When to book Dec. rooms?

[gtrist4life]

Don't know if this is too early to ask, but I like to plan ahead and given the circumstances, it may be a neccesity.

Our family is going to visit the magic in December (probably Dec 11 thru Dec 17 or 18). I'm in charge of making arrangements. We will probably need 5 or 6 rooms. Here's the rundown on people and ages

Me - 39
Wife - 39
DD - 15 will turn 16 on the trip
DS - 8

BIL 1 - 35
SIL 1 - 40

BIL 2 - 39
SIL 2 - 41
Nephew - 3
Niece - 18 months

Mom - 65
Aunt 1 - 69
Aunt 2 - 61
Cousin - 42

MIL - 64
FIl - 74

Possibly
Sister - 44
Niece - 22 ( will turn 23 on trip )

Our preference would be to have the Fairytale package be extended to December and we would then stay at one of the moderates. Any suggestions on which resort? We have a couple mugs from Port Orleans as we stayed in FQ last year, I know it's closed but I'm sure a Riverside building close to food-buses would work. What ever resort we choose, I'm sure being close to food-buses is going to be a plus.

We were planning on AKL or possibly Swan, but I think the in-laws, Mom, and Aunt cringed a bit at the rate. We'd like to spend approx 60-90 per room (before taxes)


If they don't extend the Fairytale package, then we probably will look to one of the Downtown Disney hotels. Again any suggestions?

My main question is, if I'm in charge of booking the hotel, would I be better off with an agent like Dreams Unlimited, Small world travel, other web site agents, etc. or do you think I can book 5-6 rooms on my own through the Disney agents and still have us all in the same building or close by?

Will this many rooms qualify for any additional discounts?
What time would the best deals be available for this group?
My guess is we need to have the rooms booked by Sept-Oct.

I know I've asked alot, but any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[Bella2000]

We are going in Dec and my reservations have been made. We do not typically use a package but we use DC or AAA rates and hope AP rates come out and if they don't - oh well. With so many have you ever considered a DVC location? There is a rent/trade board on the DIS and CRO will probably also have rooms if members trade out to other locations. I'm a convert to using a travel agent on my personal trips. I'm a planning crazy person and last year I used Your Magical Journeys with great trepidation and I loved them (since then I've used them 2 more times). What I like the most is that they monitor the best deals and when the rates go down with new codes they get them for me. I also need to feel comfortable with the agent's personality - but that's me. Dreams Unlimited sponsors this site and I'm sure you've read lots about them as well. My advice is to definitely use a Disney Specialist - regardless of who you choose . Your business or family recommended TA may not know Disney and therefore won't find the best deals for you and won't hear about upcoming rate codes.

 

[gtrist4life]

Thanks for the reply. I'll check out Your Magical Journeys. Sounds like they won you as a customer.

Thanks again.

G4L

 

[Deb & Bill]

Don't even bother trying to get DVC points at this late date. Most members have already gotten their reservations and it may already be booked for December.

And if you only want to pay $60-90/room, I don't even think All Stars will fit your budget. There might be room at Pop Century if it opens in time for you. I don't think it opens until Dec 15.

You need to get confirmation on all the family members and make some reservations soon. If discounts are available later on, you might be able to take advantage of them.

 

[princess angel]

I would highly suggest booking ASAP!

the resorts are selling out quickly this year!

I have had my Nov/Dec reservation booked at the YC for several months already, and today I tried to add on with 4nights at the GF RPC, and it wa sold out! this was for Nov 22nd, 4 nights.
I booked the Poly concierge instead.

especially with that large of a party, I wouldnt wait any longer at all!!!!!

have fun!!

Laura

 

[off2disney]

I read about "Your Magical Journeys" on the DIS board, and called them to book my reservations for PO-FQ. I left an email message, and they responded very promptly. She made my reservations and sent me a confirmation number. When word came out that PO-FQ was closing, she emailed me and asked me to call her, which I did, and she explained that they would move me and gave me several options. I received word from her about an upgrade to WL before Disney even started calling people to tell them they were closing PO-FQ. So they really stay on top of things and advise whenever codes come out (she said as long as I was in their system, they would automatically apply the codes if they were better and let me know).

With the number of people and the number of rooms you are going to need, I would recommend them - let them have the headaches.

http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com

 

[cyndilou01]

Last year my daughter and i went Dec. 12-17 to 12-20 we stayed at the All Star music for $55 a night.... The prices are really good in Dec. as long as you go before the week of Christmas... we had a wonderful time the lines were not long. It got a little cool in the evenings took a sweat shirt and we were fine.. sure beats the heat in July...


This year we are going during the week of Thanksgiving has anyone been there during Thanksgiving week?
Have a great time.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

We had WL-woodsview for $119 Dec before last. Book what you want and apply codes as soon as they are available! I would think a moderate would be in your price range when codes come out but WL and AKL or "themed" great for that time of year and may not be much more. The balcony's alone are worth the extra $$ to us. WL has the EWP, the boat to MK and the monorail resorts. Wonderful theming there. We like to try new places, resorts are like a theme park themselves !

 

[gtrist4life]

Thanks for all the replys. I submitted a quote request to yourmagicaljourneys.com and also emailed them the text from my first quote.

Getting reservations now and adding the discount codes/package later is probably the best way to go with this large of a group.

Peace
G4L