Reservation questions

[millie0312]

Hi everyone,
I am a fairly new Disney vacationer and have only been to DLR so far (we are on the west coast). We are trying to plan a visit to WDW next year in probably October. Hoping to get some insight from the experts here on how I should go about my reservation....
Here are the details- I am a "slight" obsessive planner (I subscribe to the unofficial guide touring method lol) and am traveling with my mom, DH and two kiddos (9 and 2). We are planning on staying at BC at this point (still could change possibly but doubtful) in October (already have tentative dates). I could have some issues with dates so my potential dates could change slightly or my stay could shorten slightly (shooting for 14 days including my 2 travel days). I am also hoping to get free dining since it would be a better deal for us I believe then the 30% with all the adults/big eaters in my group. Even if we don't get free dining we are still planning on taking our trip next year and I believe that is probably the best time for us to go.
Here is my questions: How far out do I need to book my hotel to ensure I get my room (or how far can I book out)? If I book my hotel and tickets early (so I can book my ADR's at the 180 + 10 day mark) can I change my dates/length of stay slightly AND can I change or add things to my package (like plane tickets, dining plan, etc I know there are lots of items you can add and I'm not sure what we will need or what I can get a better deal elsewhere)? Finally, I am putting away gift cards into a Disney vacation account to pay for the vacation, but not sure it will be fully paid for by the time I will need to initially book- what do I have to pay when I book my hotel/tickets, etc? Is it all due immediately, is just part due- if I have things like a dining plan or plane tickets on my package does that change what is due up front? I know its a LOT of questions about booking but I was hoping to get a little more insight before I booked or decided what to do with my booking process. Thanks for any help or ideas!!

 

[dansdad]

How far out do I need to book my hotel to ensure I get my room (or how far can I book out?)

You can book a room only reservation via phone 499 days out. You can book packages once the 2016 rates come out, probably July-August.

If I book my hotel and tickets early (so I can book my ADR's at the 180 + 10 day mark) can I change my dates/length of stay slightly AND can I change or add things to my package (like plane tickets, dining plan, etc I know there are lots of items you can add and I'm not sure what we will need or what I can get a better deal elsewhere)?

You can make changes without penalty up to 45 days out. If you make changes after that you will be charged a $50 change fee. Unless your changes are making your trip cost more, then they usually waive the change fee. Just know that you have to add the Dining Plan at least 3 days prior to your arrival.

Finally, I am putting away gift cards into a Disney vacation account to pay for the vacation, but not sure it will be fully paid for by the time I will need to initially book- what do I have to pay when I book my hotel/tickets, etc?

If you book a package you will have to pay a $200 deposit with the rest due 45 days out. If you book a room only, you will need to pay a deposit equal to 1 night and the rest is due upon check in. Be warned that if you book a room only but then want to change to a package, like to add the dining plan, you will need to cancel your room only, put a new $200 deposit for the package and then wait for the refund of the 1 night stay. There is 1 system for room only bookings and a separate system for packages. So they cannot move the deposits between the two systems.

Is it all due immediately, is just part due- if I have things like a dining plan or plane tickets on my package does that change what is due up front?

Please see above answer.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would not book your trip until you absolutely know your dates. Disney has been enforcing their change policy which basically states your hotel and reserved rate are subject to availability for your new dates. In essence, you can no longer book, say, a 14-night trip and then reduce your nights and still have your room rate locked in. If you book under a promo, like free dining or a room-only discount, and reduce your dates, those dates, again, are subject to availability and, if not available, you may lose your discount or even the room category you originally booked. So while PP is correct regarding "change fees", unless there is availability when you want to make that date change, you could be looking at a higher rate, no room or loss of discount.

If you add air to a Disney package, you must pay for it in full at time of booking the airfare and it is non-refundable. IMHO, you are better off purchasing your airfare separately in case you need to make a change or cancellation.

 

[beckydisneyb]

You stated you want to go in October. This year's free dining is not available for most of October. So just keep that in mind that your dates might not get you free dining in 2016.

 

[Tonberry]

We always purchase airfare separately. That way, we can take our time, shop around for different airlines, times and cities, and found that we can get get much better deals than going through Disney.
Once you have booked your airfare, you can call Disney with your flight information and have them apply it to your reservation.

 

[millie0312]

Thanks everyone- its SO confusing to figure out how to get the "best deal" for your trip!! I am still thinking if we can qualify under FD it would be the best deal but so hard to predict when it would be without waiting for it and if I wait until its released I miss my ADR window which could mean no BOG or other "hot ticket" meals.... More research to do I suppose LOL

 

[dansdad]

Thanks everyone- its SO confusing to figure out how to get the "best deal" for your trip!! I am still thinking if we can qualify under FD it would be the best deal but so hard to predict when it would be without waiting for it and if I wait until its released I miss my ADR window which could mean no BOG or other "hot ticket" meals.... More research to do I suppose LOL

You don't need to have a reservation to make ADRs 180 days out.