Planning another trip, looking for advice.

[Gaprofitt]

Hey All,

A bit of background. I am a single Dad and have been since my son was 9 months old. He turned 4 on 9/10/15 and I surprised him with a trip to Disney World for 4 days the week of his birthday. We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge and had a blast. I've started saving money for next September to take him back again for perhaps a longer stay.

I'm looking for advice on strategy to save money on lodging, I want to stay in the resort but will likely go for a lower cost option this time. Any recommendations? When would be the best time to book, best promos, etc?

Last year we got the dining plan, i'm thinking of just paying out of pocket this time for more flexibility.

Here is a video of him last year, I still get choked up watching this.. He was beyond excited..

 

[yensid67]

Hey GAProfitt,
Awesome video and I commend you for being a single Dad-it's not easy! I know you said that you want to stay on property and save money! I know that's staying even in a value resort is around $100 per night (give or take a few). If you truly are diehard set on staying on property next September(2016), I would suggest just staying for a short trip. Even a short trip on property will have a high cost.

But if you would consider staying off property at a Good Neighbor Hotel that is just minutes away from Disney Springs, I know I can find a hotel for you in Lake Buena Vista for about $50 per night that offers 2 pools and a kid Splash Zone, an on site restaurant, and bar/grille, gift shop, convenience store and a deli...al this within 5 minutes from Disney Springs! It won't be themed the way an on site values room would be, but you would be saving $50 per night just on the room! This hotel does have shuttles to the parks(if you don't have a car) and will save you on the parking fees of $20 per park! And I found a great place to buy discounted tickets, too! The cheapest I have found over the years! Mapleleaftickets.com is a good discounted outlet recommended on here and I have found another ticket outlet that has tickets that Mapleleaf doesn't...2 day hoppers. But whatever you decide saving money is your goal, I can help with off site, not too good with on site since I tend to stay off site to save money! Send me private if you want more info! Always happy to help spread the Magic of a Disney vacation!

 

[loriloughs]

Hello! Kudos to you for being a single dad. Not easy! September is a good time to go to Disney. They sometimes have a package at that time of year where you book the hotel and tickets and get dining free. Keep your eye out for that. They usually release that info in early May. You might try staying in a moderate resort or even value like Art of Animation Little Mermaid. However, those rooms are really, really far from main hall and pool. We have stayed both on and off property over the years and opt for on property recently. Even though it seems like it costs more, there are lots of added expenses when you stay off property. Good luck in your planning and if you need any help, don't hesitate to message me!

 

[Beckett]

Very cute video! Your son is adorable. I am a single mom and I used to always stay offsite because of the prices, but something that helped me stay onsite without paying the full cost was booking throught other sites such as Orbitz. They have lower prices and deals in which you can take up to 20 percent off of your total and the final price ends up being very similar to what I was paying while staying offsite and renting a car. Plus, not having to drive alone with my daughter and being able to rely on Disney Transportation is just so worth it. One less thing to worry about. Good luck!

 

[Weather_Lady]

I'd recommend looking into a DVC points rental. We saved about 50% off of rack rate when we stayed at Wilderness Lodge by renting points (that was for a 2-bedroom villa, but you save lots with a DVC rental regardless of room category). There are some reputable companies (we used David's Vacation Rentals) that will broker the deal for you and take much of the risk out of it. (You pay an extra dollr or two per rented point that way, but it can be worth the peace of mind.)

The primary downsides of a DVC rental are: (1) you won't be eligible for any discount deals, like room discounts or free dining packages, that Disney might offer; and (2) you need to secure the reservation well in advance -- 7-11 months ahead -- and you'll need to pay the entire amount (non-refundable, so buy vacation insurance if there's any chance you might need to cancel) as soon as the reservation is made. For my family, even adding in the cost of vacation insurance, we still saved hundreds by renting DVC points. https://www.dvcrequest.com/cost-calculator.asp

