Travel Tuesday Tales: Our Disney Vacation Accommodation Situation

Thanks for stopping by to read the next chapter of my Travel Tuesday Tales, where I am documenting my experiences planning our next Disney World vacation. For the story thus far, check out the Prologue, where I described who is going on the trip and when we will be at Disney.

And now, for today’s episode:

You know, one of the things I have struggled with my entire life is the conflict between my natural tendency to PLAN everything….and, well Life. As in, Life very rarely follows a plan. You think I would know that by now.

When last we spoke, I mentioned that Sunday, May 30 was my day to book our Disney vacation accommodations, since we would be using our Disney Vacation Club points and the earliest I could do it was 7 months out from our check-in date. I also mentioned that we were going to be driving home from western PA at 9 a.m. that morning, when the DVC phones opened, so I was hoping that I would have good reception in the mountains when it was time to call.

Well, the good news is that phone reception was not a problem. The reason for this is because I was not in the mountains. In fact, I was not anywhere near western PA at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 30. I never went to PA with DH at all.

Like I said, Life has a way of doing its thing, in spite of my plans. And Life presented us with a sick dog last week. And a sick dog at home meant someone needed to be with said sick dog at home…which meant me. OK, no problem, I could still call DVC at 9 a.m. on Sunday, May 30. And, I could even go to church Sunday morning too, which was a good thing. Because it doesn’t hurt to have the Lord on your side when booking your Disney accommodations. 🙂

The only teensy problem with this plan is that our church services start at 9:15. OK, no problem, so I’d call DVC to book first, and then run into church when I was done….because I DO have my priorities. And the Lord would understand.

So I left early for church, and arrived just at 9 a.m., so that I could call DVC from the comfort of my car, when the lines opened. (I’m sure the rest of the congregation who passed me in my car on the phone with DVC thought I was doing some Very Important Business if I was on the phone in the car before church…which of course I was.)

At the stroke of 9 a.m. I was on the phone with DVC, and explained that I was looking for four nights, in a 2 bedroom, starting Thursday, Dec. 30. Wherever they had room. (In the Prologue, I noted that “Given a choice though, we are going to request Animal Kingdom Lodge or Boardwalk Villas…but I know from experience, I’ll need to have an open mind, and that’s ok too.”) So that’s where we started.

I found out that neither of those two options were available, no big surprise actually. Old Key West and Saratoga Springs were the two places available, and since we just stayed at Saratoga Springs last October, I opted for Old Key West: nowhere close to my first choices, but I was frankly grateful that anything was available.  While on the phone with DVC, I then asked to be put on the Waitlist for both Animal Kingdom Lodge and Boardwalk Villas. And I also asked about the possibility of doing a “split stay” where you stay in more than one resort, the thought being that starting with Jan. 1 we would have more options as people start to head home once New Years is over…and so could perhaps get in one of the resorts that we REALLY wanted, at least for a couple of nights. The very nice castmember said we could do that…but I would have to wait until June 1 (7 months out again) to request a different stay for the 2nd two nights.

Right. Forgot about that. OK, well that gave me a couple of days to now discuss the situation with DH and DD to see if they wanted me to try for a split stay. Feeling pretty pleased with myself for accomplishing what I did, I then went to church and thanked the Lord for there being any 2 bedrooms available at all for our vacation, and to pray for our Waitlist to come through. (Please…..I AM kidding here. Sort of.)

So DH arrived home from PA  later that afternoon, and I very happily described for him and DD my conversation with the nice castmember at DVC, explained our options, told them what I had booked, our Waitlist, and asked if they wanted me to try for a different place starting on Jan. 1.

DH said no, he didn’t really want to change resorts.

DD said she would love to change resorts.

Thanks guys for the help here.

So we talked and discussed and weighed the pros and cons, and finally agreed that I would give it shot for a different resort on Jan. 1. Maybe try Boardwalk again, maybe Wilderness Lodge.

