How far in advance to book?

TheSpooph said:

I think my hopes of a 2015 trip are pretty much gone. BUT that just gives me more time to plan for next year!

How far should I try to book in advance? I'm thinking I would do a room only reservation but would still love a discount. I'm thinking early June at the Wilderness Lodge or a monorail resort if I find a bargain. Maybe early May but I'm not sure with school how that would work.

Is it best to book in advance to get a room type I want (like Garden Wing of the Contemporary) and cross my fingers for a RO discount?

Thanks!!

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Babsy said:

You need to book before 180 days prior to the first day of your vacation so that you can take advantage of the 180 + 10 booking for ADR's. You can book anytime prior to that that you wish in order to secure the resort and room type of your choice.

As PP said, we usually book about 7 months + prior.

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Babsy said:

Discounts are released when bookings are low. The more rooms booked in the resort and category that you want, the less likely that a discount will be offered. If the category that you book is not a category that you. Would stay in without a discount, do not book until discounts are released.

You should book a resort that you are willing to stay in at the booking rate. That way, if no discounts are offered, at least you have a booking and plans made.

Having a booking already in the resort and category that you want, but at a price you are not willing to pay, actually hurts your chances of getting what you want.

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zorro77 said:

Just made our Oct 2015 vacation. Usually make our trip 7 months out.

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mickeynut1 said:

The 2016 rates should be out sometime this summer, but if you want peace of mind of getting exactly what you want, you can book RO now by calling. You will be quoted the highest rate for 2015 for that resort/room type, which will automatically be adjusted once the new rates are released. Keep in mind that booking now will guarantee you the resort/room type you want at rack rate, but it does not guarantee a discount can be applied later. Should a discount come out for your dates, what you have booked must be available under that discount in order to take advantage of it. Sometimes you have to be flexible with your resort and/or room type as having a reservation already in place does not guarantee a discount can be applied. With that said, CR GW rooms go fast as they are the cheapest option for a monorail resort, so if you will stay there regardless of whether or not a discount becomes available, I'd book now. Good luck.

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TheSpooph said:

Thanks! I am kinda flexible but still picky - aren't we all!!

I figured the GW rooms went fast. I've never stayed at the CR but the idea of it with little kids sounds great!

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