Newbie booking question

[TexasNative]

I'm planning a trip for my family in February 2012, and I had a few questions about booking the trip. Is it better to go ahead and book hotel, tickets, and dining now or just book hotel now and wait on tickets and dining? We know we want to stay at ASMu, and will probably use the dining plan as well. If we book all 3 (room, tickets, and dining) now and get a PIN or discount later, can I call and get the lower price? Thanks in advance for the info!

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

You can change or cancel your reservation without penalty up until 45 days in advance ... However, if you make any changes to your "package" 45 days or less prior to arrival that result in a lower rate (including applying discount codes or moving to a lower level resort), you will be charged a change fee (I think $50).

 

[Boo Bear]

You can go ahead and do whatever you think feels best, but like PP said, just keep it before 45 days. If you don't have concrete plans then don't worry about booking everything right now. The amount on the deposit you pay should still be $200, regardless of everything included in your vacation package.

 

[Aliceacc]

If you want to book dining, you'll need to book a package at some point. As others have mentioned, that will require a $200 deposit, refundable up until 45 days before your trip begins. At the 180 day mark, you'll be able to book dining ADRs (Advance Dinng Reservations.)

If at some point, a better deal or a PIN comes along, you can call and have them change the reservation.

You might want to consider using a Disney Certified Travel agent. It will cost you nothing, but he or she will be another person keeping an eye on the discounts for you.

 

[Metro West]

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

If you want to book dining, you'll need to book a package at some point. As others have mentioned, that will require a $200 deposit, refundable up until 45 days before your trip begins. At the 180 day mark, you'll be able to book dining ADRs (Advance Dinng Reservations.)

You don't need a package to be able to book dining ... anyone can book ADRs at the Disney restaurants - whether you are staying onsite with a room only reservation or staying offsite - a package is not required.

 

[Aliceacc]

I'm sorry; I interpreted "dining" as "the dining plan."

My apologies if I confused anyone.

 

[TexasNative]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate all of the great responses.

 

[Lumiere Lover]

Welcome to the Boards! If you are set at stayting at the specific resort, you should book as soon as you can. That way you get your preferred resort. If you get a pin in the mail (before 45 days out), you can call and change your package.