Looking for advice

[Daddymouse]

:shrugW and I are beginning to plan a trip to WDW for Aug. 2009. I know Disney has not published any rates for packages, rooms, etc... We are planning a 10 night stay for our 25th anniversary. I would like to stay in a Moderate resort like PO. My wife would just as soon stay at a value resort. She states (and is correct) that all we do is sleep in the room. I am looking at it from the standpoint of location, amenities, and ambiance. I have several questions.

1. Do AP Holders all receive room rates that are published with the discount codes, or is it a hit and miss deal?

2. Are we better pricing each item separately (room, tickets, dining) and hounding Disney with phone calls about upgrades and or specials, or going with a package?

3. Does AAA traditionally have discounted deals worth investigating?

 

[MicheleK]

I don't really have the answers to your questions. But I can say that if you choose to stay at a value resort, POP is the best one. Also, you might want to mention to your wife that values tend to have way more "little" kids running around than moderates do (IMO). If you hit it right, you may end up with a wonderful deal at a moderate that the difference in price won't be that noticible.

Have a wonderful 25th....What a wonderful place to celebrate such an occasion. :wave:

 

[Lucky]

2. Depending on how late in August 2009 you're going, you might get free dining with a package. Of course there's no guarantee they'll have free dining in 2009, but they've had it every year since 2005, usually from late August until late September or thereabouts.

3. I've been a member of AAA for many years, and I've never seen any benefit to buying Disney tickets, rooms or packages through them.

 

[DivineMadness7]

Disney resorts aren't just about what you are doing there, like "just sleeping." As you go up the pyramid, the transportation gets better and more varied, there are more amenities, etc. I think Values are ok, but don't prefer them because I think the transportation is poor. So even if you are "just sleeping" at the resort, which can be accurate, I think it is important to look at the bigger picture. Especially because you're celebrating a special occasion, I think a moderate like POR would be great and even romantic. I've stayed at Pop several times, it's nice but certainly not romantic.

Definitely look into an AP because if you'll be there 10 days, you may not need to spend much more and you'll get that money back in hotel savings. Good luck!

 

[TestTrack]

2. Depending on how late in August 2009 you're going, you might get free dining with a package. Of course there's no guarantee they'll have free dining in 2009, but they've had it every year since 2005, usually from late August until late September or thereabouts.

3. I've been a member of AAA for many years, and I've never seen any benefit to buying Disney tickets, rooms or packages through them.

But there is a clear benefit to becoming a AAA member in terms of savings. Maybe not booking a trip...but just being a member helps quite a bit.

 

[kstella]

Considering that it's for a special occasion and the length of your stay is not dependent on choosing a value over a moderate, I'd go for the moderate. Maybe you could splurge big time and do a deluxe for a night or two!

Wish you many more happy years together.

 

[Katybug]

:shrugW and I are beginning to plan a trip to WDW for Aug. 2009. I know Disney has not published any rates for packages, rooms, etc... We are planning a 10 night stay for our 25th anniversary. I would like to stay in a Moderate resort like PO. My wife would just as soon stay at a value resort. She states (and is correct) that all we do is sleep in the room. I am looking at it from the standpoint of location, amenities, and ambiance. I have several questions.

1. Do AP Holders all receive room rates that are published with the discount codes, or is it a hit and miss deal?

2. Are we better pricing each item separately (room, tickets, dining) and hounding Disney with phone calls about upgrades and or specials, or going with a package?

3. Does AAA traditionally have discounted deals worth investigating?

AP holders get a pretty good cut off the room rates. A moderate room during "value" season will only run you about a $100 bucks a night. AAA ofers 10-20% off your room rate but you can't combine the AP and AAA discounts. I wouldn't get an AP unless you are planning on going twice that year. If you price your room seperate from your tickets you will have to pay 1 nights deposit on the room and your tickets will have to be paid in full when purchased. You only save about $30 bucks doing them seperate, but I can't pay for my trip in full so I had to do the package.

Hope I was some help. Oh and if it's just the 2 of you stay at Port Orleans Riverside. I stayed last year and it was SO romantic and beautiful!! Highly recommended. If you stay at a value, true it is cheaper and your not there that much, but it is very kiddy themed and unless your going with kids I wouldn't stay there.

 

[Katybug]

But there is a clear benefit to becoming a AAA member in terms of savings. Maybe not booking a trip...but just being a member helps quite a bit.

There is a 10-20% discount off your room. Check into it!! It saved me a couple hundred bucks last year.

 

[scarpiapiano]

My wife and I stayed at POR (it was called Dixie Landings back in '93) on our first WDW trip. We stayed at the All Star Sports on our second trip in '95 when the resort was brand new. We both agreed that POR was well worth the extra money. We, like you guys, spend every waking moment at the parks and we had only 1 meal at either resort. (BTW, I'd eat my lunches and dinners away from either POR or Pop Century). The service, the staff, the ambiance, were SO superoir at POR.

I defy anyone to beat me when it comes to trying to get a deal or for squeezing the last penny out of a vacation plan. I personally don't think the difference between moderate and deluxe hotels at WDW are worth the $. However, I have to agree with every other person whose written in. The difference between a value and moderate resort is vast and well worth the moola.

 

[Tinkerbella16]

I would def talk your wife into the moderate resorts. POR is absolutely wonderful and my favorite so far. For a special occasion like yours and being just you two, it would fit perfectly. I am trying POFQ for the first time this year because it isn't so big and spread out like POR and I know it'll be just as nice. You cant go wrong having boat transportation to DTD at a mod resort...its nice to get away from the busses and it is very relaxing.

