Book early or wait for deals? Windsor Hills

[AllesonWonderland]

I posted this on another board, but haven't had too many replies, so I thought I'd try over here since there are so many Windsor Hills regulars.

Okay, so I'm a huge planner. Our first trip to Disney I had lodging at Windsor Hills booked over 10 months in advance. I'm already planning our Spring Break 2010 trip. I have it narrowed down where I want to stay and have rates lower than listed price for some houses. (We're looking at 6 bedroom homes) Should I go ahead and book ASAP, or hold out and hope for a deal? Thanks in advance for your thoughts/suggestions.

 

[Brian Noble]

If you are going during a time when a lot of kids are likely to be out of school, and you have fairly specific preferences about what you want, I would book as soon as you find a good fit. I would wait only if you are going at a slower time, or if you are really flexible about what amenities, etc. you need.

So, in your case, where it sounds like you know exactly what you want, I'd suggest booking sooner rather than later. Yes, you might have saved a little bit, but unless you're really stretching your budget, it's fine to pay a little bit more for the features you want.

 

[wdwmouse]

HI,
If you want a home for a very specific busy time, or for an extended stay, I'd book early.
Our family has a home in Windsor Hills, and I am unable to answer literally dozens of emails every day for March and April this year, because we've been totally booked for months. I could have booked our home over and over again for the same dates this year. (makes me want another home!)
If you've found something you really love, I'd book it.

 

[tami82]

I would book early just to have some piece of mind. I booked a themed condo as i knew my girls would love it, it was a pretty good price but were a few that had a bit better price with no cleaning fee but after i saw how nice the place was i decided it was better to put out the extra $120 as i know i found my perfect place. although availability is good now i just couldnt take the chance of waiting it out.

 

[csss31399]

We went last year during Spring Break (which was the same as the week before Easter). It was a spur of the moment trip and we only decided to go about 4 or 5 weeks before the trip. We had a HARD time finding a place with any availablility, so I would book earlier rather than later.

 

[deejay-55]

Book ASAP to guarantee what you want

 

[PrincessBelle39]

I think you might find at the moment that the deals are being offered early at the moment. People want to secure bookings for their villas/condos etc to guaratee that the money will be coming in. We are staying in a 6bedroom in Sept/Oct and have got a rate that we consider fantastic.

 

[edolee]

I'd suggest making your own deal...

1) Find 4-6 homes/condos that meet your needs AND are available during your dates.

2) Send them all a request for quote (ask if they have any deals going).

3) Once you get the quotes back, either pick the best deal, or ask your favorite property to meet/beat the best deal you got.

We have done this before and sometimes it works (others not). With the economy being down, you might get a pretty good deal this year.

Ed

 

[AllesonWonderland]

Thanks for the suggestion. I did ask one owner if he'd give me an 'early bird' discount, but he joked back that he'd give me a discount if my stay was only 6 weeks out instead of over a year. LOL My 'favorite' emailed last week with a 'limited time' special of 20% off. (Published rates, not the quote he had sent, though it's still a great discount.) I'll email the others on my 'short list' and see what they say.

 

[tami82]

I agree with above poster about picking a few and seeing what deals you can get or who offers the best one. When i was looking and got some quotes one of the owners actually was going to waive the $80 cleaning fee which i thought was pretty good considering I was only going to stay for 4 nights (some will waive the cleaning fee if you stay 7 nights). The cost was $115 per night but it was a character condo. In the end i did go with something else a little more expensive because i knew my two little girls would love it.