If I book rack rate, can I recieve discounts when released?

[mommymanda]

I have been trying to plan this trip for 3years and something always comes up. Now I am determined to go August 2014 no matter what. One way to be sure is that I want to book ASAP. That way its booked and more difficult for my husband to find a reason we should wait

Problem with that is I'm booking rack rate for everything. I am determined enough that we'll go either way, but I'll admit it will be a lot harder to fund it at rack rates.

I don't really care what discount shows up by August, but if something does come up how does it work? If I book through Disney can I call and have the discount applied even if we've paid the trip already? What if I book through a travel agent, same thing?

Or is it just if you book early, than you miss out on deals that arrive later

Thanks

 

[GoofyMB]

You can book it but do not pay it off completely. Once discounts come out you can call and get the discount applied. However, I have read that they can not applpy the discount once the trip is paid in full. I would recommend leaving enough unpaid to allow for any credit. I think it may cause a problem if the discount would create a refund. If you want to have it all paid for and have the money then put the funds on Disney Gift Cards. If you do get a discount then you have that for spending money in the parks.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

Incorrect...you can always modify a package regardless of payment status up into 3 days before arrival. You can modify without fee up into 45 days. Once you are between 44 - 3 days you can modify and if the price goes down you will be charged $50 modification fee. If it is between 14 -3 days there is a $15 handling fee as well. If you pay in full you receive a credit minus an fees.

Remember though, special offers are for limited inventory so you may not get the offer for your current booking resort and room type.

 

[mommymanda]

Incorrect...you can always modify a package regardless of payment status up into 3 days before arrival. You can modify without fee up into 45 days. Once you are between 44 - 3 days you can modify and if the price goes down you will be charged $50 modification fee. If it is between 14 -3 days there is a $15 handling fee as well. If you pay in full you receive a credit minus an fees.

Remember though, special offers are for limited inventory so you may not get the offer for your current booking resort and room type.

This is where I am confused on things too. I know discounts for next August won't even be released until May or June of 2014. I mean I can set the funds aside until the time comes. It just also gives us an excuse to dip into them if something comes up. However, without any discount we'd be able to get there and eat, but nothing for extras. Any discount would be applied to our shopping while there. Our plan is value, Pop or AOA. I know there are often room discounts that come up for that time.

 

[purple figment]

This is where I am confused on things too. I know discounts for next August won't even be released until May or June of 2014.

What this means is not all resorts/room categories may be included in a special. For example the Little Mermaid rooms are not included in the current Sept FD offer. If a person has a reservation for a LM room they would have to decide to either keep the LM room without the special or switch to a room that is included in the special - which might be at the same resort or at a different resort.

You can make a reservation now for a room at Pop or AoA and if a special is released, you will have to call and have it applied to your room if the resort/room type is included in the special. It is best to call as soon as the offer is available, because only a limited number of rooms are available for any special. If it is not included you can modify your res to a room that is included.

 

[mickeynut1]

I don't really care what discount shows up by August, but if something does come up how does it work? If I book through Disney can I call and have the discount applied even if we've paid the trip already? What if I book through a travel agent, same thing?

Or is it just if you book early, than you miss out on deals that arrive later

Thanks

Yes, as the pp's have said, if a discount comes out for your dates and the resort/room type you have booked is available under that discount, you can call and have the discount applied to your existing reservation (even if the reservation has been paid in full). But, as has been mentioned, you might have to be flexible with your resort/room type as having a reservation already in place does not guarantee a discount can be applied.

If you book through a TA, you will need to contact that agent and have them call Disney to check availability/have the discount applied. When you book through a TA, that agent owns your reservation until you check in, so Disney will not discuss anything about the reservation with you.