Book BLT Now or Wait for a Discount??

[michashell]

My family and I really want to stay at BLT in a 1 bedroom at the beginning of December. However, rack rates are out of our budget.

Should I book now at rack rate and hope for a discount?
If I book it as a package and a package discount should come up, can it be applied to my current package resi? Or will I need to rebook?

I've thought about renting points, but it makes me uncomfortable with 2 small kids who get last minute sicknesses, etc. Even with travel insurance, we would lose a chunk of money is we needed to cancel.

We tend to book vacations somewhat last minute - a few months out. This isn't usually a problem, but with BLT it's not going to work.

Thanks!

 

[mickeynut1]

My family and I really want to stay at BLT in a 1 bedroom at the beginning of December. However, rack rates are out of our budget.

Should I book now at rack rate and hope for a discount?
If I book it as a package and a package discount should come up, can it be applied to my current package resi? Or will I need to rebook?

I've thought about renting points, but it makes me uncomfortable with 2 small kids who get last minute sicknesses, etc. Even with travel insurance, we would lose a chunk of money is we needed to cancel.

We tend to book vacations somewhat last minute - a few months out. This isn't usually a problem, but with BLT it's not going to work.

Thanks!

If you book now, a discount can be applied later, provided there is availability for your dates/room type as having a reservation in place does not guarantee a discount can be applied. Sometimes you have to be flexible with your resort/room type in order to take advantage of a discount. Keep in mind that Disney releases discounts to fill rooms, so if you book with intentions of staying at BLT only if a discount comes out, booking that room now is one less room Disney has to fill later. This could lessen the chance of a discount (should one come out) for that particular room type. Good luck.

 

[jenjersnap]

Will you be going even if no discount materializes? Then, yes, book the resort you are willing to pay rack rate at. If you won't go UNLESS a discount is offered, do not book now. Disney might see that bookings are high and offer no discount or a lesser one. Also, there is no absolute guarantee that you will be able to apply a discount to an already booked reservation.

 

[spiceycat]

Also, there is no absolute guarantee that you will be able to apply a discount to an already booked reservation.

that is definitely true. would not go for a MK (theme park) view - those are just too few and way to expensive. Lake view or standard view - are great! the standard view is only to the 5th floor. lake view can be on any floor - so higher is definitely better.

good luck! Dec is very busy time for DVC members - so if you want that time would get BLT now. even if you were willing to rent points - you might not get BLT - it and BCV require you to plan in Jan for Dec - not in March.

that say be careful = renting a DVC resort is what many guests did who became DVC members afterwards. Don't buy DVC on your vacation. there is resale which works much better for most people - especially at the very high prices that Disney is charging for DVC.

 

[carolinamama]

We were able to get an AAA discount. Disney released different discounts for our dates, but BLT was always excluded or out of rooms by the time it hit the general public.

I love BLT 1 bedroom!

 

[mmmears]

I would only book it at rack rate if you'll be able to stay there even if no discount materializes or you don't mind canceling your trip. If you really want to go to WDW, I'd book a room you'll be ok with even if there is no discount, then upgrade if a discount becomes available.

 

[::danielle::]

I recently went through this same dilemma. I knew I wanted a 1-bedroom at BLT for our December trip. I ultimately decided to rent points and here's why:

I've been monitoring the discounts for the past year to figure out what type of discounts may be offered for my dates. I analyzed the historical data. I even attempted to book a reservation for the equivalent week in December. What I can tell you is that there are very few 1-bedrooms available for rent through Disney. If you have your heart set on it you should book it right away, discount or not. Tomorrow they may be all booked up.

Regarding BLT discounts, everything I've read seems to point to Disney changing the types of discounts they offer this year. When they released their Spring promotion in January, BLT was not eligible for the discount. The new promotion will be out right after this one ends (search for Danny25 to see his thread about the discount). That promo only goes through August but if BLT is not included in that one I would expect any Fall promotion will not include it either.

Ultimately prepare to be flexible with either the room size, location, or the price. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. I just want to prepare you for the most likely scenario!

 

[spiceycat]

I've been monitoring the discounts for the past year to figure out what type of discounts may be offered for my dates. I analyzed the historical data. I even attempted to book a reservation for the equivalent week in December. What I can tell you is that there are very few 1-bedrooms available for rent through Disney. If you have your heart set on it you should book it right away, discount or not. Tomorrow they may be all booked up.

Regarding BLT discounts, everything I've read seems to point to Disney changing the types of discounts they offer this year. When they released their Spring promotion in January, BLT was not eligible for the discount. The new promotion will be out right after this one ends (search for Danny25 to see his thread about the discount). That promo only goes through August but if BLT is not included in that one I would expect any Fall promotion will not include it either.

good advice - that say the VGF will open soon - and that will mean another DVC resort on the monorail. Really think that discounts might open up for BLT. Now can't guaranteed it - just based on past history.

then VGF will not (expect the first two months) have discounts.

if something delays the opening - then again don't count on discounts at BLT.

 

[michashell]

Thanks everyone!

I would rather stay there for a shorter stay (at rack rate) than not at all, so I will book asap. We are considering purchasing a DVC and wanted to check out BLT first as it would be our first choice.

 

[Deb & Bill]

BLT is sold out to DVC members, so there is very little inventory available for cash reservations through Disney Reservation Center. If you want a BLT one bedroom villa and it is available for cash reservations, you probably need to book it. But there might not be any discount on your stay at all.

So, like others have said, if you want BLT one bedroom and want to pay rack rate, book it. But if you don't want to pay rack rate, book something else.

Then, if a discount comes available for BLT one bedroom villa, call as soon as the discount is known and try to book it. But what might be discounted might be very limited. Especially for early December. That is prime time for DVC members. But I would plan on no discount on BLT.

And my guess on member availability for points stays? BLT might already be booked up solid for early December.