WWYD - trying to book for "Jersey Week" in Nov

[hokie98]

I was lucky enough to get a FD pin in a couple of weeks ago and booked a week in Oct for DD's 7th b'day. Only now it looks like we may be relocating to NJ later this summer, and as a result, am looking to switch our reservation to "Jersey Week", 11/3-11/10. The reservation is for 2a, 2c (7 years & 16 months), plus my inlaws (in their 60's) want to come along. MIL wants a suite for "all of us to be together". DH & I don't want to sleep on a pull out bed for a week, and I know my inlaws don't, which means a 2bdrm villa is our only option to the adults to have 'real' beds. But I just can't justify the prices of the 2bdrm villas, even if I rented points (plus this is probably pretty short term to be considering renting points). I don't think MIL/FIL understand that we won't exactly be sitting around the room watching TV at night together. Plus, I think they would enjoy having their own separate room to rest.

FD is blacked out for "Jersey Week", and there doesn't seem to be any other discounts right now. FIL is retired USMC, so checking into a military discount is an option. We aren't AAA members, but could be if the discount is worth it. I've gotten some pricing from WDW, as well as a couple of other TA, including Magical Vacation Travels. They are telling me that rooms for "Jersey Week" are moving very quickly and I need to book ASAP (I'm not so sure they are moving that fast). I'm hoping there will be a room only code for that week issued (per Mousesavers, historically there has been one), and/or the Salute to the Armed Services promotion. To be candid, I don't think I want to buy DDP, but will take it if it's free. To get under FD for "Jersey Week", we'd need to check in on 11/1, which means an extra day+ out of school for DD.

So here's what Magical Vacations is offering (all with DDP, MYW tickets, NO PH, WP):
Poly - $4374
AoA suite - $3650
AoA LM - $2467

Those are the only 2 resorts they are offering discounts on for JW. I've priced out CSR/CBR, and that's about $3300 for DDP & tickets (for apples to apples comparison). Again, I think I may axe the DDP - I'd like to make some ADR, but don't want to be held captive to them. I remember being sort of a slave to our ADR's on our last time (Jan 09), and with a baby on this trip, we probably need to go more with the flow.

WWYD? I'm leaning towards booking 2 rooms at a moderate - I've been looking at CSR, but would be open to any others (location of POR/FQ is appealing), for rack rate, and waiting to see if there are some discounts that pop up. The Poly rate the TA has is a pretty good discount, but I just have a hard time spend $$$ when we may not be in the room that much.

Those of you more seasoned...I've read that while JWeek is busier than other weeks around that time, it's not a huge deal....so do you really think discounted rooms are going to be snatched up quickly, or is she just trying to get me too book? Anyone have experience dealing with Magical Vacations Travel?

Sorry for all of the questions...agh, I'm really going to NEED a vacation after the stress of planning this one!

 

[deegack]

Have you looked at the cabins? One set of adults will still be on a Murphy bed but better than a pullout. Also you have a kitchen if you want to save money by eating some breakfast there.

 

[Cinderumbrella]

Don't count on a room discount for Jersey Week as the discounts for "popular" weeks aren't happening much this year. If they are offering something now TAKE IT!

As for DxDDP only you can decide if its worth it. Just remember that many restaurants now have a credit card hold and a $10 cancellation fee if you don't cancel with in 24 hours of the meal. If you plan on eating breakfasts in the resort food court, than I would just stick with regular DDP if you are worried about not making all your ADR's.

As for crowds, we did Jersey Week in 2010 and 2011 and it is more crowded, than say September, but not as crowded as June. Weather was also iffy both years (cool and rainy) but there is no way to predict that now.

 

[MrsLS]

I would book 2 rooms if it was me. I would also book what is within your budget and as long as it is refundable/no fees for booking with a TA now. I would personally never book with a TA for a disney vacation. I think it is just as easy/you are in control of your reservation, unless you get a good discount, but thats just me.
If there are discounts later on that you can use, then either apply the discount or rebook if you can get that room/category/resort.

 

[ars0525]

We are going 11-4 thru 11-9. Staying at All Star Music in 2 rooms with a 30% off room discount (making our trip $1500 for 3 adults each with a 5 day basic ticket from UT). We don't do the dining plan.

I booked the start of June thru WDW. I had gotten some PINs in the mail for a few months, but then I called to see what I actually had.

I have never been there for Jersey week so hoping it's not too crazy, but I know it's between holiday parties too. We are going mostly for F&W.

If the TA are willing to give you a good deal, take it if you are able to cancel or modify. I've never used a TA before. Know your numbers though before you call so you know what a good deal is. But sometimes you can get a really good CM on the phone who throws some pixie dust your way!

 

[disneychic2]

I would book 2 rooms as well. DH and I went during JW a few years back and it was not bad as far a crowds. We were used to the low low crowds of September, but it was better than when we went the first week of December. I've never used a TA except a couple of times through AAA. I just find it easier to do things myself since I stay on top of things via the DIS. If the TA is offering a substantial discount now, I don't see any reason to delay. Find out what the cancellation policy is and, based on that, make your decision. Good luck with your move and your trip.

 

[MMS1125]

If you are looking to save a lot of $$$ then you could technically all stay at POR in the Alligator Bayou section in one room (5 + infant)

That said I imagine you want to be in a separate room than your inlaws (I would) but just know that is an option. You could also do that same set up at the Poly, Contemporary, Grand Floridian, Beach Club, Yacht Club, and BWI. There is a bigger room too at WL that would work the deluxe room has 2 queens and a queen sofa bed

after all of that..I personally would do 2 moderate rooms

 

[hokie98]

I just booked 2 Royal Rooms at POR at the rack rate. I think DD will love the room theming, and being able to take the boat to DTD is a plus. I figure I can always change them later if necessary and/or take advantage of any future discounts. Thanks for the help!

 

[hokie98]

That said I imagine you want to be in a separate room than your inlaws (I would) but just know that is an option.

after all of that..I personally would do 2 moderate rooms

While my MIL wants us together, I think they will enjoy their own room/space. They are exhausted after spending 4 days visiting at our house with the kids, just wait until they spend a week keeping up with us at WDW. After a long day at a park, I think they will appreciate a quiet room!