RnbwSktles
DIS Veteran
- Joined
- Feb 13, 2013
- Messages
- 1,061
I am planning a trip for Jan 2014 and although I have been to WDW many many times, this is actually my first time staying on property.
So, I am new to the room booking process.
I would like to stay at POR (1 night in a Royal Guest Room and 7 nights preferably in Alligator Bayou). Since I will be arriving on Marathon weekend and leaving MLK weekend (and because I am super excited and can't wait any longer) I'd like to reserve the rooms ASAP.
Here are my questions. I apologize for the length!
1) If I book now and a room-only discount comes out later, how does that work? Do I call and have the original reservation canceled and then re-book the same hotel with the discount? Or, does the CM just discount my existing reservation?
1a) If the original is canceled, what are my chances of not being able to get the same room types upon re-booking? Will the CM tell me what is available before I end up canceling? Is it possible to snatch up the same room that I just canceled?
1b) Since my original ressie will technically be two "linked" reservations, should I just leave the 1 night in the Royal Guestroom alone, and just concentrate on getting the next 7 nights discounted? Or is that really not that complicated?
2) How many times can you re-book without penalty? If a discount becomes available 6 months early and I snatch it up, but then a better one becomes available 3 months out, can I do it all over again?
I guess I am a little confused because when looking at the discount calendars, it seemed like some discounts were offered early on, and some more last minute.
I should also add that the Dining Plan doesn't seem to be practical option for DH and me. However, if a free dining plan package became available and it ended up being cheaper overall, I would consider it.
Any advice would be appreciated, even if it's to say that these are really stupid questions!
Thanks!!

I would like to stay at POR (1 night in a Royal Guest Room and 7 nights preferably in Alligator Bayou). Since I will be arriving on Marathon weekend and leaving MLK weekend (and because I am super excited and can't wait any longer) I'd like to reserve the rooms ASAP.
Here are my questions. I apologize for the length!
1) If I book now and a room-only discount comes out later, how does that work? Do I call and have the original reservation canceled and then re-book the same hotel with the discount? Or, does the CM just discount my existing reservation?
1a) If the original is canceled, what are my chances of not being able to get the same room types upon re-booking? Will the CM tell me what is available before I end up canceling? Is it possible to snatch up the same room that I just canceled?
1b) Since my original ressie will technically be two "linked" reservations, should I just leave the 1 night in the Royal Guestroom alone, and just concentrate on getting the next 7 nights discounted? Or is that really not that complicated?
2) How many times can you re-book without penalty? If a discount becomes available 6 months early and I snatch it up, but then a better one becomes available 3 months out, can I do it all over again?
I guess I am a little confused because when looking at the discount calendars, it seemed like some discounts were offered early on, and some more last minute.
I should also add that the Dining Plan doesn't seem to be practical option for DH and me. However, if a free dining plan package became available and it ended up being cheaper overall, I would consider it.
Any advice would be appreciated, even if it's to say that these are really stupid questions!
Thanks!!