When should I book for Sept '04 trip, and...

[mlbretscher]

I need some help to plan our first trip to WDW. I would like to go in Septemeber 2004, and was wondering when should I book my room reservation? Is it too early to do so now? Also, which week of Sept. would be the best (or least crowded?). I heard a lot of talk about "codes" for discounts, where's the best place to find them? Thanks for all your help!

 

[maryhenry]

I've already booked our trip for Sept 2004 - so it is not too early. We went in Sept 2002 and there were virtually no crowds. We went the week following the Labor Day Week. September is an ideal time to go, b/c it is still warm enough to enjoy the water parks, which were probably the most fun thing we did. I booked now, even though I only got the AAA discounts. By that time, they will have come out with some special that will be even better - which you will be able to take advantage of. Have fun!

 

[TINK61]

You can book now. And to find the latest discount codes, go to
www.mousesavers.com. Sign up for the newsletter. They will alert you to any new codes that appear. Good luck!

 

[KIS]

I'm fairly new at these boards and have never been to WDW. I have been using these boards since I stumbled onto them on June.

The boards can be really helpful to slowly gaining familiarity so that you can, little by little, plan a vacation that works for you and yours. I have also browsed through various guidebooks along the way.

My family is going in late April, 2004 for the first time. I was initially self-conscious about being an early bird, but most people don't seem surprised when I've mentioned it.

Someone mentioned booking now and then changing the reservation should a deal come up later, closer to your vacation dates. I believe that is what is called a "room only" reservation with the Central Reservation Office (CRO) at WDW. When I called to make reservations, I just used the CRO number at WDW and then explained that I wanted a "room only" reservation. I checked about policies concerning cancellation, revisions to the reservation, etc.

I hope that helps a little.

KIS

 

[Lori-n-NY]

Hi I booked a trip for Sept 2004 this past Feb.03
I usually go the third week and the weather is wonderful except for the 20 minute rain shower almost everyday. But you keep going and it stops raining and you don't lose any time.
Crowds are low. Sept is also value season so hopefully discounts will be available. I have been the previous 2 Sept 2001 and 2002 but this year I wanted to go to MNSSHP so I choose Oct. But next year back to Sept we go.

SO go ahead and book it makes to trip seem real even though it is 13 months away.

Lori

 

[Chris00731]

If you're not going until Sept 04 there's no reason to rush, especially if you're still ironing out your hotel and other arrangements. I've found that the more you investigate and be patient, the more deals you'll discover. It does you no good to book now when you have a year to go and a special may come out next week for you're hotel.

 

[s&k'smom]

Hi, on our last trip I booked about a year early because I really wanted WL. But what I did was checked back throughout the year and got an absolutely incredible rate about 7 months before the trip (I was waiting for airline discounts to come out). The nice thing was that because it was on my CC they just transferred the $ to the new ressie. Actually booking early for me can be helpful as it helps me to budget (yeah like I ever stay within budget)!

 

[hulabird]

We are going on a 4 night cruise in August 2004 and will go from that to WDW and I am booking our room only ressie today, (our cruise is already booked) then I will keep watching for deals and make changes as needed. I do this every year and it has always worked out great for us. We have never paid rack rates at any time. Plus it's fun planning and hoping for codes to come out. (it's really an addiction....lol)

 

[Momof2boys]

I booked our June 04 trip a few weeks ago. I know that we definitely want to stay at the Comtemporary. I booked now, but I am keeping an eye out for codes. If they come out, I will call back and get them applied. If you are still undecided about where you want to stay, then I would hold off since you have lots of time. That will give you time to do some research on what resort you like best. However, if you know now, then you can always book anytime.

 

[hulabird]

I think I always book early just to "Lock" my DH into a vacation...this way he knows in advance and can make sure he gets the time off from work, he is a workaholic, always complains when I first say that we are going to WDW (again) and that we are already booked, but of course, when we do finally go, he is the first one to be all excited. I think he counts on me to do this, because if it were up to him, we probably wouldn't go, or we'd end up paying rack rates.





1998-2002-CBR
2003-Las Vegas
2003-NO WDW this year
2004-Cruise & OKW

 

[ceecee]

I usually book 8 months in advance and watch for codes. We booked at the AAA rate and later cancelled and got the Fairytale pkg. I'd say you have plenty of time. Happy Planning! Oh, this will be our 4th trip in Sept and we love that time of year. Less crowded and still very warm to swim. This year we moved it back a week to the last week Sept and first week of Oct.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Actually, sometimes it is a good idea to book early. We booked our trip over a year in advance and have been paying on our rooms little by little. We're currently booked at the rack rate but that will change as soon as codes for our dates come out. I know that Sept. may seem like a long way off, but if you're on a budget, the time flies by faster than you'd think. We're trying to prepay as many things as possible so that when we get to WDW, we'll only have to worry about food and souvenirs for the most part.

 

[Mikenmindy]

we're planning our return trip and 2nd anniversary to WDW and we've got it 50% planned. Gonna put the deposit down as soon as we can decide between YC, Poly and WL. Never too early to get geared up!!! =)

 

[SnackyStacky]

I booked my 9/2004 reservation rate this week, and switched it to a AAA rate, so I say book it now!