How early do make reservations?

[DisneyBliss7]

Planning a trip for May 2013. We want to stay in the AoA..When should I call to make reservations?

 

[mickeystoontown]

I always book my package as soon as the rates come out. The 2013 package and room only rates will be available for booking online on July 11th. I like to book early so that I can start making payments on my vacation.

 

[Mariep26]

Planning a trip for May 2013. We want to stay in the AoA..When should I call to make reservations?

You could call now and make room only reservations or wait for the packages to be announced. Currently prevailing rumors say that packages will Be available for online booking sometime next week (emphasis on rumors - no guarantee).
I book ASAP. For our March 2013 trip I will book as soon as packages are available. For my August trip, I may try to see if I can get a bounce back during my December or March trip so I will wait on those. I am the type that likes having the reservation in my hot little hand!

 

[Mariep26]

Okay just saw that the WDW website is saying July 11 is the date for packages!! Wahoo

 

[dis_guy]

Yep, July 11 is the big day!!

We usually go about every year. DW and I have a trip planned for Nov to catch Food and Wind and the Festival of the Masters art show.

My two DDs (now adult Princesses) aren't really keen to go again until the new Fantasyland expansion is open.

So I'm looking at a family trip for Dec 2013 and will probably book in Sept or Oct. I like to book as far out as possible since I can pay a smaller monthly amount and easily have the trip paid for by the time we go.

 

[J&J]

as soon as you can that way you know your trip started and then plan for the fun.

 

[autismgoesdisney]

I normally book my 2013 trip as soon as I get back from my 2012 trip! I would do it sooner, but I like to know that I am going again the second I get back

Woohoo!

 

[Dizznee Freak]

We actually begin planning our return trip while still in DW. We own DVC so we know beforehand where we are going unless we go to a different resort than our home resort. In that case we have to wait till 7 months out to book.

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[Mamu]

I usually book (room only) about a year ahead with a AAA rate. Then wait to see what Disney is offering during our time slot. We do have AP's and I've gotten as much a 42% off.

There can be anywhere from 7 to 10 of us attending so I'll book 2 rooms. None of us are big eaters so I usually take the discount over the FD. We usually stay at a deluxe and our last few trips we have done CL. When you have that many people going it hard to plan meals. We will do a few TS lunches but other then that we prefer the CS meals.

Right now I'm looking on booking in September for next September. Can't wait to book. I love the planning stage.

 

[ColleenCali]

My DH and I are looking to go in Nov 2013. From what I understand, we can book now, have discounts applied between now and then, and pay on it as we go? What do we need to have up front in order to book? We went through a TA for our Aug 2000 honeymoon and haven't gotten back since. We are taking our son, who will be turning 6 then, for his first trip and will be our first real fam vac.

 

[mickeystoontown]

My DH and I are looking to go in Nov 2013. From what I understand, we can book now, have discounts applied between now and then, and pay on it as we go? What do we need to have up front in order to book? We went through a TA for our Aug 2000 honeymoon and haven't gotten back since. We are taking our son, who will be turning 6 then, for his first trip and will be our first real fam vac.

If you book a package, then you'll need to pay a $200 deposit and have it paid off 45 days before your arrival date. I am a seller on ebay and, every time I get a payment of $20 or more, I pay on the vacation. You can make as many payments as you want, as often as you want, so long as they are $20 or more. If you book room only, then you'll pay a deposit equal to one night's stay and the balance is paid for upon arrival.

I usually book as soon as the rates come out and then, if a special offer comes out, I immediately call and modify the reservation. I've never had a problem. But, be aware, that the number of rooms available for special offers are limited and book quickly so make the modification as soon as you can.