Other options to save money:
(1) book an onsite stay in a value or moderate resort, select to visit during a time of year when discount packages tend to be offered, and watch for those discounts to be released, so you can immediately call and have them added to your reservation (in other words you don't need to wait and book during a discount; you can book and have the discount added later, if one becomes available for your travel dates). For a historical overview of when Disney offers discounts in recent years, see here: http://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/
(2) do you own a camper or RV? If so, Fort Wilderness Campground is a wonderful onsite option

 

[WillCAD]

Something a lot of people do to save for a WDW trip is to purchase Disney Gift Cards periodically. Some stores offer them for reward points, and you can also get them at a 5% discount ($150 for $143) at Sam's Club. I just buy them at face value, as they help me to store my Disney money in a format that's inaccessible. It doesn't draw interest as it would in a savings account, but it works for me.

For a 4-5 year old, Disney's five Value level Resorts can't be beat. All-Star Music, Sports, and Movies, Pop Century, and Art of Animation are all Disney's least expensive resort hotels, and are just the right size for you and your youngster (most rooms come with two double beds, though kings and family suites are available). But it's the themeing that really works for kids - everything in the Values is big, bold, and bright, just like in the parks. Giant Dalmatians, Rubik's Cubes, and other icons decorate each building, each resort has multiple pools and play areas, and the overall decor screams out that these places are made for kids (or adults who still have a child-like sense of wonder and excitement).

September is a great time to go from a crowds and cost standpoint; it's pretty deserted and the rates are some of the lowest of the year. However, be warned that September is also very hot, and very humid. It's the rainy season, and the heat causes afternoon thunderstorms every day, usually between 3:00 and 5:00. They typically last for less than an hour. Take Brita bottles with filters, and drink lots of water to stay hydrated and cool. And with a 5 year old, you'll want to take a mid-day break for a nap, shower, and/or possibly a visit to the resort's pool. If you're staying on-site, this is much easier to manage than if you're off-site.

I have only gotten the dining plan once. I liked the idea that my meals were paid for and all I had to do was use my credits, but since I typically go to WDW solo, I find it much more flexible to pay out of pocket. I suspect with a little one, you will probably feel the same. Just remember - you can still make advance dining reservations even if you're not on the dining plan, and even if you're not staying on-site, so no matter where you stay, be sure to call for your must-do reservations at the 180-day mark.

And since his birthday is 9/10, and you're going in September, get him a birthday button as soon as you arrive! CMs tend to fawn over people with birthday buttons, especially cute little kids, so he'll love the extra attention. If you're there on his actual birthday, be sure to make an ADR at his favorite restaurant, or one that has his favorite characters in attendance. Birthday celebrations for kids can be pretty special at WDW.

Don't be shy about using a travel agent who specializes in Disney vacations. They can often get you specials or group rates that can't be had by the general public, and they're typically experts at booking Disney trips. I use MEI Travel myself, but there are a number of other very good companies out there.

 

[Gaprofitt]

Thanks for all the help, been doing some research and have a few more questions.

I got quotes for a 7 night stay from the DVC Rental store for next Sept. Wilderness lodge
is about $150 less total for the whole stay than the Polynesian. We stayed at the Wilderness
Lodge in Sept. How does the Polynesian compare in the eyes of a 4 year old boy?

Both rooms quoted are Studio Deluxe Villa. Not sure how these compare at each location.

Another option is they said they can quote any Resort so which value resort would be recommended and
what are the differences in themes? I really loved the proximity of WL and also I know Polynesian is
close with the monorail. I could also save some money and go value resort as well, being close
to MK was awesome though.

Thanks for the advice.

Greg

 

[WillCAD]

Thanks for all the help, been doing some research and have a few more questions.

I got quotes for a 7 night stay from the DVC Rental store for next Sept. Wilderness lodge
is about $150 less total for the whole stay than the Polynesian. We stayed at the Wilderness
Lodge in Sept. How does the Polynesian compare in the eyes of a 4 year old boy?

That all depends on the boy!

But I tend to think that the Poly's pool will definitely impress kids more than the WL. WL has a great pool, no doubt, but I think Poly's is greater.

The monorail is the big selling point of Poly. With a 4yo, you'll be spending a lot of time at MK, and being just a monorail ride away makes it quicker and easier to go back to your room for a mid-day break than taking a bus to WL.

