Hold out for 2011 FD?

[Weeziblu]

We’re planning for a 2011 trip and we’re very torn on whether to book for June (our original plan) or go for August and hope for FD. Seems as though Disney has been offering FD consistently beginning in August with varying begin dates.. if I hold out for August, I’d be looking to book mid-month to avoid being too close to back-to-school… what is your opinion on the likelihood of FD being announced on time for a mid-August 2011 trip?

 

[TDC Nala]

It probably won't be announced until late April - early May.

 

[bytheblood]

A Disney press release earlier this year stated that Disney Parks intended to scale-back on discounts and offers for 2011 and beyond. I am not saying it will not happen, but I am suggesting that you should not count on it simply because it has been there the last few years.

Some will argue that in the current economy that Disney will have to offer dicsounts, but I think the room rate increases, ticket increases and dining plan increase shows that Disney does not have to. Also, they are still selling DVC in this economy. Not everybody is struggling financially.

 

[mcd2745]

Generally speaking, if you do book a package and they later announce promos (room discounts, FD, whatever) for the time of your package...are you able to take advantage of the promo? Does it matter who you book with?

 

[Weeziblu]

But if I book for august 2011 now, will I be able to take advantage of FD *if* it is announced for that time frame? Or do you have to wait to book once the promotion is released?

 

[TDC Nala]

But if I book for august 2011 now, will I be able to take advantage of FD *if* it is announced for that time frame? Or do you have to wait to book once the promotion is released?

If you book a package for August now, you can have the promotion added to your reservation once it is released for booking. It won't give you an advantage in getting the promotion to already have the package, so you would need to call as soon as you can in case the promotion sells out for your dates and resort.

You're also limited to one discount, so if you add another discount to your reservation and then change it to free dining you would lose the previous discount.

If your alternative is June, it will be pretty close to June by the time they announce if there will be free dining in August.

 

[Weeziblu]

If you book a package for August now, you can have the promotion added to your reservation once it is released for booking. It won't give you an advantage in getting the promotion to already have the package, so you would need to call as soon as you can in case the promotion sells out for your dates and resort.

You're also limited to one discount, so if you add another discount to your reservation and then change it to free dining you would lose the previous discount.

If your alternative is June, it will be pretty close to June by the time they announce if there will be free dining in August.

Yes, our alternative would be June, which is why I’m struggling with whether I should book for August in anticipation of FD, or just go with our first choice of June. How early in August does FD typically begin? I know there are no guarantees that it’ll even be announced again, so I’m really torn on what to do.
When weighing the pros/cons to June vs. August - aside from FD, I’m not sure what to expect…
How much hotter will it be in August? More crowds/fewer crowds? More rain?

 

[TDC Nala]

Last year the start date was August 14, this year August 15. There are no guarantees though. In the past the start date has been as late as August 26 (with earlier dates usually available for bouncebacks)

You could book for June, then change to August if free dining is announced. Might be a problem if you fly to WDW though. Flight sales generally have to be grabbed as soon as they appear, and almost all airlines have change fees.

 

[bytheblood]

But if I book for august 2011 now, will I be able to take advantage of FD *if* it is announced for that time frame? Or do you have to wait to book once the promotion is released?

Yes. If it is available for your resort, then they will rebook you using that or apply it to your current reservation. I have had them do it both ways.

 

[Weeziblu]

Last year the start date was August 14, this year August 15. There are no guarantees though. In the past the start date has been as late as August 26 (with earlier dates usually available for bouncebacks)

You could book for June, then change to August if free dining is announced. Might be a problem if you fly to WDW though. Flight sales generally have to be grabbed as soon as they appear, and almost all airlines have change fees.

yes, that's exactly what i'm worried about.. if I book for June, i'll likely have my airline tix prior to FD for 2011 being announced.

decisions, decisions...

last time we went in June and while it was hot, it wasn't much different than our typical summer weather. since we've had one of the hottest summers on record here this year, I can't imagine FL being much worse in August. Crowds were definately managable in mid-June. any experience with crowd level during FD? Can you feel the impact?

 

[TDC Nala]

The only heavy crowds I have been aware of, at least around Labor Day weekend, have been in the restaurants.

 

[mickeysgirl17]

There is no guarantee that free dining will even be available next year, the dates it will be available or when it will be announced. You can book it and hope for FD, but in your case, it might be better to book for June and maybe change your vacation dates later if FD is announced.

 

[disneyjanet]

I've been both early june and late aug. Weather was very similar. I thought the crowds were better late august.