How long is too long?

[MattsPrincess]

I'm in the beginning stages of planning my 3rd trip to DL. I'm just wondering how close to leaving is too close to really plan the trip?

DH is getting deployed. Before that, he is going to one month of training. So far, that is all we know. He may or may not be coming home in between training and deploying. Because of this, I don't have a clue what dates to look at to go, so I can't book a hotel or anything, and I don't know when we will get that information. If he isn't coming home in between, i'm going in late April or early May. If he is coming back, I won't be going until the first week of June.

I'm just freaking out because I had everything planned well in advance last time, and i'm worried lack of information will keep me from going at all this time I'm mostly worried the hotels will book up before I know my dates for sure. How far ahead does a place like the Tropicana fill up? I'm more worried about the april dates because they are sooner. I'd like to plan something special too, like a tour or WOC meals, as I will be taking my mom for her first vist. I'm just hoping i'll at least know far enough in advance for those (i know the 30 day/60 day thing)

Sorry this got long and rambly, i'm just a bit panicked and hate that so much of this is out of my control. Mostly i'm just curious how long would be the longest you would wait to book a hotel and really solidify your plans?

 

[aristocat65]

Sounds like a tough situation to be in. It sounds like you have a couple of tentative dates at least. With that in mind you could always book hotels for a couple of date now, if you see the rates you want. Most hotels will allow you to cancel up to 48 hours before, and many up to 6pm on your planned arrival dates. You just need to remember to cancel the one you don't need or they will charge your CC.
Good Luck

 

[skiingfast]

In this case not knowing may be good. You don't have to worry about if LM or ST will or won't be open.

I'm sure you can always find a reservation. Things only max out at holiday times. You may not get a great price.

 

[DahliaRW]

I agree with making cancelable reservations. Then at least you know you have a room. Just keep track so you can cancel as need be.

 

[ConnieB]

Is your April trip during Easter week? That might be a bit tougher to find cheap hotel last minute, otherwise I've made reservations just days before leaving and often you can call the hotel (instead of going through their website or the national chain phone number) and get great deals last minute. The hotels want to be full...an empty room makes no money at all....so last minute reservations often get a good deal because they want the room occupied. Now...walking up to the front desk and asking for a room gets the highest rate known to man, because they figure you're tired and just want a room...but calling a couple days before gets a deal. Go figure!

WOC meals don't seem to sell out, though you may have to compromise a bit on time, but most people can live with eating a bit early or late especially on vacation. I have only been on one tour but I booked that AT the park so either they don't sell out often or I got very lucky and picked the perfect day to reserve, lol.

Go with the flow. Remember that ANY trip to Disney is better than a day spent at home, lol. If you can't get the hotel of your choice, check these boards for suggestions for another great place to stay....there are hundreds and hundreds of great hotels to choose from, and as I said above, call around to all that meet your criteria until you find the right price.

 

[sonnyjane]

I completely sympathize with you, as my husband is also in the military and I constantly have to plan around deployments and training trips. Heck, that's how I had to plan my wedding!

My advice is to do as others have suggested and make reservations that you can cancel up to 48 hours in advance with no penalty for a tentative date (or even a couple of tentative dates). For example, right now I'm booked in late March at Best Western Park Place Inn and I'm not sure if I can make it, but I can cancel up to 48 hours before check-in and not be penalized at all, I was only charged a $1.00 deposit. Tickets are easy because you can print those out online and use them - no need to order those in advance. Good luck!

 

[disneygal2007]

Hello Fellow Military wife here. We had to cancel so many dates for our up coming trip because DH had training. So what I did was make several reservations at a few hotels. Then I asked them to send me a email with my dates and cost stuff like that. Then I added them all to my favorites bar so I knew where I had booked. Then when I knew we couldn't keep those dates I call the hotel back and canceled that ressie. It saved me the stress on not having a place to stay. I hope that helps.

 

[clairabell29]

Hi! Fellow military wife here! Don't forget to check your MWR for military Disney tickets. 3 day passes are $96 here in WA. You can only upgrade to an annual pass, though. They do have up to 5 day hoppers on discount too. Have a wonderful trip! And thank both you and your husband for your sacrifices!

 

[JadeDarkstar]

ty to all of you who have sacrificed much for our country I hope it will all work out for you an your hubbys