Those of us going in 09

[crostorfer]

Since unfortunately the 09 rates won't be coming out until August, (coincidently the same time as the 09 guidebooks, wierd), just for kicks I looked at the rates for April and May at the resorts in the downtown Disney area, because you can see off-site hotel rates. The Buena Vista Palace, for example, has rates over the summer as low as $99/night. However for next spring (last week of April, 1st week of May), they want $289-$309 a night. I thought May was considered the off season! I'm hoping that its because I'm looking too far out and the prices will go down as the time ticks by...

 

[carcam51]

Depending on when you're looking, it could be due to Easter and/or Spring Breaks - rates usually go up during this time.

 

[Corjack]

That is supposed to be a off peak time. Disney considers it regular season. I cannot wait for the rates to come out and see if the "rate seasons" change any. It is what we need to cement our dates! I feel like I am paused until August,

 

[Stargazer]

I feel like I am paused until August,

I feel your pain! We're not planning on going back until Dec 09 and since we were there this time last yr, I'm really wanting to get the ball rolling (memories will do it every time).

 

[raven69david]

I'm already book for Grand Floridian for December '09. Rates aren't out yet, so my rate will definetly go up, but i've already planned for that. Nothing like getting the room type you want upon check-in.

 

[3PrezGirls]

We were planning on going in Dec 09 and didn't realize I could book right now. I know packages aren't out yet and prices for rooms aren't out yet but how does it work to book over a year ahead of time. We always booked when we knew we were ready to go to our favorite place. Since we have baby #4 due this September we're taking this year off. But we do know we'll go back next year.

 

[brentalex]

We were planning on going in Dec 09 and didn't realize I could book right now. I know packages aren't out yet and prices for rooms aren't out yet but how does it work to book over a year ahead of time. We always booked when we knew we were ready to go to our favorite place. Since we have baby #4 due this September we're taking this year off. But we do know we'll go back next year.

You can book up to 499 days in advance, so Dec of 09 may be a bit to far in the future right now. When you can book in advance, you can book only by calling disney, can't use their web site. They will charge you a one night deposit based on the current years peak rate for the resort. Then when the real rates come out they will notify you about what the real rate will be. For a vacation in Dec, the real rates may come out just about the time the 499 day mark hits.

 

[3PrezGirls]

Thanks so much that helps a lot!! I think I'll be booking soon enough and planning for our next trip.

 

[tinkerbell615]

I just booked for April '09 for POP. I know the rates will be going up, but I am hoping if they base everything on peak rates this year it might not be too much. We are going when the rates are at one of their highest points I believe. We are going the week before Easter.

It doesn't matter though... I am so EXCITED!I wish I could swing something this year, but it doesn't look that way.

 

[GinCar]

Just found out that DH has a convention in Orlando Aug '09. I know it will be hot, crowded, etc. but I am excited to start planning. I know the convention will be off property, but I REALLY want to book a Disney hotel.
I am thinking I will book, pay the deposit and see what happens.

 

[bigbabyblues]

Just found out that DH has a convention in Orlando Aug '09. I know it will be hot, crowded, etc. but I am excited to start planning. I know the convention will be off property, but I REALLY want to book a Disney hotel.
I am thinking I will book, pay the deposit and see what happens.

We're planning for August 09 too, and I know it's going to be hot, but it will be hot here too. I'd rather be hot at WDW!

 

[evedein]

Does anyone know when the 2009 AAA discount rates will be out. I had 12/5/08 booked at Pop for $75. But then I discovered that my daughter & her husband are expecting their 1st child the same week. First grandchild, not going ANYWHERE! So I rebooked for 5/1/09, now it's $139. Talk about sticker shock! I just hope the price comes down a lot when the AAA rates come out. The CM I booked through assured me I just had to call when they come out & I would be credited back the difference on my credit card. I hope she was right.