Cool. I LOVE Wilderness Lodge at Christmas time so that would be worth it to me to switch.

And THEN, DH let me know that he was not too thrilled with Animal Kingdom Lodge and really did not want to stay there AT ALL, and did not understand why I had Waitlisted there and that it is probably the last place he wanted to stay.

Really? Wow. So did not know that. And yes we talk. Apparently not often enough it would seem.

OK then. Tuesday morning June 1, back on the phone I went with DVC to try again.

Availability for two nights starting January 1?  How about Wilderness Lodge said the new nice castmember at DVC? You Betcha! said I.  Love the location for Boardwalk, but Wilderness Lodge at Christmas is tops in my book.

And happily, DH and DD concur. (DD’s friend doesn’t get a vote here. Sorry. 🙂 )

So despite my plans that changed not once but several times, we’re all good now. We will be staying at Old Key West for our first two nights (unless our Waitlist for Boardwalk Villas comes through for the first two nights…which I’m not holding my breath for.) Then we will move to Wilderness Lodge for the second two nights. And we are no longer Waitlisted for Animal Kingdom Lodge so DH is happy.

Even the dog is better so it’s been a good week all the way around.

What’s Next?

I am scheduled to book our ADRs on July 3 (but maybe doing it a few days earlier). So in advance of that, there is a lot of discussion going on right now about where we want to eat, and when, and just a tad little negotiating and bargaining as well.

My daughter even has made a spreadsheet. 🙂

I have taught her well, don’t you think?

Stay tuned!

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Friday Disney Savings Round-Up for 6/4/2010

In This week’s Disney Savings Round-Up:

All of the current promotions for Walt Disney World are noted below. In addition, be sure to check out the sales at DisneyStore.com and both Hotels.com and  Travelocity still have their sales on Orlando hotels.

DisneyStore.com Savings and Promotions

Buying Disney items at home BEFORE your Disney trip is a great way to save money.

DisneyStore.com has a Special Offers page that lists some great deals that may be perfect for some pre-trip “souvenirs”. Be sure to check it out. 🙂 Remember to also take a look at the discounts on all kinds of Disney items at the official Disney Outlet online.

And you can still save $25 when you become a Disney Rewards Visa Cardmember at DisneyStore.com (** See special Disney promotion below for Disney Visa cardmembers!)

Travelocity Special Promotions

Travelocity is still running their special promotion in the Orlando area. You might want to take a look to see if this is a savings for you!  Top Hotel Deals in Orlando

They also have a great deal on car rentals: Get up to 33% off Weekend Rentals from National! Offer ends 6/30!

Also, AirTran is having a nationwide Sale: One-Way Flights From $44+  Offer ends 6/10!

Hotels.com Special Promotions

Hotels.com is also having a special deal on Orlando hotels. Note that this special ends on June 8, 2010.

Orlando on Sale: Save up to 40% on hotels!

Walt Disney World Savings and Promotions

  • Book a Disney Vacation Package and Get FREE Dining!  Now available for everyone!: Travel between August 15 and Oct. 2. Stay at a Value Resort and receive Free Quick Service Dining Plan. Receive Free Basic Dining when you stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Minimum 3 night stay, with 2 day ticket.  You must book by August 14. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Stay through August 14, 2010 Get a 15%-30% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book by 8/14. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Stay August 15, 2010 through Oct. 2, 2010 Get a 30%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book by 10/2. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Kids Stay and Play for Free“: This special offer has been extended and is now valid for stays most nights May 2 – Oct. 2, 2010. Purchase a 4 night/5 day Magic Your Way vacation package (room and theme park tickets) and a child (age 3-9) stays in the room and gets a 5 day park pass for Free. This is basically providing free tickets for one child of this age…or two if there are two adults in the room…which can be a substantial savings! To receive the package deal, you must book by August 14, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Disney Visa Card members can book the “Kids Stay, Play, and Dine Free” package. This special offer has been extended and is now valid for most nights through Oct. 2. It includes a 4 night/5 day Magic Your Way vacation package with room, park tickets, and the Quick Service Dining Plan is included for free. You have until June 30 to book this offer. To book, call 407-934-7639 or your travel agent. (**Don’t have a Disney Visa card yet? See the special promotion below through DisneyStore.com.)
  • Military Discount of up to 40% on select Disney Resort rooms, for stays most nights through Sept. 30, 2010. You must book through July 31, 2010. In addition, active or retired members of the military can get a 4 day park ticket for $99. For more information visit the Military Special Offer page on disneyworld.com.
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Friday Disney Savings Round-Up for 5/28/2010

