Booking a Disney Vacation

[temery]

I'm trying to help someone book a Disney trip for January. His wife died unexpectedly, and we've raised money to send him, an adult child, and two kids under 10 to Disney.

The sister of a friend who is a "Disney Specialist" travel agent sent me these options (six days), which does not include travel:

Grand Floridian Resort
Outer building garden view room
$5356.66 with no meal plan
$6099.08 with Quick Service
$6369.06 with Plus Dining Plan


Polynesian Resort
Standard view room
$4687.27 with no meal plan
$5429.69 with Quick Service
$5699.67 with Plus Dining Plan


Contemporary Resort
Garden wing garden view room
$4453.27 with no meal plan
$5195.69 with Quick Service
$5465.67 with Plus Dining Plan

I have no idea if these are good prices or not. Bottom line: I'm using my credit card rewards points for flights, but the rest is a bit more than we've raised. Any suggestions for cutting the costs, but still staying on Disney grounds, which I'm told is ideal?

 

[temery]

I'm trying to help someone book a Disney trip for January. His wife died unexpectedly, and we've raised money to send him, an adult child, and two kids under 10 to Disney.

The sister of a friend who is a "Disney Specialist" travel agent sent me these options (six days), which does not include travel:

Grand Floridian Resort
Outer building garden view room
$5356.66 with no meal plan
$6099.08 with Quick Service
$6369.06 with Plus Dining Plan


Polynesian Resort
Standard view room
$4687.27 with no meal plan
$5429.69 with Quick Service
$5699.67 with Plus Dining Plan


Contemporary Resort
Garden wing garden view room
$4453.27 with no meal plan
$5195.69 with Quick Service
$5465.67 with Plus Dining Plan

I have no idea if these are good prices or not. Bottom line: I'm using my credit card rewards points for flights, but the rest is a bit more than we've raised. Any suggestions for cutting the costs, but still staying on Disney grounds, which I'm told is ideal?

 

[JeepCSC]

If it's the first time with kids, it can be overwhelming and I usually recommend monorail resorts for convenience. You still have to bus to MGM and Animal Kingdom, but Magic is the main attraction for kids, and you can't beat the monorail for easy access between park and hotel room. Seeing as the specialist is thinking along those lines, the problem becomes narrowing down from three. The most obvious choice for kids is Polynesian.

As far as the prices, that's probably a few hundred dollars cheaper than just going through Disney. With under 10 kids, I might just wing it with no meal plan. Plans are nice if big eaters or you like the nice restaurants, but it isn't essential for most.

Also, that's probably including 7 days of tickets. While we all dare to dream, 5 is probably sufficient. Water park or even just the hotel pool and a trip to the Disney Village could be done on off days and no one the wiser. Of course if money is a concern, you really can't go wrong with any of their middle-tier hotels (I'm partial to Caribbean's pool). Then splurge on park hopper because even with Avatarland, I can't imagine a full day at Animal Kingdom.

 

[mainejeff]

I have no idea what Contemporary rooms are like but that would be the best hotel to save some $$$ plus it is a very convenient location and has a nice/affordable cafeteria style restaurant that has long operating hours. Be VERY careful with the meal plan! Personally, I would not get it....but if you do, it must be managed very carefully to get your money's worth.

 

[huskypantz]

I don't think the monorail is really a necessity - I've bussed it from our hotel with a 1 & 3 year old and double stroller, and again with a 3/5 yr old. As long as they speak English, the busses are plentiful and easy to figure out. You could get a Disney Swan lake package for 6 days/5 nights with 5 day Disney park hopper for $2700 on costco. Flight should be about $250-300 each nonstop. Concerning Disney in January, I'd just note that it can be "relatively chilly" - we went in late jan and the temps were in the 60's. The above doesn't count the meal plan or airport transfer, of course. There are other options - staying on property at non-Disney hotels. We did that both times. One hotel was across from Disney Springs, the other was in bonnet creek. The only real disadvantage is that you can't purchase the meal plan and you can't use the Disney airport transfer program.

 

[huskiesouth]

With young kids meal plan probably not needed, it's an unnecessary expense. There are many hotel alternatives which will be substantially cheaper such as the All Star Resorts up to the Swan/Dolphin hotels, all of which do require using Disney bus system but this system does work well.

The quoted hotels are a real luxury and they will have a great time staying at any on-site hotel. Having visited WDW a zillion tines I would suggest with little ones in tow getting to parks early, taking hotel break in middle of day and using Fast Pass system will help make this a better experience.

