Disney Cruise + Disney Hotel

[gwen1019]

Booked a Disney cruise months ago and we want to also spend a few at Disney world before (or after) the cruise. We want to stay at one of the resorts right near the Magic Kingdom (on the monorail loop). I called for rates and of course these are the most expensive resorts for Disney but I have my heart set on the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian. After hearing the prices, I asked if there were any specials/discounts and the reservationist responded that convention rates were the best. However... I am not going to a convention. Has any booked a convention rate at a Disney hotel and not actually attended the convention??

[Ella2]

Gwen, there are often AAA discounts available at all the Disney resorts; the amount of the discount varies with the rate season.

Disney sometimes offers packages with special discounts (such as the the current offer for certain dates in the fall, a package with free dining included) but if you just want the room alone, an AAA discount is your best bet. Be sure to purchases your park passes in advance as well in order to get the advance purchase discount.

EDITED TO ADD: You can book an AAA rate through any travel agent (not just AAA) or directly with Disney, just FYI.

[gwen1019]

Gwen, there are often AAA discounts available at all the Disney resorts; the amount of the discount varies with the rate season.

Disney sometimes offers packages with special discounts (such as the the current offer for certain dates in the fall, a package with free dining included) but if you just want the room alone, an AAA discount is your best bet. Be sure to purchases your park passes in advance as well in order to get the advance purchase discount.

EDITED TO ADD: You can book an AAA rate through any travel agent (not just AAA) or directly with Disney, just FYI.

Thank you - we tried the AAA discount and while yes, it gives us some off the room it really was not that much and from what I can gather the convention rates are a tremendous discount.

[Ella2]

Convention rates are not available to the general public; you would have to have the special rate code or instructions from the convention in order to qualify. I'm actually a little surprised a Disney reservationist told someone who is not eligible and not attending the convention about a convention rate. The conventions book specific blocks of rooms for their attendees and I'm sure they would be more than a little perturbed if Disney was giving out convention rates to those NOT attending the convention.

[gwen1019]

Convention rates are not available to the general public; you would have to have the special rate code or instructions from the convention in order to qualify. I'm actually a little surprised a Disney reservationist told someone who is not eligible and not attending the convention about a convention rate. The conventions book specific blocks of rooms for their attendees and I'm sure they would be more than a little perturbed if Disney was giving out convention rates to those NOT attending the convention.

I would have thought so too -- and that is why I was surprised they mentioned it and figured there was no place better then on here to get others' opinion on using such a rate.

[silentbob007]

When I've booked rooms for conventions, I had to book directly through Disney Meetings. I did not have to provide any documentation that I was involved with the conferences I attended, but names/lists may have been matched up behind the scenes (or off-stage ;)). Just FYI.

[big al]

Booked a Disney cruise months ago and we want to also spend a few at Disney world before (or after) the cruise. We want to stay at one of the resorts right near the Magic Kingdom (on the monorail loop). I called for rates and of course these are the most expensive resorts for Disney but I have my heart set on the Grand Floridian or the Polynesian. After hearing the prices, I asked if there were any specials/discounts and the reservationist responded that convention rates were the best. However... I am not going to a convention. Has any booked a convention rate at a Disney hotel and not actually attended the convention??

Gwen- The Grand Floridian is almost NEVER under $325-340 (more like $350-375),and the Polynesian is between $ 250-275...you might try the mid-priced hotels(Port Orleans,Coronado Springs) or try the Contemporary or the Dolphin,they sometimes have lower prices..the ones I've stayed in I love are also:Beach & Yacht Club,Widerness Lodge,and the Boardwalk Villas..all are,like all Disney hotels,a bit pricey..good luck!

Big Al