room only reservation

[DizBelle]

I want to go ahead and make my room-only reservation for my trip in November - just for my own peace of mind that I have the room I want. There seem to be several ways to do this: online, CRO, WDTC, call the hotel directly, and maybe others that I'm not aware of.

First, if I have to call, what are the phone numbers for CRO and WDTC?

When I went through the online reservation system just get a quote, it was requiring a $165 deposit for the room I wanted.

- Which is the best way?
- Will all methods require a deposit?
- Can I apply discount codes at a later date (AP which I will buy if the discount is good enough, other published codes) if they become available?
- Can I change to a package if they come out with a good fall/winter package without losing my room?
- Does anyone know when I can expect the AP discounts to be announced for November?

Thanks for your help!

 

[HANDYMOM]

As an accountant I'll advise you this way. Don't book yet. You are better of getting a little closer than letting Disney borrow you deposit money for almost a year. You can always check availability each month by calling CRO then making the call when you want to reserve and pay.....

Do what makes you the most comfortable.....

 

[MAGICinMYHEART]

While waiting for somethings before you purchase is a good financial move. Not making a room only reservation wouldn't be, November is only eight months out and for a WDW reservation this would be the best time to make your reservation to make sure you get the room you want.

I would make room-only reservation though (407) W-DISNEY making sure you have the 5-day cancellation policy, that way you could call and apply any AP codes or other offers to the reservations when (if) they become available, or just cancel after you decide to book a package offer that might be better for your family.
You can't call the Resorts direct for reservations, only other options would be though a TA I have always made my own reservations and have never used an agent before.

Good Luck.

 

[cjsmith]

I agree with the previous poster, if you have your heart set on going to Disney and on having a specific resort, DO NOT wait to make reservations. Make your reservations now and keep your fingers crossed that some code comes out for that time for a discount for you. Book what resort and category room you will be happy with paying rack rate and hope that you can apply a discount and then maybe upgrade. If you don't, you may end up being sorry.
I would call CRO and book. You will then have 14 days to give your deposit and then have the 5 day cancellation policy.

 

[southern-minnie]

I just booked my December reservations thru CRO. But, because I have a party of eight I had to go thru Magical Gatherings. CRO booking policies applied to my reservation. I booked 2 rooms and had to put a 1 night deposit down for each room. I can cancel up to 5 days prior to arrival. I think with WDTC (800-828-0228) you do not have to put a deposit down but full payment is due 45 days in advance and they have a different cancellation policy.
If you know where you want to stay, I would go ahead and make reservations.

 

[DizBelle]

Is (407) W-DISNEY the number for CRO?

 

[karylrocks]

Yes