2014 Booked? 2015 dates?

[slk778]

We looked at booking a trip for our 3 kids sometime in 2014 (Oct-Dec) and couldn't find any dates available. I even did the chat feature with a cast member and they stated the campgrounds book fast. Is this true? If so when will 2015 be open to book and how far in advance should I book it.

We ran into this problem when we started booking beach campgrounds too. Maybe its just beginners bad luck!

 

[tiggerdad]

Yes they book quickly, based on actual campers and the ongoing problem of Disney allowing the "throw away" campsites.

Keep trying for 2014. I booked our November trip in June and I have been trying to add onto it for a week. Was told each time there "was no luck". Today, I got the pixie dust because an extra day on the front end of my trip opened up.

People cancel all the time so keep calling. Do not use online, call directly. I have always had better results this way.

 

[bama_ed]

Well, it depends on the dates you are shooting for.

I plugged some mid-week dates in for Oct, Nov, and Dec and got availability at all levels. Weekends that time of year are much harder to get because when the weather is nice like it is then, lots of folks come in on the weekends only. Anything close to Thanksgiving week, leading into Christmas through New Years weekend, around Halloween, are nearly impossible at this stage unless you try to cobble together a stay through multiple reservations.

Around holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas time, a year out making a ressie is okay but inside that it gets dicey fast. What dates specifically did you try?

The Fort is like the other Disney resorts for 2015 planning. Rates and the calendar won't be available until Disney officially release that info (last year it was on July 10, hasn't happened this year yet but some folks on the Resorts board think it will happen July 30). But you can always CALL the Disney reservation line and make a 2015 room-only reservation. But until the official rates come out the reservation is priced at 2014 rates and will convert to 2015 pricing once official rates are released. You can't lock in 2014 rates - they will roll over to 2015 pricing. If it's a package you want, you have to wait for the official rates.

Good luck. Get that 2015 ressie made now to at least get the dates and site type you want. You can reserve up to 499 days in advance of arrival.

Bama Ed

PS - and slk778, to the DIS Camping Board

 

[jaredjohn4]

We only travel when Disney is busy. Usually we book 12 - 14 months out, but this year we booked 12 days at spring break only 8 months out. The fort fills up around holidays. We were there June 27 - July 2 and our loop (1300) was half full. Packed around the fourth of July. About July 7, it was back to half full.

 

[PEC]

Once you know your dates in 2015 go ahead and book. You can book as far out as 499 days. IF you want a package later (somebody can correct me if I am wrong) then just add your tickets and Dining. Tickets are easily added on-line.

 

[bama_ed]

FWIW,

Some 2015 rates showed up this morning. The planning calendar (like last year) doesn't show access to ALL 2015 rates for ALL site types but (like last year) that should be fixed within a day or two. But you can start. Nearer dates seem to work better.

Remember technically the official next year's rack rates only matter for those wanting to book packages from the get-go. Those of us who may want to book earlier can start with a room-only ressie held at this year's rates which convert to the new rates once they are released.

How much you wanna bet prices have gone up?

Bama Ed

 

[Magic Fanatic]

Here you go! Just booked a Premium Site for May 2015 and this is what I paid: Premium Campsites Total:$1,217 Date Rate per Night Fri, May 22 $ 124.00 Sat, May 23 $ 124.00 Sun, May 24 $ 124.00 Mon, May 25 $ 116.00 Tue, May 26 $ 116.00 Wed, May 27 $ 116.00 Thu, May 28 $ 116.00 Fri, May 29 $ 123.00 Sat, May 30 $ 123.00

 

[slk778]

Thanks for the welcoming party! I have lurked around here for a while now and would just read. Since buying our camper in Feb I decided to start joining groups/forums and getting involved.

 

[MichaelaF]

We booked 10 nights premium a week ago for Nov 2-12. We actually originally booked the 2-19 because I was waiting to see what days I could get off work, and then we just took those 7 days off two days ago. (So as of two days ago they had 7 days open for a short time at least!) I was honestly shocked we were able to get that many nights when I just called (literally last Thursday), but maybe we just got lucky? May still be worth trying and seeing if someone cancels.

ETA: I absolutely agree with TiggerDad's suggestion that you call and don't do online. When I checked online it said they were booked. One call and they were able to find me a site for 18 nights....