Best time to make reservations for Dec.

[NewMouseFans]

First timer here!!

Planning family trip (grandparents, parents, 3 kids 7,6,4) for WDW 12/5 - 12/10.

After much research, decided on 2 rooms at POFQ.

Is this a good choice?

When is the best time to make these reservations? When will discounts be available for this time of year?

This has been unlike any other vacation planning I've ever encountered!!! HELP!!

 

[pugdog]

we always go in december and think it is the best time to go. You should make your room reservations now, so you know you have a room. We have AAA discounts right now but are waiting for other discounts to see if they are better. discounts for that time usally come out in august or september if they are going to have any.
POFQ is a nice resort and the kids will like the dragon pool. We decided to go back to CBR since its been 12 years since we stayed there.

 

[tink2]

I certainly think you made a wise resort choice- we'll be at POFQ Dec. 5-11 too!!! We also have 2 rooms- one for me, DH, DD5, and DS3 and one for my parents. We made reservations a couple of months ago. I'm waiting for codes to come out- thinking it will be closer to the fall before any codes come out for December, but not sure. You can always make a reservation and then call back to apply the code- that way you know you have your rooms. I don't think this is a busy time of year, but POFQ is a small resort.
Another suggestion- do you have a Disney Visa? If not, it is a card that you can earn Disney reward dollars on and use them anywhere at WDW. I already have over $100 and plan to use them to help pay for our room. Also, there have been discounts for cardholders on rooms and there is a package out for cardholers for the summer now- not sure if or when the rates for Dec. will be out, but I'll just call and apply them. However, I think you need to make your room deposit with your Disney Visa to get the special rate when they announce it.
POFQ is a great resort- our favorite by far! It is very small, not a lot of walking to anywhere- which is why we like it b/c of my parents and the small children! It is very peaceful and makes you feel relaxed!

 

[Mom of Sleepy Bashful and BabyDoc]

When we went in Dec/2002, I made reservations the May before. Then we just waited for the codes to come out and I was able to switch my rate, no problem.

I feel it's easier to cancel if you need to, and a lot harder to get the room if they are sold out.

 

[puffkin]

That is a pretty unbusy time of the year to go. I would make reservations now, and guarantee your room and resort choice. We went December 6-13 last year and it was great. The discounts came out on August 28 for December, so if there are going to be discounts, I would expect August or September.

One other thing to remember is that you are going to be in WDW during the Pop Warner championships. It had very little impact on park attendance, but I did read that some people had problems with loud, unsupervised kids at the resorts. They usually stay at the Values, but also at some of the moderates as well. We stayed at the AKL and didn't see a single one. If this is something that might bother you or your family, I would specifically request to be in a quiet section (away from Pool and food court) or try to upgrade to a deluxe if the codes are good. Hope this helps!

 

[pumpkinboy]

POFQ is lovely, and brand new after the recent refurbishment. Looking like pre-tax those rooms are gonna go for $825 each rack rate, pre-tax (total $1650 for 5 nights).

Another option might be to visit the DVC Rent/Trade Board here on DIS, read the FAQ and see if you might like to rent one of the lovely and spacious two bedroom units (with full kitchen and laundry) over at Disney's Old Key West Resort. DVC timeshare points costs are cheaper on weeknights, so you could conceivable get a 2BR for your whole party for 110 DVC points (points usually rent between $10-$12 per point, so $1100 to $1320 for the five nights). This is very price-competitive with POFQ even if you were offered discounts on the moderate. I love OKW, and things there just feel relaxed and luxurious; notably OKW has the biggest rooms on the property (bigger than Poly), and the 1BR and 2BR are even bigger, and very accommodating to large groups. For your dates, you might even be able to score an ultra luxurious 3BR Grand Villa there for 180 points. (note that rack rate is much higher at OKW; the DVC timeshare members have much lower points costs, especially for weeknights)

It is certainly something to consider. OKW is in the area near POFQ and now shares the boats to Downtown Disney with POR and POFQ. We also find bus service at OKW as good or better than at the PO resorts. Good luck with your planning.