When should we book?

[mousy_in_canada]

I am looking to go in February 2005, during Value season and we are planning on staying in the FW cabins.. do they book up fast? I would like to get an AP rate, but would like a ressie just in case something happens and we don't get that.. how far in advance would you say we should book?
also Should I wait to get a last minute seat sale on the plane or book as soon as I see a price that I like?

Thanks so much!
Kathleen

 

[Grumpy92]

Since February is not school vacation time, you really shouldnt have any trouble making a resort resv. As for the AP rates you can check mousesavers about 2-3 months out from February. You never know they may also run a Canadian special rate, so check on that too.

 

[disneyatl]

You have plenty of time; especially with the time of year you are planning on going. We booked our July '04 vacation in June of 2003. I've heard of some people booking even further in advance than we did. I guess my philosophy was at least I have it reserved and if some special discount code comes up, I'll call back and apply it.

 

[zakatak]

I'm not sure where in Canada you are, but if you within driving distance of Buffalo, NY, you can fly out on Southwest non-stop. Average discout rate is $110 or so, so anything under that is a great deal. When the new dates opened up for Jan/Feb this year, a few months ago, they opened at $55 each way! They stayed for a few days, then upped the price, so that was one I jumped on!

Now, on the other hand, you could book at $110 each way and keep checking them each Tuesday or Saturday (or every day like me, lol). If the price goes down, you can call them and have the credit put on your "account" for future travel within a year. I did that this past spring for our July trip. The prices dropped and I got a credit of $245 which I am using next month!

There ya go... totally useless information if you don't live near Buffalo.

Karen

 

[mousy_in_canada]

zakatak -- that is VERY good information.. I am in southern Ontario and plan on flying out of buffalo or Rochester which ever is cheaper.. I check that MANY times a day too.. lol... but I am finding that they are not a direct flight and with 4 kids I am not looking forward to a stopover.
which airline is that? I will have to keep my eye on it! Thanks!
Kathleen

 

[zakatak]

Hi Kathleen!

Southwest out of Buffalo has the non-stop flight into Orlando. You can check them out at www.southwest.com. They usually release their dates about 6 months ahead. If you start watching now, checking on Tuesdays when they release the "sales", you will see the pattern. The non-stop flight is the 7:30am flight, gets you into Orlando about 10:00am. It is GREAT! I have three kids, ages 7, 5 and 3 and they loved the short flight (so did I). The return non-stop flight leaves Orlando at 10:30am and gets back into Buffalo at 1pm. For your departing flight, you could stay in one of the hotels around the airport the night before.

Are you anywhere near Mississauga? My Mom and Grandparents are buried there (they lived there). We go up there all the time, take the QEW up to Toronto.

Let me know if you want any info about the hotels around the Buffalo airport, I can even send you some pics if you want.

Have fun planning!

Karen (Akron, NY)

 

[mousy_in_canada]

Thanks!
I was going to ask when they will be releasing the feb flight schedule!
We are located just outside Hamilton so not far from your parents. To fly out of Toronto is just TOO expensive, the taxes will run about $900.00 for the round trip.. and that is out of my range!

As for a hotel we are looking to stay in a place with a pool so that we can arrive early and have something to do with the kids and then catch an early flight. so anything that has a pool that is no more than $130 a night would be super! are you from that area?

Thanks so much for your info!
Kathleen

ps, my kids are around yours in ages.. they are 7, 6, 4 and 2..

 

[mousy_in_canada]

And I wanted to ask if they serve Breakfast on the plane? some do and some do not.. so I am wondering..
Thanks!
Kathleen

 

[zakatak]

Kathleen,

I am going to send you a Private Message. Check under your User CP at the top for your INBOX. If you have trouble, just post here and I will help you.

Karen

 

[zakatak]

Kathleen,

Here is a newer hotel right around the corner from the airport which comes with a deluxe complimentary breakfast. It does have a pool and fitness center.

http://www.buffalo-hotels-booking.net/comfort_suites_buffalo_airport.html

You can check out the rates by putting in this February dates to get an idea. Also, I'm not sure if you need two rooms or not.

Karen