First Time Booking Reservation for Resort

[Dani314]

I've been to Disney twice before, but we've previously stayed off site in Orlando and Kissimmee. We've made it a tradition to go every 2 years. We just got back last November, so we're planning for 2021. We've always gone in November, but figured why not try a different time, so we were initially aiming for January/February...and then Covid-19 happened. I know a lot of states are entering Phase 1 and we don't know what the future holds, but we're now leaning toward continuing doing our November tradition to make sure the kinks are knocked out. Having never stayed at a resort before, I'm trying to navigate the best course of action. I posted on the Mom's Panel and they suggested that because rates for 2021 are not available yet to book a room-only reservation as far in advance as 500 days. Once the pkg has been released, I can then update to a vacation pkg. They stated I could book for January/February, which was when we initially wanted to book and then modify the reservation for November 2021, but to discuss it with a cast member regarding cancellation and modification policies. So, just chatted with a cast member, who really didn't help much. I still don't know whether to book now for January/February and modify later to November 2021, which would allow us to make payments for a longer period of time or if I should just book summer 2021 for November 2021. The cast member basically just said to book for November as soon as possible since it's the busiest month of the year, but didn't specify whether she meant now or next year and before I knew it, she ended the chat : / Aside from booking concerns, I also want to make sure that we will be refunded if for some reason the trip is cancelled altogether because we don't know what's happening with Coronavirus. If you've made it this far in my post, kudos to you. Just a lost, confused, home sick for Disney girl looking for answers!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I've been to Disney twice before, but we've previously stayed off site in Orlando and Kissimmee. We've made it a tradition to go every 2 years. We just got back last November, so we're planning for 2021. We've always gone in November, but figured why not try a different time, so we were initially aiming for January/February...and then Covid-19 happened. I know a lot of states are entering Phase 1 and we don't know what the future holds, but we're now leaning toward continuing doing our November tradition to make sure the kinks are knocked out. Having never stayed at a resort before, I'm trying to navigate the best course of action. I posted on the Mom's Panel and they suggested that because rates for 2021 are not available yet to book a room-only reservation as far in advance as 500 days. Once the pkg has been released, I can then update to a vacation pkg. They stated I could book for January/February, which was when we initially wanted to book and then modify the reservation for November 2021, but to discuss it with a cast member regarding cancellation and modification policies. So, just chatted with a cast member, who really didn't help much. I still don't know whether to book now for January/February and modify later to November 2021, which would allow us to make payments for a longer period of time or if I should just book summer 2021 for November 2021. The cast member basically just said to book for November as soon as possible since it's the busiest month of the year, but didn't specify whether she meant now or next year and before I knew it, she ended the chat : / Aside from booking concerns, I also want to make sure that we will be refunded if for some reason the trip is cancelled altogether because we don't know what's happening with Coronavirus. If you've made it this far in my post, kudos to you. Just a lost, confused, home sick for Disney girl looking for answers!

IMHO, there is zero reason to book for Jan/Feb 2021 if you intend on going in November 2021. I would just wait until 2021 packages are released which will most likely be within the next two months (mid-summer time). If you book a package (room and tickets and/or dining), you will put down a $200 deposit and the balance will be due 30 days prior to check-in (that balance due date is a little different right now, but I expect it will be back to normal by Nov. 2021). If you book a package this summer for November 2021, you should have no issues booking the resort you are interested in. Just now, when packages are released, you will be quoted rack rate for November 2021. I would then keep your eye out throughout 2021 for any discounts that might be released for your time frame. You can always try to modify your reservation to include that promo if your dates qualify.

 

[Dani314]

IMHO, there is zero reason to book for Jan/Feb 2021 if you intend on going in November 2021. I would just wait until 2021 packages are released which will most likely be within the next two months (mid-summer time). If you book a package (room and tickets and/or dining), you will put down a $200 deposit and the balance will be due 30 days prior to check-in (that balance due date is a little different right now, but I expect it will be back to normal by Nov. 2021). If you book a package this summer for November 2021, you should have no issues booking the resort you are interested in. Just now, when packages are released, you will be quoted rack rate for November 2021. I would then keep your eye out throughout 2021 for any discounts that might be released for your time frame. You can always try to modify your reservation to include that promo if your dates qualify.

Thank you so much! I guess for some reason I thought the packages released this year wouldn't cover all of next year. Clearly a rookie here! Makes so much more sense now. We've always booked the same year we've gone. Thanks for dumbing it down for me, I really appreciate it!

