Resort prices

[amejr999]

Hi,

I have called WDW a few times, and I've gotten about 10 different answers to this question, so I'm trying on here:

I am going to WDW from 11/4-11/9. I am a DC member and a AAA member. I have a room-only rate of $69 including tax using DC. However, I am interested in getting a Resort Magic package, because I can get the UHP passes and a $50 discount for DC. The problem is, I only need the UHP passes for the 5th to the 8th. Can I get this, and if so, how much would it cost?

Thanks a lot

 

[Pioneer Hall]

From what you wrote it sounds like you want the Ultimate Passes for only a portion of your stay. Unfortunately you can not do this with one reservation. What you would have to do is make two seperate reservations. So say you are going from the 1st-8th. You want the passes from the 5th-8th only. You would have to have one reservation from the 1st-5th. Then you would need another reservation from the 5th-8th. This would be the only way of doing this.

 

[2much2do]

Well, I have to admit.....I've really got nothing better to do right now, so I did a little research for you. You could have done it yourself, BTW. If you were to book a resort magic package for those three night, just so you could get the UPH pass, it would cost you $537.00 This is before tax, and not including your DC discount, which you mention is $50. Now, if you keep your hotel reservation the way it is, those three nights will cost you $207. If you purchased a four day Park Hopper Plus pass (which gives you the same stuff as the UPH pass), that would cost you another $247. So,
$207
+$247
-----------
$447

Even if you deduct the $50 from the package (DC discount) and added tax, you would still be paying more for the package then if you just get passes seperately. Also, you will save even more if you decide that you will not be going to the water parks or Disney Quest, etc. and opt for a regular four day hopper pass which is even cheaper, at $192!!!!!!

Having said the above, I want to add a few more things. To everyone: this example just goes to show what so many have posted on this site and others, as well as is reported in all the guidebooks. The packages almost always end up costing you more! Do the math and you will see. Don't forget to account for the parts of a package you will probably not use.

And to amejr999, do you have a guidebook? You should pick one up, they are very helpful. I use Birnbaums and also the Unofficial Guide. Is this your first time down there? There is so much to see, that with your limited time, it would really be to your advantage to get to know what is there and what you really must do and what you can skip, etc. Good luck and have fun!!!!

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

The packages may cost more but how can i stay at a resort without one. Looking at the website I would have to book in in 3 day lots, with I assume the risk of relocatting room every three days, a right royal pain if im staying for 21 days.
Is there something im missing about room reservation, if so please do tell as ive booked my flights for next summer but have decided to wait till later to sort out accom.

 

[BigAL]

Rooms

Disney only allows you to book packages on the web site. You can get just room reserations (which I recomend) by calling.

 

[Dwarful]

yes avoid the packages like the plague...we went May25-June 3rd...had to have two rooms...you do have to call directly because when we tried you couldn't book room only online. But you can save a bundle especially if you dont use all the extras.

 

[2much2do]

Originally posted by happy snapper
The packages may cost more but how can i stay at a resort without one. Looking at the website I would have to book in in 3 day lots, with I assume the risk of relocatting room every three days, a right royal pain if im staying for 21 days.

I don't really understand what you are saying (sorry ) But, yes, I think there is something you are missing. I have booked room only reservations at several Disney resorts throughout the years for anywhere from 8-15 nights with never a single problem. Maybe it's the website that is throwing you off. Forget the website. Actually, I have found that a lot of the people that rely on the website end up confused as to dates, times, resort issues, ticket issues, special events, priority seatings, etc. So, my rule of thumb is: call them, CALL THEM, and call them again . They will answer any and all questions, they will quote you prices, they will do everything a travel agent does. Just call them up and ask.

Oh, and BTW, even if you did have to make more than one reservation (which sometimes people do) Disney will NEVER make you change rooms. Just tell them at check in that you have two (or more) continuous reservations, and they will make sure you keep the same room. I have done this before as well.

 

[prberk]

Website & packages

I have found that the Website is really only useful in doing some research on general resort availability prior to calling. It will tell you if a resort is unavailable before you call, although the (407) WDI-SNEY phone agents have some slightly different or updated data when you call.

It is always good to call and book your reservations with them on the phone, especially if you are a passholder or Disney Club member seeking a discount. They are not available online.

I agree with the package admonitions. Only buy them if you truly think you will do all of it.

Otherwise, you may consider having ONE member of your room party buy an annual pass. This is because annual passholders get the best discounts, usually around 25 % off the hotel rates. They are not advertised, but except for the busiest seasons like Christmas and Easter, passholders get great hotel discounts. Over the length of one stay, your hotel discount (at least at the luxury ones) may be enough for the pass to pay for itself in one visit. It definitely will if you take two or three visits in one year.

Passholders also get other percentage discounts, but you should ask about them before you decide.

 

[2much2do]

Re: Website & packages

Originally posted by prberk
This is because annual passholders get the best discounts, usually around 25 % off the hotel rates. They are not advertised, but except for the busiest seasons like Christmas and Easter, passholders get great hotel discounts.

Passholders also get other percentage discounts, but you should ask about them before you decide.

I just got 40% off my room for my stay in May!!!! It was awesome!!!! I also got discounts on food and shows!!!!! Being an Annual Passholder rocks!!!!!! :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[bearboysnc]

I am going to WDW from 11/4-11/9. The problem is, I only need the UHP passes for the 5th to the 8th. Can I get this, and if so, how much would it cost?

I just did this two weeks ago. THIS is how we did it.

