When Should I start making Resverations for Fall? ?

[AuntMinnie]

Hi all! I feel so silly asking this. The last time I was to WDW was B.C. and B.I. (Before Children and Before Internet). I had no idea that Rates varried so much etc. I'm so happy I found this site!!

So me hubby and 2 girls (will be 4yrs and 5yrs) plan to go this fall.
Should I just book the best deal I can get for what we want now and then switch it if we find better rates, or if rates go down. Or would it be a problem to call and ask to change rates/resorts etc?

What I need to book for for is:
Onsite Hotel at WDW
Car Rental
Air Fare

Thanks for any advice!!

 

[jdkdorn]

You should start now. You can always change later or add a code. You should pick the resort and book the room now so you can be sure that you will have a room. We always book at least 8 months in advance.

 

[TreeOfLife]

I agree: The earlier you book, the better.
Then wake up each morning searching for a better way to reduce the rate and get it before anyone else, but at least you have a room...

 

[Pink Flamingo]

Yep - I would book now too!

I booked 11 months ahead for our last trip - probably a little excessive, but I was so excited I couldn't wait. I booked through Dreams Unlimited & they kept a look out for better deals & switched my reservations accordingly. My reservations were changed at least 3 times prior to my trip & my final price was a little over $1000 lower than my original price!!! There were no problems at all with changing the reservations.

I booked air fare about 6 months in advance. I kept watching prices on the net & when I thought it got to a good price I booked. The prices never got any better after I booked, but I know that can vary a lot.

We didn't rent a car, so I'm not sure about that. I've read that a lot of people watch the deals on www.mousesavers.com & book when they find a really good deal.

Happy Planning!

 

[April in Disney]

Lat Nov I called about 45 days before my trip to find out only one room was available in all wdw resorts. It just happened the jersey week, soap week, and food & wine festival were bringing in everyone to wdw. So for this year I called in yesterday and booked my reservation. When you call make sure you are talking to CRO and can cancel without penalty up to 5 days prior, then anytime you see a new rate call in and have them change your rate.

 

[AuntMinnie]

Thanks All!! I'm going to figure out exact dates and call.

I have another silly question, What is CRO and is there a place on these boards that that have the abreviations?
I am familiar with regular internet abreviations (LOL, HTH, BTW) but for some of the Dis ones I'm pretty clueless)

 

[bridgettesmom]

I believe it's Central Reservations office..If I'm wrong,someone please correct me.

If you need to buy PH(park hoppers) subscribe to Mary's newsletter at mousesavers. She has an agreement with Ticket Mania and they offer great discount on tickets!!! A lot of us from the boards have ordered the PH thru them and we have received exceptional service...plus free shipping!!

Good luck and happy planning!!

 

[April in Disney]

CRO- Central Reservation Office phone # 1-407-w-disney. They are going through changes in disney some of the agents who answer the phone are with disney travel company which has completeley different policies for instance the cancelation policy is different, you have to pay about a month inadvance. I have found out wthe easiest way to talk to a CM " cast member" on the phone is to push existing reservation and then room only reservation.
The Tech board has all the abreviations. You find them at the end of the dis discussion forums.

 

[AuntMinnie]

Thank You for the info on the room resverations, and for the info on the Tech board, I'm on my way to check it out !!

 

[airhead]

My trip is 527 days away( who's counting....) and I'm just starting to do my research and get advice and info from this site. My dilemma is whether or not to book everything myself or thru a
travel agent where I can say I want this, this,and that. its so much easier to me.

airhead