In planning for September '14....

[ToyStory3]

We know that we want to go next September and try a new deluxe - we've only stayed at the BCR. We LOVED it. But, I think we'd like to try the WL next time. So, we would only go with a pin or discount and I know they typically have discounts for September. And, we don't want free dining because we like to stay club level. The dining plan is too much food so we just pay out of pocket for meals.

So....I'm wondering how I can plan the trip 6 months ahead and get ADRs if the discounts will most likely not be out yet? We've never done any character meals and I'd really like to try a couple this time. But, I won't be able to plan that far ahead if the discounts aren't released at that time.???

 

[dansdad]

To avoid the anxiousness of waiting for a discount, we stopped relying on them. We plan/book the vacation we feel comfortable paying for without discounts. Then if/when a discount comes out that we can use it's a bonus. We use the $$ saved for extras like adding days, a fireworks cruise, upgrade resort, etc. And if a discount doesn't come out, we're still going to WDW! Ever since we started using this strategy, I have stopped the hand wringing as the trip gets closer worried we won't be able to go. And we have always gotten some kind of discount.

 

[crocko]

You could try renting DVC points if you don't mind staying in the villas instead of the main lodge.

 

[Missytara]

To avoid the anxiousness of waiting for a discount, we stopped relying on them. We plan/book the vacation we feel comfortable paying for without discounts. Then if/when a discount comes out that we can use it's a bonus. We use the $$ saved for extras like adding days, a fireworks cruise, upgrade resort, etc. And if a discount doesn't come out, we're still going to WDW! Ever since we started using this strategy, I have stopped the hand wringing as the trip gets closer worried we won't be able to go. And we have always gotten some kind of discount.

Ditto here. Sometimes I take the savings and sometimes like this year, I chose to upgrade.

It is best to get what you can afford and then discounts are icing on the cake.