2019 Vacation

[susanktz]

We have decided to do a spring vacation next year, instead of the normal summer vacation. We've been 6 times, but have always gone in either July or August. And none of the really good offers were available during those times. Also, we haven't been since 2016, so I don't know how many changes to the Disney experience has changed.

From you experienced travelers, can you answer a few questions for me?

1 - when is the best time to book a trip for March and/or April? We're flexible on dates for either of those months.
2 - typically, when do the free dining offers appear?
3 - do the free dining offers every include Disney Dining or just Quick Service?
4 - does the Memory Maker package ever go on sale?
5 - do you book your own trips or do you go through something like "Small World Vacations" to gain any of their incentives?
6 - we usually stay at Pop Century. We've stayed at AoA once (in a suite). When it comes to the standard room rate, is it worth the difference to stay at AoA vs. Pop?

Any additional feedback would be greatly appreciated.

 

[winnieofpooh]

1. Do you want to know which dates are best in those months, or when you should book? IMO it doesn't matter when you book - if you're specific about the hotel and room type you want, I'd book as soon as your plans are confirmed. If you're flexible, I'd wait until discounts are released. But if you do book before the discounts come out, you can just call Disney and they'll apply the discount for you.

2. Free dining is usually released around the end of April, but only applies to dates from end of August to beginning of December.

3. Free dining includes the quick service if you book at a moderate or value, and you get the regular dining plan if you book a deluxe.

4. No. There's a discounted rate of $169 if you buy it at least 3 days in advance of your trip which is the closest you'll get to a discount.

5. We always book ourselves. I don't really see the point of a travel agent, it's usually just easier to book ourselves. Unless you find a really good deal, I'd just do it yourself.

6. I've never stayed at either, so take this with a grain of salt, but I don't think it's worth the upgrade from a standard room at Pop to the Little Mermaid rooms. The LM rooms are farthest from everything at AoA, so you'll be walking a ton. Especially since Pop's rooms just underwent a refurb, I'd stay there.

 

[Bete]

Easter is April 21 next year. Many religious schools have school break at that time. Then you have spring break at the other schools all through March and April. We tend to avoid those two months. Infact, you will find it more expensive during these months; because, it's considered peak time there. May to me would be a more ideal month to go.

As other poster stated free dining is really not offered in March and April. For free dining we love the end of November or early December.

You do get a discount when you pre-order the memory maker in advance.

The only time we ever used a travel agent is when AAA was considered a preferred travel agent for Disney. You were able to get some perks back when with them. We have done our own reservations for at least the last 25 years.

I'm more of a fan of POP Century. With newly remodelled rooms it would be my choice. Being cheaper is good, too.

 

[hes122]

1 - As others have said, Easter is late in 2019. I'd plan to go in early-mid March. I was there 3/4-3/11 in 2017 and the weather and crowd levels are perfect! A little chilly at night once the sun went down the first few days, but it was otherwise a wonderful time to be there.
2 - We didn't get free dining, but got a Stay,Play and Dine discount. I think it saved us about $200.
3 - Offers are usually depending on what level resort you stay at.
4 - As others have said, just when you order it in advance.
5 - A former coworker is a licensed Disney Travel agent so she did most of the heavy lifting. We did our own research but she booked most thinks for us. We did our own dining and fast passes.
6 - Depends. Pop now has queen sized beds. That could be a deal breaker for some.