Walt Disney World Resorts
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John and Donna Gross "The Full Mickey - At a Discount!" The Wall Street Journal
We have divided Resorts into 10 sections.
Booking Groups at WDW A reader asked us recently about the perks that are available to organizers of group bookings at WDW. Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I'm neck-deep in booking two Disney groups right now, so I read the question from your reader with interest. Here's my two cents on booking groups... There are three ways to book groups, and what way you go depends partly on your groups size and partly on your needs. If you're going to take a youth group then Disney has an entire division dedicated to just youth groups. These would include groups on educational tours, competitions, church youth groups, Night of Joy or Grad Night groups, to name a few. There are special hopper tickets available at special prices for the group. For instance, a four day park hopper plus for about $150 with tax. You generally get one free chaperone ticket for every ten student tickets purchased. If you need more chaperone tickets than that, you can buy one additional chaperone ticket at the student price for every five student tickets. There are occasionally chaperone "lounges" set up for special occasions, although I believe they are starting to eliminate or at least drastically modify that concept. Youth groups can purchase meal vouchers as well as things like pre-paid pizza parties. If there will be some rooms with no adults (as there are with most youth group trips) then the guest services folks at your chosen hotel will provide letters for the parents along with a liability release and damage payment agreement for each student. These MUST be signed and returned, one for every student, at hotel check-in. You do get a small group discount on the rooms, and there is a strict 10-room minimum. Note that tickets and meal vouchers have to be purchased at least 60 days prior to arrival. Option two is Leisure Group Sales (LGS). Again, there's a 10- room minimum (on at least one of the nights) and Disney used to stick with that without wavering; however, in the last two years, I've had several groups drop below the 10 rooms and the contract price was still honored. The key word in that sentence is "contract." You sign a contract and make a one night plus tax deposit per room held in the block. You are given until a specific date to drop space. After that, you can only drop a certain percentage without penalty, and only until another specific date. Any and all rooms dropped after that, or rooms dropped that exceed the percentage, will still be charged. If Disney can resell them (don't count on it, but it's possible) then they will refund some of the money after you travel. LGS also has access to special length tickets at special prices, private event planning, etc. You do get a small room discount, too. This is a great option when you need to hold a set amount of space for a long time (more than two weeks) in order to get your planning done, group sign-up done, money in, etc. or if your group isn't a youth group. Be aware, though, that despite the relaxed enforcement of group contract rules, you can still get stuck with mighty big penalties and that forces you to know pretty much exactly what your needs are by about 45-60 days prior to arrival. You do not get discounts for planners or group escorts on rooms or tickets." "Finally, there's the new option, Grand Gatherings (GG). This is JUST for groups that need less than ten rooms and they can be youth groups or otherwise. (If you hit ten rooms then there appears to be some discrepancy about what happens to the group, the program still being new and all, but technically it's supposed to be thrown out of the GG program. What they will actually do in that case remains to be seen.) You don't get a room discount - but then, you don't have to sign a contract, either. As long as you have at least eight people age three or older, it doesn't matter what your group size is. Some can have packages, some can have room-only reservations. If a promotional rate comes along, you can try to get it... Something you can't do if you're a Leisure group or Youth group. There are no special admission tickets or lower prices, but at least every room can get exactly what they need. There are special fun things available that you can only do if you're officially a GG group, and group dining arrangements are more friendly now. This sort of group doesn't get you any discounts at all, but it is by far the most flexible option and perfect for family gatherings - particularly when they are coming from different places and have different needs. You don't even have to have the same hotel! (By the way, GG groups can be done for small youth groups as well and you can still get the youth meal vouchers and youth admission/chaperone tickets.) If it all sounds very confusing, well, I suppose it is if you don't do it a lot. Disney can be very hard to work with if you don't know the ropes. And as you can see, as a planner you don't get much in return... which is why I strongly suggest that you work with a travel agent that really knows Disney groups. Many agents like myself will often work for just the commission received from Disney so it won't cost you anything to take advantage of the expertise. I'm fortunate to work for an agency with deep pockets, and we will usually be able to put up necessary room deposits on your behalf so you don't have to come up with the cash. And the best part is that YOU, the group leader, still get to take advantage of any free or reduced price tickets. All the perks, a lot less work - sort of a no-brainer there." |
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Tip from Beth, our travel agent: "Did you know that if you're staying at Ft. Wilderness you can rent a golf cart for $45 per night? And you can take as long as you want to do a lap around your loop! :-)" Sandy writes: "I just had to write to thank you and Beth for the great tip I received earlier this month. I had already booked out hotel for the trip we are planning over March Break when I saw a great deal come up on the weekly update. I took some advice from your book and called to ask if I could apply the deal to our reservation (you always say it never hurts to ask) and the reservationist was very helpful and used the new rates to adjust our room rate. That tip alone is saving us $55.00 US a night on our room!!! I am just thrilled."
