Hotel Discounts

[momoftwins]

This is my first post to the board, but I have read with great interest many of the questions.
You guys know your stuff!

My question:The comments regarding manager's specials/discounts/upgrades etc., at the Disney hotels:

Is this really hit or miss? Does Disney have a mailing list for various hotel discounts (other than the usual AAA/DC discounts)?

Is there a better time of the year to receive a discount? Or do they really decide on a weekly basis whether to offer a discounts/room specials?

Is it better to call the hotel directly or CRO to get a discount/rrom special offer?

Since we are most likely to stay at the moderate resorts, and to go during a non-peak period, is it better to book earlier or later to receive a possible room discount?

Thanks and Happy Disneying!

 

[Kaa]

Hi momoftwins!

Welcome to the Budget Board (and the DIS)! The Manager's Specials and special promotions are driven by occupancy. If the resort(s) are not filling as Disney would like, they offer discounts. I have seen this mostly in the late summer (Aug-Sept). Sometimes, the discounts are limited to one resort (Manager's Specials) or a class of resorts (deluxe vs moderate). At times, you can call Disney to book one class of resort and be offered an "upsell" rate to the next resort class. This discount is especially hit-and-miss, as the offer pops up at the time the CM enters your request into their system. There isn't a mailing list for these discounts. Usually, Manager Specials and special promotions can be booked by anyone. You will find when someone from these boards books this type of special, they will post the information on the boards for other's benefit. This is why it is especially important to read the boards often.

If you are a Disney Club member or a member of AAA, you should consider making your reservation as soon as possible. These discounts are limited. For the moderate resorts, these discounts are only available during value season, which is 1/1-2/14, 8/26-9/26 and 11/4-12/20. The amount of the Disney Club discount is 20% for the moderate resorts.

If you are not a member of these clubs, you can make your reservation now and continue to call Disney to check for discounts or specials that may apply to your reservation. Usually, Disney wants you to name the special promotion or ask about a specific discount (like the Manager's Special). You are more likely to find these type discounts around 90 days prior to your arrival date. It may be advisable to make your reservation now in order to hold the room you want at the resort you want.

My final advice is to book something you can afford without the discount. Discounts are not cast in stone and it can be difficult to find availability at a less expensive resort if you wait too late to book.

Good Luck!

Tammy aka Kaa
Budget Board Co-Moderator
tammy@wdwinfo.com