Adv. to booking early?

[maxsmom]

Am I missing something here. We never book this far out for next summer unless there is already a deal or a pin has been received. Other wise we wait to see what deals or pins come available. We are both teachers and can only go during the summer, which really stinks. I do realize that due to some jobs some must plan farther ahead to get time off. But what really baffles me is those that have plans for the summer of 2012 and know where they're planning on staying. I could never do that. So many things could happen b/w now and then and who knows where I would want to stay. I just feel like I'm missing out on something when everyone is talking about plans and know their dates and resort. So, what am I missing? Oh, and unless it's been a crazy deal and I missed it early on, I've not really had an issue getting the resort I want.

 

[loganjared]

We normally go late May or early June and don't book until deals come out late January or early February. This year I have booked about a month ago thought because our new favorite resort is POFQ and since they are the smallest we were afraid they would run out of rooms. This may be the reason other people book early because they may be afraid of missing out on their favorite place to stay or they have a favorite section or room and they want their room request in the front of the line. Just a thought

 

[arjones31]

I am a teacher, too, so my time to go on vacation is limited. I do book early - sometimes a year ahead of time. I like doing this because I can't choose just any time to go. I can make my dining reservations earlier so I know I can have our favorites booked. Also, don't worry about not getting the discounts - they can be added to your reservation after they come out. Just yesterday I called and asked for the new public room discount offer and it was applied to the reservation I made in August - saved me over $500. I was happy, too, because the rooms for those offers are very limited; if you wait until the offer comes open, you may not get the room you want. I like to know I have all my ducks in a row, then I wait for the special deals. Best of luck planning your trip!

 

[maxsmom]

My other problem is I would like to go in June, but they are taking away the number of calamity days we have and we have no idea when we can go. There's always so many factors. I've liked when we've gone earlier in June, but it's cheaper later and we've also gotten great deals so we've been able to stay at the Polynesian where as if we book now I would probably only be able to book a moderate. Was just curious to see why some people feel the rush to book so early.

 

[Tinkerbell2B]

I admit I am an early booker!! I would much rather book the resort I want as soon as I can knowing that I can use a discount or PIN later on down the road. It only costs the $200 deposit on packages which is refundable until the 45th day prior to arrival. You don't have anything to lose! You can even change resorts too with no penalty! I have switched from AKL to WL and have finally decided on the Poly and know it is the right place for us this time. I understand your issue with dates, but would reserve as soon as I could if you are particular to a certain resort.

 

[maxsmom]

Well, since I haven't really had a problem booking the resort of my choice, I don't think I'll worry too much then. I like to plan, but also keep my options open.

 

[Rachaelt]

Your options would still be open. And you'd have longer to pay for it. This weekend has been pretty much booked up for months. Also, if you plan to eat at the most popular restaurants, they always book up 180 days in advance.

 

[sillylily]

I, by nature, am a thorough planner. When I finally put our deposit down for June, I had spent well in excess of 30 hours researching (yes, it's a lot, but in my defense this is our first trip to WDW as a family! ☺) where I wanted to be and which dates worked best for us. I like to have all of my ducks in a row months in advance because, well, I'm a control freak!lol My DH could plan a full trip in less time than it takes me to pack lunch boxes, and it turn out just as well. I think it's all dependent on how comfortable you are being flexible!

 

[snykymom]

As a teacher, I'm sure you've noticed different personality types. I'm sure you have good students who have plans for all their projects, start them as soon as they're assigned, and are very organized and on-task. Then I'm sure you have others who start the assignment two days (or less!) before it's due, and still manage to do well.

That's what you see here - the different personality types. You've got the planners and the "not gonna worry about it." You've got the ones who focus on the reservation they've made and once it's made have a very hard time changing it, and the ones who change dates, resorts, etc. multiple times.

Different strokes.