Best Way To Book A Room?

[Nora03]

What's the best way to book?

Should I just call CRO, or book online, or through CAA (AAA) or Dreams Unlimited? Where do you think I'd get the best rate for Wilderness Lodge? Should I book soon for next March? 2009 rates don't seem to be available yet.

Thanks, Nora

 

[Luv2Roam]

2009 is not out yet. I would just wait. When rates are released then look on line and see what options and prices are. Either book or shop around.

 

[rt2dz]

You have a better cancelation policy if you book by calling CRO than if you book online. You never know what in life could pop up so that I think calling is better. Even if you have trip insurance, there are quite a bit of things trip insurance isn't going to cover.

Until the rates come out you are going to be charged the highest rack rate of the current year for the room you are looking for the next year. I believe the next year's rates and seasons come out in August. You can always adjust the rate for a discount later; I believe Disney will adjust the rack rate for your season for you.

Dreams Unlimited is just a travel agency. They will book for you over the phone so that you are given the phone cancelation policies. They can't get you any better rate than what you can get for yourself. You will have to trust in them, but they will look for the least expensive rates as they change for you. Of course, that isn't difficult with WDW Info (here) and Mouse Savers. You can also make sure it is done first thing when you handle it yourself. Using a TA is just a matter of personal preference. Personally, I find the TA more work than doing it myself.

If you want an AAA *package* rate, you have to book through an AAA agent. I would assume that CAA would be the same.

 

[Mary2e]

I would book with AAA. It is the only way to get the AAA discount on the room portion of your package. Plus, if you book it during their "Disney Days" you will get something extra. I received a $100 voucher toward booking another package and also a $25 discount toward another package when I booked a trip to use the $100 .

They also sometimes give gift cards.

 

[Luv2Roam]

Are their "Disney Days" in AAA Disney Month? That has been for January. I don't know if CAA has Disney Month or not. Don't recall reading about it one way or another.

 

[Mary2e]

I don't know if it's just days or a month. I booked a package last May and didn't even know it was a special period and received the $100 voucher for a future package.

I used that $100 to book a package for January in late December/early January (I forgot which) and recieved another $25 voucher.

I believe they run the specials several times a year.

 

[mmmears]

I would book with AAA. It is the only way to get the AAA discount on the room portion of your package. Plus, if you book it during their "Disney Days" you will get something extra. I received a $100 voucher toward booking another package and also a $25 discount toward another package when I booked a trip to use the $100 .

They also sometimes give gift cards.

Actually, if you call CRO and ask for a AAA discount, you can book it directly through them...

 

[Luv2Roam]

If a guest sticks with a room only. It seems we read a lot of posts where people book a room only and then lament later on when they can't add dining.