help! trip planning for 2009

[Spanish Fly]

When would you recommend to start making reservations for a 2009 Disney World vacation package? Is it better to wait for the beginning of 2009 to see what discounts come up or can I book it now? Also would you recommend I do my homework and plan everything myself or go through a TA?

 

[jeremysdisneymom]

You can go ahead now and book the rooms for 2009. We are going Easter/Spring 2009 and I wanted to make sure I had a reservation at AKL. They will price you the highest room rate for 2008 and you have to put down one nights deposit. When the packages are released later this year you can call and they will adjust everything with the correct pricing. I think they go ahead and adjust the room only rate even if you don't call.

The cast member I talked with told me to check in once the 2009 rates were released periodically to see if there were any discounts. He said it was no problem to adjust the current reservation if there was. I hope he was correct. I would call Disney and just ask. I have always had good service with them.

 

[brentalex]

You can make a reservation 499 days in advance, so depending on when in 2009 you want to go, you may or may not be able to make the reservation. As of today you can make reservations up to Aug 22 2009. I have my reservation for April already and although I never get a package, I will hope to get the AAA discount applied to the reservation once these rates get released. There is no problem getting this done, as long as there are rooms in the resort available with the discount when I call.
Changing to a 2009 package is a bit different. Once they are out and you want to make the change, they may actually cancel your room only reservation, refund you any money you have deposited and make a whole new reservation.