Let us know what you choose! :wave:

 

[bears163]

why not try a moderate resort half & value half. it is not that hard to do. i do agree with your wife is partlycorrect but it is very nice to come back to a nice resort in the evening. not saying the value resorts are crapy or anything. i have not stayed in one myself. we did stayed at CSR once & we loved it.

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Although your wife appears to be watching the pennies - I'd say that to celebrate your 25th weding anniversary you have to be splashing out on at least a Moderate Resort - its a very special occasion

 

[Daddymouse]

DW has conceded to staying at a Moderate Resort. My Next question is should we book a room now, and begin to call down after the first of the year to see about special deals on rooms. BTW we are planning on getting an AP.

 

[maryszhi]

i would suggest a moderate for the occasion, but if your wife wants a value, maybe do 8 nights there, and two at a moderate or delux. everybody who has the ap gets the same discount that goes with the leval of their pass. aaa has some rates, but its cheaper to go and do everything separate, and telling them you have aaa

 

[redfive13]

There is a 10-20% discount off your room. Check into it!! It saved me a couple hundred bucks last year.

Plus, if you drive/rent a car you receive AAA Diamond parking which puts you at the front of the lot. I love this feature and so did my pregnant wife when we were there in May. Also I believe you get a 10% discount card for merchandise in the parks, luggage tags and a lanyard/pin.

So there are advantages...

 

[eroyee]

Yes, book the room now. You can always make changes to it later. And you might consider POFQ for a romantic anniversary. You can still go over to POR if you want. Both are so beautiful........And they have nighttime carriage rides. a neat anniversary present.....

 

[KHockett]

You should book through Pam at Kingdom Konsultants. (They are free to you). That way if you want to make changes you just contact her. She is amazing and she looks for deals and lets you know about them. They can also help you with your dining options. I would highly recommend her. I used to do all of our trips myself and never had trouble, but I would never go back because she is amazing!!!!

 

[figmentmom]

It's your anniversary - go for Port Orleans Riverside, the most romantic resort for the money! The grounds are lovely, you can take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride after dark, take a boat ride to Downtown Disney, enjoy entertainment in the lounge on certain nights, or just relax by the pool!

I agree - call Pam at Kingdom Konsultants - they are the BEST!!!!!!

 

[krankenstein]

Since you have decided to get the AP, go ahead and book now and watch the boards and MouseSavers for AP discounts. Once the AP discounts are released call and adjust your reservations to reflect the savings.

As said earlier the AP will give you a good discount. This past May my room at Pop cost around $60 a night.

 

[The "Pro"]

Keep in mind that the annual pass will also get you additional discounts besides the room discount.

- discounts at some of the restaurants
- discount at World of Disney at DTD and other merchandise discounts
- discounts on tours

Here are some other details from the WDW site:

Car Rental
Rent from Alamo® Rent A Car and save up to 20% off your rental! For reservations, call Alamo® at (800) 354-2322† or book online at Alamo.com. Be sure to request ID #860292 when making your reservation**.

Sports and Recreation
Discounts are valid for purchases made by the Passholder only and valid Pass ID is required for redemption. Richard Petty Driving Experience
Get a $20 discount off the regular price of a Ride-Along Experience or $35 discount on any Richard Petty Driving Experience package. Valid only at the Walt Disney World® Speedway for the Passholder. Not valid with any other coupon or discount. Call (800) BE-PETTY (237-3889)† for reservations and information.
Spa Treatments
Grand Floridian Spa & Health Club
Relax with a 10% discount off the regular price of one spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 824-2332†.
The Spa and Health Club at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
Enjoy a 10% discount off the regular price of one spa treatment each visit for the Passholder. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 827-4455†.
Sammy Duvall's Water Sports Centre
Take 10% off parasailing, water-skiing, wakeboarding and personal watercraft for the Passholder at Sammy Duvall's Water Sports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Reservations required. Certain age restrictions apply. For more information or reservations call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529)†.
Marina Boat Rentals
Passholder receives a 15% discount off the regular price of boat rentals at any Walt Disney World® Resort Marina. Subject to availability. Certain age restrictions apply (excludes Specialty Cruises).
Golf
30% discount off Day Visitor Rates for the Passholder and up to three guests in the party. The discount is available on Day Visitor Rates for play anytime of day. Discounts cannot be applied to any other discount or special rate including, but not limited to, Twilight Rates. Tee times at this rate are limited and may be made up to 14 days in advance by calling 407-WDW-GOLF(939-4653)†. Advance reservations required.

Ticket Discounts
AMC® Theatres Pleasure Island 24
Receive $2 off adult evening admission price. Offer is valid for the Passholder only and not valid with any other offer or discount.
Specially Ticketed Magic Kingdom® Park Events
Watch for discounts on the following specially ticketed events at the Magic Kingdom® Park: Disney's Pirate and Princess Party, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Discount is only available on selected nights, based on a limited availability, and applies to "Day-Of" admission price (does not apply to "Advance Sales" admission price) for these specially ticketed events. The Passholder may purchase up to a total of 4 discount tickets. For specially ticketed event dates and prices, visit disneyworld.com/passholder.
Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf Course and Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
Get a 50% discount for the Passholder and up to three guests.
Disney's Typhoon Lagoon and Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Parks
Enjoy a $4 discount off regular admission price for Guests ages 10 and older and $3 discount for Guests ages 3-9. Discount available for up to three Guests per visit.
DisneyQuest® Indoor Interactive Theme Park
Receive a $4 discount off regular admission price for Guests ages 10 and older and $3 discount for Guests ages 3-9. Discount available for up to three Guests per visit.
Downtown Disney® Pleasure Island
Enjoy a $4 discount off regular 1-Day Multi-Club admission price for Guests ages 10 and older and $3 discount for guests ages 3-9. Discount available for up to three Guests per visit.