Hmmm...What do you owners think/do?

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Sun, 04/14/2013 - 03:23

taratru's picture

taratru

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Hmmm...What do you owners think/do?

I rented points for our next stay from Saturday, Nov 9-Wednesday, Nov 13. Now that I'm looking at flights, I don't think we're going to get to the race expo in time! (why on earth is closes at 3 for a 10pm race is beyond me!)

So now I'm thinking we should go a day earlier - which sort of eats into the budget in terms of time and money. I think I have two options:
1) book a hotel room off site near Downtown Disney for that Friday night

2) contact the owner I rented from and see if we can add another day

So for those options, I have questions (of course!) depending on each choice:

1) What happens with DME? Are we still able to use it *back* to MCO, even if we don't ride it in? If we stay offsite, should we rent a car (I'd rather avoid this)? Are there any hotels with free shuttles from the airport? How do we get to OKW on our check in day - just catch a bus at DTD?

2) Is it normal practice to add a day? I don't want to be a high maintenance renter. Are the odds of an extra day at OKW pretty good? Is this the easier (even though probably more expensive) option?

Thank you, you seasoned veterans!

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Sun, 04/14/2013 - 09:59

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MrHub

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For ease yes, I think renting another day would be the best answer.

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 11:18

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Skunk

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Yes, easiest would be to add a day thru the owner of the points. Not a big deal if the owner has more points available to rent, and there is room availability. However, I just checked, and there are no studios available at any of the DVC resorts for Friday 11-8(there are no 1 bedroom villas available at OKW either). The owner could waitlist that night at OKW, but no guarantee it will become available, or that owner will be willing to do this.

Again for ease, I would suggest reserving a room at POP or AoA for 11-8, so you can use DME from the airport. On Saturday, check out early and drop off your bags at bell services. They will move your bags over to OKW. Take a bus to either the Studios, Epcot, or DTD, so you can get a bus over to OKW for check in that morning(though room may not be available until 4 pm). Or to save time, you could just take a cab from POP over to OKW($15-$20).

We have added a night like this a couple times in the past, when flights dictated arriving a day earlier. Also, to answer another question, it is possible to use DME, for just the return trip to MCO.

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 16:43

taratru's picture

taratru

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Oh, Skunk, that's brilliant! We could sleep in Saturday, drop the bags, head to ESPN for the expo and lunch, head back to OKW for a nap and then to the race!

This is exactly why I love this board so much...new ideas from super experienced Disney peeps.

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Sun, 04/14/2013 - 16:43

Kristen K.'s picture

Kristen K.

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taratru wrote:

1) What happens with DME? Are we still able to use it *back* to MCO, even if we don't ride it in? If we stay offsite, should we rent a car (I'd rather avoid this)? Are there any hotels with free shuttles from the airport? How do we get to OKW on our check in day - just catch a bus at DTD?

I would try and add on if at all possible. If not then try for a room at Pop or one of the DTD Hotels.

The one thing that I have experience with in your questions is DME.
As long as you've given DME your information and they're expecting you, it doesn't matter if you ride both ways.

Sun, 04/14/2013 - 17:59

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JMUDukz

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I agree with the others about finding a value to stay at and then changing over. The values (and even the moderates) that are being offered for race participants are fairly reasonable (it's $152/night for a moderate, I think the values were around $100/night). Double check the rundisney website.

If all else fails, you can crash with me at AKL! LOL

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Sun, 04/14/2013 - 20:44

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taratru

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All-Stars would be $133 for that night...not terrible, especially since we can use DME and not have to worry about moving luggage.

Of course, I suggested we spend one night at the Poly or the GF. I got laughed out of the kitchen...that would cost as much as our 4 nights at OKW.

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