 

[BostonRob]

Does anyone know when the 2009 AAA discount rates will be out. I had 12/5/08 booked at Pop for $75. But then I discovered that my daughter & her husband are expecting their 1st child the same week. First grandchild, not going ANYWHERE! So I rebooked for 5/1/09, now it's $139. Talk about sticker shock! I just hope the price comes down a lot when the AAA rates come out. The CM I booked through assured me I just had to call when they come out & I would be credited back the difference on my credit card. I hope she was right.

I've been trying to figure this out as well and after reading a bunch here and talking to people, all I know is they generally come out shortly after the new years rates come out, which seems to happen aroung August. So I'd stay glued to this website from the middle of July on, because May first is a busy time and they'll probably book out all the AAA discounts quickly.

 

[brandijo5]

Why are the rates not coming out until August? I thought they always came out in July? My MIL is having a planning party on July 26 for our trip with 30+ people and we thought sure we'd have the rates for the party by then. This really throws a kink in the plans because we've already sent out the invitations.

 

[BostonRob]

Why are the rates not coming out until August? I thought they always came out in July? My MIL is having a planning party on July 26 for our trip with 30+ people and we thought sure we'd have the rates for the party by then. This really throws a kink in the plans because we've already sent out the invitations.

Well don't take my word for it, I've just repeating what I've heard here, which presumably all speculation based on when the dates have been released in previous years. I've asked a couple of people at CRO and they don't know.

 

[BostonRob]

Why are the rates not coming out until August? I thought they always came out in July? My MIL is having a planning party on July 26 for our trip with 30+ people and we thought sure we'd have the rates for the party by then. This really throws a kink in the plans because we've already sent out the invitations.

Here you go. I knew I'd seen this before. Thanks to Mousesavers!
http://www.mousesavers.com/historicalwdwdiscounts.html

As you can see, up until last year, the rates came out in May. Was last year just an aberration or the start of a new trend? Since we're almost out of June and still no rates, I'm afraid I'm guessing the latter.

Release Dates for Full Price ("Rack") Room Rates
2005 Walt Disney World resort room rates were released in late May 2004.

2006 Walt Disney World resort room rates were released in late May 2005.

2007 Walt Disney World resort room rates were released in mid-May 2006.

2008 Walt Disney World resort room rates were released August 5, 2007.
Release Dates for Full Price Vacation Packages
2005 Walt Disney World vacation packages were released in mid-June 2004.

2006 Walt Disney World vacation packages were released June 30, 2005.

2007 Walt Disney World vacation packages were released August 6, 2006.

2008 Walt Disney World vacation packages were released August 5, 2007.

 

[kaos928]

I spoke with a CM online last week and if I remember, she told me it would be LATE August. Which is kiiilling me. I'm trying to plan a January trip. I mean, you can always make reservations based on this years prices but I really like to try to find the best deal so I don't want to book anything until I see the hard numbers. We are doing Disney on an cheap-as-possible basis. Plus I'm still working on my BF! I'm still trying to convince him it's not just for kids.

 

[uconn01001]

I have booked the AKL Concerige for Sept of 09 and they quoted me 548.00 and told me when the packages come out it will go down to 345.00 per night.

 

[bytheblood]

I'm already book for Grand Floridian for December '09. Rates aren't out yet, so my rate will definetly go up, but i've already planned for that. Nothing like getting the room type you want upon check-in.

How are you booked for December 09 when you cannot get into their system until 499 days from your vacation return date? December 1st of 2009 is still over 520 days away?

 

[bytheblood]

I spoke with a CM online last week and if I remember, she told me it would be LATE August. Which is kiiilling me. I'm trying to plan a January trip. I mean, you can always make reservations based on this years prices but I really like to try to find the best deal so I don't want to book anything until I see the hard numbers. We are doing Disney on an cheap-as-possible basis. Plus I'm still working on my BF! I'm still trying to convince him it's not just for kids.

Don't let it kill you too much. The CMs do not know any more than you and I do. They give you answers that sound good most of the time, but it is speculation. Honestly, she was probably giving you worse case scenario in the event she said early and they were not announced...then when they are released early - BONUS for you! They generally know 1 - 4 days before, just like everybody here on the Dis.