Uber works great to and from airport and yes it can get Florida chilly in January.

Congrats for working on a generous project, please send a message, glad to chip in.

 

[HuskyBandDad]

Look into Wilderness Lodge stayed with my kids many years ago. Cheaper than the 3 you priced. It is not on monorail but you can take a boat to Magic Kingdom and to Contemporary Hotel and get on monorail to Epcot. I booked on my own not thru Disney. Check Airline deals. Southwest always has deals. Maybe cheaper than using your reward miles. You may want to skip dining plans if kids are picky eaters and check dining restrictions.
Many non-Disney hotels have very good deals and offer free transportation to the Parks.
If this is there first time to Disney then do not try to do everything. It can get overwhelming. Planning a Disney trip can get crazy.

 

[8893]

The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World 2017

 

[HuskyBandDad]

Check AAA if you are a member. They have good deals

 

[Pride fan]

Those are three of the most expensive on site options. The Grand Floridian is very nice. There are less expensive Disney lodging options that are nice. We've stayed at Port Orleans/Dixie Landings a few times. It is one of Disney's mid-tier choices. It's not as luxurious, but still well appointed and fun. It really depends on how upscale you want to go

 

[KingOPancakes]

As others have said, those are 3 of the priciest deluxe resorts on property. You could probably drop down to a moderate like Caribbean Beach or Port Orleans and shave a 4 digit number off those quotes. Moderate resorts are still Pretty luxurious, have great kid friendly pools, and if you think about it they're going to be in the parks the majority of the time anyway. Dropping to a moderate would let them get a nicer meal plan so they can have some nice character meals and make some awesome memories.

 

[temery]

Costco - are the dates open, or is the package locked in to specific dates.

I don't think the monorail is really a necessity - I've bussed it from our hotel with a 1 & 3 year old and double stroller, and again with a 3/5 yr old. As long as they speak English, the busses are plentiful and easy to figure out. You could get a Disney Swan lake package for 6 days/5 nights with 5 day Disney park hopper for $2700 on costco. Flight should be about $250-300 each nonstop. Concerning Disney in January, I'd just note that it can be "relatively chilly" - we went in late jan and the temps were in the 60's. The above doesn't count the meal plan or airport transfer, of course. There are other options - staying on property at non-Disney hotels. We did that both times. One hotel was across from Disney Springs, the other was in bonnet creek. The only real disadvantage is that you can't purchase the meal plan and you can't use the Disney airport transfer program.

 

[JSM1970]

Disney is a total beat down and huge ripoff, but a necessary thing almost for young children

That's a good thing people are doing for them. I think that Animal Kingdom lodge is nice if it hasn't been mentioned.

I think Disney runs a free shuttle from MCO to the resorts for guests

 

[Jewels]

I would try the Swan or Dolphin which are on site but not Disney owned. Run by Starwoods and they have most of the same privileges as Disney owned properties.

 

[Adesmar123]

Those replies were spot on. The meal plan doesn't save and may actually cost you money. Its there for ease of planning, not to save money. It can actually become more costly if you aren't careful. Unless you are big and very regular eaters skip it. It gives you a LOT of food.

You will get bracelets that will let you into your room and allow you to pay for everything with a scan. So there is a limited need for carrying lots of cash.

Those options are the luxury hotels. If cost is an issue, then try the lower cost but very nice options. More important is to stay near the parks you will visiting the most. IE if the kids are younger and will visit the Magic Kingdom stay near there or a transportation option that will get you there. The bus system is great but be prepared to wait 10-20 minutes for a bus. The boat rides to the parks are fun try those.

MAKE DINING Reservations as soon as you can. You can always cancel them, but its harder to get them as you get closer. There is a great character breakfast in the movie park, and a great "princess dinner" in EPCOT. Do those types of things.

Your wrist pass will allow you to make "fast pass" reservations. Do those as soon as practical too.

But as far as your original questions, the pricing except for certain sales is pretty constant. If the sales were available I think your connection would get them for you. The listed options are pretty much the top of the list.

The monorail stops or goes through each o f those hotels you listed I think to the Magic Kingdom. That's one of the reasons why they are pricer. But there are other options to the park. For example there are shuttle ferries to the Magic Kingdom from some spots. If the less pricey hotels are the choice, ask which hotels have on site (non bus) transportation options.

whew...that's a lot and there is lots more to say. Staying at Disney is a full time job.

