How early to book condo

[barb007]

Since we can't go to Disney this year & it looks like the days of free dining are done with, we will not be staying on Disney property next August.

I've been perusing the various condo rental sites that I've found in all of these very informative posts and I've narrowed it down to what I want.

Since it is over year in advance, is it to early to book for Aug 2012? I've found that booking a condo is alot easier than the mode of transportation to get to Florida (airfare or auto train), as it looks like both (air/train) have to be booked pretty quickly when the rates are released, since it'll keep going up & up (at least out of Newark, NJ).

Any suggestions?

 

[Rebecky]

I've just started looking for our condo for Feb. and am finding a lot already booked. I'd say if you have found one that you like book it now. Most will give you the deposit back if you have to cancel more than a month out.

 

[wmson2000]

Not too early to book in my opinion. I'm currently looking at April 2012 and many calendars are filling up. A couple of years ago we booked a 6 br villa a full year in advance.

 

[c&m]

We're going in March 2012 and we've already got our flights, car rental, and condo booked. I've noticed that a lot of the seats on those flights are already showing "occupied". Our flights from the Pacific Northwest are $380pp from SEA-MCO. I was happy to pay that given they're usually much higher. I also snagged a 1-week car rental (mid-size car) for $289, but am checking weekly to see if I can bring it down more.

I don't think it's too early to get into a place you really want. I don't really like booking too close to the date because the options get really limited and more expensive.

 

[Dave1234]

If i were you i'd consider booking flights then being very flexible with accomodation if you book a condo late you could land yourself some great deals when condo owners are looking to fill up spaces in their calasnder as opposed to the property being empty.

 

[Dave1234]

Really depends whether you are willing to leave it that late.

 

[Missyrose]

I just booked our townhouse for March and was given a discount for booking early, that may be something worth looking into!

 

[barb007]

Some of the condos wont' let me book until Oct..I'm hoping once airfare is released to book that first as it seems easier to find a condo that cheap airfare.

 

[JimMIA]

... it looks like the days of free dining are done with

We haven't used DDP since they scuttled it 3-4 years ago, so I'm not up to date on it -- but can you explain what you mean by this? I checked the DDP board and didn't see any comments about free dining being discontinued. Or do you mean you're just going outside of normal "Free" DDP dates?

 

[Brian Noble]

It is not uncommon to book a year out (or more). However, be VERY SURE this is what you want because any deposit and early payments are usually not refundable for any reason at all.

 

[barb007]

What I meant by the free dining - it is no longer a feasible option for us...by tix/hotel increase/must stay at moderate. All good things come to an end. I'm looking forward to planning our summer 2012 trip, staying offsite & not having to share a room w/my 7 year old & go to bed at 9pm w/her. Plus having a washer/dryer is a big plus for me.