This week’s Disney Savings Round-Up:

Disney continues some great promotions: in case you need to see them again, the details are below. In addition, there are a few new sales at DisneyStore.com and both Hotels.com and  Travelocity are running some pretty decent sales on Orlando hotels.

DisneyStore.com Savings and Promotions

Are you looking for some special Disney items that you can buy BEFORE your Disney trip to save money? Here are a few special promotions that you may want to take advantage of:

Ship your entire order for FREE when you spend $89 or more  with Promo Code: SHIP89.

Take 25% off of purchases of $100+ or 15% off purchases of $50+  with Promo Code: MEMDAY

Please note that both of the above offers expire Monday, May 31.

Save $25 when you become a Disney Rewards Visa Cardmember at DisneyStore.com (** See special Disney promotion below for Disney Visa cardmembers!)

Lastly, don’t forget that you can always find super discounts on all kinds of Disney items at the official Disney Outlet online. These could be great Disney World “souvenirs” that you bring from home to surprise your children with. :)

Travelocity Special Promotions

Travelocity is still running their special promotion in the Orlando area. You might want to take a look to see if this is a savings for you!  Top Hotel Deals in Orlando

Hotels.com Special Promotions

Hotels.com is also having a special deal on Orlando hotels. Note that this special runs until June 8, 2010.

Orlando on Sale: Save up to 40% on hotels!

Walt Disney World Savings and Promotions

  • Book a Disney Vacation Package and Get FREE Dining!  Now available for everyone!: Travel between August 15 and Oct. 2. Stay at a Value Resort and receive Free Quick Service Dining Plan. Receive Free Basic Dining when you stay at a Moderate or Deluxe Resort. Minimum 3 night stay, with 2 day ticket.  You must book by August 14. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Stay through August 14, 2010 Get a 15%-30% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book by 8/14. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Stay August 15, 2010 through Oct. 2, 2010 Get a 30%-40% discount off regular room rates. You should know that some blackout dates do apply and that not all rates are available at all resorts. You must book by 10/2. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Kids Stay and Play for Free“: This special offer has been extended and is now valid for stays most nights May 2 – Oct. 2, 2010. Purchase a 4 night/5 day Magic Your Way vacation package (room and theme park tickets) and a child (age 3-9) stays in the room and gets a 5 day park pass for Free. This is basically providing free tickets for one child of this age…or two if there are two adults in the room…which can be a substantial savings! To receive the package deal, you must book by August 14, 2010. For more information, visit www.disneyworld.com and click on “Special Offers”.
  • Disney Visa Card members can book the “Kids Stay, Play, and Dine Free” package. This special offer has been extended and is now valid for most nights through Oct. 2. It includes a 4 night/5 day Magic Your Way vacation package with room, park tickets, and the Quick Service Dining Plan is included for free. You have until June 30 to book this offer. To book, call 407-934-7639 or your travel agent. (**Don’t have a Disney Visa card yet? See the special promotion below through DisneyStore.com.)
  • Military Discount of up to 40% on select Disney Resort rooms, for stays most nights through Sept. 30, 2010. You must book through July 31, 2010. In addition, active or retired members of the military can get a 4 day park ticket for $99. For more information visit the Military Special Offer page on disneyworld.com.
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We’re Chatting About Disney Vacation Rental Homes at Chip and Co. Today

Have you ever thought of staying in a vacation home at Walt Disney World, in order to accommodate a larger group more comfortably…and to save money as well? If you have not, but are finding it challenging to find a place to stay for your large family or group that is affordable, then you may want to consider it….and you may want to read my post over at Chip and Co. today:

Is Renting a Vacation Home at Disney the Right Choice for You?

