How early to book Viva Italia for discounts?

[mwebsite]

I'm planning ahead for a 2009 trip. As I read the posts, it sounds like you had to book very early if you want an early booking discount for a June departure. When did you all start booking your summer 2008 trips to get the early booking discount? And how much did you have to pay at that time?

 

[3pirates]

They could change the process, but this year they released the Summer 2008 itineraries and dates in late July/early August. At that time, you could call and "save the date" ensuring your early booking discount. But, the details on pricing etc. were still sketchy. Saving the date cost $300 per traveler and either would be applied to the cost of the trip or fully refunded based upon your decision when the details came out.

It was some time in September when the mailings with complete details were done by Disney, and people had a window of time after receiving the information before they had to finalize their commitment or request a refund.

I was watching for the Summer 2008 dates, and saw on the boards that late Summer of one year has been the typical time that Summer itineraries for the following year are released. As it got close to time there were rumors about the date, and, of course, the day they were announced there were posts here!

Good luck!

 

[mrosen]

I had called a week ago. I was told as noted that people started to book in August. They also told me Viva Italia is one of their most popular trips. So in addition to booking early (for early booking discounts), you appear to need to book early period. Many of the trips for 2008 are totally booked is what I was told.

 

[dingoballs]

I'm planning ahead for a 2009 trip. As I read the posts, it sounds like you had to book very early if you want an early booking discount for a June departure. When did you all start booking your summer 2008 trips to get the early booking discount? And how much did you have to pay at that time?

It is best to book as soon as the dates & prices are announced, usually in late August/early Sept. Also keep in mind that the number of "early booking discounts" are limited for each date, so it may not be available on the date that you want, even if you book at least 120 days out...

 

[mwebsite]

Thanks guys, I'll start making my calls to Disney early in August!

 

[Mamadis]

We booked Sept. 4 and by that time the early booking discount was sold out for all of June and the first three weeks of July. We ended up booking 5/29 to get the early booking discount and will have to take my oldest son out of school for three days.

 

[awatt]

I would recommend using a good travel agent. I work with Kevin the board moderator. He was on the phone at 8:55 Am the morning the bookings opened up to insure I got what I wanted. We got the early booking discount too. He called me shortly after 9 AM I think and it was all taken care of, hassle free. And.....he did all this while he was on vacation!