Planning surprise Christmas 05 trip?

[TheRatPack]

Okay, I know....we've not even left on our October trip yet but I wanted to go ahead and start planning our 05 trip and thought about a Christmas surprise for the whole family

We've not stayed onsite in a long time, and the kids kind of wanted to this year now that they see the commercials but it's too late to really get a great rate since we're only paying 64 a night for a 2 bed with a full kitchenette and we didn't line up anyone to watch our dogs so they vacation with us.

Anyhow, we've only been to Orlando on one other Christmas time vacation, and I wanted to ask if any of you could tell me if Disney ever puts out codes for that time of year (I know it's their peak holiday season). I'll start saving now but want to wait till the best booking time for those dates.

I would absolutely love to get a 5 + 2 deal but do they ever offer something like that during peak seasons? Thanks for any ideas you can share for a surprise Christmas vacation. It should be fun planning it and keeping it all under wraps, even from the hubby I'll just have to play the "why don't you take your annual vacation to line up with the kids school vacation so you can spend time with them" and then the night before I suppose I should tell him that he gets to drive 8 hours to Disney....LOL

Oooo, this will be exciting!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

I know that alot of times, people will just book what they need as only 1 nights' deposit is required. And then when specials or codes come out, they can apply the code to their reservation as long as it is available.

If they had a package deal such as you describe, I wouldn't see why your ressie couldn't be converted to that. At least you would have the piece of mind knowing that you have you on-site accomodations blocked out.

Peak seasons--deals are hard to come buy as demand is high in relation to the inventory. But it does sometimes happen. I would book the best you can afford (and not be disappointed) now--save for that--if codes come out, you luck out with not having to pay as much--or you can try and upgrade.

Sorry that I couldn't be more helpful. But a reservation--just makes it seem a little more real

 

[TheRatPack]

Originally posted by Lisa loves Pooh
I know that alot of times, people will just book what they need as only 1 nights' deposit is required. But a reservation--just makes it seem a little more real

Thanks That is what I was thinking I would do but wasn't for sure that you could convert it once it was made. Now that I have that answer I may just have to book it now and then watch for better deals I have a whole year+ to save so I'm really trying to make this an awesome trip....plus it'll probably be our last for a year or so since we're shooting for a new house in 2007 and it's not like we've not been atleast once a year every year we've been married....so we'll see

Thanks again for the information, it's been years since we stayed on property.

 

["thegirls"]

I got an ap discount Christmas 03. The code was about 35% off deluxes and lasted for check-in dates up until Dec 25,2003. Thats the day we checked in and mine was also a suprise trip! I packed the bags and attached life-size(4 feet tall) Mickey-n-Minnie ballons. Under the Christmas tree(with the monirail circling) The balloons were holding each childs suitecase and the other hand of the balloon figure had an invitation for dinner in France(Epcot location...not real!).
I had to wake them up at 5 am because our flight was at 8:00a.m.
It was realllllly fun BUT realllly crowded. NYE is a zoo, but if you know that going in you'll be better prepared to enjoy yourself touring at a snails pace....the even have 'lane police" with flachlights around world showcase to keep people moving
My advise: Just enjoy the frenzie!!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Originally posted by TheRatPack
Thanks That is what I was thinking I would do but wasn't for sure that you could convert it once it was made. Now that I have that answer I may just have to book it now and then watch for better deals I have a whole year+ to save so I'm really trying to make this an awesome trip....plus it'll probably be our last for a year or so since we're shooting for a new house in 2007 and it's not like we've not been atleast once a year every year we've been married....so we'll see

Thanks again for the information, it's been years since we stayed on property.

Just double check if you do later want a package. Rates are always adjustable on your existing room ressies when codes come out (provided they didn't sell out of space at the code rate). Packages are handled differently (I think you have to pay all up front by a certain date for example)--so if you expect to book a package, be sure to confirm that you can make the switch from room only to package if a desired package later becomes available.