How to book for March 2017?

[4GoofyCrew]

I have booked our three previous visits online as packages, but they were all off-peak (Jan 2x and Oct 1x). It wasn't a problem at all for me to book less than 6 months out. I was able to get the package I wanted with the hotel, tickets, (free dining, at the time) and air.

While I prefer to book as a package again, I don't think that is going to be a smart option for going during a peak time.

From everything I have read, I am going to have to book the room first via phone, and then add tickets later. Will I be able to add airfare later as well? I prefer to include it in the package so we can purchase travel insurance via Disney (assuming they still offer that). Or will I have to book our flights on my own? And, if I book airfare on my own, how does that affect the availability of the Magical Express? How does it affect our checked baggage?

How far out do I need to call to book a room? We will probably stay at an All Star Resort again, if that makes a difference. Will I just have to put a night's deposit down? Pay the entire thing up front?

Sorry for all of the questions but thanks in advance for your answers! This is our first 'peak' trip and I am nervous about getting everything booked before it becomes unavailable. I just want it set so I can sit back and relax and start counting down the days!

 

[mickeynut1]

I have booked our three previous visits online as packages, but they were all off-peak (Jan 2x and Oct 1x). It wasn't a problem at all for me to book less than 6 months out. I was able to get the package I wanted with the hotel, tickets, (free dining, at the time) and air.

While I prefer to book as a package again, I don't think that is going to be a smart option for going during a peak time.

From everything I have read, I am going to have to book the room first via phone, and then add tickets later. Will I be able to add airfare later as well? I prefer to include it in the package so we can purchase travel insurance via Disney (assuming they still offer that). Or will I have to book our flights on my own? And, if I book airfare on my own, how does that affect the availability of the Magical Express? How does it affect our checked baggage?

How far out do I need to call to book a room? We will probably stay at an All Star Resort again, if that makes a difference. Will I just have to put a night's deposit down? Pay the entire thing up front?

Sorry for all of the questions but thanks in advance for your answers! This is our first 'peak' trip and I am nervous about getting everything booked before it becomes unavailable. I just want it set so I can sit back and relax and start counting down the days!

RO can be booked 499 days out so even though rates for 2017 won't be out until sometime this summer, you can book RO now. You will be quoted the highest rate for 2016, which will automatically be adjusted once the new rates are released. You will need to pay a deposit equal to 1 night's room rate + tax, with the balance due at check in. If you definitely want a package with tickets and/or DDP, it's best (IMO) to wait until the 2017 rates come out as it's not as simple as just adding tickets/DDP to a RO reservation. The RO will have to be cancelled/refunded and a package booked, requiring a new deposit of $200 with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival. Since RO and packages are different reservation systems, money paid toward one cannot be applied to the other. As for airfare, if you book RO now and change to a package once the new rates are released, you can add air at that time since you will have to book a new reservation/package anyway. Purchasing your flights through Disney or on your own has no bearing on magical express as everyone who stays on property is entitled to use that service. With all of that said, March is a busy time as it is spring break time, but I don't think you would have any trouble getting what you want if you waited until the new rates were released to book.

HTH

 

[huckster307]

I am planning a January 2017 trip and was wondering the same thing, (how soon can I book)? I would like also to book it all and sit back and relax. When do the 2017 prices normally come out? I want to make sure everything is booked, so when the 180 days come to book for dining reservations, I will be ready

 

[soniam]

I am planning a January 2017 trip and was wondering the same thing, (how soon can I book)? I would like also to book it all and sit back and relax. When do the 2017 prices normally come out? I want to make sure everything is booked, so when the 180 days come to book for dining reservations, I will be ready

It looks like pricing for the following year usually comes out in June or July. 2016 pricing came out on June 22, 2015.

 

[4GoofyCrew]

RO can be booked 499 days out so even though rates for 2017 won't be out until sometime this summer, you can book RO now. You will be quoted the highest rate for 2016, which will automatically be adjusted once the new rates are released. You will need to pay a deposit equal to 1 night's room rate + tax, with the balance due at check in. If you definitely want a package with tickets and/or DDP, it's best (IMO) to wait until the 2017 rates come out as it's not as simple as just adding tickets/DDP to a RO reservation. The RO will have to be cancelled/refunded and a package booked, requiring a new deposit of $200 with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival. Since RO and packages are different reservation systems, money paid toward one cannot be applied to the other. As for airfare, if you book RO now and change to a package once the new rates are released, you can add air at that time since you will have to book a new reservation/package anyway. Purchasing your flights through Disney or on your own has no bearing on magical express as everyone who stays on property is entitled to use that service. With all of that said, March is a busy time as it is spring break time, but I don't think you would have any trouble getting what you want if you waited until the new rates were released to book.

HTH

THANK YOU!! You explained it very clearly and this is extremely helpful. I think I will wait and jump on it as soon as 2017 rates become available. It sounds like it will be a smoother process that way. It also sounds like that will be well in advance of the 180 window for dining reservations too.

 

[mickeynut1]

THANK YOU!! You explained it very clearly and this is extremely helpful. I think I will wait and jump on it as soon as 2017 rates become available. It sounds like it will be a smoother process that way. It also sounds like that will be well in advance of the 180 window for dining reservations too.

You're welcome! Glad I didn't confuse you...lol. Have fun planning .