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Message: [QUOTE="Shrmdougluvr, post: 2257001, member: 396"] I am buy no means a WDW expert, but we have done some variation of a Disney trip in 2013, 2016, 2017, and will again this February. What you and your friends are doing is tremendous. These are my general thoughts: [LIST] [*]I have never stayed in the Polynesian, but did stay in the Contemporary and Grand Floridian years ago. Generally, the Grand Floridian is considered WDW's flagship resort and you pay an according premium. IMO, they all feel a bit isolated even though they are on the monorail. However, if they want to spend most of their time at Magic Kingdom, they are the most convenient; [*]I second SUOrange's recommendation of one of the Yacht or Beach Club (sister resorts). They share a lot of amenities, including the best pool at WDW, and are walkable to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios (or you take a water taxi). You take Disney buses pretty much everywhere else (i think except Fort Wilderness, where you have to get a connection to a boat); [*]If they can go off peak, it is a better value, and much easier to get around the parks. Two years ago we did a full week two weeks after the upstate NY February recess. It was incredible how much quieter and more navigable the parks were (and the hotel was less expensive). [*]IMO, a lot of the food is overpriced and lackluster. I've never done a meal plan, but a lot of others certainly do. They may be able to eat for cheaper given the relative young ages of the kids just buy paying their own way; [*]I've never done this, but a lot of families rent vacation club points and use them for there stay, which can be a real value. [/LIST] Edit: I cut down my initial post because much of it didn't answer the initial questions about cost savings. Here are a few more thoughts: [LIST] [*]The travel agent priced only "deluxe" options - i.e. among the most expensive. They also have moderate and value resorts. I stayed at the Caribbean a while back and it was quite nice. Some people will tell you need is a quiet/clean place to sleep and change, but i believe there is a real value in location of resort and appearance too; [*]Among the deluxe resorts, the Yacht Club is generally less expensive then the Beach Club, even though they are essentially identical resorts. Also, i believe the Animal Lodge and Wilderness Lodge are both less expensive. [*]If you know people with Starpoints or Marriott Rewards points, you may be able to book a room at the Dolphin or Swan using those points. The hotels are quasi-disney hotels, with many of the same benefits, like transportation and 60-day fast pass options, but are completely bookable with reward points. We are staying 5 nights at the Dolphin in February and all it is costing us is the Resort Fee and taxes because we used a credit card sign up bonus. [/LIST] [/QUOTE]

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