[SnazzyCMB]

Ok everyone! Sorry if this is going to be sorta lengthy and not ONLY related to the "resorts". So, my boyfriend and I are going to WDW in Sept. for about 10 days. We went last Sept. for 7 days (we did the fairy tale package, with 3 nights free) and stayed at Coronado Springs. We are considering All-Star Music for our next trip because of the value price (especially cause we are going for a longer time period). We really want to stay at a deluxe resort, but just can't afford it right now at the regular rates. Any idea if they will run that 3 nights free package again this year? Also, I have AAA membership and would like to apply that discount if possible. Can you apply AAA discount to a package, or only room-only rates? Also, because we are going for 10 nights, we were considering an AP (maybe we can go again next year too:whistle: ) I've heard that with an AP you can get some great room rates (especially in the off season, which is when we'll be there). Should I get an AP and hope that there ends up being a discount on a deluxe, and if not, just use my AAA discount at all-stars? Should I just book a package? Wait and see if they have the special offer they had last year? If I do book now, and get an AP, my AP won't be activated until I get to the park (I live in CT, not really close to Florida, unfortunately!:hmmm ) Would I still be able to get the room discount with just the voucher rather than an activated AP? I've looked at the All-Ears Net site and they have lots of info about APs, but I really just want to hear from you guys about whether or not it's worth the expense. If I book a room and then they come out with a special offer, can I change my reservation and not be charged? How far in advance do I have to do that? Do the disounts with the AP on dining really measure up? Because it's just 2 adults, we really like to enjoy eating out at the fairly upscale places (artist's point, bistro de paris, narcoosee's -spelling?? etc). Is it worth it? Also, because we are going for 10 days, we want to be able to have a somewhat relaxing trip (as much as possible at WDW), we want a king bed, and a bath tub. I've learned that at all-stars, king rooms are accessible, and don't have a tub, just a shower stall type thing. Is it possible to have both? do I just request it? Or would i have to upgrade to a moderate? arggghh!! so many decisions! javascript:smilie(':dazed')As you can tell, I'm a bit of a control/planning freak! :p My planning dvd came yesterday (it was 2 hours long of all disney! woohoo:D ) But it made everything even more confusing! planning helps me deal with my PDD and I really need help deciding. Keep in mind, we are a (somewhat :whistle: ) budget concious young couple, 24 and 28, and don't wanna invest in APs if it's not as great as I think it is. Ok, enough rambling! Thanks so much for reading and for all the great advice you've already given me and I hope I haven't bored you to tears already! Thanks guys!!

[dab]

If you want to go to the parks every day then the AP's might be the best way to go. As for the discounts, I'm not sure about the AAA discounts but I'm sure a quick phone call to Disney or a disney travel agent could help! AP holders do get good discounts on rooms so that might make upgrading more of an option.

I could be wrong but I don't think you can get a king room at a value resort with a tub - it's like you said with a handicapp access shower stall.

If you decide against AP's, you could split your stay - 5 days at a value resort with ultimate hoppers and then 5 days at at a moderate or deluxe resort with 5 or 4 day regular park hoppers. That way you could spend the first half of the trip busy at the parks and not much time in the room. By the 2nd half you would be ready for a little more relaxation and pampering and would have time to appreciate all the moderate or deluxe resorts have to offer.

If you're thinking of a value resort why not try Pop Centruy. It's brand new and I've heard good things!

Sounds like you have a lot of questions/concerns. I would really suggest taking some time to talk to a TA. Check out Mouseketrips... the advice won't cost a penny!

Good luck and happy planning! :)

[StitchExp626]

I booked my September trip through AAA and got a good deal. For 2 people is was a little less than $1700 and included plan tickets, hotel reservations, the Disney Dream Maker package, Disney dollars, and transfers to and from Orlando airport. Not sure if you can book a similar trip directly through Disney by asking for the AAA discount. My friend and I orginally planned to stay at All Star Movies but after reading about the new Pop Century resort we decided to stay there instead. The Pop Century seems to be a better place to stay than All Stars. I've read some really bad reviews about All Stars. Service at Pop Century is better, at least according to the reviews I've read.

Originally posted by SnazzyCMB
Ok everyone! Sorry if this is going to be sorta lengthy and not ONLY related to the "resorts". So, my boyfriend and I are going to WDW in Sept. for about 10 days. We went last Sept. for 7 days (we did the fairy tale package, with 3 nights free) and stayed at Coronado Springs. We are considering All-Star Music for our next trip because of the value price (especially cause we are going for a longer time period). We really want to stay at a deluxe resort, but just can't afford it right now at the regular rates. Any idea if they will run that 3 nights free package again this year? Also, I have AAA membership and would like to apply that discount if possible. Can you apply AAA discount to a package, or only room-only rates?

[LRTJS]

I just read in the Sunday paper that AAA in my area is having a huge Disney vacation show next Saturday. They said there will be reps there from DW, DL, and cruises. Also, info on great discounts at all resorts. I don't live anywhere near Conn. (way down here in Dixie) but you might want to call your local AAA and see if they too have something upcoming.:)

[StitchExp626]

Found this at Intercot.ccom:

"AAA members are eligible for discounts at Walt Disney World Resort hotels, ranging from 10%-20%. However this often depends on the Season. These discounts are similar to what is often available to Disney Club Members. AAA discounts are not always the deepest specials available. That being said, there are times when AAA discounts are the only ones available for certain popular times of the year."

[MitchInVA]

Thanks for the tip, Stitch. I'm planning a trip for May, after the current package deals have expired. The AAA discount, if there is one, seems to be the only one available right now for post-April 17th.