Sandra writes: "We took our family to Disney for Thanksgiving and stayed in Claremont in a rented house, at Western Hills. We were ROBBED in broad daylight. The sheriff told us there had been over 700 breakins in a 10 mile radius since Jan 1 and over 90% had been rental homes. Do you do the right thing and tell people they are at risk? What would have happened if my daughter and granddaughter had stayed home and been in the house?" We should all be aware that crime takes no vacation. For some helpful tips to make your vacation safer, click here and click here.
Beth, our travel agent, recently visited WDW: "I forgot to mention that it's important when staying at hotels where you're expecting a daybed in your room to tell the person checking you in that you want that daybed. Most of the deluxe hotels have them and those are the only rooms they talk about or show diagrams of, but NOT all of the rooms have the daybeds (as we found out this weekend the hard way). There were only three of us gals, but anyone who's ever slept with a six year old knows it's best not to if you have another option... at least if you want to get a good night's sleep! We'd have had to wait to get a room with a lake view so we accepted the pool view instead, but never thought to mention our desire for the daybed. We hiked through a maze of hallways and finally reached our room, only to discover that we'd been assigned one with two queens and a chair/ottoman. Yes, we had more maneuvering space in the room, but not that bed. Willing to do anything to avoid a hike back to the lobby, we creatively converted the chair, ottoman and desk chair to a makeshift third bed (using a blanket from the closet and an extra bed pillow) and my daughter thought it was great."
Renea writes: "I recommend staying at the sugar loaf building [at the Grand Floridian] which is concierge for larger families. 8 of us went and the food in the lobby all day really helps. It is worth the extra $100 per day! The people at the desk there were extremely helpful when our flight was cancelled on Saturday. They got through to Delta for me and extended our stay for 2 more nights at the bounce back rate we had. The hotel accidently threw away my Paul Mitchell shampoo and conditioner. They told me to go purchase some in their salon and they would credit my account. Also, 2 of our new shirts were damaged in the dryer so the manager came up and gave me a $50 credit for them. The service is outstanding, the place is very, very clean, you have food all day, turn down service at night, and they help you with anything you need. They even got us into the Park Fare restaurant with priority seating. We are looking to go back in 2 years again and I will wait until I see one of your specials for our room. Thanks again!"
Beth writes about discounts on multiple rooms: "You are only allowed three rooms (including your own) with [group membership] discounts. One way around that is if you are traveling with your spouse who is also a qualifier. Then you can each get three rooms. (No one checks to see where you're sleeping of course, so how it is on paper doesn't have to be how you do it in reality.)"
Nick asked us about Hawthorne Suites Universal. Beth, our travel agent, writes: "I do a TON of business with Hawthorn Suites. There are three of them in the Disney/Universal area: one just off Disney property in Lake Buena Vista, one near Sea World, and one near Universal. There's also one in Anaheim close to Disneyland. They are pretty much all the same in that there are regular hotel rooms (limited in number, mostly one king bed only), one bedroom units, and two bedroom units. The one bedroom unit has two beds in the bedroom and then there's a sleeper sofa in the living room. The two bedroom units are made by unlocking the door that connects to a regular hotel room, and since it normally has a king bed it adds two to the usual maximum occupancy of six. The price is the same regardless of the number of people and everyone gets a hot breakfast buffet included. The suites have a full kitchen as well... most have a full size frig AND a cook top or burners as well as a dishwasher, utensils, etc. Between that and the breakfast buffet you can save a ton of money. Most also include a manager's reception several nights a week that has light food and beverage. The Hawthorn properties have a slightly more upscale feel than the average, say, Holiday Inn. It's not a Hilton, but they do cater to business folks on semi-extended stays. I've been sending folks to these properties for a long time and haven't had a bad comment yet. (PLUS one of my wholesalers almost always has these properties available for less than the hotel lists for on their own site.) If Nick [is a customer], he can tell me what his dates are and I can check availability through the wholesaler... I've had it for as little as $55 a night!" There you go, Nick. If you're a customer, log in and contact Beth with your dates. If not, you can join us, click here.
