We actually planned on hitting the MK for EMH. Well, our flight was delayed and delayed and delayed again. We finally arrived at MCO @11:30. We then boarded a not so Magical and certainly not Express bus. Which took us to 5 different resorts prior to stopping at the BoardWalk. And they were not resorts nearby either. We stopped at GF, Saratoga, Port Orleans Riverside, POFQ,OKW THEN Boardwalk. They literally boarded everyone waiting on this bus. I know it is FREE so do not flame me. Anyway, we got to the Boardwalk around 2:15. Save those precious points! I wish I did!

 

[allshookup]

What about the Hyatt at MCO then ME or pick up rental the next morning. It's nice and very convenient.

I "second" this idea! We stayed at the Hyatt Regency MCO when arriving late one night & my kids LOVED overlooking the atrium of the airport & watching the comings & going. We got up & had breakfast the next day & hit the road. It was very convenient!

I priced it out & appears to starting at $169.00, but if you're interested you could try searching around different travel sites & you might get a better deal.

 

[MrShiny]

I would stay a night at the Hyat at MCO. You'd be pretty much at MCO for the night, but you'd not have to pick up the car until Sat. morning. I check Expedia and they had it on 10/9 for $169 for example.

If you are flying one of the airlines on that side (like Southwest), it'll just be a very short walk to your bed!

 

[MagiKitty]

We are arriving at 9:30 on a Saturday night next month. With rental cars being so pricy, we decided to risk it and use Hotwire. We just had to make sure the hotel had a shuttle. We bid on a 4 star hotel near airport with shuttle, and ended up with the Hyatt at MCO for $45! This was earlier this week....

We're saving time, money and hassle for our arrival. Get our luggage and head upstairs then hit Disney bright and early the next day.