Maybe a stupid question but...

[MaryAunt]

I can not remember if I waited for AP rates last year or not...
so I need your collective help!
Circumstances of this trip are different, as my husband died three months ago, and I very much regret that his sister and her family were unable to join us in November 2001 (due to 9/11). We have all learned how important memories are, and I want to make some special Disney memories with these kids. So, I am secretly planning another trip for this fall. only my girls and a few friends know about this. Jim's birthday was November 1st, so I would like to have them all here for that day,having the Mass at church said for him, and leave for WDW the next morning (also cuz value season starts 11/2), as a surprise for the kids (obviously the adults will need to know in advance, to take vacation from work and pack the summer clothes). These guys live in NJ, so they only will miss 3 schooldays that week (teachers conference). Think I can pull this off???
My questions are concerning reservations....Which Moderate? POR or CBR? Have stayed at POR last two trips, love everything about it, but my two 20 something daughters want to stay someplace else...so I am thinking about CBR (albeit reluctantly). What do you DISer's think?
Next, should I make a ressie now for the dates, even though I have always had an AP rate. Will CRO allow me to call with the code and change the rate on an existing ressie, if I make them this early? Or should I wait? Think I waited last year (was it in August?), but am afraid with the PO renovations that AP moderates will be limited.
We fly SWA due to their great rates, friendly service and the only non stops from our city...They are not booking flights yet, but I check daily on those so I should get on them early...
Any advice will be greatly appreciated, and I thank you all in advance for your help! MaryAunt

 

[Harambe]

Memories are so important. I hope this is a wonderful trip for your family. In light of your story, I'd say any resort is fine as long as your all together!

 

[Scoootch]

Hi MaryAunt!

So sorry to hear about your husband
Sounds like your girls would really like to try someplace new with the moderates and truthfully, I don't think you can really go wrong with any of them . CBR just had their food court area Old Port Royale referbished so it may be even nicer now. I've also heard that Coronado Springs has a really cool pool but is alot more spread out. I'd ask around on the boards for pictures of the rooms and pools and stuff and try to decide that way.

Decisions decisions -lol

POR-R is my favorite but since you are looking for something different I'd go for it. As far as AP rates, I've never personnally had a problem adding the code to an existing ressie.

Best of luck! Let us know what you decide.

 

[Music Mole]

Will CRO allow me to call with the code and change the rate on an existing ressie, if I make them this early?

We were there last October, and I changed one of our rates (we resort hopped) just a couple of weeks before we went. There was no problem changing. I just did this this week re: our May trip - AP rates finally came out and they modified the reservation I had initially booked under a discount code (saved $140 - gotta love those AP rates ).

I think back now about how shy and timid I felt last fall calling to modify a reservation with a new code and I laugh. I knew from these boards and trip reports that it was done all the time, but I was so nervous it "wouldn't work for me" for some reason. Now I don't give it a second thought.

Here's hoping for a most magical trip for you and your loved ones - no matter what you book or when!