Trying to Prepare

[UCDSmalls]

My family is going to Disney World in September and along with what seems like a whole lot of people on here, we would like to get a free dining offer. If not that, we are hoping to at least get a room discount. Now, I am just sitting trying to prepare for the day something is released. I understand that this probably won't be for a few months.

I am looking to book 2 rooms in a moderate. Preferably a standard and king at Port Orleans, but we can be flexible.

Is it a mad rush the first day of a promo to book rooms? Are there some room categories or resorts that seem easier to get? It seems like on the website I have to book one room at a time. Should I be worried I will get 1 room at POR and not be able to get the second room there? I would like to book online so I can see what is available as far as room categories and resorts instead of trying to process what a CM is telling me over the phone. Is this a mistake? Would it be better to call? Would getting a Disney Visa be worth it so I can book a few days in advance (hopefully)?

Any insight into your experiences in the past would be much appreciated as I have never booked done this.

 

[dansdad]

Is it a mad rush the first day of a promo to book rooms?

The phones can be busy, but it's not like rooms will completely sell out on day 1.

Are there some room categories or resorts that seem easier to get?

Normally not all room categories are included in an offer. If a certain category has good occupancy already, that category will be excluded from the offer.

It seems like on the website I have to book one room at a time. Should I be worried I will get 1 room at POR and not be able to get the second room there?

You can only book one room online.

I would like to book online so I can see what is available as far as room categories and resorts instead of trying to process what a CM is telling me over the phone. Is this a mistake?

You will have to call to book more than 1 room.

Would it be better to call?

Yes.

Would getting a Disney Visa be worth it so I can book a few days in advance (hopefully)?

It can't hurt. And an added bonus is you get 6 months of free interest if you use it to book a package.

 

[DJFan88]

Agreement on above poster.
Definetly better to call.
Love the Disney Visa, also some restaurants there have 10% off if OOP and use it.
3 days early is better to book. Anytime earlier to book is better.
What happens is a certain number of rooms at a given resort and category level are deemed available for the promo. Once they are gone, there is no more. It's not just whoever calls gets it, the amount of rooms/category designated have to be available. So for example, when I went to use a PIN and wanted a standard room at the BC, it was not available anymore. I had to get a garden room at the YC. Similar, but not exactly what I wanted. Had I called earlier, I may have gotten my exact match.
That said, I have called days later and have gotten what I wanted no problem.
I'm sure some types/resorts are easier based on numbers available.
Last time I had no problem at POR, however, I had to book Garden was only available or higher priced, and no standards left for the promo.

 

[mickeynut1]

The phones can be busy, but it's not like rooms will completely sell out on day 1.

Normally not all room categories are included in an offer. If a certain category has good occupancy already, that category will be excluded from the offer.

You will have to call to book more than 1 room.

It can't hurt. And an added bonus is you get 6 months of free interest if you use it to book a package.

Agreement on above poster.
Definetly better to call.
Love the Disney Visa, also some restaurants there have 10% off if OOP and use it.
3 days early is better to book. Anytime earlier to book is better.
What happens is a certain number of rooms at a given resort and category level are deemed available for the promo. Once they are gone, there is no more. It's not just whoever calls gets it, the amount of rooms/category designated have to be available. So for example, when I went to use a PIN and wanted a standard room at the BC, it was not available anymore. I had to get a garden room at the YC. Similar, but not exactly what I wanted. Had I called earlier, I may have gotten my exact match.
That said, I have called days later and have gotten what I wanted no problem.
I'm sure some types/resorts are easier based on numbers available.
Last time I had no problem at POR, however, I had to book Garden was only available or higher priced, and no standards left for the promo.

on both of the above