When to book - changing into a promotion

[Karin1984]

Hi all,

I'm going in September to WDW, but I'm torn about booking now or waiting till May when (most likely) the free dining promotion will start. I have read in several threads (ex. http://disboards.com/threads/should-i-book-now.3382075/) people just have to call to change an existing reservation into a promotion. Does anyone here know if that's also possible when you book via WDTC? Anyone here who has experience with this?

I am mainly in doubt because where I'm from (the Netherlands) it's unheard of to change an existing reservation into a promotion. If a promotion starts the minute after you bought something, then it's just tough luck.

Thanks!
Karin

 

[chmurf]

You can book a room only and upgrade it to a package by adding tickets and dining when a deal is released
It works on the US website, but i'm not sure for the uk site

You say you go in september, I assume you're talking about 2016 not 2015 right ?
If it's 2015 then it's on the us website so no problem as long as you book a non discounted room only

 

[Elise79]

If booking through UK WDTC then no you can't change an existing booking without losing your deposit.

If you book through US WDTC or a US TA then yes you can change to promotion

 

[Karin1984]

Thank you Chmurf and Elise! Then I'm almost ready to book (yes, I meant 2015) One more thing, I read when you book a non-discounted room only, you only need to pay upon arrival. The one thing I couldn't find was the cancellation policy. But if payment is upon arrival, you should be able to cancel before you arrive (or 24 hours before), right?

 

[chmurf]

Thank you Chmurf and Elise! Then I'm almost ready to book (yes, I meant 2015) One more thing, I read when you book a non-discounted room only, you only need to pay upon arrival. The one thing I couldn't find was the cancellation policy. But if payment is upon arrival, you should be able to cancel before you arrive (or 24 hours before), right?

you will start by booking a room only. With room only rules. (1 night deposit and payment of balance upon arrival)

but as soon as you add tickets and dining, to jump on the promotion, you'll have a package, and your cancellation/balance policy will be that of a package : balance due 45 days out (balance due in full at time of change if you're inside the 45 days)
and the cancellation policy of a package will apply

please read this http://www.mousesavers.com/walt-dis...-room-only-reservations-vs-vacation-packages/

 

[Elise79]

Thank you Chmurf and Elise! Then I'm almost ready to book (yes, I meant 2015) One more thing, I read when you book a non-discounted room only, you only need to pay upon arrival. The one thing I couldn't find was the cancellation policy. But if payment is upon arrival, you should be able to cancel before you arrive (or 24 hours before), right?

On a room only booking as long as it is booked by phone or through a U.S. TA then the deposit is one night with balance due at check in. You can cancel for a full refund up to 6 days out. From 5 days to check in if you cancel you lose the deposit.

If you book a package or online full payment is due at 45 days.

 

[Karin1984]

Thanks again! Room is booked, 10 more days till ADR and then let's see what happens in May

 

[twirly123]

I booked a room only booking with WDTC last year about 9 months out. Found it significantly cheaper about 3 months later. WDTC would not change the booking. I ended up forfeiting the deposit and rebooking, saving cash but with a bitter taste! This year I have booked independently through Expedia and have a much better deal than booking with WDTC direct.

 

[chmurf]

I booked a room only booking with WDTC last year about 9 months out. Found it significantly cheaper about 3 months later. WDTC would not change the booking. I ended up forfeiting the deposit and rebooking, saving cash but with a bitter taste! This year I have booked independently through Expedia and have a much better deal than booking with WDTC direct.

you can't change into a promotion with UK bookings

only RO made with the US booking office can be changed to a different rate/offer.