Florida Resident, when to book?

[Dolby1000]

We are thinking of the Disney Dream next May. We are Florida residents and I noticed that right now only 2017 cruises show Florida resident discount pricing.

Any ideas on when 2018 Florida pricing might come out, or is it cheaper to book now?

Thanks

OWD

 

[Dug720]

There is no guarantee there will be any FL resident rates. And if there are, no guarantee it will be cheaper than booking sooner - sometimes the price increases enough that the discount still doesn't make up for the increase. It all depends on if you REALLY want to take the cruise. If you do and would no matter what, I would book sooner rather than wait. But it you don't really care if you go or not, you could wait.

 

[lanejudy]

I believe FLR is the only special offer that can be added to a current reservation. So there's no harm booking now, and if an FLR offer comes out later for your cruise, you can probably change it -- you may need to change categories as the FLR offers are typically for very specific categories.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Dug720]

I believe FLR is the only special offer that can be added to a current reservation. So there's no harm booking now, and if an FLR offer comes out later for your cruise, you can probably change it -- you may need to change categories as the FLR offers are typically for very specific categories.

Enjoy your cruise!

That's what I was thinking, but I didn't want to give incorrect info. Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Momee]

Here is my experience with attempting to change to the FLR rate:
We had previously booked a placeholder onboard last October and then changed it to our specific cruise (November 2017) as soon as we were home. About a month ago, I saw where our cruise released an FLR rate that was better than what we were paying so I called to see if I could change over to take advantage of the FLR rate.
I was told that I could not without canceling our current reservation and being that it is within the penalty period, I would have to pay $$$ thus making no sense to change anything.
I had never had any of our previous cruises release an FLR rate so this was a first for me, but I had read on the Disboards where people were successful with changing reservations.
Any input? I wasn't sure why I couldn't change rates even though I was willing to change categories to save the difference (a lot of savings).

 

[Dug720]

Here is my experience with attempting to change to the FLR rate:
We had previously booked a placeholder onboard last October and then changed it to our specific cruise (November 2017) as soon as we were home. About a month ago, I saw where our cruise released an FLR rate that was better than what we were paying so I called to see if I could change over to take advantage of the FLR rate.
I was told that I could not without canceling our current reservation and being that it is within the penalty period, I would have to pay $$$ thus making no sense to change anything.
I had never had any of our previous cruises release an FLR rate so this was a first for me, but I had read on the Disboards where people were successful with changing reservations.
Any input? I wasn't sure why I couldn't change rates even though I was willing to change categories to save the difference (a lot of savings).

It's possible the policy changed.

 

[Dug720]

I just looked. It does say new bookings only...

"Other categories and sail dates with other rates may be available.

• Availability for this offer is limited to 50 staterooms per sailing.
• This offer cannot be combined with any other special offer or discounts.
• Valid for new bookings only.
• Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.
• To take advantage of Florida residency cruise rates, at least one adult in each stateroom must provide proof of qualifying residency within 48 hours of booking. Failure to submit qualifying identification will result in a cancellation, with applicable cancellation fees. Proof of Florida residency must be valid at the time of sailing."

Not sure if this is a change or if it has always been the case.

 

[Momee]

Thanks for clarification.
I figured it had to be a policy bc the cast member seemed knowledgeable. I wasn't going to make a stink about it. I just thanked her for her time and moved on.
I just wanted to let people know that my experience wasn't a successful one when it involved changing a reservation to an FLR rate.

 

[Dug720]

Thanks for clarification.
I figured it had to be a policy bc the cast member seemed knowledgeable. I wasn't going to make a stink about it. I just thanked her for her time and moved on.
I just wanted to let people know that my experience wasn't a successful one when it involved changing a reservation to an FLR rate.

Yeah. It may be the MTO rates that you can apply...or that might have changed too. I know I have heard of some kind of rate (I knew not *GT) that you could, and I honestly did think that FLR could, which is why I'm thinking it may be a change.

 

[lanejudy]

It may be the MTO rates that you can apply

MTO offers can't be applied, they require cancel-and-rebook (but sometimes good enough to still take the penalty!). Thanks for looking it up; I guess the FLR offers have gone the same route. Not surprising, really. The special offers from DCL are intended to entice more people to book, not reduce fares for those already committed.

Sorry, OP, sounds like you'll have to decide whether you are willing to cruise at the current fare or take your chances on a future discount offer coming out. If you really want to cruise, I would book now.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Dug720]

MTO offers can't be applied, they require cancel-and-rebook (but sometimes good enough to still take the penalty!). Thanks for looking it up; I guess the FLR offers have gone the same route. Not surprising, really. The special offers from DCL are intended to entice more people to book, not reduce fares for those already committed.

Sorry, OP, sounds like you'll have to decide whether you are willing to cruise at the current fare or take your chances on a future discount offer coming out. If you really want to cruise, I would book now.

Enjoy your cruise!

Got it. I did think there was one - but it well could have been FLR and that's changed.

Thanks!

 

[lanejudy]

You remember correctly. At one time MTO could be applied to a current reservation, but that ended a few years ago. Last time it was offered KSF could be, too, but that hasn't been offered in several years. FLR was the last hold-out, which is why I'm not surprised it now also required a "new booking."

 

[Dolby1000]

Thank you everyone for helping us out. If we decide to we want to take one, we'll book as we decide. Targeting the Dream in early May right now. Fun cruising all.

OWD

 

[russjen1218]

Florida resident rates usually come out after the Paid In Full date by others. It's usually a month, maybe two months, before the cruise. We're FL residents, and have had some amazing cruise deals. The best one we ever had was we paid $1500 for a family of 4 for a veranda room in one November on a 4 night Dream cruise! Florida Res rates are most likely to happen in the fall, and sometimes the winter. I've never seen one for May, but it all depends on how the ships fill up. If you take a Sept cruise, or a Jan cruise, your chances of finding a Fl res rate rise significantly. Good luck!