How to approach planning our trip when we can't set a date?

[quiltymom]

DH & I have decided to travel to WDW in October. Unfortunately, we won't know the dates we can travel until sometime in late April or even in May. (That is when he anticipates the dates for a conference he must attend will be set.)

I'm getting very antsy because of this! I want to fly down on Southwest, and they will release their October dates in May. I'm not too sure how many people will be flying from the DC area to Orlando in mid October, but I want to book early to get he good price. (DH wants to drive - yuck!)

It's getting close to the 6 month mark and I want to make sure I can get all the ADR's I want (but no Cindy's this trip), tickets for MNSSHP, & ressies for Bibbidy Bobbidy Botique.

Right now we're thinking the dates that are best to tentatively plan for are Oct 11-21. Our kids are in year-round school so we have a two week break that begins with Columbus Day weekend and they return to school on the 22nd.

Right now I want to book room only at POFQ until I know what's up. I'm afraid if I book for the second of our free weeks, that we will need to change to the other - the Murphy's Law thing - and potentially loose any ADR's.

So, before I ramble on and on about this, what would you do if you were in this situation? ANY advice will be most helpful and welcome!

 

[mitushib]

well u can book the rooms and change them later if needed. SW fares in my experience are high when relased and go down after a month. Book ur adrs for the days [again cancellable if needed] but u may not get them later!! Good luck

 

[jenseib]

I booked my ADRs about 40 days before our trip and had no problem getting any of them. Our dates were pretty last minute decision, and we got everythign we wanted. I think you shouldn't have much problem at all for the middle of Oct. either.

 

[quiltymom]

Thanks for your info! I must admit that it would seem rather funny double booking everything, but it does make sense! The last time we were there was Spring Break, and although we did get all the ADRs that we wanted, it was a pain getting up at 7:00 am to make the calls. I guess that's why I'm so hyper about this trip. But it would be worth it!

I did contact Dreams Unlimited about booking room only for one of the weeks just to get something down, even though it might get changed.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I have to "guess" usually on when our dates are for any vacation. I go ahead and book the hotel and ADRs but I don't do plane tixs. I also purchase travel insurance. It's a necessity in this family with our crazy schedules and has saved us more times than I can count and that includes WDW and some cruises.