how far out do you NEED to book?

[worm761]

My DH loves camping. I am willing to try to learn to like it. We are starting with a state park in the fall. We want to go to Disney next year and I love the idea of renting an RV and staying at Fort Wilderness. Preferably for a week to 2 weeks.

My question is... I want to go during Food and Wine Festival. So, realistically speaking, how far out do I need to book? I want to have all my ducks in a row before I commit.

 

[2goofycampers]

ASAP, you can book site only for a 1 night deposit. If you want to add tickets or dining do that later when you've decided.

 

[angelmom27]

Just remember if you switch from a room only reservation to a package you have to completely cancel your reservation and start all over. So be sure what ever you use to make your down payment is something that gets refunded fast unless that isn't an issue for you. If its a GC keep the GC cause the money is put back on the card/s. And a package deposit is $200.

I found out the hard way. I used our tax refund card to book a package and we had to change. I wanted to do a room only but it would have taken forever to get our money back and they would send me a GC. Thankfully I was able to just use that for my sept trip for NOJ and came up with the money for another deposit for this past May trip.

 

[bama_ed]

Food & Garden being in the fall, you shouldn't have too much trouble getting a site with possibly the exception around Halloween (which is becoming increasingly popular at the Fort).

Since F&G is early October-mid November, weekends might be tight because weather is so nice for weekend camping too. If you look on the Disney booking tool and can't find your dates, try dates up to a 30-day window that includes the dates you want. Longer stays will have availability when shorter stays won't. Take the longer stay initially, call back in a few days and drop the unwanted dates.

Personally I think if you rent a nice trailer or RV you'll be hooked on the lifestyle.

Bama Ed

PS - I always book a site (with the one night deposit) as soon as I know the time I want to go then adjust it as needed. Better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it...

 

[worm761]

Thank you for the advice! I am thinking at least 10 days hopefully a few more. I have always wanted to stay at the Fort but the cabins were so expensive. I would have an AP. We generally go to Disney and stay at a CSR for 9 nights. I would like to explore the resort for a day or two. Add in those down days everyone talks about. Our trip isn't until 2014 so I have a bit.