Another selling point is the position on the Seven Seas Lagoon. From the Poly beach, you can watch Wishes every night (and they play the music on the beach, too). You might even be able to get a room with a MK view and be able to see the fireworks from your own balcony every night.

A minor advantage: Dole Whips. Nothing beats being able to just walk down to the lobby and get a Dole Whip any time you want.

Both rooms quoted are Studio Deluxe Villa. Not sure how these compare at each location.

Another option is they said they can quote any Resort so which value resort would be recommended and
what are the differences in themes? I really loved the proximity of WL and also I know Polynesian is
close with the monorail. I could also save some money and go value resort as well, being close
to MK was awesome though.

Thanks for the advice.

Greg

Of the Values, Art of Animation is definitely the most impressive from a theme and decor standpoint. Since it's the newest, it has great bus service as well, and I don't think it shares buses with any other resorts.

 

[LIMA TIME]

Awesome video!!!

I have stayed at both, with a son about the same age. He loved both! With Poly you get the monorail, which is cool at any age.

With regard to staying off site, while you may save a little, but then you have to pay to park at DW which is at or over $20 a day. Just some food for thought.

 

[dreamfinder]

Thanks for all the help, been doing some research and have a few more questions.

I got quotes for a 7 night stay from the DVC Rental store for next Sept. Wilderness lodge
is about $150 less total for the whole stay than the Polynesian. We stayed at the Wilderness
Lodge in Sept. How does the Polynesian compare in the eyes of a 4 year old boy?

Both rooms quoted are Studio Deluxe Villa. Not sure how these compare at each location.

Another option is they said they can quote any Resort so which value resort would be recommended and
what are the differences in themes? I really loved the proximity of WL and also I know Polynesian is
close with the monorail. I could also save some money and go value resort as well, being close
to MK was awesome though.

Thanks for the advice.

Greg

Keep in mind that the Poly is just wrapping up a pretty big refurb, converted a few longhouses to DVC, redid the main lobby building and a few others things. Wilderness Lodge is just starting to undergo their own large scale project, so you may see alot of construction at WLV. Both studio villas should offer the same general stuff, I think the Poly rooms are a different size and layout just from how they were converted from existing rooms to DVC.

I don't think that the DVC Rental Store can quote you non DVC properties. I may be wrong, but don't think they are a travel agent. They may be able to, but you wouldn't get anything different price wise from them than you would from a straight up Disney TA, or even from booking with WDW direct for a non DVC room. Going with the DVC point rental firms is only worth while when you want to stay at a DVC resort and not pay rack rates.
Some people prefer staying at POP! because it is newer, and doesn't share buses with other resorts like the All Stars may. But the theming there may not click with kids like it may at an All Star just because of the subject matter.

Depending on when in Sept you go, a value could save you another several hundred dollars over DVC point rental. DVC is one season for the whole month of Sept, while regular rooms change seasons on Sept 18th. So a week at WLV studio would be 107 points, and at $16 per (premium resort) it would cost you $1,712. Even if you went in Regular season (post Sept 18th) it would be $127/$162 (weekday/weekend) it would run you $959 for a standard room at All Star Movies, Fall season (pre Sept 18th) would be $111/$137, or $829. So you would save another $750-$880 if you switch to a value. That's enough to pay for tickets or airfare. Only you know if you would benefit that much from being a monorail or boat ride away from the MK. If you are going to do MK that much more than other parks, then the extra cost may be worth it. But if you plan on hitting all the parks equally, then the extra cost probably isn't worth it.

 

[Gaprofitt]

Keep in mind that the Poly is just wrapping up a pretty big refurb, converted a few longhouses to DVC, redid the main lobby building and a few others things. Wilderness Lodge is just starting to undergo their own large scale project, so you may see alot of construction at WLV. Both studio villas should offer the same general stuff, I think the Poly rooms are a different size and layout just from how they were converted from existing rooms to DVC.

