Have I left bookings too late for Disney/Orlando trip

[pjamms]

I think a change of plans and my lack of understanding how things work when booking accommodation and tickets has left me on the outer. I was hoping to book a moderate resort at Disney for 5 adults with free dining for September. The free dining has finished now as have the moderate resorts or they never existed for 5 adults. I spent about 30 mins on the phone from Australia to WDW being put on hold more than being helped and they came up with nothing for me with free dining but said I could possibly find Disney resort accommodation through other companies, hmmm really!!! I've done so much research I think I'm more confused than organised now and my hopes for staying at WDW wont happen unless you wonderful people have some ideas for me.
Also!
What other companies can I try?
Is DVC an option for a mere Aussie with no clue about this system of booking?
Could the free dining come on offer again or is that it for me?
Am I best to book park tickets where I book accommodation?
Does a 4 day park hopper with water park give 4 days in all 4 parks then a choice of a water park?
Does the dining package work out worth while when paying for it?
Our trip dates are the 20th to 30th September stying 5 or 6 nights WDW and 3 at Universal giving a couple of nights for something else.
Thanks.

 

[AussieNSW]

No you havenot left it to late but you may need some help. Personal I have booked by myself and with a Disney specialist travel agent. To relieve some of your stress you may want to get in contact with dreams unlimited. They are an American company and everything is done online. You get allocated to a person who can provided you with help with all your questions as well.

 

[ForMyBoys]

If you'd like to stay on-site at disney and understand what is available and how the packages will be priced I would agree, contact dreams unlimited. Even if there is no free dining, they often offer 20 to 30% room discounts and in some cases that can exceed the free dining savings, so don't stress just because you missed free dining.

You could also choose to stay offsite and rent a car. I'm sure you can find a very nice sized house (with a private screened in pool) for much less than staying at disney and with that many adults you may find you are happier having a couple of masters and a living room/kitchen. Especially since you have a long stay. End of Sept is not a typically busy time for Disney or Universal so I would assume you don't have to stress too much about fast passes and such so I wouldn't hestitate at all to stay offsite at a house that is very close to disney. Maybe try VRBO.com to see what is available and just book Disney/Universal tickets separately. Good luck!

 

[ColinA]

I think a change of plans and my lack of understanding how things work when booking accommodation and tickets has left me on the outer. I was hoping to book a moderate resort at Disney for 5 adults with free dining for September. The free dining has finished now as have the moderate resorts or they never existed for 5 adults. I spent about 30 mins on the phone from Australia to WDW being put on hold more than being helped and they came up with nothing for me with free dining but said I could possibly find Disney resort accommodation through other companies, hmmm really!!! I've done so much research I think I'm more confused than organised now and my hopes for staying at WDW wont happen unless you wonderful people have some ideas for me.
Also!
What other companies can I try?
Is DVC an option for a mere Aussie with no clue about this system of booking?
Could the free dining come on offer again or is that it for me?
Am I best to book park tickets where I book accommodation?
Does a 4 day park hopper with water park give 4 days in all 4 parks then a choice of a water park?
Does the dining package work out worth while when paying for it?
Our trip dates are the 20th to 30th September stying 5 or 6 nights WDW and 3 at Universal giving a couple of nights for something else.
Thanks.

I will comment on three points.
DVC rental has its own complications and I would think you are too late unless you are happy to stay at a non popular DVC resort and then the problem to find a renter.
Book two studios, the value resorts would be great. 5 adults will be difficult otherwise.
Common opinion is the dining package not worth the cost unless you are huge eaters.

 

[BrizMarc]

I second using Dream Unlimited. I have used them twice before and they always get you the best available price.

 

[Charlie_Y]

Flight Centre very recently had some great accomodation/ticket package deals from Australia for WDW. I'm not sure if they are still going, but it might be worth a call to find out.

 

[ozliz]

I have rented points through David's and did not have trouble with the fact that I am in Australia. Their website is very clear and I found it easy to use based on the instructions. If it fits in your price range and you don't mind the less popular resorts then it is probably worth looking into.

Otherwise I say keep trying and reading there is plenty of info on these sites to help you out and there might be some room discounts available.

If you are not booking a package with dining and tickets then I would also look into Undercover Tourist for discounted theme park tickets. I had no problems getting them posted to Australia (no extra cost) and then adding them to my My Disney Experience account.

The park hopper plus water park fun and more option I found to be good for me. I knew I wanted to park hop and the water park option was not that much more when it is combined. You get as many other park (water park, Disney quest, mini golf etc) visits as you do ticket days so you don't have to just go to the water park once if you decide you like it or want to leave due to rain and go back another day.

 

[AussieMumma]

I have this year for the first time booked through Dreams Unlimited. The lady I am working with, Lisa Brown, has been wonderful. They will give you a no obligation quote, and are able to help with everything!

 

[backinoz]

Another vote for Dreams Unlimited, although I only used them for our first trip, I've done it all myself since then.