by Sunny

follow me on Twitter @sunnylooksleaps

1.  Research on the website – And be sure to look at ALL of your package options.  We had received a coupon code in the mail for up to 30% off select rooms during the time we were hoping to visit.  Other deals on the website included Magical Holiday room deals, and Room Only deals. However, the deal we settled on was the basic Room and Ticket Package.  It got us the room we wanted for the price we wanted.  You see, the specialty deals, like the one we got in the mail, greatly limits the amount of rooms available for the discount.  So unless you act quickly (as in the day you receive the mailing) your choices will be extremely limited at best. If you have a specific resort in mind, like we did for our upcoming trip, it’s best to scroll through the “View Offers” feature directly above the Available Rooms descriptions on the website.  Had I not used this tool I would have either grossly overpaid or not gotten into Animal Kingdom Lodge at all.  So first lesson learned: be open to all of the offers, not just that enticing advertisement with your name  on it.

Are there any 30% off rooms in Rapunzel’s tower?!

2.  Use the Phone – As in, dial an actual number and speak to a real person! In the day and age of texting and booking online, it seems a little dated, but we recently had excellent luck when talking with a Disney representative over the phone to book our hotel stay.  We could see the deal we wanted on the computer screen, but the website was not allowing us to checkout.  As I explained my predicament to the Cast Member, she assured me that the deal was valid, but that it had been booked more quickly by someone else.  She was wonderful in looking for other deals within our budget, but I was bummed about not snagging the deal we had our hearts set on.  As I was discussing our options with Jimmy, I hear “Sunny!  Sunny! I found it!”  Yes, our Cast Member had found the deal I was looking for as it was probably released back into the system after someone failed to purchase it.  Second lesson learned: If you don’t see a previous deal, keep checking back.  It could open up in a matter of minutes!

You can find deals – even during the busy holiday season!

3. Fastpass Early, But Don’t Stress About It – The deal with Fastpasses is that you are limited to 3 per day.  If only it was possible to get the three most popular attractions each day!  Disney has basically made this impossible so don’t stress about it.  When it comes time to choose Fastpasses (you can book them 60 days out if you have a resort and ticket package), you will have to choose between Test Track and Soarin’, Space Mountain and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and the new Pandora rides in Animal Kingdom.  Just relax knowing that there are three attractions that you will have minimal wait for.  And resign yourself to the fact that you will wait over an hour for other attractions.  It all balances out, really.  On those longer waits, take advantage of the My Disney Experience App to order lunch at the nearest quick service location.  Lunch will be waiting for you when you finish the ride!  Another line avoided!

70 minute wait balanced out with a Soarin’ Fastpass!