I don't think that the DVC Rental Store can quote you non DVC properties. I may be wrong, but don't think they are a travel agent. They may be able to, but you wouldn't get anything different price wise from them than you would from a straight up Disney TA, or even from booking with WDW direct for a non DVC room. Going with the DVC point rental firms is only worth while when you want to stay at a DVC resort and not pay rack rates.
Some people prefer staying at POP! because it is newer, and doesn't share buses with other resorts like the All Stars may. But the theming there may not click with kids like it may at an All Star just because of the subject matter.

Depending on when in Sept you go, a value could save you another several hundred dollars over DVC point rental. DVC is one season for the whole month of Sept, while regular rooms change seasons on Sept 18th. So a week at WLV studio would be 107 points, and at $16 per (premium resort) it would cost you $1,712. Even if you went in Regular season (post Sept 18th) it would be $127/$162 (weekday/weekend) it would run you $959 for a standard room at All Star Movies, Fall season (pre Sept 18th) would be $111/$137, or $829. So you would save another $750-$880 if you switch to a value. That's enough to pay for tickets or airfare. Only you know if you would benefit that much from being a monorail or boat ride away from the MK. If you are going to do MK that much more than other parks, then the extra cost may be worth it. But if you plan on hitting all the parks equally, then the extra cost probably isn't worth it.

Last year we stayed at Wilderness Lodge, this was my first time to Disney and was my son's 4th Birthday. Obviously by the video above he loved it. Not knowing what to expect I could only be as prepared from reading reviews, videos, etc. I decided on the Polynesian this time for a couple of reasons. It's something new, looks like the kids areas/splash/pool area is new and he loves waterslides. It's also closer to MK than Wilderness Lodge by a bit and I'm assuming the access is quicker via the monorail. We spent quite a bit of time waiting on the boats although it wasn't bad. Are there any shows or what else is kid themed and would he enjoy at the polynesian?

Last year we arrived on a Wed afternoon, we did Magic Kingdom for a few days, went to Animal Kingdom one day and Epcot for just a few hours. We did the character dining with Pooh and Friends, Chef Mickey's and the one at Epcot that rotates (Garden View) or something like that. We rode pretty much everything at Magic Kingdom, he wasn't really into Animal Kingdom that much. We rode the Nemo ride and turtle talk with crush and that's it at Epcot before dinner. The land ride was closed near the restaurant, forget the name of it but it looked really cool. I'll probably skip Animal Kingdom next year.

I can easily see us staying in Magic Kingdom for 3-4 days next time, perhaps go to Hollywood Studios as well and maybe Epcot. I'm hopeful with my time next time it can be a bit more relaxing.

Couple of questions...

With the DVC Villa Rentals can you still utilize My Disney Experience? Does your reservation show up? Does it work the same with
fastpass, etc. I plan on skipping the dining plan this year.. Do they still provide you magic bands or must you buy your own?

Can you request a certain longhouse as a preference? If so what is recommended at the Polynesian? It is a standard view deluxe villa.

The lady said it may take a month or two to secure my reservation with a member. What's the likelihood I won't be able to secure a reservation?

I'm guessing using one of these broker services using gift cards to pay any of the balance is not allowed given they are not Disney.

Thanks,

Greg

 

[dreamfinder]

Couple of questions...

With the DVC Villa Rentals can you still utilize My Disney Experience? Does your reservation show up? Does it work the same with
fastpass, etc. I plan on skipping the dining plan this year.. Do they still provide you magic bands or must you buy your own?

Can you request a certain longhouse as a preference? If so what is recommended at the Polynesian? It is a standard view deluxe villa.

The lady said it may take a month or two to secure my reservation with a member. What's the likelihood I won't be able to secure a reservation?

I'm guessing using one of these broker services using gift cards to pay any of the balance is not allowed given they are not Disney.

