Booking Strategy Thoughts?

[Mikelly1221]

Ok, gang, let's put our thinking caps on!

In the past, I've always waited for AP rates to come out and then booked what I wanted. Never really had any problems getting a room. Now, when I do that, a lot of the values and moderates are sold out, or I have to go to a preferred room.

I know booking ahead of time hoping for a discount is frowned upon-it gives a false sense of the hotel being booked, which may negate any discounts being offered. And frankly, I need a discount to stay on-site (it's a personal thing..I know, I have issues).

So, in light of the new pricing, booking, and discount structures that Disney seems to be heading toward, do our usual booking strategies need to be updated also? Thoughts?

 

[lilyv]

Ok, gang, let's put our thinking caps on!

In the past, I've always waited for AP rates to come out and then booked what I wanted. Never really had any problems getting a room. Now, when I do that, a lot of the values and moderates are sold out, or I have to go to a preferred room.

I know booking ahead of time hoping for a discount is frowned upon-it gives a false sense of the hotel being booked, which may negate any discounts being offered. And frankly, I need a discount to stay on-site (it's a personal thing..I know, I have issues).

So, in light of the new pricing, booking, and discount structures that Disney seems to be heading toward, do our usual booking strategies need to be updated also? Thoughts?

Have you considered AAA rates? I like room only rates, which allows me to book either directly with Disney, a Disney Specialist TA or AAA. Great options, and I have the bonus of roadside assistance peace of mind. I'm saving several hundred dollars on our upcoming trip.

 

[Mikelly1221]

That's a thought. We haven't been a AAA member in a long time, and up until recently, being a Fl resident and an AP holder worked better in terms of discounts. Recently, we rejoined AAA to get discounts on a Universal trip (we want to stay onsite, if possible), and we've already used it on a road trip to NC to get a hotel discount.

I did ask about AAA discounts when I called yesterday, but the AP rates were a bit cheaper. In the end, I ended up not booking anything.