Book Spring vacation now, or wait for discounts?

[ljl22]

We're heading to WDW for Spring Break in March 2017, so should we book now and adjust if a special is announced, or wait for a special or discount code?

We've received discount codes via email in the past, but I haven't seen anything for 2017 yet. We are Disney Visa cardholders, so we'll be eligible for those discounts when/if they come out. For 2016 we booked then adjusted when the discounts were announced, but since we're new Disney visa cardholders I'm wondering if we may be better off waiting for a discount code.

I'm assuming we definitely won't receive a discount code if we book the trip now.

 

[hollypoast]

If it were me, I would book now and then watch for deals. We are expecting an announcement in October for early 2017 discounts and promotions.

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

If you google "magical agency exclusive disney deal" you'll come across a travel agent often used by members of this forum. I have a trip booked in January with them, for substantial savings. I never had any idea agencies could offer discounted rates better than booking through disney, but it is saving several thousands of dollars.
They were very quick with their quote! I don't believe they offer discounts on value resorts, but we were able to get a deluxe resort for about the price of a moderate. If a Disney discount comes out which beats their rates, they will automatically switch you to the cheaper rate (I believe- but you should double check that).

 

[msmama]

If your dates are firm, you know exactly where you want to stay, and don't want to change your mind, and are ok with the price you're paying shown, then go ahead and book now.

If you're a little more flexible, it doesn't matter.

If, say, all deluxe resorts are booked when it gets to the point Disney is going to announce their discounts, guess what's not discounted - deluxe resorts!! (Completely made up example to prove my point).

If you wait, be aware that discounts for all resorts and all categories may not be available for the dates you're wanting to travel. If you book now, and discounts come out later, you're not adding a discount to your current reservation. You're canceling one, and then booking another. It's a seamless process, but still the way it works. Personally, I've never had any issues (I usually do room only only the occasional package, but still have never had issues) but be aware that they may pop up.

Personally, I tend to book as soon as I'm 100% sure I'm going, assuming I'm okay with the price before discounts. But I've often rebooked with a discount once announced, too. But I've never been set on only one place/room type so it's worked out okay.

 

[NY Pirate Princess]

I agree 100% with Ms. Mama. I booked for 2016 spring break at Port Orleans standard view room. When the discounts came out I re-booked for a royal room for $70 less than the original booking. However, that was the only discount available for POR. Very few discounted rooms were available and they went fast. If I had waited I might have been squeezed out of the standard view, which I was perfectly willing to stay in, and had to spend more for something I didn't need. I would book it now if you are sure you want to go and are sure of your resort and the price point offered. Disney Visa holders didn't get advance availability for Spring discounts this year, and you might not in 2017 either.

 

[taymaesmom]

If you google "magical agency exclusive disney deal" you'll come across a travel agent often used by members of this forum. I have a trip booked in January with them, for substantial savings. I never had any idea agencies could offer discounted rates better than booking through disney, but it is saving several thousands of dollars.
They were very quick with their quote! I don't believe they offer discounts on value resorts, but we were able to get a deluxe resort for about the price of a moderate. If a Disney discount comes out which beats their rates, they will automatically switch you to the cheaper rate (I believe- but you should double check that).

We have used this travel agency multiple times for our December trips and saved tons! We are hoping for a March discount for Spring Break this year and I am watching them closely!!

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

We have used this travel agency multiple times for our December trips and saved tons! We are hoping for a March discount for Spring Break this year and I am watching them closely!!

You may want to email your travel agent. I booked for January, and asked if they had agency exclusive discounts, and she said yes, they just hadn't published them yet, but she quoted me the discounts. Same could be true for March/April.

 

[disdreams77]

spring break is out. check some of the facebook pages for details. they have the info

 

[JohnDaleswife]

I am booked with this agency for February, at the Beach Club with an awesome rate. But its not really where I want to be. I would love to be at the AKL or even the BoardWalk. But may do SSR as well.

 

[ellie05]

We are going in March too and I am not booking yet. I did request a quote through an agency exclusive and the rates weren't that great.

 

[hsmamato2]

where are you seeing 2017 rates with this agency? I can only see 2016

 

[ellie05]

I asked for a quote all the deluxe were well over $360 a night for my dates not really a deal.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would book now so that you at least have a room before the resort sells out- if that should happen. Then modify when sale comes out

 

[disdreams77]

I asked for a quote all the deluxe were well over $360 a night for my dates not really a deal.

still likely to be better than the regular offers...

 

[disdreams77]

where are you seeing 2017 rates with this agency? I can only see 2016

check some of the agents facebook pages

 

[ellie05]

still likely to be better than the regular offers...

Not necessarily. My dates are not peak season rates so $360 is not a great rate. It depends on the offer they release and we won't know that until later in this month. Booking a room just in case doesn't really help to get offers as they release offers depending on the number of rooms that are booked.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

still likely to be better than the regular offers...

I agree. At spring break prices are ridiculous. In 2015 we rented points at BCV for $300/nt (no tax). I priced regular room at BC through Disney and they were over $600/nt + tax. No thanks!