Reservation booking advice

[MrsHammer]

Hello all! My husband and I are starting to plan a trip to WDW for the summer of 2012 (yeah, I know it's 2 yrs away!). I went many times as a kid, but I've never booked a trip to Disney myself. I have read that it is possible to make 'room only' reservations up to 499 days in advance; but, I understand that packages can only be booked on Disney's website during a much shorter time frame. So, here is my question. Is it better to go ahead and book a 'room only' reservation way far in advance to guarantee that you will have a room in your resort of choice (we are leaning toward AK lodge), then later on book the package for room/tickets/dining and cancel the room only reservation? I want to take full advantage of any discounts/promos that I know only come out a few months ahead, but I don't want to wait and wait to book and possibly not get the resort or room that we want. I'm just a newbie at this and I don't want to screw it up!

thanks!

 

[Sandisw]

The 2012 rates, for package booking, will be out in the summer of 2011, about a year ahead of time. I do not think you will have any issue booking your room and package this far in advance.

And, with specials and promos, having a room (or package) booked does not guarantee that you will still get the special for the room you already have. Many do, but some have to switch based on how many rooms they have declared for that particular special.

 

[markbarbf]

i am staying for free for 8 nights at the sheraton in lake buena vista for only 29000 points in the starwood program.