October 2004 Suggestions

[ncgolfer]

I was placed in charge of planning our family trip for Oct. 3- 10, 2004. I want to go ahead and book the 3 rooms we need for the trip now so that we make sure we get the resort we want. If I do this and a package like the FTP is offered again next year is it a hassle to cancel the room reservations and transfer the deposit to the FTP rooms.

We are not AAA or AP holders however it seems that if no package is offered a AP is only $70.00 some odd dollars more than a 7 day park hopper. I think it would be worth buying one AP in order to get the AP room discounts that hopefully will be offered if a great package isn't.

I need other opinions on other ways to approach booking the rooms.

Charlie

 

[deadheadbelle]

I would go ahead & book the rooms (like you said) to make sure you get to stay where you would like. Make sure you are booking room only (not a package), & verify their cancellation policy so you won't lose your deposit. In the past, I have been able to transfer the balance from one reservation to another as long as both ressies were made through the same place (i.e., I was unable to transfer a deposit from a ressie with WTC to a ressie with CRO).

Hope this helps!

 

[deadheadbelle]

Also,

If you book a room only reservation through CRO & later decide to book a package through WTC, you can cancel the room-only reservation through CRO & they will credit your deposit as there is not cancellation penalty (last time I checked!)

 

[bibbidiboo]

I have also had success getting a better deal on the exact same package if the price drops, without changing anything on the reservation. I usually make it a habit a calling a few times as the trip gets closer to see if there are better deals.

In 2001, I booked a pkg about 8 months out, and the cost dropped TWICE during that period (this was as the travel industry was falling apart, of course, but its always worth a call).

 

[iNTeNSeBLue98]

This brings to mind a question I had early this week. If I book well in advance and I receive a postcard from WDW for a fabulous reduced rate, can I call and get the better rate? Will they honor the postcard rate or must I cancel my reservation and rebook?