Help me please!

[QTnursestudent]

As some of you know, I am new here and am trying to learn as much as possible for our March 2008 WDW trip. I know that time of year is pretty busy at WDW because of Spring Break, but since it's for my daughter's 13th birthday, I can't really change the date. Yes, it's that important. My husband and daughter have never been to WDW (daughter has never even been out of the state of Texas!! --- this trip will also be her first plane ride!!) and it's been almost 20 years since my last trip. (Aging myself, huh? How did I get here anyway?? )

As far as right now, I believe we'll use the Vacation Package with dining since for us it would be a good deal (assuming it is still available next year.) We're looking at Pop Century as our resort.

My questions begin with:

When is the earliest that I can make these reservations? I figured I'd just get on disney's site every week until I get an answer besides something to the effect of "dates not yet available" but I believe I recently read on here that "room only" reservations for our dates might be available soon. Would that mean I should get the "room only" a.s.a.available and then change to package at a later date???

I'm so excited about all this, but as I get deeper into the planning, I'm also getting nervous! Also, I'm just learning the abbreviations for everything, so please be patient with me. I'm pretty sure everyone will learn a lot about me in the next year as I become a pest picking the brains of all the WDW veterans. I already appreciate the warm welcome and look forward to "talking" very often. Thanks so much!

 

[LegoMom3]

You're in the right place!

If you call CRO (Central Reservations Office) instead of trying to book on-line, you should have more luck. I'm not sure what the exact number of days out it is to be able to book, but it's beyond a year and since you're just about at that magical mark (!), you should be fine. Also, the web site doesn't show full availability, since only a certain number of rooms and such are allocated there.

CRO is simply (407) W-DISNEY

Happy planning!

 

[karibritt01]

Definitely make your reservations by phone instead of online. I have heard many people trying to change reservations made online, and running into problems. If you have to make a room only ressie, then upgrade as the package becomes available, it will be easier if your original ressie was over the phone.

 

[themudd4]

I think you can call easily within the 13 month period. Do you have AAA? If not you may want to consider getting it (if only to save the extra money on the trip...it will pay for itslef that way). Anyway, your AAA TA will be able to book out now too.
Good luck and happy planning. We are going to be there this March, at POP w/ our DD13 & DS7. You will have a GREAT TIME!

 

[QTnursestudent]

If making reservations by phone, can you still make payments?

 

[mytwinklestar]

I can feel your excitement and want to encourage you to enjoy the planning phase of this magical experience. We have become addicted to Disney in the past few years. Our last trip was this past Sept and we stayed at POP. This was our third time staying at POP. It is our favorite value resort followed closely by Movies. POP is great if you are looking to be completely enveloped by Disney magic. Just being at the resort makes you happy. I usually watch the website for any special offers but have always booked at the 407-W-DISNEY #. When you do book, ask about any specials offered during your planned stay. They won't offer the information unless you ask, but if you ask, they are very warm and accomodating. We have taken trips without the Dining plan and with it. We like it. Of course, the menus keep changing but if you have a year to plan, you are sure to find some variety to make your trip special. We are staying at PO Riverside, for the first time, in May. This will be our first stay at one of the moderate resorts. We booked the Dining plan again because it is a good value. Yes, it is often too much food, but if we had to purchase less food seperately, we would still spend more $. We have done the Spirit of Aloha, Park Fare, Chef Mickey, and a bunch of other meals, that perhaps we would not have partaken without the Dining plan. This upcoming trip we are dining at Cinderella's Royal Table. You may want to consider this for your Princess's birthday! Have a great time planning! This is almost as fun as the actual trip. (almost) I am excited for you!

 

[mytwinklestar]

Yes, you can still make payments if booking by phone. You must put down a $200.00 deposit and the balance must be paid in full forty five days prior to your arrival. If you have a Disney Visa, you earn credits AND have six months NO interest on Disney vacation packages.

 

[DizneyNutz]

This may help
http://www.wdwinfo.com/abbreviations.htm

 

[QTnursestudent]

All this is a little overwhelming, but I'm taking a deep breath and smiling the whole time. Thank you all so much for your help. My first question has been answered. Time for lots more questions!