How early can you get reservations?

[andee515]

I was curious how early one can make a package reservation. I remember reading that you can make them before the offers come out and still use the offer, but are they adjusting existing reservation or are they canceling and rebooking.

We stayed at the Poly Oct 2008 and absolutely loved it. I got a great 40% off room code and it was still very pricey with tickets and deluxe dining . I am planning to go again in Oct 2011, long way off, but I like to start paying on vacations as early as possible, ( I suck at saving money) and it helps get all our ducks in a row as early as possible. Anything ya know to help will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Miaka]

I was curious how early one can make a package reservation. I remember reading that you can make them before the offers come out and still use the offer, but are they adjusting existing reservation or are they canceling and rebooking.

We stayed at the Poly Oct 2008 and absolutely loved it. I got a great 40% off room code and it was still very pricey with tickets and deluxe dining . I am planning to go again in Oct 2011, long way off, but I like to start paying on vacations as early as possible, ( I suck at saving money) and it helps get all our ducks in a row as early as possible. Anything ya know to help will be appreciated.

Thanks

From what I understand, you can book a trip 499 days out of your last day at the resort via phone, BUT since the rates won't be out for 2011 until august of 2010, you'll get an "estimated" price and when the packages come out then they'll adjust it to the correct price.
(don't quote me, I'm just putting together the answers I got.

 

[snykymom]

You can book a room only 499 days in advance; you don't have to have been in a resort to do it. Anyone can. You pay a deposit of one night, which is priced at the highest cost of the current year.

You cannot book a package until the package rates for that year come out.

 

[brentalex]

If you book 499 days in advance all you can book is a room only reservation. The when the real rates get released and you want to get a package, you will need to book a new reservation with a new deposit. Then the existing room only reservation gets cancelled and any money you have paid on that will be refunded to you.
So if you know you want a package, then it may not be worth it to book in advance, since the reservation needs to be cancelled anyway. But if you like to make payments, you can book the room only reservation and make payments on it. Then when it gets cancelled, you can wait for the refund to hit your credit card, and then just make a payment equal to the refunded amount.