SAFARI TOUR AT ANIMAL KINGDOM LODGE Beth, our travel agent, writes: "There's a new tour at the Animal Kingdom Lodge which started earlier this month and has received very little publicity. It's called the Mnyama Safari (pronounced Wanjama), and it's only available to concierge guests staying a the AKL. You must be 16 or older, and there is a limit of just 8 guests for this one. It's a 1-1/2 hour private tour that recreates an afternoon game drive. You get to spend time with members of the Animal Kingdom team and learn about the history, architecture and animals. (Plenty of photo ops, too!) Following the tour, you get a multi- course meal at Jiko. This is a pre-determined menu which includes wine pairings, and all eight people dine together. You meet an hour and a half prior to sunset for this tour, and the price of $150 per person includes tax and gratuity. You can reserve 90 days in advance by calling 407-938-4755."
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney Suites: "It seems that many people are unaware that the deluxe hotels have some really amazing suites. There are only a few of them at each hotel, though, and they are rarely (if ever) discounted because they are well occupied without discounting. One way to see them is to keep your eyes open for specials on the Travel Channel. The Great Hotels series has shows on Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, the Grand Floridian and the Beach & Yacht Clubs, and the show's host, Samantha Brown, will show at least one of the suites on each of the shows. Another great way to see them is by visiting Suite Disney. This gal's been fortunate enough to stay in several of the suites and photograph even more. It's probably the most photos of Disney suites all in one place you're likely to find. Wilderness Lodge also has what are now know as Deluxe Rooms, but were formerly called Junior Suites. These rooms have two queen beds in the bedroom and a pull-out sofa in the living area, one bathroom, and a small frig and wetbar. The big advantage is French doors between the rooms so you can't put the kids to bed early. Rates start around $500 per night + tax for the smallest suites in value season and top out at $2,505 for the Animal Kingdom Lodge Presidential Suite during the holidays. Coronado Springs is the only moderate resort that has anything remotely suite-like. Most are junior suites with garden or lake views. These are little more than connecting regular rooms with one of the rooms redecorated to include a sitting area and Sico bed (queen sleeper). They sleep 4 or 6, depending on if you get a king or two doubles in the bedroom, and are 628 sq. ft. The VIP suites are similar with either a king or two doubles in the bedroom, a queen Sico bed and wetbar, fax machine and small frig in the sitting room. They are 942 sq. ft. The largest are the executive suites (1570 sq. ft.) with two bedrooms and a sitting area. The master bedroom has a king bed and whirlpool tub. The second bedroom has two double beds and a regular bathroom. The parlor has a dining area, small frig, wetbar, VCR, fax machine and a half bath. It sleeps 6. Prices range from $275 for a double junior suite in value season to $1,105 for the executive suite during the holidays - quite reasonable compared to some of the others! And how do you get the suites? [Affordable Disney Members] can drop me a note as soon as you know you might be interested and let me know how many people you have. I can find out what's available for your dates of stay that will accommodate all of you. The deposit and cancellation terms are the same as usual: one night plus tax within 14 days, pay the rest on arrival, cancel more than 5 days prior to arrival for a refund of the deposit. Suites are hard to get, especially the largest ones and especially during peak times, so as with all other rooms, it's far better to reserve and then drop later than to wait and miss out!"
Chris writes: "We have stayed at the Caribbean and All Star in the past and have asked for and been given connecting rooms for our children. The reservation staff has been careful to tell us that they cannot guarantee connecting rooms but we have always been given them upon arrival. My brother and sister-in-law are planning a trip to DisneyWorld and are working with a travel agent. Their children are 2 and 4 and they want a separate room for the children. The travel agent is telling them that Disney will not guarantee the connecting rooms (which is true) and is inferring that they could have problems because of the lack of a guarantee. So, he is now considering one of the deluxe hotels with a suite. My question for you is: Do you know what Disney's track record is concerning giving people connecting rooms if they have requested them in advance? Also, any suggestions on what Disney hotel would be best for them to consider if they do choose to go for a suite?" You're right. Disney will not guarantee connecting rooms, but they make a special effort to connect rooms for parents with very young children. Personally, I've never heard of Disney not providing a connecting room for young children. Suites can be expensive but, as Beth states above, you can get a Double Junior suite at Coronado Springs for $275 during the value season. Consider also the Fort Wilderness Cabins that accommodate 6. The rate is affordable at $229 during the value season and they have a separate pull-down bed in the sitting area. Friends of ours stayed in a cabin and really enjoyed the experience.