I got into an interesting discussion with a friend recently, who is planning a Disney World vacation with extended family. We were talking about the various options for where to stay: official Disney resort, off-property hotel, or vacation home or condo. It was kind of interesting, as they all have pros and cons, and when it comes to deciding the best option, especially if you are trying to have as affordable a Disney vacation as possible….as she was….then the picture isn’t always black and white. As she was leaning towards renting a home, I’m going to focus this post on the pros and cons of vacation home rental at Disney, and then would like to hear from you……

You can read the rest of the post here.

And please leave me your thoughts about whether you would ever consider this, and especially if you have done it. I would love to know if you would rent a vacation home at Disney again!

Have a magical day!

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Travel Tuesday Tales: A Disney Vacation Prologue

I am probably my happiest when planning a Disney vacation…or at least that’s what my DH tells me.  So as we have started to make plans for our next Disney World trip in December, it’s been kind of a happy time around the Affordable Mouse house! 🙂 We’re just in the beginning stages at the moment, but will be making some firm plans within the next week, so it’s been kind of fun discussing the options. As you know if you have picked up my Affordable Disney Vacation Planning Guide, there is a lot of work to do at the beginning, before you book a thing!

Want to come along for the planning ride and see how I do it and what our experiences are like? Then follow along for my new series Travel Tuesday Tales, where I will periodically update you on the progress of our vacation planning. If you are new to planning a Disney vacation, it will give you the chance to see how I go about it. And if you are a Disney veteran, then you may enjoy living a Disney vacation vicariously through someone else….at least I know I sure do lol! 🙂

OK, so this is where we are at the moment.

Who: Myself, DH, DD and friend.

When: December 30 to January 3. Yup, we’re gonna be there for New Year’s Eve! We have done this a few times, and if you want to get some general thoughts on what we will be expecting, you can read this post, as well as a recent blog post I did over at Chip and Co. While we would love to be able to experience Christmas at Disney during a less busy time of year, with DD’s college schedule it is not possible at the moment. We really missed being at Disney over the Christmas season the past several years, so this year, we’re going back again.

Where: That’s the big one right now. We have been Disney Vacation Club owners for a few years now, so will be taking advantage of our points to stay in a DVC 2 bedroom, to accommodate everyone comfortably. Of course, as with everything else this time of year, points don’t go nearly as far as they do at other times of the year…plus we’ll be there over the weekend which cost more points than the rest of the week as well. So it’s a trade-off: more points per day means fewer days. It’s ok, we don’t mind.

Now, at this moment, we don’t know where we’ll be staying because we can’t book until 7 months prior to when we arrive. And I know that since Christmas week is the single busiest week of the year, I’ll happily book whatever is available. Given a choice though, we are going to request Animal Kingdom Lodge or Boardwalk Villas…but I know from experience, I’ll need to have an open mind, and that’s ok too.

What’s Next: My first opportunity to book our stay is this Sunday. Although we’re visiting DH’s family in western PA this weekend, traveling home through a few pesky mountains on Sunday morning will surely not prevent me from being on the phone with DVC Member Services when they open at 9 a.m.! So, as long as DH can find a place where reception is good, we’ll be fine. 🙂

Once I know where we’ll be staying, we’ll start finalizing those Advanced Dining Reservations, because those will be booked at the end of June!

Stay tuned for the next installment. Have a magical day!

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