 

[Fangorn]

There are two types of resort reservations: Room Only and Resort Packages. Each type is sold through a separate business unit and they each have different rules for deposits, restrictions and cancellations/changes. Prices, however, are identical.

With Room Only

• the deposit is one night's room and tax.
• Full payment is due on your check-in day.
• You can make payments, but you have to call to do so - online payments are not possible.
• You can make reservations as far out as 499 days (so for today, that's a reservation beginning on 9/23/21)
• Tickets are purchased separately
• Each person on the reservation can have a different type of ticket.
• Dining Plans are not available for RO reservations
• Full refund is available up until 5 days before check-in. Loss of deposit within 5 days.
• No charge for changes made prior to 5 days before check-in; loss of deposit if made within 5 days (but may be waived)

For Packages:

• The deposit is $200
• Full payment is due 30 days before check-in.
• You can make payments either online or by calling
• You can only book a package once Disney has released the package pricing - typically June or July for the next calendar year.
• Tickets can be included in the package
• Everyone on the reservation MUST have the same type of ticket.
• Dining Plans can be included in the package. If included, everyone on the reservation MUST have the same Plan, and it WILL BE for all nights of the reservation.
• To be a package, either tickets or dining (or both) have to be included.
• Full refund is available for cancellations made 31 or more days before check-in.
• Changes made within 30 days of check-in are subject to change fees.

Room Only reservations are more flexible than packages, and have fewer restrictions. The only real advantage that a package MAY have, is in the situation where you need to cancel the trip. With a package, the refund will include the cost of the tickets. With a RO reservation, since tickets are a separate, (and technically, non-refundable) transaction, you will not get a refund on tickets. However, Disney has shown that they frequently work with guests with that. At the very least, the value of your tickets will be available to you to use at a later date.

If the plan is to go in November, then just wait until pricing is released this summer. Making a reservation for Jan/Feb doesn't really hurt anything, but it doesn't buy you anything unless that Jan trip is a possibility.

Steve

 

[SamFaniam]

Dining Plans are not available for RO reservations

You can add the dining plan to a room only reservation, and turn it in to a ticketless package.

 

[Dani314]

There are two types of resort reservations: Room Only and Resort Packages. Each type is sold through a separate business unit and they each have different rules for deposits, restrictions and cancellations/changes. Prices, however, are identical.

With Room Only

• the deposit is one night's room and tax.
• Full payment is due on your check-in day.
• You can make payments, but you have to call to do so - online payments are not possible.
• You can make reservations as far out as 499 days (so for today, that's a reservation beginning on 9/23/21)
• Tickets are purchased separately
• Each person on the reservation can have a different type of ticket.
• Dining Plans are not available for RO reservations
• Full refund is available up until 5 days before check-in. Loss of deposit within 5 days.
• No charge for changes made prior to 5 days before check-in; loss of deposit if made within 5 days (but may be waived)

For Packages:

• The deposit is $200
• Full payment is due 30 days before check-in.
• You can make payments either online or by calling
• You can only book a package once Disney has released the package pricing - typically June or July for the next calendar year.
• Tickets can be included in the package
• Everyone on the reservation MUST have the same type of ticket.
• Dining Plans can be included in the package. If included, everyone on the reservation MUST have the same Plan, and it WILL BE for all nights of the reservation.
• To be a package, either tickets or dining (or both) have to be included.
• Full refund is available for cancellations made 31 or more days before check-in.
• Changes made within 30 days of check-in are subject to change fees.

Room Only reservations are more flexible than packages, and have fewer restrictions. The only real advantage that a package MAY have, is in the situation where you need to cancel the trip. With a package, the refund will include the cost of the tickets. With a RO reservation, since tickets are a separate, (and technically, non-refundable) transaction, you will not get a refund on tickets. However, Disney has shown that they frequently work with guests with that. At the very least, the value of your tickets will be available to you to use at a later date.

If the plan is to go in November, then just wait until pricing is released this summer. Making a reservation for Jan/Feb doesn't really hurt anything, but it doesn't buy you anything unless that Jan trip is a possibility.

Steve

Thank you! This was so helpful! : )

 

[Fangorn]

You can add the dining plan to a room only reservation, and turn it in to a ticketless package.

Well, yes, but then it's no longer a Room Only reservation. It then becomes a package and is subject to all the conditions and restrictions of a package.

Steve

 

[SamFaniam]

Well, yes, but then it's no longer a Room Only reservation. It then becomes a package and is subject to all the conditions and restrictions of a package.

Steve

Yes, that’s why I said it was a ticketless package. I just wanted to offer that information because sometimes people have tickets already and don’t need them included with their room, but would like to have a dining plan.