[Jessibelle]

I usually plan trips for friends and family using the WDW site and utilizing the packages. My next door neighbor is now planning a trip and wants my help, but she wants to do it A la Carte. She needs two rooms or a suite with two rooms. Her mother lives in FL and can get her discount tickets through the hospital she works at, so she doesn't need to do a package. My questions are:

Can you get adjoining rooms at All Star Resorts? I didn't think so, but for affordability, this would be the way to go, right?

Does anyone know the cost of a one bedroom at OKW or elsewhere per night?

I am thinking of telling her to do a Downtown Disney room, maybe that would be more affordable. Do those resorts get to use WDW transportation? How much do they run? Most important, does it take away from the "experience"?

In addition to these questions, please offer any advice that you can. She is travelling with her ex-hubby, an 8 yr old and a 2 yr old, probably next spring. She says she needs two rooms because the 2 yr old will not go to sleep if others are about. I tried to tell her that this would only be a problem on the first night until she got her into the park, then she shouldn't have a problem getting her to sleep, but she is convinced it would be a nightmare without two rooms.

Funny story, When we went last year, our daughter was 2 and had the same problem. We did not however book two rooms, thinking that we would be okay. We stayed at Polynesian. The first night, I went down to the snack bar and bought a couple of Premium Mickey ice cream bars (our favorite WDW treat). My husband and I sat in the bathroom eating ice cream while we waited for her to go to sleep. We took a picture and sent it back home via email. "Seeing the sights in Disney".

Thanks for your help.

[mickey]

I know that All-Star Movies has adjoining rooms, so I would assume that they all do. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, since the adjoining rooms would only be a request. Old Key West would be the cheapest on property one bedroom villa, and you are looking at about $340 per night, less any discounts. You may want to consider a cabin at Fort Wilderness. I have booked them for people for less than $150 per night. They feature a full kitchen, seperate bedroom and living room and Fort Wilderness is fun for kids!

If at all possible stay on site. While the Downtown Disney hotels do have Disney transportation, they are just like any other hotel that is off property. I really think you do loose a good portion of the Disney experience.

LOL, you don't know how many times we have sat in the bathroom with the lights off as well.

When is your friend going, and for how long? By the way, Disney's official stance on Florida passes is as follows: "Florida Resident tickets are only available to actual Florida Residents and can not be purchased for out of state family or friends. Proof of ID is required for purchase and use. Each adult in the party must have a valid Florida idenification card."

[Jessibelle]

Mickey, Thanks for all the great advise! All she told me was she wanted to go in the Spring and for about a week. As far as the tickets that her Mom is getting, I will ask if they are resident discount tickets. I remember her telling me that her Mom could get an employee discount through someone. But I will let her know about the restrictions.

I had a feeling about the off property resorts. I personally would never stay off site and that is why we just joined the DVC. Our first stay at OKW is in a month. No more bathrooms for us!!! :laugh

I am very interested in checking out the cabins. I loved the article in the Disney Mag about FW. We hope to stay there next year. Did you get a rate of $150 through Disney? I think she would love that rate. I would! :)

[mickey]

Originally posted by Jessibelle
Did you get a rate of $150 through Disney? I think she would love that rate. I would! :)

Actually, I am a Disney only travel agent. We booked several cabins in the Fall for under $150 per night. Assuming discounts are released here in the next few days, we should see the same pricing. (The price in the Fall was actually $154 including tax.)

I would suggest going prior to February 12, if they could. The rates jump up starting on the 13th, and it will be more crowded for sure.

By the way, you will love OKW. Call in a request for buildings 62, 63 or 64. They are the newest buildings, feature elevators, and are located right by the entrance and main building. We were in a trhee bedroom in 63 last time, and had a great view, and were able to get in and out of the resort in no time.

[Jessibelle]

Mickey, Just got off the phone with her. She said her Mom works in a hospital that is affiliated with WDW as sponsoring the sick kids to get into the park and such. The discount tickets she can get only require that she is present to get them in, which her ex doesn't particularily like. She also said that her Mom can get 1/2 price at Coronado, but I told her that 1/2 on two rooms would still be more than a cabin at that price.

If it's not a problem, could you let me know a ball park for April, the week before Easter, at FW with passes? Also the room rate without passes.

Then you can let me know how you became a Disney only travel agent. :o

Thanks so much.

[mickey]

I sent you a PM. I am sure others will have some input here as well. (Hey, it looks like we arrive at WDW three days ahead of you. Too bad, we will be gone on the 14th. :( )