But make sure you make your character meal reservations early.

 

[huskymedic]

Grand Floridian is overkill for that group. Have stayed @ Polynesian multiple times and a solid choice (just went through a refresh). Wilderness Lodge as noted is a good choice.

Transportation system has many, many options so you could expand your options in on property resorts and not diminish from the experience. Just need to ask what properties may be undergoing a refresh/construction for the time you are planning. Sometimes pools and other amenities are "unavailable".

Never been a fan of dining plan but for a first visit - it's a good option (but not cheap).

 

[John]

Costco - are the dates open, or is the package locked in to specific dates.

the Disney characters walking around move way too slow and there's way too much socializing. Whenever I see them I flip them the double bird.

Disney is a total beat down and huge ripoff, but a necessary thing almost for young children

That's a good thing people are doing for them. I think that Animal Kingdom lodge is nice if it hasn't been mentioned.

I think Disney runs a free shuttle from MCO to the resorts for guests

the Disney characters move too slow, there's way too much socializing instead of working, and some of them are morbidly obese. Whenever I see them I flip them the double bird.

 

[Fishy]

Look into Wilderness Lodge stayed with my kids many years ago. Cheaper than the 3 you priced.

The Wilderness Lodge is a good choice being so close to the Magic Kingdom -- and for some reason, it is cheaper than the Polynesian. Great pool, convenient location.

I would toss the Grand Floridian. It's the Disney resort for people who like Disney, but don't like kids.

You could save a bunch of money by stepping down from the deluxe resorts to the moderate resorts - I've never stayed at one of them, but the Caribbean Beach Resort seems nice.

I'll disagree with some on the meal plan; if you're gifting this to someone and you want to reduce the friction for them, just do the meal plan.

 

[8893]

Big fan of the Contemporary with small kids, given the proximity to the Magic Kingdom. It enables maximum usage of the park because you can easily take breaks back at the room and return to the park quickly. You can walk or take the monorail.

Last time we went we stayed at Bay Lake Towers, which is a condo/apartment complex attached to the Contemporary. That is the best of all worlds imo. On January 2, the date we arrived, the rates went down 60%. It is open to Disney Club members first (which we are not), and then open first come, first served to the general public. Rooms view either the park, the bay, or both (which is what we had), enabling great fireworks and/or parade of lights views from the room. The rooms are suites with full kitchens, and there are local services that will deliver groceries and have them waiting for you in the room and fridge when you arrive, allowing you to cut costs significantly by having breakfasts and lunches in the room.

I've done it with and without the meal plan and both have their advantages and drawbacks, which can be maximized and reduced, respectively, with proper planning. The book I linked above is a treasure trove of information about how to make best use of the parks and the area for all ages and situations. I think it's indispensable.

 

[G0UCONN]

We made the trip to "mecca" 10 years ago and stayed at the Polynesian. It was terrific. Right on monorail. We also liked the meal plan and found it to be worth it.

Related note for Orlando travelers.....Dolphin Cove is expensive but awesome. Do it.

 

[Fishy]

We made the trip to "mecca" 10 years ago and stayed at the Polynesian. It was terrific. We also liked the meal plan and found it to be worth it.

Related note for Orlando travelers.....Dolphin Cove is expensive but awesome. Do it.

Discovery Cove?

If so, yes, it is expensive and it is awesome.

 

[8893]

Send them to the dinner and show at the Hoop-Dee Doo Revue one night. They can take the boat launch there and back if they stay at one the on-park properties. It's great, old-timey fun and all-you-can eat and drink.

Crystal Palace is by far the best buffet deal and a good place for a lot of character sightings for the kids.

If one or both of the kids is a girl, the princess breakfast at Cinderella's Castle is essential.

 

[G0UCONN]

Discovery Cove?

If so, yes, it is expensive and it is awesome.

Yes....Discovery Cove. Best place down there.

Available Packages & Pricing Options | Discovery Cove Orlando

 

[huskypantz]

Costco - are the dates open, or is the package locked in to specific dates.

dates are open on costco. I should also mention that while the park hopper pass is nice, it's not a necessity either. It is significantly cheaper to do the 4 day pass - you get all 4 parks, one per day(cannot repeat entry to any parks). The caveat is that you cannot change parks. If you're staying outside of a Disney hotel, this is usually not a big deal.

 

[John]

Check AAA if you are a member. They have good deals

AAA no longer has a relationship with Disney and don't offer discounts.