Book Now or Wait???

[Liv4Dis&LSU]

Okay, looking to go Dec. 11th to 16th would like to stay at AKL or WL but a little out of my budget. The package deal at the POR at rack rate are more in line with my budget.

So the question is do I book the Mod now and hope to upgrade if a deal or code comes along or do I put a deposit down on the ALK package and wait to see if a code come along and down grade if one does not???

What are the chances of getting a code if you already booked a trip?

I have read and tried all the little tips. Called several times no codes attached, ordered DVD, ordered stuff off disneyshopping.com, ordered info about Adventures, etc. Really, really, really, hoping for a code..... Helps convince dear old Grumpy Hubby that we need to stay at a deluxe.

 

[Aliceacc]

Can we assume you have at least the AAA discount? If not, it's a great starting place.

If it were me, I would book now at POR with that AAA discount. That way you have, at minimum, a resort for your dates. You can look at airfare and whatever else you need.

If and when you get a code, you can look into an upgrade.

But if you don't book, you may find yourself out of luck for the dates you want.

 

[Pixiedust34]

I think it's smart to book what you can best afford. If a code comes along and you can upgrade later, that's a nice bonus! If a code doesn't come along, your within-your-budget vacation is still ready-to-go.

 

[Liv4Dis&LSU]

I do not have AAA but it might be worth getting. The quotes that CRO gave were rack rate packages

2 adults
2 kids
PH with dining

 

[Aliceacc]

I LOVE AAA!

Depending on when you're going, you can get anywhere from 10-20% off the price of your room. There's no reason to pay rack rate!!!

If you want a package (ie dining) you'll have to book through an AAA agent. So much the better-- that's someone ELSE on the lookout for discounts for you! It costs something like $60 per year to join AAA.

 

[Liv4Dis&LSU]

If I was to book with AAA but then something better came out thru Disney, can I cancel? Is their cancellation policy like Disney's? Also can you make payments like Disney?

AAA is sounding better so far....

 

[Aliceacc]

If I was to book with AAA but then something better came out thru Disney, can I cancel? Is their cancellation policy like Disney's? Also can you make payments like Disney?

AAA is sounding better so far....

That's exactly what I did. I had booked the Contemporary through AAA, with their 15% off during Value Season.

Then I got the 40% off PIN Code

There were no code rooms left at the CR, so my AAA agent looked into what else was available on the monorail. We got a room at the Poly and saved $500! So our trip is still booked through AAA even though we're not taking advantage of their rates (since Disney doesn't allow you to stack codes.)

I think the AAA rate should be a mandatory first step for anyone considering a WDW vacation. It's so easy, can save you some serious money (especially if you're thinking mod or deluxe-- and with a family of 5 we didn't have tons of other options) AND there are all those roadside assistance perks as well.

Look into it tomorrow. I bet you'll be glad you did!


edited: I made a silly error and thought your dates were during holiday season. I'm glad you caught the error. My apologies!

 

[bsbrady]

Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but the way Disney does their bookings are different for room only and packages. You can make a room only res, and all u have to give is 1 nights deposit and you pay the rest after you arrive. If u book a package you have to be fully paid 45 days in advance and the cancellation policy is more strict.

I would make a room only res at the resort of your choice and when they release the promotions for that time of year, then u can call and change it to a package type. You can call disney and just ask what the exact policy is for changing a res.

 

[Liv4Dis&LSU]

info over load for this newbie...

I called CRO today and have a hold on ALK room only with a AAA discount. It's a pool view w/ bunks for $191.25 per night.

So, booking through AAA I thought I would get the same deal. My dates are Dec. 11 thru 16th. I thought holiday season started after that?

Now my last question (for now) is can you use codes even if not booking thru Disney?

 

[Aliceacc]

info over load for this newbie...

I called CRO today and have a hold on ALK room only with a AAA discount. It's a pool view w/ bunks for $191.25 per night.

So, booking through AAA I thought I would get the same deal. My dates are Dec. 11 thru 16th. I thought holiday season started after that?

Now my last question (for now) is can you use codes even if not booking thru Disney?

I'm so sorry, I must have misread it. You're right and I was wrong.

So, yes, you can use your AAA agent to book your package-- that way you could get the dining plan. And, yes, he or she can book with the code; mine did.

 

[Liv4Dis&LSU]

WOW! That's awesome. It sounds like AAA is the way to go.

I just hope I get some sort of code so I can upgrade to a Deluxe. If not the POR will be fine. It will be like being at home. We live in near New Orleans along the Mississippi River.

 

[mom2taylorandemily]

I would book now, AAA rate rooms go quick. If they are available, you need to go on and book. My question I have is: Are you booking room only AAA discount with CRO or are you booking thru AAA? If you are booking thru CRO and a better discount becomes available I think you can change.

 

[SweetPeasMom2]

Does the AAA rate apply to the entire package (room+ddp) or just room only?

 

[Liv4Dis&LSU]

Just the room but only if you book thru AAA

Can't use AAA and package thru CRO

This I have figured out, i think