Booking now and discount later?

[the5reeds]

So we're planning a trip for Feb 1 2014 and wanted people's opinion regarding booking now at rack rates then getting a discount later if/once Disney announces the discounts... versus just waiting until later this fall when the discounts are announced and booking then? We plan to stay at Port Orleans Riverside and would want a room-only reservation, with preference for a preferred room.

 

[Lizziejane]

We are visiting in January 2014 and I booked our room almost 4 months ago! A discount would be nice, but we won't be changing our plans if we don't get one. We booked a 2-bedroom villa at BWV, and as I have no idea how quickly they book up, so I went ahead and booked early. Missing out on a discount would be bad enough, but I would be so disappointed if I couldn't get a room at all at my favourite resort.

Besides, having a reservation justifies the early planning obsession

 

[mickeynut1]

So we're planning a trip for Feb 1 2014 and wanted people's opinion regarding booking now at rack rates then getting a discount later if/once Disney announces the discounts... versus just waiting until later this fall when the discounts are announced and booking then? We plan to stay at Port Orleans Riverside and would want a room-only reservation, with preference for a preferred room.

If you are going regardless of whether or not a discount comes out, I'd book now so you are guaranteed the resort/room type you want. Disney releases discounts to fill rooms, so if a resort is booking up without discounts, Disney will see no need to offer a discount on that particular resort (or will offer very few rooms, depending on the current occupancy level). Having a reservation already in place does not guarantee a discount can be applied, so booking now "in hopes" of a discount later is one less room Disney has to fill. With that said, if the trip is dependent on a discount, I'd wait to book.

 

[Wood Nymph]

So we're planning a trip for Feb 1 2014 and wanted people's opinion regarding booking now at rack rates then getting a discount later if/once Disney announces the discounts... versus just waiting until later this fall when the discounts are announced and booking then? We plan to stay at Port Orleans Riverside and would want a room-only reservation, with preference for a preferred room.

We booked a room last July for our February 2013 trip. Discounts were announced in early October and we were able to apply them to our reservation. It was very easy.

 

[the5reeds]

We're going regardless, but we're not necessarily set on location (dates are firm). We also don't NEED the discount to go, but it would be swell to get a 25% discount. So I guess, we're somewhat flexible.

Are people finding that booking through Disney Travel vs a speciality travel agent (Small World, Dreams Unlimited) is a wash cost-wise?

 

[cfriend416]

We booked our Feb 2013 trip before packages were released. We used Small World TA. When packages were released, the TA modified our room-only to a Magic Your Way, and when the Stay, Play, Dine discount came out, she modified it again with no issues. I have not personally tried to add a discount to an existing reservation my own, but I have heard its easier and you're more likely to get the discount if you go through a TA. Small World and most other Disney specialists are free.

 

[BelindaP]

You could wait till August to make the booking as the rates and discounts should be available around that time. I remember we did that in 2011, but i m not sure if its still possible.

 

[JanB]

Are people finding that booking through Disney Travel vs a speciality travel agent (Small World, Dreams Unlimited) is a wash cost-wise?

It is my understanding that cost-wise it would be the same; i.e., the TAs have access to the same discounts and promotions as you would have directly with Disney.

The primary reason that I use a TA (I love Dreams Unlimited) is because I am relieved of the burden of needing to monitor for discounts/promotions and then having to get on the phone to try to secure the discount. My TA monitors for discounts/promotions and then contacts me about them. For my most recent reservation, my TA in fact contacted me about 2 or 3 days prior to when Free Dining came out because they pretty much knew that it was going to happen. That way, we could discuss my options and be prepared for whatever changes I wanted to make. We handle all of our communications via email, which I like a lot.

 

[Sue M]

We're going regardless, but we're not necessarily set on location (dates are firm). We also don't NEED the discount to go, but it would be swell to get a 25% discount. So I guess, we're somewhat flexible.

Are people finding that booking through Disney Travel vs a speciality travel agent (Small World, Dreams Unlimited) is a wash cost-wise?

Well going with the theory that booking now actually works against you with discounts being that if a resort is filled enough they won't offer a discount, or maybe only a 5%, I'd wait to book.

We plan in going in January, have my flights booked, but waiting for Jan discounts to be released to book my room. I'm doing a room only too. We have APs, so don't need tickets.

I sometimes book myself, and sometimes use a Disney Specialiazed TA. Depending. I have found some great TAs, and they have been great. They know when Wdw puts out promos and they are on the phone when it opens getting you the best deal. They will also do your ADRs if you want. I personally prefer to do them myself.
I like to be paid in full brfore we arrive, even with room only. I make monthly payments and find it convienent to just send an email to TA to make a payment b

 

[Princess Disney Mom]

I will book at the Hilton initially as it is a better value. Then if and when discounts are announced for my dates I may switch then.

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