Need Help Planning 2nd EVER Trip

[3lilprincesses]

Believe it or not, this will only be my 2nd trip to WDW. We are planning on going in January, '06. When can I make my reservations? I know pricing won't be available until mid year, so how do i know what will fit in my budget? Do rates change significantly from year to year, or is it safe to assume that whatever a specific resort would cost this January, next January will be similar? If I book through WDW, will they honor any discounts that may arise after I have booked my trip? Any advise would be very appreciated since I am so new to this!

 

[DeterminedOne]

Believe it or not, this will only be my 2nd trip to WDW. We are planning on going in January, '06. When can I make my reservations? I know pricing won't be available until mid year, so how do i know what will fit in my budget? Do rates change significantly from year to year, or is it safe to assume that whatever a specific resort would cost this January, next January will be similar? If I book through WDW, will they honor any discounts that may arise after I have booked my trip? Any advise would be very appreciated since I am so new to this!

You can make your reservation any time. Hotel pricing does increase from year to year, but they will honor the price at which you booked. And yes, you can make a reservation now and apply discounts later. We usually book four to six months out. January is a slow time and you shouldn't have too much trouble booking the room you want.

 

[lclark0621]

You can make your reservation any time. Hotel pricing does increase from year to year, but they will honor the price at which you booked. And yes, you can make a reservation now and apply discounts later. We usually book four to six months out. January is a slow time and you shouldn't have too much trouble booking the room you want.

Actually if the hotel price goes up, they will charge you the new rate. Prices do go up, but we have been able to get the same rate in the moderates for the last couple of years (using discounts).

You can book your resort now. Prices wont be to much different.

 

[3lilprincesses]

Thanks for the info. We are a family of 5 and will also be bringing my mom. We were thinking of staying in a 2 bedroom suite at the Wilderness Lodge if we could. Does anyone know how far in advance we can book that? Also, has anyone ever had trouble booking a DVC property -- we're not DVC members. Any advise would be helpful.

Thank you!

 

[Debi]

You can book the Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge at any point. Keep in mind that 2006 rates haven't yet been released, so they will likely increase for next year. Your rate won't be guarenteed for 2006, but your room will be. Book whenever you're ready - you can book now if you'd like.

Have a great trip!

 

[3lilprincesses]

I was told by someone at Disney that I can't reserve a villa until probably May, which concerned me as the Villas are somewhat limited. Do you think that this information was incorrect? I really would prefer not to wait. Also, has anyone ever "rented" points? Not exactly sure how this works. I just want to make sure we can get a 2 bedroom suite, and would rather not have to wait until May!

 

[debbiedoo]

I would recommend renting points from a VWL dvc member. This is the smallest of the dvc properties. Members of VWL can book out 11 months out. The rest of the members can book at 7 months out. This is probably why you are being told May. Some of the memebrs book at their home resort and move their ressie over day by day. trust me not fun!!

With VWL being so small on the dvc villas, I would go to the rent trade board now, and would not wait if that is what you want. Most members are very good at renting, I have helped my friends on several occassions.

Remember, we do not get full cleaning every day. trash/towel after the third night and if you are staying for 9 nights you will get 1 full cleaning. I hope that this helps!!

 

[3lilprincesses]

Thank you so much for the tips. After your suggestion I did post a message on the rent board. I assume at this point the only people who could help me would be those with VWL as their home resort. I'm a little fuzzy on how it works though. If i "rent" points can I still book a package or just a room only? Or do I use the points for the room, and add the package elements later? I know this would be better on another board, but you seemed to know so much. Thanks!