You can Purchase a "length of stay" pass which includes admission to all parks, waterparks and Disneyquest. You are allowed to shave one day off the beggining and one day off the end... (so you aren't paying for days you may be traveling.) We purchased it at check-in. We used our DC card to take an addtional % off. (i think it was %10)

Call WDW and ask about the LENGTH OF STAY PASS.

DO NOT purchase the Package... they'll charge you for a UPH for 6 days rather than 4 days.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Ah ha my confusion is from the fact that all UK companys incl Disney Travel Co only sell the resorts with a package not like a normal hotel.Having checked my invoice for last year i had a Length of stay pass but its not called that here, it might account foe the large price diffrence based on the on line price. I realised about discount s being unavailable on line, but had been assured by Disney UK that they would honour discounts DC/ special rates but only after Oct when they receive the pricing policy for 2003. Im going to make sure that the tickets match my touring plans.
But thanks for the gen.

 

[2much2do]

Hey Happy Snapper,
I have a question for you. Really for all our international friends. Do you have to book through Disney UK, or whatever Disney travel agent in your country?? What is Disney UK exactly? I mean can't you just call up (okay, so it would be long distance for you) regular American Disney central reservations and book your room, then pay by credit card (the credit card company will do the exchange for you automatically) or go get an international money order to pay for it? Seems much simpler to deal directly with the CRO, IMO.

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

Disney UK is just my way of refering to the UK section of the Disney Travel Co. It came into existance around the end of 2000 I think at least thats the first I saw it. Its biggest advantage is that it offers ALL Disney resorts and almost all room types, though there are a few things still not available to UK bookers.
Do you have to use them , no , but as ive said they do have a far greater choice most companys will only offer All Star, PO, Coronado Contemp or GF and have a very limited choce of room standard or waterview no suites towers etc.
The biggest problem we have is summed by this phrase 'Ripp off Britain' we pay more for less than most other nations.
Our travel adgents will only book via UK operatours with the expected results high prices and reduced cost. I have no fears about booking on line which is why ive made my flight bookings now with Virgin for next summer, School holidays mean high prices and no discounts especially for a party of 5. The biggest problem for me is rooms WDW booking will give me a 5 person room at PO riverside, NO UK company will including Disney Travel.
They offer me a discount because im in the military, but this year wouldnt except the DC club which had a bigger discount but say they will do from OCT! So ive just got to wait till they can give me a price. To be honest thats what this is really about getting better value for my money. Thats why im staying at the Hard Rock hotel for a few days at the end because of an online discount I found I asked if it would be available next year and was assured that theres "always discount if you look". So that s my mantra for the next6 months discount hunt, I need the beer money
:slurp:

 

[Nansafan]

We have a very good friend who is a travel agent. She gets paid to sort through all the confusing things that Disney throws at people trying to book their own vacations. I've called Disney myself and tried online but Marlene can get us a better price for the resort we want at the time we want to go. There is no problem using the DC discount, AP discount or anything else because she has all are info. We call and say, "Mar, we want to go to Disney on such and such". She does the rest. I know that when we call Marlene, there is nothing to worry about. And when things look rough, we let Marlene do her magic and she always comes through. Free life lesson for all, what everyone needs in life is:
1. Good mechanic (I married mine)
2. Good friend
3. Family
4. Great travel agent (Marlene)

 

[2much2do]

Thanks for your explanation Happy Snapper. In all honesty, I still don't understand. I don't understand why you have to go through any travel agent at all. I don't understand why you can't just make a long distance call and book through CRO just like I do, but my brain is getting smaller these days, so I'll just assume you know the best way to book, and I'll keep my mouth shut :animwink: Also, to Nansafan. I don't understand that either. I thought Disney did not give out any discounts exclusively to travel agents. I have a friend who is a travel agent, and every time we go on vacation anywhere, we first book on our own, and then go to him to see if he can get us a better deal. Often he does, but NEVER to Disney. In fact, I managed to get a lower rate on my own than he quoted me for our last trip. Does this mean he stinks as a travel agent???? I thought all travel agents got from Disney was a small commision, but that the rates were the same for everyone. Is your friend giving you her commision????
Anyway, I guess ultimately, everyone needs to do what works for them, and learn on their own through experience. I am happy that through years and years of research (I plan A LOT!) I have learned all the ins and outs of booking my Disney trips, sometimes with the help of a code from www.mousesavers.com which I feel is the BEST source for discount info. I truly feel I have always gotten the best deal every time on my own. Well, except for the first time when I didn't know any better and I booked a package!

So, I'll shut up now.
PS I married my mechanic as well :lol:

 

[Pumbas Nakasak]

No need to keep youre mouth shut I probably didnt explain, Last year Disney Travel Co gave me a Very competative price, £1700 cheaper than the other companys so we snapped their hands off. This year their service is tied into flying with BA and is back to the same price as other companies.
However what I have done for next year is booked my flights direct with Virgin (who offer discount to military), contacted WDW booking via e-mail checked if I could make a booking and receive discount, they have said yes but yes ineed to phone, but I can reserve a room but I wont know a price till Oct, I have decided to holdf off on the room as the DC offered 20% of PO for the last two years so ill wait till jan when the discounts are announced.
So in the end you are right I can cut out the agent and have booked direct. So thanks Oh 1 thing from Oct Disney Travel Co UK will only offer accom you have to find your own flight they recon itll make them more competative. In the UK if youe over 12 you pay adult fare to fly transatlantic is it the same thre?