question about booking for July/August 2006

[bnba2]

Hi folks, first time poster here, lurker for a few weeks, and I had a couple of questions I was hoping you kind people would be able to help me out with.

First, we are planning on going in either July or August 2006, should we book now and then if better rates come available cancel and rebook later?

Second, how far out in advance do the summer special rates usually come out, I thought I read somewhere on here that there was a free dining promotion last year in the summer....definitely sounds like a good reason to wait. If we book now will our AAA TA be able to change our reservation?

Third, is AAA the best (i.e. Cheapest) rates or are there other tour operators travel agents that can get better rates?...any recommmendations

I know I have a million more questions but these seemed most appropriate to this section of the forum

Thanks in advance for any assistance provided,

bnba2

 

[kjs1976]

Hi and WELCOME!!!!

You could book now or in the next month if you want a specific moderate or deluxe...in my experience the values don't fill up like some of the others. Deals/codes come out about Feb./Mar. (sometimes later) for the summer. I know in the past there have been some good deals for right after July 4th and mid-late August. You can always have those deals/codes applied to existing resevations as they come out or change to a different resort if the code/deal makes it more affordable. There have been fewer codes in the last year because the travel economy has rebounded back post-911. Disney has, however, been offering more package deals instead of room-only, which works out to be pretty nice of you are staying longer and are taking your family.

AAA is the only solid discount to rely on if there are no codes or Disney deals, unless you are/were in the military. Check out mousesavers.com to see the breakdown of discounts with AAA. You have to call your AAA agent to get a package price quote. You will be able to change your reservation. I'm not sure how close to your travel dates you are allowed to change without penalty with AAA...Disney is usually 45 days with a package, I believe.

Hope this helps!!!!

 

[bnba2]

Thank you very much kjs1976!! Very helpful information!

I think we are planning on staying at the BC or AKL or WL. Our AAA travel agent is pretty good but I am not sure she is what you would call a "Disney expert" so I expect this forum to be an invaluable resource in asuring we are getting the best deal possible. I sure do hope they come out with a free dining package again lol, that would be the icig on the cake!

I was reading some of the threads about the various codes and packages and my head started spinning lol I have SOOOOO much to learn, fortunately there are people here who offer their generous assistance.

Thanks again

bnba2