Help me decide how to maximize 2018

[cadesfirsttrip]

Hi! I just got back from the surprise trip with my bonus-daughter. She (and I) had a wonderful time. So wonderful that she wants to plan a trip (well, have me plan a trip) for all the kids and significant others together for 2018. I realize it's a long time until January 2018, but I'm a planner and I'm hoping some of you will have some answers to general idea's and questions.

We would do 7 nights in either September 2017 or January 2018 - I know that this January there wasn't FD, although there was SPD. Are we thinking that September will still have FD? We always do the DDP (for many reasons). Here's the breakdown. We could have as many as 12 adults with 6 rooms. Is it more beneficial to do less amount of rooms with more people in them? I think that this time we'll do CBR. I notice that I can't book multiple rooms online. Is there someway to do it that I don't see, or do you have to call reservations to get that? Is there a discount after a certain number of guests/rooms, or do you have to have 100's of people to do that?

I've gone more than 40 times over my lifetime, but I've never planned for more than 4 people, all in one room. Now with FP's and ADR's, I'm already nervous (and yes, we'd probably be all sticking together during the trip)

Thanks for all your help and thoughts!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Are we thinking that September will still have FD?

In 2018? Impossible to say. Right now, they're phasing out Free Dining. If the economy tanks, it may come back. I wouldn't plan with Free Dining 2 years out though.

Is it more beneficial to do less amount of rooms with more people in them?

Pretty much always, yes.

I notice that I can't book multiple rooms online. Is there someway to do it that I don't see, or do you have to call reservations to get that?

Easiest to call.

Is there a discount after a certain number of guests/rooms, or do you have to have 100's of people to do that?

You aren't a big enough group to invoke group discounts, no.

With a group of 12, I'd consider looking into getting a Grand Villa, personally. You couldn't even start booking one for September 2018 until October 2017, though.

 

[loves to dive]

First, let me say your are either brave or crazy, not sure which. Second, I'd go September if you can put it toward the end of the month. Food and Wine traditionally starts the last Friday in September (they are starting earlier on a Wens. this year, who knows why) and that is always loads of fun. I would think you'd do better with a few room discounts then the dining plan but that is up to you. Good news, you have loads of time to research and look for discounts and options.

 

[cadesfirsttrip]

Thanks everyone! I know that there's no way to tell what the rates will be (I planned the trip we just came back from long before the rates were released, so I know that pain)! Food and Wine sounds like a great idea, and I hadn't even thought of that!

 

[cadesfirsttrip]

You couldn't even start booking one for September 2018 until October 2017, though.

I guess I wasn't clear, sorry! It would be September of 2017... but I know that I'm still a way off for those rates, too. Thanks.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

I guess I wasn't clear, sorry! It would be September of 2017... but I know that I'm still a way off for those rates, too. Thanks.

I wouldn't count on FD in September 2017 either, at current pace of phase-out of that promotion. Disney is trying to wean people off discounts.