[lovemysons]

Ok my dear friends, what should I do? My dear, wonderful husband has agreed to a Disney trip this summer. YEAH!! I just found great airfare rates for the four of us to fly to Orlando in June when my son gets out of school. BUT I am not able to get an annual pass discount at WL for the time we want to go. I could go ahead a book the room, without the discount, but it just bothers me to pay that much money when we have the passes! I got a price of $1700 for the week at Animal Kingdom, savannah view, but I don't know if this is worth the money or not. Any of you dear folks who have stayed there, let me know if that is worth it. OR, what would be a relatively reasonably priced place to stay instead? OR, should I do what the nice lady on the phone said and just keep calling the reservations number and hope for cancellations? Any suggestions, help, or words of wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

[EmpressJenny]

I would hold out for a better price. I spent 7 nights at AKL 3 months ago for $900, and I realize that they are 2 different seasons, but that's almost double (I also had a savanna view).

Are you not able to get WL at AP prices because of it being booked, or because there is no AP discount for that time of year? If it's because it's booked then DEFINITELY call back you will almost certainly have cancellations.

[EmpressJenny]

On Mousesavers.com I'm seeing WL (as long as you check in between now and the Fourth of July) for $139 a night for AP holders with discount code EWY. Have you tried that yet? FYI, AKL is the same exact price.

[lovemysons]

Thanks for your quick response Jenny! Yea, I did try the code, but they said they only had the honeymoon suite available. So I was kind of confused. Apparently there are only a certain number of rooms available for the AP discount. I am guessing those are all taken. So maybe I will just try my luck and keep calling. I was just wondering if anyone ever had luck with waiting for cancellations.

[karliebug]

Why don't you book with your AP discount at another resort and then keep calling to see if anything opens up at WL or AKL, if that is what your hearrt is set on. I think the moderates are very nice,too. Especially POR or French quarter.

[lovemysons]

Thanks, I will try that. I was hoping to get some opinions about the moderates, as far as, how they compare to the deluxes, and if there was much of a difference. We just like to stay at WL because it is so close to the MK, and it is relatively hassle free as far as the transportation. I don't know how the moderates work as far as transportation, and being able to take breaks during the day, relying on Disney's transportation.

[mickey]

I would grab something that is ok with you, somewhere you would like to stay if you can't get the WL. Then, just keep checking to see if the WL opens up. You never know, and since it will be a room only reservation, it won't be a problem changing it even last minute.

[llama]

Originally Posted by lovemysons

Thanks, I will try that. I was hoping to get some opinions about the moderates, as far as, how they compare to the deluxes, and if there was much of a difference. We just like to stay at WL because it is so close to the MK, and it is relatively hassle free as far as the transportation. I don't know how the moderates work as far as transportation, and being able to take breaks during the day, relying on Disney's transportation.

I truly, honestly don't see much of a difference between WL and the moderates. It might be just an optical illusion, but I always remember the room at the WL as seeming to be the smallest we ever stayed in. It felt much roomier at POR and POFQ. Other than the boat to the MK, the transportation to everywhere else at both the WL and moderates is by bus - however, at POR and POFQ you can take the boat down to DTD. The moderates also have food courts - which is so much handier when you've got kids.

[EmpressJenny]

Actually, I booked Boardwalk Inn for my anniversary because I couldn't get the Poly. I called back every few days until I got in, so it DOES happen

[mickaholic4077]

I got reservations for Pop Century five days before New Year's Eve 2003-04,because Dec. 26th was the last day for cancellations without penalty. I think the best day to get WL at the AP rate will be 5 days before the start of your trip,but by all means keep on calling back every couple days(as long as you have the toll-free number!!).

[cinderbella]

If you have your heart set on WL or AKL then go ahead...but I think it was Bdavis (?) or maybe disneyteacher ..maybe...who called the very first day to get AP codes for WL in June and they were all booked up...on the first day..so my guess is A. Junes a hot month and B. WL is a hot resort for AP holders.
Disney transport back and forth between the moderates are bueses...and the buses are great!! We never drive on the property anymore!! Ive only stayed at the Values and they have never been intolerable....im sure the moderates are run even more efficentaly

[MerlinMatt]

Originally Posted by mickey

I would grab something that is ok with you, somewhere you would like to stay if you can't get the WL. Then, just keep checking to see if the WL opens up. You never know, and since it will be a room only reservation, it won't be a problem changing it even last minute.

Mickey took the words right off my keyboard.

There aren't any bad places to stay, so the key is to find SOMEPLACE.

I'm kinda jealous that you're even considering staying in one of the upscale places. We generally too cost-conscious and end up staying at a Value. But we have a GREAT time. We LOVE the Pop Century.

The point is, don't fret over it. Find the best AP rate you can get and make the reservation. Then call back every few days. Then, with 2 weeks to go, call EVERY day. The change/cancel without penalty ends 5 days prior to the reservation. It's amazing how many people do actually cancel at the last minute.

[Pooh Fan]

You have goten some great advice, so there is not much for me to add. I just wanted to say that I am happy for you that you are going to Disney in June. Good luck getting the discount codes at WL. I hope you get it!

[lovemysons]

Yes, Pooh Fan, I have gotten some great advice! You guys are awesome. I was being a whiney pouty kid yesterday. I am just thrilled that we can swing this trip. I am just going to try to make a reservation this morning, wherever I can get a good rate. And you guys are right, there really is no bad place to stay. We have just been spoiled staying at the WL the last two times we visited. But we need to broaden our horizons!I'll let you guys know how I make out. Thanks again for all the helpful posts.

[DisneyTeacher]

I totally understand where you are coming from. We stayed at WL two years ago and now it's our favorite resort. I could stay there every trip and enjoy it. Last year we got a great deal at Shades of Green (with a quick stay at BCV before we checked in to SOG) so we had to skip WL. It was hard but it was nice to see a couple of different resort. This summer we are going back to WL and we can't wait. Any resort is better than no trip.