How far ahead to book for great rates

[ncbyrne]

Our next trip will be May, 2004. (May 1-15) I've already calculated that I have to call Delta on June 6 to get the best chance at free frequent mile tickets (330 days ahead is the earliest you can book air fare). But, how far ahead do you start looking to be great hotel rates and car rentals? We will be offsite for the first week doing non park stuff, but still want to be near WDW.

 

[TreeOfLife]

We made our reservations with Delta on the 331st day as well. Using award tickets we were thrilled to choose our seats and itineraries, direct flights both ways.

If you are buying plane tickets it is the only way to lock in low fares. But if they happen to go down before you leave, you can always request a credit.

We also went ahead and booked the room at the lowest available discounts at the time, but we still look for better codes and discounts as time goes by. It is no big time sweat to switch and ask for a better fee, we've doen it before.

We also pay off as much as possible before we get tehre. We do not go often but it is nice to spend a eyar ahead of time paying it off in a way that when you get there you only have food and knick knack expenses. Get your tickets ahead of time too, and plan where you'll eat. That way you can take advantage of promos and restaurant certificates.