Beth, our travel agent, writes about Disney room requests: "Disney is in the business of making people happy. A broken promise right off the bat isn't a good way to make people happy, so Disney never promises anything. (Can't break a promise if you don't make one!) What they say is that they'll do their best - and they do! They can almost always meet your requests, especially when it's for something like a crib, refrigerator, non-smoking room, first floor - things they have plenty of. The tougher the request, though, the bigger the likelihood that they won't be able to swing it. There are some families too large to all fit in one room, and when they have a second room for that reason they are given priority for connecting rooms. The king bed rooms at the All Stars are also the handicap accessible rooms, so those that physically need to be there get priority over those that just want a big bed. If you ask for a room in a particular building, they can't throw someone else out so that they can honor your request. In short, if you remember that all requests are just that - requests - then thank them when they are able to honor your request, and be understanding if they can't. They aren't intentionally trying to displease you, so thank them for trying, adjust, and get on with a great vacation." Regarding Disney taxes: "As if it weren't confusing enough... The tax rate at Pop Century is 11.5% like most other Disney hotels. Only the original three value resorts are 12%. It has to do with which side of the county line a resort is on. Pop Century just makes it into Orange County and the lower tax area. (The other value resorts are in Osceola County.) Speaking of tax, keep an eye on Osceola's tax rates... rumor has it that they are considering adding yet another one cent tax hike on short-term rentals (which includes hotels) to help cover the cost of the much-anticipated new convention center. This would push taxes at the value resorts up to 13%!" Jay writes: "Pertaining to the issue of renting refrigerators to have in your room at WDW hotels: I stayed at the Grand Floridian this past May. When I first called the reservations office they initially said there was a $10/day charge, but after looking in the system they saw there was actually no fee. I called the front desk at the GF to confirm and the same thing happened - the CM thought there was a charge, but after looking it up realized there wasn't. We were able to get a free refrigerator and microwave for our 13 day honeymoon stay. Worked out great. You need to check w/your hotel, because some seem to charge and some don't, and many times the CM's aren't sure unless they actually look it up in the system. Of course, they are subject to availability."
Jim writes: "I've never been to Disney and will be taking my wife and our two children ages 5 and 3. Do you recommend reserving our rooms and then purchasing park passes separately, or should we simply do it together in a package? Also, we are considering staying at either the Caribbean Beach Resort or the Boardwalk Resort. Any comments?" Caribbean Beach involves a lot of walking. Be prepared. Regarding the moderates, we love Port Orleans - Riverside. BoardWalk is beautiful and pricey, but highly sought after. I book our room and buy our passes separately from our ticket agent. You have to analyze each deal from Disney on its own merit. Our job is to make that easier to do!
Lisa just got back from her stay at Caribbean Beach: "I just wanted to say I was shocked that the food court at the resort was selling slices of white bread for 49 cents a piece. Disney should be ashamed of themselves! I don't mind paying a little more for the food because I know you pay for convenience, but that's a little much. Thanks for listening." Lisa, Disney sells hamburger buns for 80 cents!
Kim writes: "cheaper than renting a fridge for $10.00 per day is buying a $3 Styrofoam cooler and filling it with free ice from ice machine daily at hotel. We have done that 3 years in a row and keep milk and juice and fruit and pop and beer in cooler. works great and is much cheaper. Note: fridge came free with room at Grosvenor resort in downtown disney." You're right, Kim. That's a good tip! We have that one in the book. (Refrigerators are now free at the moderate and deluxe resorts.)
Steve writes: "My wife and I just returned from a 4 day escape at Disney's Vero Beach Resort and it was spectacular. We purchased an annual pass this summer to use for a family vacation at WDW and figured we might get some more benefit out of other discounts available to annual pass holders. What a great Disney resort at Vero Beach, right on the ocean with a huge pool area and 3 great restaurants. The service was friendly, the food was very reasonable and delicious and the daily activities were set up for both adults and families. We swam in the ocean, collected shells and got a great tan. We saw a wedding on Saturday on the lawn and wished we had some place like this to go to 28 years ago when we were married. Disney also prints some local recommendations on shopping, restaurants and general fun in and around the Vero Beach area. Our room was an ocean-view and the housekeeper greeted us with a blue eyed gater made out of towels and spoons on the first day when we returned to the room. We were never hounded to view their time share program and we felt right at ease being there. We flew into Orlando and it was about an hour and a half drive to get to Vero Beach from the airport. We rented a convertible (first time ever) and it was a fun drive both ways. Your book and updates are always beneficial and this was one more great Disney experience."
My Disney Girl Princess Grand Tea Party "This one and a half-hour experience (from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.) treats each little girl like royalty from start to finish and is like no other event around." For young girls 4-12 at the Garden View Tea Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. Cost: $200.00 (includes 1 child and 1 adult) PLUS tax and gratuity included. (Source: The Disney Gallery - Calendar of Events)
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We have divided Resorts into 10 sections.
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