When to book a cabin for Jan 2008?

[mama4]

Hi,
My family of six and I are thinking of staying in a Ft Wilderness cabin next January (possibly the 20th to the 26th) . I know I have PLENTY of time for planning but when would you actually book the cabin? Have you ever seen them completely booked up in January? Between my sons school and DH's work, the dates could change numerous times throughout the year so I wanted to wait until around July or August- do you think that would be pushing it???
Thanks so much!!

 

[bama_ed]

Mama,

Sounds like you're getting organized early - good planning!

I have always been in favor of booking the ressie as far in advance as possible. You can always call back to add a discount code to it (if one comes out before your trip). I use my AAA membership to get a discount but the number of AAA sites/cabins are limited I think so I choose to book early. If your dates change call and move it and your deposit should still apply. Codes etc don't always apply to EVERY cabin so you may end up paying higher rates the longer you wait. Sort of like an airplane pricing its remaining empty seats on a flight.

Better to have it and maybe cancel it than need it and not be able to get it.

As far as January is concerned it's generally not too busy. I think they get a bump for the Marathon weekend (25,000 runners) and for MLK weekend (long weekend for folks). Otherwise not too crowded. So you should be able to get a cabin but the question is how much will you have to pay for it.

We loved the cabins but have a camper now. Love it. As a parent you will love the fact that in the cabins the 4 kids can sleep in the back bedroom and you and DH can have the Murphy bed, the tv, the fridge, etc.

Good luck,
Bama ED

 

[mama4]

Heh Yeah...my family thinks I sometimes over organize. But there never complaining when I get that great room at a great price!!

I'll be hoping -but not expecting- for a Fl resident or AP discount at some point. Not sure if those discnts usually apply to the Fort but a friend of mine got a pretty good deal on one in early December. So, if I booked now, I wonder if they'd let me get the Fl res discnt if they do come out for Jan for the cabins. Even without a super discount, with our large family I think the kitchen will save us some $. I also think the slower paced, relaxing atmosphere of this place (from what I've heard anyway) may finally get DH hooked on Disney. While he enjoys the parks, he REALLY needs his downtime. My kids are going to love it too- I really can't wait!

I wish we had a camper! Now after the trip, I may start trying to talk DH in to getting one again. Been trying for years now. I've always wanted one and it would be perfect for taking to Disney. My Dad has a fifth wheel he'd let us borrow anytime but I hate to ask him to drive it the 2 hrs to Orlando for us. Then where would he stay

Well, back to the planning. Thanks again!

 

[mama4]

So, if I booked now, I wonder if they'd let me get the Fl res discnt if they do come out for Jan for the cabins.

Mama,

You can always call back to add a discount code to it (if one comes out before your trip).

Duh! I read your post with my 6 month old daughter in my lap grabbing at the computer. Just read again and realized you'd answered this question already.


Thanks again!

 

[pooh4me]

We have stayed in a cabin in Jan three times since 2003 and have booked the cabin in Aug or Sept at full rack rate but have been able to get a annual pass rate when they came out usually in Nov or Dec by just calling as soon as the rates and codes were out. Just watch the Dis rate info and call right away.Have a great trip maybe we will see you there as we hope to go back next Jan too.

 

[mama4]

We have stayed in a cabin in Jan three times since 2003 and have booked the cabin in Aug or Sept at full rack rate but have been able to get a annual pass rate when they came out usually in Nov or Dec by just calling as soon as the rates and codes were out. Just watch the Dis rate info and call right away.Have a great trip maybe we will see you there as we hope to go back next Jan too.

Sounds great pooh4me....that's what I'd like to do. With the possibility of our dates changing I want to wait a little while still. I'll probably book around June- the school schedule should be set by then and dh should know if any thing major will be happening at work. Nice to know you were able to still snag that discount! Woo hoo Never been in January .. something to look forward to after the holidays...hopefully fairly low crowds...oh, and my littlest man's turning 4 on the 23rd I think it'll be great!! Hope to see ya there!!!

 

[SamRoc]

I'll be hoping -but not expecting- for a Fl resident or AP discount at some point. Not sure if those discnts usually apply to the Fort but a friend of mine got a pretty good deal on one in early December. So, if I booked now, I wonder if they'd let me get the Fl res discnt if they do come out for Jan for the cabins.

Can you tell me where to look for Florida Resident and annual pass discounts for the cabins? I looked on mousesavers but didnt see any discount codes. thanks!

 

[mama4]

Can you tell me where to look for Florida Resident and annual pass discounts for the cabins? I looked on mousesavers but didnt see any discount codes. thanks!

I'm far from an expert on this but here is the info on the discounts I know of http://www.mousesavers.com/disneyresorts.html#states
Not sure but I assume the cabin falls under the deluxe category for the discount??? I'm not sure if my friend received a "Fl Res" discount or what but her savings was about the same that was being advertised at the time.
BTW, AP discounts are usually about the same as FL res from what I've seen. From what I've read none of these discounts are guaranteed to be available or should be expected to come out in the future (my disclaimer).....but I've gotten the FL res discount for the last three years in a row. Good luck!