Book now, code later????? Help!

[Russell]

Help most wise disners! I want to go to the WL January 2007. Last time I went, I did get a code in my email but it was a couple of months before I left for an already planned trip so I could only tack a day on to my trip. Now we HAVE to stay at the Wilderness Lodge. Here's my question:

Has anyone booked a room way in advance, then got a code and adjusted their reservations? The CM say go ahead and book and if you get a code you can use it to an exisiting ressie. But if I book, will that prevent me from getting the most cherished code?

And do forgive me if I should post this on the code board. Now sure where it goes.

 

[helenk]

I would book now, at the resort you want and can afford. If codes come out you can then apply them to your existing reservation. This would give you the opportunity to upgrade or add days to your vacation.
The one thing I have found with the WL is that there are very few discounts available for the standard and woodview rooms, the courtyard rooms are the ones generally available (I guess because there are more of them in all).
When I stayed at the WL I upgraded to a courtyard view room when the codes came out.

 

[klinlin]

I booked in early May for our trip to Wilderness Lodge 11/26-12/02. When the public codes came out, I tried to apply it to my existing ressie, but no luck. A couple of days later I got a postcard with a pin number. I called and this time was able to apply it to my ressie, if I didn't mind an upgrade! I upgraded to Courtyard view and saved $300!

 

[tjmw2727]

If a code comes out IME you can't always apply it - sometimes you can, sometimes you can't. Often though, when you can't apply it you can make a new reservation with the code/pin and then cancel your existing reservation.

What I do is make a reservation I can afford and will be happy with if no code/AP rate or pin comes out. I always make a room only with a 7 day cancellation policy just in case. Then, if I do see a better deal I can take advantage of I feel lucky, if not, then I booked what I wanted at what I thought was a fair price.

I recently booked 3 nights at CBR for after a cruise - good rate and the room we wanted. I was pleasantly surprised when the BRP was extended and I could save about 40% on our room. I did have to cancel and re-book but it was worth it. Again though, if I had not gotten BRP I would have been happy with the rate and room I booked.

So - book what you want and relax, then if a better rate comes out you WILL hear about it here - so no worries!!

TJ