Newbie reservation questions

[tybeebeth]

We are planning a trip to Ft. Wilderness June 2009 in a 35 ft. 5th wheel with a dog. What is the best way to make reservations? We have AAA. Is it better to get a package including tickets or just book the campsite? Can we reserve a specific loop, if so, what are the best ones? I'm so confused!

Many thanks in advance

 

[bama_ed]

Call the regular Disney reservation line and get a "room only" reservation. 1-407-WDISNEY. You will need to request a pet loop. You can ask if your dates/reservation is eligible for an AAA discount. Loops are personal preference. Depends if you want to be down by the lake, up by the main trading post/pool/campfire (our choice). You can REQUEST a specific loop but you aren't guarnteed to get it. I'd don't have a thread about which loops are prem/preferred/pet etc maybe others can post that info.

Usually I wouldn't recommend the packages. It includes room, tix, and you have to prepay in full before you arrive. With the room only reservation, you pay one night's deposit. No real advantage other than convenience unless it's a special offer. They will take your AAA number and you will have to show the card when you check in.

See the sticky above to view the Fort map to see the loops, find out which one is pet friendly, and make your request.

Good luck and enjoy. There's no real bad loops so you'll be fine!

Bama ED

 

[WDGPCFR]

We stayed at the cabins 5 years ago and loved the campground. Then they said you could request a specific site to stay so there is a good chance you can get what you want. The transportation within the campground was great and you can catch the boat from the campground straight to Magic Kingdom. Most of the resorts have a kennel so they should be able to take care of the dog but I don't recall seeing any within the campgrounds. We booked through a travel agent but calling Disney direct should be a big help. You can't get anyone more helpful then thier staff. Book way in advance for anything you really want to do, six months to the day. Hope this helps.

 

[railmail]

We just came back from a week stay at FW. There is a kennel located near the entrance to FW, just next to the bus stop area. We have 2 small dogs and a 22 ft. trailer. Our dogs stayed in the trailer during the times that we were gone to the park and were just fine. They usually just nap and listen to the radio while we're gone. Of course, you have to come back sometime and let them out for their business.

 

[MadFF]

Our trip (first of many, hopefully) is next month. You have my condolences for the effort required to arrange / plan a trip to Disney World for the first time... For whatever reason, this has been the most complicated vacation we have ever arranged. I am not sure how they can do it, but Disney should make this easier somehow!!

I ended up making reservations through AAA. The lady from AAA (Judy, I think) that has been working with me has been great. I was unaware that AAA does all this type of stuff, it is basically having a travel agent! (I am not related to AAA, lol!)

We got a full package with park passes, and paid in advance. With the discount from AAA, we also got trip insurance. Right now, the trip is all paid off -- we just have to bring spending money.

Our "big" dining reservations we made ourselves as soon as we could -- Dinners at Cinderella's Castle and Hoop De Doo Review.

We have been warned many times that "reserving" a "loop" is NOT a guarantee that you will get it -- but it seems most people do get their reserved loop.

There is a TON of information available about Disney World. Try not to get overwhelmed, and feel free to ask any questions (even "dumb" one!) here. The folks here have helped us a lot! (whether they know it or not...)

 

[ftwildernessguy]

You should remember, however, that if you use a travel agency, any changes to your reservation must be made through the travel agent - you basically lose the right to contact CRO directly to make any adjustments to your reservation. Despite what was said previously about the work involved in planning your vacation, I enjoy planning our trips about as much as going on them. The CM's at CRO are very nice and helpful, so making the reservations is not really a chore at all, as long as you know the dates you are going when you call and the size of your RV.

 

[dtum]

Look up Rhonda (she's always hanging around here) and ask about Dream's Unlimited. It was the easiest (and best) way we've ever booked. She'll get your AAA if available and you can go room only or with tix. Once you get your ressie, you can pay as you go right on the DU site. It's great! I've always done it through CRO until our last trip and this time it was a no brainer to go back to DU.

 

[tybeebeth]

Thanks for to everyone for your replies to my question about reservations.

DTum, we are also Titanium owners - 2006 29E34TS. Are you also on the Titanium Owners forum (nothing to do with disboards)?

Beth
2005 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD/CC/DA
2006 Titanium 29E34TS

 

[dtum]

Yes, Beth we are also members of the Titanium board. It's a great place to find info on our Ti-which we love!