Need opinions please!

[disfamily3]

I need opinions & advice please!
I want to book far in advance....December 10,2018.
Is it too early to book a package now and then hope for a coupon code later?
Or should I wait?

 

[3gr8boys]

I will start by saying that the trip I am planning is only my 3rd in almost 10 years, so there are much more experienced voices out there.

Seems to me that, no matter how you choose to book your stay, everything is changeable/refundable until the date gets much closer.

I have read about the benefits of working with TAs and the savings that can be had booking piecemeal (like booking room only and not getting tickets directly through Disney.) That said, I prefer to deal direct and in packages...just personal preference.

So- to hopefully answer your question - even after booking a resort stay with tickets & dining plan (which I will drop if no deals come around) and paying my deposit, I was able to make changes (add park hopper day and lower the price a little) after receiving a pin code. I am hoping that some discount codes for my dates will be released during the winter and I will call back again to see if I can save $ on my current reservation or if there are acceptable changes I can make to be eligible for $ savings.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

To me it depends on where you want to book, what room type, and what view category. My answer may vary for different responses to the above.

 

[TowMater92]

It all depends on what you want to book. If you are thinking about renting DVC points and want a certain resort the booking window opens at 11 months and the sooner you book the more likely you'll be to get the room you want. If you're don't have a resort or room preference you can book and keep changing if/when you find a better deal. You could end up saving money or you could end up spending a lot of time changing reservations.

 

[Disneyhenry]

You can book packages now ( not the villas ) and hope a special comes out ( it probably will during that time ) and then add it on. Not all resorts have rooms for specials.
I already booked Dec 25th 2018 - Jan 1st 2019, I booked a package and so glad I did my room type is already sold out for those dates!
Have fun

 

[DisneyWishes14]

For December, I would book now. Just book what you want, keep your eyes open for discounts and then modify, if you can. Just know, if a discount is released, there is no guarantee what you have booked will be in discount inventory so either be prepared to keep what you have at the price you book now or modify resorts/room categories to get the discount.

 

[3gr8boys]

You can book packages now ( not the villas ) and hope a special comes out ( it probably will during that time ) and then add it on. Not all resorts have rooms for specials.
I already booked Dec 25th 2018 - Jan 1st 2019, I booked a package and so glad I did my room type is already sold out for those dates!
Have fun

Wow! I like knowing that I have a room booked that i am happy about in advance instead of wondering what will be available later....but i guess there are room types/locations/dates that simply must be booked way ahead.

 

[FSU Girl]

If you already know for certain you'll be there then, I would book a room. You can always modify or change the reservation later. You might find a better deal at a different location, but if you don't, at least you'll have the room you like as a backup.

 

[mickeynut1]

If you already know for certain you'll be there then, I would book a room. You can always modify or change the reservation later. You might find a better deal at a different location, but if you don't, at least you'll have the room you like as a backup.

I agree. If you know you will go regardless of whether or not a discount comes out, I'd book now to make sure you get what you want. If a discount comes out later, you can call and have it applied, as long as what you have booked is available under that discount. With that said, if you will only go with a discount, I'd wait to see what (if any) discounts come out for your dates. Booking now at rack rate will get you the resort/room type you want, but it doesn't guarantee a discount can be applied later. Good luck!

 

[BalooFan]

I know I’m probably in the minority, but I personally prefer to wait for the discounts and then pounce on them. I am generally flexible with resorts and dates. It seems like too much hassle to make reservations and then have to change them. Also, I don’t want to book a resort or room category, have my heart set on it, and be disappointed if no discounts are available - I won’t pay rack rate. I have never been disappointed with my vacation when waiting for discounts, but I know that other people have less flexibility with dates and resorts.

 

[SharonZ]

If you want to book that far in advance in hopes of applying a discount later, book what you can currently afford without any discounts, free dining, etc. This way, if you're not eligible for any types of discounts, you aren't scrambling to find a more reasonably priced room.

 

[disfamily3]

Thanks for the opinions and advice! I think I will just book and then tweek things as discounts are available.....Gosh I wish I was not a type A personality....not having eveything nailed down completely at all times.... is agony! LOL

 

[KenHutch]

I am an over planner we always book as soon as we can and modify as we need to. Some of the room categories go awfully fast at that time of the year. I don't have the courage to try around Christmas ( that and being Jewish means I might have to try Hanukah one year ). Friends tell me that it is the most magical time of the year for Disney thou. Have fun