Question about discounts and an October trip

[wmarsich]

We have finally decided to go for the big trip to Disney this October. We've been hedging for 3 years now and have decided to finally take the plunge. We would love to stay at the Polynesian for a week, but we really can't afford the rack room rates. My question is should we book it anyway just to assure ourselves a room and then pray for discounts? I am so afraid the rooms will fill up, although we can go almost anytime in October. Can any discount codes be applied after the fact if we book a room only? Do we have to book right through Disney in order to later apply a code? What are the chances of Disney coming up with a promotion in October? So many question!! I would appreciate any advise I can get, this is a really big one for us!!
Thanks!
Wendy

 

[Doodlebug939]

I would go ahead and book the trip. Call Disney and reserve a room only rate. If a discount comes out which they do several times a year then you can apply it to the rate. From what I have heard you are going during a wonderful time of year. Hope it helps some.

 

[KristiKelly]

Try this page @ Mousesavers.com, it doesn't tell what the actual discount amount was, but tells dates from the past when discounts were offered, hope this helps,

www.mousesavers.com/faq.html#codetrends

 

[beattyfamily]

I agree. Book it now because October is a popular time to go and then apply any discounts that come up when they do. They will let you do that.

Also, Dreams Unlimited will keep checking for discounts and codes for you! I've never used them for a room, only for the Disney cruise but that's a nice benefit of using them!

 

[mmeb144]

Book now, but book the room that you are willing to pay rack rate for. That way, you won't be disappointed if you don't call quick enough for a discounted room.

Marie

 

[frannn]

If you book the Poly expecting a discount, and none are offered or sold out before you can get it, you will be stuck paying rack rate there or worse, being without a room. We always book before the discounts, but we book a room we would stay in at rack rates. Good luck!

 

[autumnblue]

If you have AAA call for that rate. I just booked the Poly on Monday for 10/31 - 11/03. Because 10/31 starts value season I got 15% off $283 a night including tax rack rate is $299 plus tax. It is still steep but I really want ot stay at the Poly and I will pray that some codes come out. I'm offsetting the price by staying 3 nights at ASMU which I got for $69 a night including tax using the AAA rate. If you are going earlier in October the AAA discount is 10% at the deluxes.

Good luck


Autumn

 

[mtblujeans]

Let them know, when you call, what discounts you might be able to get for yourself. AAA card, Disney Visa, etc. I ask them for the best rate I can get. They ask me if I have certain memberships that will get me a better rate if they find something.

Does that make sense?

I called the other day to make reservations for September and they reminded me that the Disney Visa rate specials are 'seasonal' and they advise to make the reservation and keep checking back for special rate discounts as it gets closer to the date of travel.

Have fun on your WDW visit!!

 

[duchy]

Why not book at the Poly at the current best available rate and also make a back up reservation at another resort at a lower price.
If mousesavers or wherever come up with a better rate for the Poly and you can book it -simply cancel the back-up. If nothing better comes up at the Poly you'll still have a hotel you'd like without trying to find availability later.
Just make sure you know the last date you can cancel the back-up reservation.

duchy

 

[frannn]

if everyone did this, Disney wouldn't offer as many rooms at a discount. Their bookings for that time period would appear higher than they actually are, so why would they need to discount? Also, I believe only some discounts can be applied to existing reservations. Others need to be rebooked in order to get the discount.
Now, maybe I am wrong and Disney has an idea of how much double booking actually occurs, and adjusts the number of room discounts based on that.

 

[duchy]

Yes Fran...having spent many years working in the travel business I can assure you Disney (like all other hotels/airlines etc) factor in the double booking factor