How early do they usually announce discounts?

[3littlecuties]

We want to go Oct 2012 but don't really have a preference for an exact week. Should we just pick a week and book it or wait until we get a little closer and see if there are any discounts for specific weeks in October?

 

[MamaToDavis]

If there is a specific resort you have your heart set on then I would book right away. You can always keep checking for discounts and apply to your existing reservation if one should pop up.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

If there is a specific resort you have your heart set on then I would book right away. You can always keep checking for discounts and apply to your existing reservation if one should pop up.

The problem with that a discount might not be offered for the dates the OP is looking for, assuming WDW comes out with them. If they were to reserve a resort at the rack rate it's one less room available for WDW to discount.

For my families August 2011 reservation at the Boardwalk Inn we had originally reserved their Standard Club Level Room from 08/08/11 - 08/22/11 under the rack rate. However on Janurary 1, 2011 WDW came out with a 35% room only rate of the Deluxe Resorts, however that discount went from August 14, 2011 - October 1, 2011. Anyway we had to switch our dates to arrive 8/17/11 - 8/31/11 to get the discount, although it worked out since we were able to reserve their Deluxe Club Level Room.

 

[MamaToDavis]

The problem with that a discount might not be offered for the dates the OP is looking for, assuming WDW comes out with them. If they were to reserve a resort at the rack rate it's one less room available for WDW to discount.

For my families August 2011 reservation at the Boardwalk Inn we had originally reserved their Standard Club Level Room from 08/08/11 - 08/22/11 under the rack rate. However on Janurary 1, 2011 WDW came out with a 35% room only rate of the Deluxe Resorts, however that discount went from August 14, 2011 - October 1, 2011. Anyway we had to switch our dates to arrive 8/17/11 - 8/31/11 to get the discount, although it worked out since we were able to reserve their Deluxe Club Level Room.

This is a good point. If the OP is not 100% firm with dates then it wouldn't hurt to wait. We're going in Jan 2012, and I'm waiting a month or two before booking. Mostly because I am somewhat flexible with dates and haven't settled on a resort. We'd like to try CR this time but will be fine if we end up somewhere else. So I guess I'm not following my own advice, eh?

 

[3littlecuties]

We're pretty sure that we want Contemporary Resort but exact dates are flexible.

 

[mickeynut1]

The problem with that a discount might not be offered for the dates the OP is looking for, assuming WDW comes out with them. If they were to reserve a resort at the rack rate it's one less room available for WDW to discount.

I agree. Disney releases discounts to fill rooms. If a resort is showing high occupancy, there would be no reason for Disney to offer a discount for that particular resort.

We're pretty sure that we want Contemporary Resort but exact dates are flexible.

If you are going regardless of whether or not you get a discount, I would book now to be sure you get the resort/room type you want. Then if a discount comes out and there is availability for your dates/resort/room type, you can have it applied to your ressie. But if your trip is dependent on some sort of discount, I would wait to see when/if discounts are released before booking. Some people book in hopes of getting a discount and then cancel when it doesn't happen. Pin codes and discounts can easily be applied to existing reservations IF there is availability at your resort under that certain promo; however, already having a reservation in place does not guarantee that it can be applied.

 

[CR Resort Fan 4 Life]

We're pretty sure that we want Contemporary Resort but exact dates are flexible.

Since you want to stay at the Contemporary then maybe you should reserve it now or whenever their system allows it, because sometimes their rooms can sell out way in advance due to conventions that are scheduled to take place.

 

[laceemouse]

This is a good point. If the OP is not 100% firm with dates then it wouldn't hurt to wait. We're going in Jan 2012, and I'm waiting a month or two before booking. Mostly because I am somewhat flexible with dates and haven't settled on a resort. We'd like to try CR this time but will be fine if we end up somewhere else. So I guess I'm not following my own advice, eh?

There are free food dates for January already.