When to book Disneyland Hotel for August 2016?

[CookieandOatmeal]

I'm a WDW vet and have to been to DL once when I was younger for a day trip. I was wondering when should I book my stay for Disneyland Hotel for this coming August? I read the fine print that you can't apply promos to existing reservations and I usually pay my deposit in Disney GCs so canceling the original ressie after making a new one with the discount is going to be a pain. So I'm wondering if it is better to wait a little bit to see if they come out with any room promotions or are discounts relatively rare for DL hotels that there is no point in waiting? Do the DL hotels book up quick too?

 

[Fuhnuh]

I usually make them at least 4-5 months in advance. I've not received a discount in the summer other than an AP discount (10%?). If I book far in advance, I usually make sure it isn't a package so I can cancel it and take advantage of any promos (if the room is available). In August, I'm sure it will matter if it is towards the beginning or end. I don't think it matters as much as WDW, but the end of the month seems less busy.

Sorry, I just noticed that you pay with gift cards. I would just watch what categories are available for your stay every week. If you see them start to disappear, I'd book.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

I usually make them at least 4-5 months in advance. I've not received a discount in the summer other than an AP discount (10%?). If I book far in advance, I usually make sure it isn't a package so I can cancel it and take advantage of any promos (if the room is available). In August, I'm sure it will matter if it is towards the beginning or end. I don't think it matters as much as WDW, but the end of the month seems less busy.

Sorry, I just noticed that you pay with gift cards. I would just watch what categories are available for your stay every week. If you see them start to disappear, I'd book.

We are planning on the third week of August if that matters much.

 

[millie0312]

I'm a WDW vet and have to been to DL once when I was younger for a day trip. I was wondering when should I book my stay for Disneyland Hotel for this coming August? I read the fine print that you can't apply promos to existing reservations and I usually pay my deposit in Disney GCs so canceling the original ressie after making a new one with the discount is going to be a pain. So I'm wondering if it is better to wait a little bit to see if they come out with any room promotions or are discounts relatively rare for DL hotels that there is no point in waiting? Do the DL hotels book up quick too?

The hotels will and do book up and quickly during peak times (summer being a busy time). I've heard people have had luck checking daily for when promotions come out, then applying it to their exsisting reservation provided it is still available during those dates (the sooner you call the more likely). I'm not sure about discounts in August as we go in December, but be aware with it being summer peak season and the 60th ending in September they may be busier then normal with last minute visitors to see the 60th and the discounts may come out late, less available or not at all. WDW seems to always have a deal going but DLR is not as ongoing or generous with their offers. I would book now if you want to stay onsite or you could risk not being able to stay there (with only 3 onsite hotels compared to WDW there is far less availability). Also as a side note- if you are booking the room only (not a package) it's my understanding that you have to use a credit card for the deposit and cannot use a gift card for it. There are workarounds later like paying the entire bill with gc's and they can refund the deposit to your card, but for room only I was told and not allowed to use gc's for the initial deposit. However if you are doing a package I'm not sure but I think you may be able to use gc's as they told me for packages I could have used my DVA (which you cannot use for room only). Just a heads up so you aren't surprised later if that applies to you.

 

[smartlabelprint]

Do you have to pay with gift cards or can you save them and pay when you get there? See the other thread on combining gift cards on disneys website for that.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

The hotels will and do book up and quickly during peak times (summer being a busy time). I've heard people have had luck checking daily for when promotions come out, then applying it to their exsisting reservation provided it is still available during those dates (the sooner you call the more likely). I'm not sure about discounts in August as we go in December, but be aware with it being summer peak season and the 60th ending in September they may be busier then normal with last minute visitors to see the 60th and the discounts may come out late, less available or not at all. WDW seems to always have a deal going but DLR is not as ongoing or generous with their offers. I would book now if you want to stay onsite or you could risk not being able to stay there (with only 3 onsite hotels compared to WDW there is far less availability). Also as a side note- if you are booking the room only (not a package) it's my understanding that you have to use a credit card for the deposit and cannot use a gift card for it. There are workarounds later like paying the entire bill with gc's and they can refund the deposit to your card, but for room only I was told and not allowed to use gc's for the initial deposit. However if you are doing a package I'm not sure but I think you may be able to use gc's as they told me for packages I could have used my DVA (which you cannot use for room only). Just a heads up so you aren't surprised later if that applies to you.

I'm booking a package this week and hopefully can use a gift card to pay my deposit. If not, not a big deal since I'm heading to the World in April! Thanks for your help!!

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

Do you have to pay with gift cards or can you save them and pay when you get there? See the other thread on combining gift cards on disneys website for that.

I do combine my gift cards so that's not an issue. I just like saving the extra few bucks that I can by buying them at BJs and using them to pay for everything.

 

[bandaidqueen]

If you don't have to use gift cards, Orbitz has a special right now using the code FUNFUNFUN. 15% off rooms for travel by 9/30/16.