[PiratesFan]

I need some advice. My parents, DW, and 2 DD's ages 2 and 4 are planning a WDW trip May 4-May 11, 2003. We are planning to stay at the Polynesian . Because the trip was planned this past June, there were no package deals available because the 2003 resort rates were not published yet. My mom, handling all reservations, decided to get the plane tickets on her own to guarantee a flight. She was told by the WDTC to pay for the rooms for one night in full and then cancel, to re-book when the 2003 rates are published, using the DC discount. Not unreasonable, we've done it before.

Today she called the WDTC to find out that the room rates during this time (Reg Season) are now $404 for garden view. This is an increase of around $70 per night, similar to the cost during peak season. The DC discount only shaved off 10% of the bill, not even enough to take care of taxes. Even the Disney agent was taken back by the cost of the room, and she had 6 years experience (Mom spoke to her after being unsatisfied with the previous agent, and asked for her experience level, since we were getting stuck with these ridiculous prices) What's going on?

I need help!! ( Mickey, etc. ) Mom is going to her travel agent on Monday (tomorrow) to see if they could get us a better deal, 2 rooms with garden view, with a rental car and a minivan. What do you suggest we do, sit tight and see what "codes" come out and re-book, or can we get better rates by some other means?
We had hoped that the DC discount would be better or that WDTCsney could get us a better room/car rental package.

The WDTC also said that National is no longer their official rental agency, and it was being merged with Alamo! Does this mean no more on site rentals at Orlando Airport. We've been to the one outside of the airport before but were hoping to go through National and pick up the vehicles at the airport. Very confusing!

Any help/suggestions would be very much appreciated. I've read many other previous posts dealing with reservations and prices but this seems to be something new and more expensive. Love to stay at the Poly but POR is looking good again. :nervous :dazed :wow: :)

[mickey]

First off, I am pulling up $344 per night for a garden view room at the Poly for the first of May (Regular Season) which is only $10 more per night than last year. Peak Season is $404, and runs through 4/23, so that may be what they are looking at. These are the rack rates.

For Regular Season, you can get 10% off using the Disney Club discount, so you are looking right at about $310 per night, plus tax. We usually book at the full rate or at the Disney Club rate, and the recheck the reservation when any discount codes are released. Last year, there were discounts of about 40% off rack rates for that time period. They weren't released until March though. If you book now, Disney will require a one nights deposit that is fully refundible up until 5 days prior to check it.

The problem with calling WDTC is that they are a reseller, just like any other Disney reseller like AAA or Delta, they price up the standard prices and add a couple of little trinkets.

By the way, if Disney releases discounts like last year, there is no better way to get a good rate. I am sure that the good people at Mouseketrips.com would be happy to help you with your plans if you would like some help.

[PiratesFan]

Thanks for the response. The WDTC did say though that the new rates as of today would be $404 for a garden view during this time, and were not posted as of yet. I agree with you that I have seen this rate published for peak season, seem coincidental, but we were very clear about the dates we wanted. It seems that this is something new. I guess only time will tell if this will be official.
What really are the chances that we could see any discount at all? I know many people are willing to spend the Deluxe Resort price, but I must take a pause and think about what you are really getting, despite the location on the monorail system. Let's be honest, the rooms are not really worth that much.
I know my mom likes to lock in the reservations, that is why she would go with a travel agent as a second opinion. Regardless, we are determined to stay at the Poly. I guess the worst is already upon us would hopefully improve via some discounts. Too bad Disney doesn't operate like the Vegas Casinos, we would have racked up many comps since 1975.

[mickey]

The only thing I can think of is that for some reason, they would change the dates so that the week you are going has been moved to Peak Season, but that doesn't seem very likely.

There have been discounts for May the last two years, so I would say that the chances are likely. What I would suggest is that you book the room that you are comfortable with at the current rate right now. Then, if there are discounts, you can look at your options and decide then if you want to upgrade or just get the discount. And, if there are no discounts, then you already have your reservations and go from there.

When I get to the office tomorrow morning, I will check what the rates are for you then.

[jgriff2388]

FYI. We went this past June 2002, and our rate for a garden view room was a $189 per night. Disney was running a special so I was able to lock in for this rate.:)

[dab]

I don't know how many days you are going to go to the parks but have you considered getting an annual pass. Even if you are only going for a few days the savings from your deluxe resort can make it worth it. Annual pass holders can save as much as 45% off of rack rates and the annual pass holder rate is sometimes even better than special offer rates. The best part is that only one member of the party needs to be an annual pass holder to get the disc. rate. Unfortunately there is no way to know what the AP discount will be for the time you're booking but it couldn't hurt to book it and see what happens.

Just to give you an idea... 4/21/02 - 9/30/02 (regular season) the AP holder rate for a Poly garden view room was $210 compared to $334 for non AP holders which is about a 37% savings... much better than a DC 10% savings. Add the $10 price inc. and maybe that can give you an idea for 2003.

The AP will cost about $391. (no plus options... only theme parks) Just pay for water parks, PI, Quest etc. as you go... one day for one person is not terribly expensieve. The Premium AP doesn't pay to purchase unless you'll definately be using it again within a year.
Compare the rates:
7 night Ultimate Hopper is about $364.
7 day Plus Hopper about $325
5 day Hopper about $230./ $274 for the plus.

Bottom line for about $27 - $160 dollars more for one Annual Pass, you could save about $90/ night on your room... times 7... that equalls $630!!!!!!

As far as I know, you don't have to have the AP at the time of booking, at least we didn't a couple of years ago. We just showed it at check-in.

[mickey]

Dab, thanks for your insight. Don't assume though that there are discounts for annual passholders. While they often release those discounts, they aren't guaranteed. Usually, the Annual Passholder discounts are about $10 more per room than the "good for anyone" discount rates.

Oh, and no, you don't have to have an annual passport when making the reservation, you must have it at check in though.

[mickey]

Piratesfan, I just got in, and the rates for the Polynesian, garden view for 5/4/03 - 5/11/03 is $344 per night, plus tax ($383). There is a 10% discount for Disney Club members available. That is the best rate right now.

Let me know if you need any help.

[PiratesFan]

Thank you all for you help. At this point we are booked for 2 rooms and rental cars through WDTC for the Poly. We have decided to simply wait it out for any discounts, if not, no harm done. My mom was really upset that she could not get better rates, but she did remember that when she was booked for last December, Disney called her around 9PM to offer her a discount. She actually cancelled for Dec (health reasons) and was rebooked for Contemporary Gardens at a great rate. With this and the info here, I was able to put her mind at ease and wait it out. BTW, does anyone really ever pay the rack rates?

Dab, thanks for the info, but we already purchased park hopper passes and have them in hand. We opted for the hopper passes rather than length of stay ones because it was slightly cheaper. The length of stay passes included the day we are leaving, where we have noon flight and will not be going into the parks (ample time for the Kona Cafe though . ).

For now, I think I will sit back and enjoy the ride, DC style!:)

[mickey]

BTW, does anyone really ever pay the rack rates?

Yes, I just priced out a trip for someone over Thanksgiving, and everything is sold out but All-Star Sports, Yacht Club and Grand Floridian. No discounts to be found, anywhere. Not even Disney Club.

BTW, what room rate did they quote you today?

[PiratesFan]

Sorry, forgot to mention it. The rooms are booked for the $344 a night (plus Tax) rate for 5/4 - 5/11. DC discount added after was 10% off. On the bright side, it can only get better.:)