Ok, so when should we actually book?

[whatisgoofy?]

So, we're pretty sure we'd like to go for 7 days, 6 nights at a value resort the week before Columbus Day 2013...the question is: when do we take the actual plunge, and book it? I know we can put down a deposit, and pay it off before departure...but how soon is too soon, and how late is too late? I'd hate to miss a good deal that hasn't occurred yet...but I'd also hate to limit our options by waiting too long. Scanning the boards, I see a lot of people mention six months out...is that the magic number? Thanks for your insight!

 

[Lumiere Lover]

I prefer to book as soon as I know my dates, so I can get the resort I want. If a good deal comes along, Disney will credit the difference back to you, as long as you qualify for the deal. An example would be free dining-there are limited numbers of rooms per resort for free dining, and once they are gone you would have to pick a different resort. If a good deal comes along, call Disney ASAP to get the deal.

 

[MHSweb79]

Yes, you can book now and apply any discounts or offers that come up later to your existing reservation. There's really no need to wait.

 

[Kbendig]

Definitely book now!

Last year we went with friends, and we waited too long ad ended up at a different hotel. It was a matter of days.

This year we booked our trip and when I went to look at going to a mod that week they were booked. I wish I had booked the mod and then thought it over not the other way around. You can always make the changes later, but it's better to have what you want so it doesn't sell out.

 

[The Fox Menagerie]

We booked for WDW in August 2012 for June/July 2013. Since we have to travel from CA, we use airlines miles to fly and early booking helps us get the super saver flight deals. This also allows for us to get the hotel we want. We booked most vacations about 10 months in advance if possible.

 

[jmartinez1895]

We booked our trip for the last week of Sept 2013 the day they opened the booking. As soon as you know your dates ( or at least have an idea) book it. That way you will have the most options. You can change your dates if you need to ( as long as they are not booked) and the longer you have your trip booked, the longer you have to pay it off.

 

[Jackiemarie21]

I like to book as soon as I know my dates as well. We book our trip for July 2013 in July 2012. I just like to know I am going for sure

 

[DisneyDreamer0610]

book now! like others have said, you can always apply discounts later you don't want your time frame to not be available at the resort you want later on. That is the worst thing! If you aren't set on disney property there are AWESOME rental homes for half the price of disney that are 1 mile from disney and in my opinion you get more for your money there then at disney...and more privacy from the kiddos! Good luck and enjoy your magical trip! We're going in June '13!