book now, hope for discount?

[maman_et_fille]

Looking for some advice from the experts.

We are headed to WDW in January 2010 and then again in October w/ my SIL's family. Already figured out that an AP would save us on park admission come October. SIL has a DVC and we'd be staying with her.

Now to the on-topic part of my question - we'd probably like to stay a few days longer than they're staying. i.e. checking out of the DVC and checking into our own room somewhere. What is the best way to go about doing this? Right now my plan is to check the bounceback rates in January, if that doesn't work out should I wait for a deal to come out or book a room only reservation for our resort of choice early in the year? Problem w/ a room only reservation is that we're not eligible for the Dining Plan . . . right? What are the bounceback discounts usually like? Lastly, I know I can cancel a room only reservation up to 5 days before it starts, but is there a different deadline for applying potential discounts to try to get the best rate?

I'm sure I'm overthinking this like crazy. I'm off to plan a few different itineraries for our dates in Oct. hoping to get a pin!

 

[disneyfan55]

Looking for some advice from the experts.

We are headed to WDW in January 2010 and then again in October w/ my SIL's family. Already figured out that an AP would save us on park admission come October. SIL has a DVC and we'd be staying with her.

Now to the on-topic part of my question - we'd probably like to stay a few days longer than they're staying. i.e. checking out of the DVC and checking into our own room somewhere. What is the best way to go about doing this? Right now my plan is to check the bounceback rates in January, if that doesn't work out should I wait for a deal to come out or book a room only reservation for our resort of choice early in the year? Problem w/ a room only reservation is that we're not eligible for the Dining Plan . . . right? What are the bounceback discounts usually like? Lastly, I know I can cancel a room only reservation up to 5 days before it starts, but is there a different deadline for applying potential discounts to try to get the best rate?

I'm sure I'm overthinking this like crazy. I'm off to plan a few different itineraries for our dates in Oct. hoping to get a pin!

I always book ahead and then when the code comes, apply it. If you're really going to stay no matter what, you should book the room. On one Sept stay I changed the code 3 times. First I had a GP pin and got a Value for 69 per night-not that great. Then an AP discout came for 54/night. Then free dining with Disney Visa. The Free dining was 28 per night more than the AP and we couldn't eat (3 of us) for that!! Even with having to get the 1 day each (one actually needed a ticket) it was well worth it. That was 2008 just so you know. Also, room only requires a one night deposit so that's all you have to dep. If you make a room only by phone it's a 5 day cancel/change deadline as well, not 45.