How far in advance should we book?

[PlutoNJ]

My family has been considering a WDW vacation this year, which I have suggested for in Nov. to see all the decor/sights/special events for the holidays. Dates are either the second or third week in Nov. (before Thanksgiving)
We will most likely stay at Pop Century. My questions are:
How fast does that resort fill/get booked up during that time?
How far in advance would you guys suggest we book the trip?

Also consider that we may need as many as 3-4 rooms.

Thanks to everyone on the boards, I've gathered so much info to help me with this possible upcoming trip and I'm sure this is another thread that peopel here have experience/knowledge with.

Thanks again.

 

[LadyZolt]

I would book as soon as you know the dates you want to go. The sooner you book, the better, I think. I believe you can book up to a year out. I imagine it's not as hard during the weeks you're looking at to get things like dinner reservations even if you reserve them later than the 180 days out, but I'm not sure exactly when the Christmas decorations and stuff go up, so maybe someone else can jump on here if anyone knows more specifically when those are up. But I say book as soon as you know your dates, especially since you know you want more than one room. You can put in a special request to have them be close together, or connecting if that's what you'd most like, etc. Have fun!

-Dorothy (LadyZolt)

 

[SAKPEG99OKW]

We have been there several times in Nov. for the lights and such, we have booked as early as Aug. and as late as Sept. We almost did not get a reservation when we booked in Sept. I would say, especially since you are in the need of several rooms, to book ASAP.

 

[Echie]

I agree, book as soon as you know for sure what dates you're going.

 

[tnmomof4]

I say book ASAP too. I don't know about other resorts like Moderates or Deluxes. But for Pop or any All Stars I think especially since you know when you want to go you should book.

We are booked for second week in November at All Star Music. Some of my relatives wanted to join us, so they are also booked. But for the second and third weeks in November, we were told that the preferred rooms were all sold out.

 

[PlutoNJ]

Thanks for everyone's input.
I am still trying to understand the cancellation fees, what fees we incur, how much do we lose if we had to cancel and what our window of time to cancel is.

 

[steven_&_daniel]

Thanks for everyone's input.
I am still trying to understand the cancellation fees, what fees we incur, how much do we lose if we had to cancel and what our window of time to cancel is.

We booked our vacation for the week before Thanksgiving 2008 back in mid November. I believe the fees are:


Cancellation Fees:

For a cancellation made 44 to 6 days prior to arrival, there is a cancellation fee of $100 per package.

For a cancellation made 5 days or less prior to arrival, there is a cancellation fee of $200 per package.

No refunds will be given to no-shows.


This will be the first vacation for which I did not get trip insurance since the price of insurance would be almost equivalent to the cancellation fee.

 

[Natterjack9]

Just like most people have said, I would book the trip as soon as you know your dates. November is a little busier time than some realize, so you want to make sure you get the dates at the Pop you want.

 

[MagicAllison]

So does it seem crazy for me to just now be planning a trip for April/May? I did notice on the Disney website when I was playing around with quotes the resort I wanted wasn't available for one of the weeks I picked

 

[LSchrow]

So does it seem crazy for me to just now be planning a trip for April/May? I did notice on the Disney website when I was playing around with quotes the resort I wanted wasn't available for one of the weeks I picked

supposedly, nothing is impossible (except trying to get an EPCOT resort 3 months before F&WF of course ) but you definately should be able to get "something" if you are flexible with resorts and/or dates. most rooms are booked for easter week & spring break already, but even then you should be able to find "a few nights here", "a few nights there".
there are soo many resorts to choose from, and inventory changes by the minute due to cancellations/bookings (so call back later or the next day if the resort or resort catagory isn't available the first or second or third time). also, check AAA if you have it, as well as CRO & dreams unlimited (the DIS sponser). look into the swan & dolphin as well ~ since they are not disney owned, they don't show up in WDW inventory, yet are located right next to the YC.
hope that helped,
good luck

 

[PlutoNJ]

We booked our vacation for the week before Thanksgiving 2008 back in mid November. I believe the fees are:


Cancellation Fees:

For a cancellation made 44 to 6 days prior to arrival, there is a cancellation fee of $100 per package.

For a cancellation made 5 days or less prior to arrival, there is a cancellation fee of $200 per package.

No refunds will be given to no-shows.


This will be the first vacation for which I did not get trip insurance since the price of insurance would be almost equivalent to the cancellation fee.

This may sound stupid, but...this means that we would pay the cancellation fee and get the rest of the money back/credited to our credit cards/etc.? I just want to make sure I'm understanding the cancellation policy.

Thanks again.

 

[Andrea]

wow we must have been lucky when we went this past january we booked in december... and we were able to check in at 8:30 am... i think i might just stick to january dates for now on!!!!!

 

[steven_&_daniel]

This may sound stupid, but...this means that we would pay the cancellation fee and get the rest of the money back/credited to our credit cards/etc.? I just want to make sure I'm understanding the cancellation policy.

Thanks again.

That is my understanding. You could confirm this by asking one of the CMs in reservations.