Thanks,

Greg

I strongly suggest checking out the DVC sub forum, there are several posts on there about point rentals. However, in all essence, renting points is really like working with a travel agent. The owner (our imaginary TA) is the one that actually owns the reservations, and needs to be the one making any changes. So if want to make a room request in advance of being able to check in online, add tickets, add the dining plan, etc they need to do it. Once they book the stay, they would need to provide you with the reservation number to add to your MDE account to do things like FP+, order your Magic Bands, etc. Ignore the "deluxe" part of any DVC description. Every villa (within the size class studio, 1BR or 2BR) has the same stuff. There are only a few longhouses that are DVC rooms, I believe Pago Pago, Moorea and Tokelau. Availability at Poly is still a bit of a wild card at this point. They haven't sold all the points yet, and it's pretty new, so there won't be as many owners offering their points for rent. I just spot checked availability, and I'm showing the month as bookable, but we are 9 months out so still within the Poly owners exclusive booking window. (Owners at a given resort can book 11 months out at their home resort, 7 months at any other resort) So in another 2 months or so, anyone can book there, which will hit the availability, but also greatly increase the numbers of owners you could rent from. And correct, you cannot use gift cards to pay for a point rental at all as the transaction is between you and the owner, with the broker taking a cut off the top for connect the two parties and providing some legal framework for the rental. You could use gift cards to pay for your tickets if you buy them direct from WDW instead of going through a reseller like Undercover Tourist.

 

[Gaprofitt]

I strongly suggest checking out the DVC sub forum, there are several posts on there about point rentals. However, in all essence, renting points is really like working with a travel agent. The owner (our imaginary TA) is the one that actually owns the reservations, and needs to be the one making any changes. So if want to make a room request in advance of being able to check in online, add tickets, add the dining plan, etc they need to do it. Once they book the stay, they would need to provide you with the reservation number to add to your MDE account to do things like FP+, order your Magic Bands, etc. Ignore the "deluxe" part of any DVC description. Every villa (within the size class studio, 1BR or 2BR) has the same stuff. There are only a few longhouses that are DVC rooms, I believe Pago Pago, Moorea and Tokelau. Availability at Poly is still a bit of a wild card at this point. They haven't sold all the points yet, and it's pretty new, so there won't be as many owners offering their points for rent. I just spot checked availability, and I'm showing the month as bookable, but we are 9 months out so still within the Poly owners exclusive booking window. (Owners at a given resort can book 11 months out at their home resort, 7 months at any other resort) So in another 2 months or so, anyone can book there, which will hit the availability, but also greatly increase the numbers of owners you could rent from. And correct, you cannot use gift cards to pay for a point rental at all as the transaction is between you and the owner, with the broker taking a cut off the top for connect the two parties and providing some legal framework for the rental. You could use gift cards to pay for your tickets if you buy them direct from WDW instead of going through a reseller like Undercover Tourist.

Got it! I'll just sit tight for now until they match me to an owner. If all else fails I can go for another resort, etc as I'm flexible.

 

[LAKid53]

Hope you get a studio at the Poly. I believe they are the largest of the DVC studios and have split bathrooms. Hopefully, once you add the reservation confirmation number to your MDE account, you will be able to check-in online at 60 days. Don't remember which long house is nearest to the Ticketing & Transportation Center, but you are just a short walk across the street from the monorail stop at TCC, which is more convenient for taking the monorail directly over to EPCOT, rather than hopping on at Poly and stopping at the GF, MK, Contemporary before changing to the EPCOT monorail at the TCC.

If you don't get a studio at Poly, I would reconsider Art of Animation. Other than the Little Mermaid rooms, the resort rooms are family suites and thus more expensive. There are fewer Little Mermaid rooms and they go fast. Pop Century isn't a bad resort and you can walk across the bridge to AoA to use their food court. I would also check out a moderate if you end up not being able to rent points. We've enjoyed staying at Port Orleans Riverside, but I understand French Quarter has the better pool, kid wise. Plus you can take the boat to Disney Springs. There is no sit down restaurant at French Quarter, but I think there is a quick service place, but probably smaller than the one at Riverside. It's a nice walk from French Quarter to Riverside along the river (plus it will help burn off some of you little guy's excess energy).

We're staying in a Poly studio next month (only 25 more days!) for my daughter's birthday and am looking forward to it. Will let you know what it's like. If you have a chance, go to the AllEars.net channel on YouTube. They should have a video of the new Poly studio rooms, along with other resort rooms for those resorts you are mot familiar with.

Have a wonderful trip!