plan ahead or try to get a last min deal?

[DisneyPhD]

Hi there, as I mentioned before the PhD family will be in WDW Aug 13 to 22 to celebrate our 10th wedding aniversary. As DVC members we are staying in a Studio in OKW. It will be Mr. PhD, Mrs. Phd and 2 year old little PhD. For the second half of the trip BIL and SIL will be staying with us (AKA Cindyrella 71) it will be a tight fit but we will make it work. :animwink:


As a surprize I was thinking about renting a room at GF for one night when BIL and SIL are with us and leaving Little PhD with them. It will be the 1st time we have been away from Little PhD over night. Well I can't keep a surprise, so now Mr. PhD knows the plan.

My problem is we can't decide what to do and where to stay. We are Annual Pass holders, and Disney Visa and not sure what the best deal is. We have looked on Mousesavers.com and the best price for GF was 240 a night, that is a bit to spend when you already have a room. I have heard online rumors about people who have "walked" into deluxe resorts and got a last min deal. Should we do that or plan ahead? (after all we do have a room already!)

I want GF being our Anniversay and as DVC member probably the 1st and last time we will stay there. (We are all out of points for the year so we can't use them for the room). We have stayed at Poly and Y&B before. We own at WLV so we don't need to stay there.

So really we are considering between GF (my vote but don't like the price) Contemporary (hubby's idea) and AKL. (the best price.) What do you think?

 

[epcotisbest]

OK, I am going to offer my suggestions here.

First one question. Are you going to be driving down? If so, there is an official Disney Information Center in Ocala, before you get on the turnpike. This is a good place to get last-minute reservations for Disney resorts. They are near the interstate and want to get people to stay on Disney property. They usually have some decent walk up specials, because of cancellations and people do make last minute chages. Since you are only looking for 1 night, you might get lucky and get a good rate at the GF.

Going at this particular time is both good and bad. First, it is very hot and humid and crowded in mid-August. But, schools in many parts of the country start back that week, so that should ease the crowds somewhat. Here in GA schools start back on Aug. 7. Since you already have a place anyway, and just want an extra night as a bonus anniversary get away, if you don't get anything walking up, it won't be a great tragedy, and probably worth the wait to get a better rate. Some websites already show no availability on the dates you listed, but there are always cancellations.

Second, Disney is offering lots of specials and incentives right now, and it is entirely possible not to be able to get what you want. The question for you then is how important is this special night. As the surprise is already gone, the Contemporay or AKL either one would be a good choice for a romantic get away for one night if the GF is not available.

If you are not driving down then the Disney Information Center is not an option for you. If the night away from little PHD (don't kid yourself, you will miss little PHD and probably check on him or her often) for some private time alone is that important, book in advance and take no chances.

Personally, I would wait till last minute, hope for a bargain and if I did not get it, so what? You still have accomodations already, so you have a built in saftey net as far as a room goes. You can still have a nice anniversary out late, maybe an evening at Victoria and Albert's, or one of the less expensive resturants at GF. Afterwards, a quiet stroll along the pathway to the Poly, watch the Fireworks and Floating Electrical Parade, a guiet walk along the beach at the Poly, stroll back to the GF, and then head back to OKW. Sounds like a pretty good alternative to me. And this would be much less expensive than the $240.00 you mentioned for one night at the GF. You would still be at the GF, just not using their pillows. I know, I know, there is no private, intimate time in my suggestion, but you will have to work that out on your own.

Whatever you decide, have a wonderful trip and terrific anniversary. We will be celebrating #21 soon.
Ricky

 

[DisneyPhD]

Thanks for the advice epcotisbest, I was thinking along your lines. We are flying, but BIL and SIL are driving so maybe then can stop or we can borrow their car. I was also just thinking about walking up to GF or calling from my room.

It will be our 1st time during the summer, so I expect some drawbacks, but also some pluses (won't be cold like in Feb and parks should be open late.) Also I am a tad worried some places will be booked since the FT package was so popular.

I will be disapointed if we don't get to get one night to ourselves, but will be able to live with it. If we don't get our own room we will at least get a night out. (but then again after 7 days in the same room as a tolder and 3 with BIL and SIL one night alone will be a dream come true!)

Has anyone gotten and good last min walk in deals? Does you AP help, or doesn't it matter.

Should I hold out for GF or is ALK just as good and less pricey?