To book or not to book

[usagibuffy]

Would you consider booking a package when the rates come out if you aren't sure whether you'll be able to go? We know what dates we would like to go (Sept. 2017 for my littlest's 3rd birthday) but aren't sure that it'll be financially feasible, and won't be sure until later this year. We'd be strongly hoping for free dining during that time and would book a resort that usually has it (or be willing to switch to one that does). I'd hate to decide later and find we can't get where we want.

 

[dkrauss]

I've done just that in the past. All Disney requires is a deposit which is a % of the total (I believe its 20%). The balance isn't due until 45 days before you go. If for some reason you're unable to go.............you can get a refund.....pretty easily. Happened to us with a July trip (for the DisUnplugged anniversary........which I booked the day Pete first announced the concept ) had to cancel and received a full refund in less than 4 days. If you can cover the deposit do it..........especially if your looking at a difficult resort..........although your timing shouldn't be an issue regarding that.

Doug

 

[DisneyWishes14]

If you will go regardless, book. If you will only go with a discount, wait until they are released. Having an existing reservation has absolutely no bearing on getting a discount.

 

[Shellyb84]

Would you consider booking a package when the rates come out if you aren't sure whether you'll be able to go? We know what dates we would like to go (Sept. 2017 for my littlest's 3rd birthday) but aren't sure that it'll be financially feasible, and won't be sure until later this year. We'd be strongly hoping for free dining during that time and would book a resort that usually has it (or be willing to switch to one that does). I'd hate to decide later and find we can't get where we want.

We book once we have dates planned, and then adjust accordingly when discounts come out. The deposit for a package is $200 and the deposit for a room only res is the cost of one night. It is really easy to get a full refund and you have plenty of time. You have up to 45 days out to cancel a package, or for room only you have up to 5 days out.

 

[mickeynut1]

All Disney requires is a deposit which is a % of the total (I believe its 20%). The balance isn't due until 45 days before you go. If for some reason you're unable to go.............you can get a refund.....pretty easily.

Just wanted to clarify that the deposit for a package is $200, with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival. The pay in full date used to be 45 days, but changed with 2016 bookings.

If you will go regardless, book. If you will only go with a discount, wait until they are released. Having an existing reservation has absolutely no bearing on getting a discount.

This is what I was going to post. Booking early will guarantee you get the resort/room type you want (at rack rate), but doesn't guarantee a discount can be added later. If a discount comes out and what you have booked is available under that discount, you can have it applied to your existing reservation. If what you have booked is not available, you would have to choose a different resort (and possibly change dates) in order to take advantage of the discount.

 

[dkrauss]

Just wanted to clarify that the deposit for a package is $200, with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival. The pay in full date used to be 45 days, but changed with 2016 bookings.

Yeah I believe your right............I've been doing room only bookings............there its 20%. The 30 day info is great news!

Doug

 

[buzznina]

Yeah I believe your right............I've been doing room only bookings............there its 20%. The 30 day info is great news!

Doug

For RO reservations the deposit is the first night rate plus tax.

 

[Nancyg56]

I book if I know I am going. If a discount is released and I need to do a little planning to see if I can make it work I book. I never book hoping for a discount, but knowing I will not go if I pay full price. There is no benefit to that unless you need to book your ADR's in advance as well, and need the reservation to do so.

 

[mickeynut1]

The 30 day info is great news!

Doug

I agree, going from 45 to 30 days was a good change .

 

[usagibuffy]

Thanks all for the replies. I did a little math and found that historically free dining is released in April for dates in September, and ADRs for the dates we want can be made in March. So I think we'll go ahead and book a package and pay the deposit when room rates come out, and otherwise look into what other options we may have for a trip we can afford before the little guy gets more expensive.