Booking package for January '08 QUESTIONS

[jtw]

Hi, newbie on this board

I'm busy planning a family trip to Disney World for January 5-12, 2008, and am looking for some guidance on booking a package and hotel rooms. First off, let me say that I have been to DW many times before as I've grown up, so at least I'm not a newb to the parks

Those of us going on the trip include my parents, my wife, my sister, and her husband. We're looking at staying at one of the Value resorts, probably Pop Century. Parents are in their early-mid 50s and all us kids range in age from 24 -28. I'm trying to help my mom get all the details sorted out and am a bit confused on when to book our package. I've seen from reading these boards and others that the 2008 rates aren't available yet, and have spoken to Disney directly and they hope they are up next month or at least by September.

My question involves the Value results getting booked up if we wait for the new rates. How should I go about this? I know the Marathon is over the last few days of our trip, and I don't want to miss the boat on getting into one of the Value resorts before they fill up. Should we just book our entire package (tickets, rooms, dining plan, etc.) now, or wait for the new rates whenever they become available? We already have our airline tickets purchased as well.

Thanks so much for any guidance. This is my first foray into doing Disney as a true "adult", and seeing the booking, planning, and logistics angle of it.

AND DID I SAY HOW PUMPED I AM ABOUT GOING BACK TO DISNEY WORLD?!

 

[bekkiz]

I would book a room only reservation now (you'll need to put a deposit down for each room). Once the packages come out it's quite easy to change the room-only to a package

Can I give a suggestion to use a travel agent (Dreams Unlimited supports these boards, and I've used them every trip for the last 6 years, but there's loads others) because it saves you a lot of hassle of calling to change things around. Plus, if a deal comes out in October or November, the TAs are really on top of it to help you get the best deal. The can also get AAA discounts and stuff for you. If this is your first "adult" booking, I think a TA is a good way to go!

Good luck, we arrive the 11th ourselves, for the marathon

 

[jtw]

Thank you! I'll check that out.