October 2009 - when to book - discounts??

[twinzmom2b]

We are going to Disney in October and looking at any of the following dates...October 3 - October 12. Now, we don't want to go all those days, but that's the range we can go in. We are looking at 5 night/6 day time span. It would be 2 adults, 2 (4.5 year olds) and an 18 month old.

We haven't booked anything yet b/c we were kind of waiting to see what kind of deals there are.

However, it's now 6 months away and we are unsure of what to do. I mean, what happens if we book it now and then they come out with some awesome room discounts (like their free nights and stuff they are running now)? What happens if we book and then they extend free dining (which from what I've seen in the past isn't normally in Oct, but with the economy and wanting to lure more people in, who knows)? I just don't want to book now, pay full price for everything and then there be some great deals.

DH and I went by ourselves 3 summers ago, and we just booked EVERYTHING online through the Disney site. We weren't "smart" enough to look for deals (but we went mid-summer, so there really weren't any) or get cheaper airfare, etc. Well, now with a family of 5 going, I want to get a deal if I can.

PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!! We would LOVE to stay at All-Star Music in a Family Suite, but I know they don't have a ton. They are still available if you look it up on the WDW site though. But, I don't want to miss an opportunity either.


Here are my questions...summed up.

1. So, when should we book/finalize for an Oct trip?
2. What (if any) deals are usually for the month of Oct? When do they usually announce them?
3. Any other advice for discounts?

 

[lustergirl]

A free dining promo should be coming out on Monday for the dates mid-August through October 3rd. You can still book your stay starting October 3rd and receive free dining for your whole trip. This may help you save on food purchases alot considering your family size.

 

[babyburrito]

We were there Oct 2-8 2008 and the free dining was going on then. So it will probably be going on again. We got the deal just a few weeks before we went. It was a last minute trip!

I would book through a travel agent that specializes in Disney because I believe that if deals come up that they can add it to your reservation. Check with them about that.