Planning trip a year in advance

[Tiiiigergirl]

OK I've always done the package thing with my TA but this time I think I've been convinced to try and put something together myself. Looking at trip Spring of 2004. None of the codes will be available yet but do I still book my room this far in advance? If not now then when?

 

[jaw62901]

I hope this helps. I am going Dec 26 thru Jan 3 and was told that I should book as soon as I can. Aparently WDW fills up fast during some parts of the year quickly. This is really all the info I can give you. I am really new to this, bu I figured I would pass on what I was told

Jason

 

[ariel85]

Hi - well we can consider this the blind leading the blind but here is what I have learned. I too am going in spring of 2004 and am planning myself (and loving the challenge)

From what I have read, the week between Christmas and New Year's is the busiest week of the year, so for that week I would think you would have to book now. However, after that until March the crowds drop right off - which I am thankful for - short lineups, low rates etc.

I have not booked my resort yet because I tried to book my flight and am not able to do that yet. The seats have not been released. Until I know my exact flight, I don't want to book a hotel. As well, from what I have read, people seem to switch their hotel reservations at the drop of a hat, based on codes they get. So ultimately to answer your question, I think if you are not going during high season, you don't have to book yet.

Do you know what resort you are considering? This board has been an incredible wealth of information.

good luck

 

[Tiiiigergirl]

I want to stay at YC/BC or BW. That's where we've stayed the last two years.

 

[minster22]

I am very close to being about 1 year away from a trip of a lifetime...19 days at WDW so of course the excitement is huge and I cannot wait to do Something! This is my plan....as soon as they release AAA rates for 2004, which will be sometime this summer I am booking our room thru Dreams Unlimited. I have never used a TA before and have gotten lots of discounted rates but because of the length of time of our vacation and the amount of money saved with "codes" I feel that DU will have a slight edge over my efforts. But if nothing does become available at least I will have the AAA discount. Actually I was told that I have to book with a AAA rate and then transfer the ressie over to DU. We are choosing the GF and BWI and because of their popularity I want to make sure we get the dates and rooms we want. You probably already know that the YC/BC are also very popular so you might want to book those as soon as the 2004 rates come available.I always feel once you book your trip has already started!!

 

[SuzyQue]

Our last 2 trips I've done myself and reserved our room a year ahead. You don't have to wait until you've booked your air, you can always change the dates if you need to. So if you've decided where you want to stay, go ahead and make you reservation. They will book you at the 2003 rack rate for Regular Season for that resort. When the new rates come out, they will adjust it accordingly. Then just sit back and wait for the discount codes to come out, then apply them. We also reserve a car, so I start checking out the rental sites to see what the rates are so I can determine what a good rate is and then snatch it up. I do the same thing with our airfare. What I like about booking the room so far ahead is that then I can start making payments on it and have it all paid off by the time we arrive! ~~

 

[Disneyolic]

My family is going to POFQ in November. I booked our room with the DC discount last November. I will definitely be checking the boards, etc., for any codes that may come out this summer/early fall. I can always rebook and cancel my old ressies. I just made airline ressies this past weekend when Delta had a 2-day sale. I feel it is never too early to start planning and booking your room. At least you are guaranteed a price/room.

PS - I'm already thinking about our next trip after this one!

 

[girlsx2]

I am going back to Disney in February. I have already booked my room two weeks ago. Just as previously mentioned, the 2004 rates have not been established yet but I was charged the rack rate for 2003 and she told me the rate would be adjusted to value season once the rates came out. I will still continue to look for the codes. AAA codes came out in August last year (I think) maybe it was late July..anyway and the really good code for my time frame came out the first week of December for travel the first two weeks of Feb. Hope this helps.

 

[mrsltg]

Book your room as soon as you know what you want. It helps with the excitement to receive that yellow confirmation paper! Also, you know you don't have to worry about getting the resort that you want for whatever reason.

Enjoy your trip!

Erin