Understanding how booking works...

[michelle06]

We have always done budget trips and been able to do Disney so much cheaper than the typical package direct from Disney. However, my extended family wants to plan a trip together and as such, we may need a package so we can do the dining plan for the first time. So, here is where I need help. My understanding is that I can book now, but still take advantage of discounts later as they become available. But if the discount dates don't line up perfectly with what we book, can we alter the dates to fit? What if that causes us to want to change the hotel we are in? Just wondering how much flexibility we will really have. Do I want to book now or wait it out until I better know what the offers will be? I am normally a total budget person and never book this (normal) way so it's all new to me.
Thanks!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

To get an idea of what discounts are being offered, I keep this in my Favorites/Bookmarks
https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/special-offers/

Note the "book by" dates and the dates of travel that qualify for the discount. If you book as a package (tix+room) you have to pay in full 45 days prior to arrival IIRC. Any closer than that and there are penalties for canceling. I don't know if that applies to changes in discount or changes in hotels. I've never changed hotels at the last minute. Well, I have but we were booked as room-only so there are no penalties to cancel unless it's less than 5 days prior. In those instances we bought our tickets at Undercover Tourist. If you sign up for the www.mousesavers.com monthly newsletter/email, it provides a link to get an extra small discount. It's not a huge savings but it buys a few Mickey bars.
It's up to you if you'd rather book now, knowing your dates, or if you prefer to wait until discounts are released. If you're going over any holidays or spring break, I'd book sooner than later.
The nice part about staying onsite with extended family is that if part of the group wants to return to their room for a mid day break, or turn in early, they can easily do that, sometimes it's just a short walk as with Epcot to BC/YC/BW.

 

[mommajo143]

Changes in hotels &/or dates are easy to make but subject to availability... for significant discounts or large groups this can be an issue. Our biggest barrier has always been flights which are nonrefundable. As PP noted looking at previous release dates of offers is helpful but keep in mind these are not guarantees & esp as of late it seems there are more blackout dates & fewer rooms being released for special offers.

FWIW I always say - stay on-site. IMHO the way the crowds are now the benefits of early FPP etc are worth the extra cost for our family.

 

[mjmgsssp]

I originally booked a trip for 7 people, in 3 rooms, at the end of January. Since the time I booked, they offered a late fall discount. I called Disney (can't make the change online) and they were able to change our reservations to the discounted rate.

A few years ago, we were originally booked in a value resort, but when the fall free dining promo came out, we upgraded to a moderate and still saved some money.

So bottom line, yes you can later adjust your package. Keep in mind you may also need to adjust your travel dates and/or your hotel. If you book airline tickets WITH your package, that could have change penalties associated with it, which is why I always book my airfare separately.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

Book your flights with southwest (if possible) if you need to change your dates by a day or 2 there is no charge unless the new flight is more expensive

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

Based on my experience from a 2016 trip and an end of the year 2015 trip. One resort was a moderate, one was a deluxe:

They used to just adjust dates and move resorts and add discounts without cancelling but haven't done that for me on the last 2 trips - they cancelled and rebooked my reservations with the discount. Was it because I had a new phone CM who didn't know what to do? I'm not sure but since it happened twice, I was thinking not.

It didn't affect anything like my dining or FP+ but I just wanted to mention what happened to me.
I was worried because if they had been too slow with the rebooking, I could've lost out on the resort I wanted at the discount I wanted if someone else had snatched up the dates first. And then my mind was thinking well, what if I can't get the discount and then couldn't get the dates back at the original price because someone got those too? I was stressing that time. Luckily all was ok in the end.

Now that we are new DVC, I told my husband no changing trips to less days once we are booked - if he can't make a day, I'll go and he can meet up with me later!