How far in advance can I book

[Nice_Couple]

Hi all,

We're looking to visit WDW again around April 2012, while the Aussie $ is quite strong I'd like to book & pay for our accommodation. Does anyone know if its too early now to book for April 2012? Or can I book for say Nov/Dec 2011 and then change the dates, is that possible?

Also just wondering what others thought of the dining plans? We're 2 adults and one 3y/o, is it worthwhile to include dining in the package in terms of value for money?

Thanks!

 

[hstrickland]

You can book 'room only' for 2012 now. However, you can't do any kind of packages until the new prices come out. That usually happens around August... then, you can add on packages, etc. If a discount happens to be available, then you can also add that on.

As far as the DDP goes, you might want to check out the Dining Thread. Some people love it...some hate it. We do it every trip...just personal preference. If you are a planner like myself, and have everything mapped out before you go, then it could work. If you like to fly by the seat of your pants and not have a schedule, it might not. Many of the TS restaurants need to be booked in advanced.

I see you're from Australia! Beautiful country!! I spent a summer in Melbourne, Adelaide, and Tasmania when I was in school...loved it!

Happy Planning!

 

[Nice_Couple]

Thanks for your reply.

Lets say the package Im looking at now is $3200, but if I can only book a room only now, can I say book a room for X number of nights so the value is $3200, then when the deals come out, change that booking to the actual number of nights I need + any packages.

Thank you

 

[hstrickland]

What I have done in the past is reserve the week we want, and pay the deposit which is one night at rack rate. When the new prices came out, I simply called and changed to a package...very simple. Then when discounts came out, I called back and applied the code or pin to the room. Are you wanting to pay for everything now at one time?

 

[creativeamanda]

If you book a room only, they have to cancel the reservation and refund your money before you can change over to a package. So the best thing to do now is to know a ballpark of how much you are going to spend, then book a package for December and move the dates later. When you book a package, then modify that reservation, the reservation number stays the same and therefore they don't cancel out the existing reservation like they do for a room only to a package.

A room only is always a different type of booking. Right now, I have a room only reservation and a package. The reservation number for a package is usually a combination of letters and numbers. The reservation number for a room only is a 12-digit number. They are booked two different ways. Don't know why.

 

[zianha]

If you're most concerned with being able to pay for your vacation sooner than later, maybe you can just buy Disney Gift Cards? They are sold on the Disney Store website (just make sure you don't get the Online Gift Card as those can not be used to pay for your reservation). You can get up to $500 on one card and use them to pay for your reservation. They don't expire. Just an idea.

 

[Nice_Couple]

Hi all,

We are looking to pay the whole amount as soon as possible, the aussie dollar is one or one to the USD which is great, if I leave to too long the dollar may drop which means it will cost us more.

Thanks I will also look into the disney gift cards!

Cheers

 

[Metro West]

 

[Disney Crazy Debbie]

I am looking to book the first of August 2012 and called the reservation line, you can only book rooms only, as previously stated, and no more 499 days from the beginning of your vacation.

 

[Cafeen]

It won't be until sometime this summer (well, for us on the other half of the world ) to book packages (I think it's sometime in August). International may be allowed to book earlier, but I'm not entirely sure.

Best bet, if you want to lock in the conversion rates now, would be to book for December and then once packages are released, move that booking to the proper dates as mentioned above.

 

[Nice_Couple]

Best bet, if you want to lock in the conversion rates now, would be to book for December and then once packages are released, move that booking to the proper dates as mentioned above.

That's what I was kinda hoping to do, are there any charges when changing packages details & dates?

Cheers

 

[Cafeen]

That's what I was kinda hoping to do, are there any charges when changing packages details & dates?

Cheers

Only if changed less than 45 days out. Since 45 days would be early-mid November and packages should come out in July/August, you should be fine.