Should I book my trip now through CRO or wait for DU?

[mickeymedic]

I am planning to go to WDW Jan 26-31 2008. The packages have not been released, but I am anxious to book and pay for my trip. I have read here that you can call Disney directly to book a room-only, then change it to a package once the packages are released. Well, we usually book our Disney vacations through Dreams Unlimited. I emailed them in May to see if we could book the room-only then change it to a package later and they told me that Disney did not allow them to do that. So, should I book it directly through Disney so that I can at least get my room reservation in, or should I be patient and wait for the packages to be released through DU? We've always saved money using DU. What should I do?

 

[tink76]

Bump! I am curious what people say.

 

[safetymom]

You can book a room only for Jan 2008 with Dreams. Just mention in the special notes that you are looking to book a room for 2008.

 

[mickeymedic]

You can book a room only for Jan 2008 with Dreams. Just mention in the special notes that you are looking to book a room for 2008.

Thanks for your response. Unfortunately, I tried that. The response I got from DU said that I could book a room-only reservation for 2008. However, I would NOT be able to change it to a package later on. Here's the direct quote from the email sent to me by DU:

"Sorry Disney will not allow us to change a room only to a package. So it would not pay to book it that way."

Has anyone gotten a different response from DU? Is there anyone out there who has booked a room-only with the intention of changing it to a package? Maybe I just need to find a different DU rep?

 

[safetymom]

I did some checking.

You can book room only for 2008. You will be charged 2007 prices and when the 2008 rates are released your total will change.

There is no advantage to doing this for 2008 if you want a package. If you switch from room only to a package they would refund your deposit on the room and then charge you a $200 deposit on the package. There may not be availability at your resort choice when you go to make the change. It doesn't matter that you already have a room at that resort.

Sometime between now and Sept. they may offer the choice to book a basic plan which basically is room only until they release the 2008 package prices. Booking a basic plan would allow you to add the package and tickets without having to cancel your room.

I hope I have explained this better.

 

[mickeymedic]

Thanks for your help safetymom! I guess I just have to be patient...something I'm not very good at when it comes to planning my Disney vacations.