How far out can I book this?

[lillyandlexisnana]

I am planning my trip in 2012. So I am wondering how far out I can book it? I mean, do you all usually book the whole package from Disney at once, or can I book my flights and then book my rooms and tickets seperate or does it all have to be done at once? I want the Dining Package with my room so I am assuming I have to book those together right? I am just wanting to get something booked so I can start making payments towards it. Am I making sense?

 

[adventure_woman]

I don't know how far out you can book. BUT, personally I would make 'payments' on it this far out. I would open up a separate savings account and start putting money in there. That way, you can maybe even make a little extra on it instead of giving it to Disney WAY WAY early.

 

[JoshChristineplus3]

I'm with the poster above. Open a savings account at your local bank and name it your Disney fund. Do not get ATM cards for it or anything, to make it less accessible and just keep putting money towards the trip in 2012. A lot can happen between now and then and I wouldn't think you will be able to book till August of 2011 for anything after Jan 2012.

 

[rt2dz]

I am planning my trip in 2012. So I am wondering how far out I can book it? I mean, do you all usually book the whole package from Disney at once, or can I book my flights and then book my rooms and tickets seperate or does it all have to be done at once? I want the Dining Package with my room so I am assuming I have to book those together right? I am just wanting to get something booked so I can start making payments towards it. Am I making sense?

You may book a room only reservation via phone 499 days in advance of check-out. You may book packages online or via phone and room only reservations online once the year you are booking in rate's are released (usually mid-august of the prior year). If rates are not released, you'll be charged for the highest rate of the current year. A room only deposit is the cost of the average night of your stay. Adjustments to your rate will be made automatically when rates are released, but you will not be refunded any differences in your deposit.

You may convert a room only reservation to a package when rates are released via phone. The deposit you made would be refunded to you and you would be required at that time to make a new deposit of $200.

Dining can be added to a package (must purchase at least one-day base tickets for everyone on the package at time of booking) up to 72 hours prior to check-in.

Packages must be paid in full 45 days prior to check-in. Room only reservations must have balance paid in full no later than check-in. If you book a package (or add things to your package) less than 45 days prior to check-in, you must pay in full at that time.

Instead of giving Disney money in advance, it is best to put money into a separate interest bearing account. You might as well get the interest instead of Disney. Also, if you do have to cancel, you don't need to wait for a refund.

Additionally, booking your flights outside of Disney *can* be a cost saver. So *can* skipping the dining plan and paying for dining out of pocket. Put what you would spend into the savings account, then if you don't want to worry about it, put it on a Disney gift card. Still all pre-paid, but then you pay for only what you want. See HERE for a dining plan analysis.

 

[lillyandlexisnana]

Thanks RT2DZ and the other posters above. I really appreciate your feedback since this is all new to me. I have been looking into ways to save my Money where it would earn me some interest before booking with Disney closer to time. I thought about Savings Bonds but they bear such little interest and there is a penalty,for cashing them in early. So I am wondering if I would just be better off with some sort of Passbook Savings account at my local bank? I know I want to invest in some Disney Dollars before hand also for Spending Money for my Granddaughters and my Disabled Son (He is 18 but has the mind of a 7 year old) and he would enjoy spending those, he is like a child in a lot of ways, so its been hard explaining to him that he cant do any of the Childrens activities, as he doesnt understand "why" he cant be included. And I thought the Disney Dollars would be a way to make him feel included. I am so excited!! Thanks for all the great tips!