November 2017 Planning/Booking Questions!

[DancinMama]

We're planning our Disney trip for November 2017 and I have a few questions/concerns.

1) I've never planned a trip to Disney this far in advance. What happens if we book now and then a better deal comes along. What if free dining comes along? Do we get to change to that rate or are we out of luck?

2) DH family lives in Florida and we usually only go to Disney when we are going down to see them (we're in Minnesota) for weddings, graduations etc. which are always in the dead heat of summer!! This is the first time we're going when we want to go and on our time. We picked November because we've read the crowds are lower, the rates are better and the weather is cooler. True/False? What part of November do you all suggest.

3) Any tips, tricks, suggestions for booking this early would be appreciated!

Thanks so much!

 

[g-dad66]

Weather definitely cooler! (November is our favorite time to go to WDW, weather-wise.)
Crowds definitely lower and rates definitely better EXCEPT...during Thanksgiving week. Avoid that week, and you will be fine.

If a better deal, such as free dining, comes along, you are just as eligible as anyone else to try for it (and if successful, cancel your existing reservation).

 

[Accident]

1) I've never planned a trip to Disney this far in advance. What happens if we book now and then a better deal comes along. What if free dining comes along? Do we get to change to that rate or are we out of luck?

You keep checking to see if the new discount is better and you keep changing your reservation. 99% of the time there is no change fee and the website is very easy to compare. I personally only deposit and pay off the rest of it very close to the "you need to pay" mark because I prefer to pay them less than to wait for money to be refunded.

We picked November because we've read the crowds are lower, the rates are better and the weather is cooler. True/False? What part of November do you all suggest.

Crowds really doesn't mean too much these days and things are only cheaper if they want to get more people to come. For nov 2017, you would really know what weeks that is until it's much closer so just book what works for everyone. Food and wine usually ends in the middle of the month. Most of the holiday things are in full swing except for epcot. thanksgiving week and weekend will be CRAZY CROWDED.

3) Any tips, tricks, suggestions for booking this early would be appreciated!

Book what you can afford in the event there is no discount when it gets closer and only pay a deposit. Keep adjusting the reservation as discounts come out that you like. The rest is normal planning for disney, your just getting started sooner.

 

[DancinMama]

So there's typically no cancellation fee as long as you do it early enough?

How does changing your reservation effect your ADRs?

 

[Accident]

So there's typically no cancellation fee as long as you do it early enough?

It's really damn confusing on when there is or isn't a fee. Your basically going to check if the new discount is going to save you money and you'll know if there is a cancellation fee before you actually change to the new one. sometimes the cancellation fee isn't a big deal if the end price you pay is less than you paid if you didnt' change it.

How does changing your reservation effect your ADRs?

It doesn't impact them at all. We all do it and it's how many of us afford to go often. good travel agents that specialize in disney just do it automatically for you and keep a watch on everything to make sure your getting the lowest price.

 

[DancinMama]

Thanks for the help!! I think I'll be booking tomorrow!!