When To Book For August or October 2003???

[scanne]

Well, I think we've narrowed down our next trip to WDW for either August OR October 2003. DH said we can't do both. The hard part about October is that I'm a teacher and I'm either going to have to only go for a long weekend OR take all my personal days at once OR take a week without pay (which I'm willing to do if my district will allow it).

So, knowing that it's possible that there will be codes but that I can apply them at a later time, should I book now or wait a few months? As of now, we'd book Port Orleans French Quarter, king bed room with a request for a crib and a fridge. If we manage to save a lot of $$$ I can always upgrade to the Contemporary (tower only for me ) or the Polynesian. If we go in August, my parents would probably go with us and my mom wants to stay at the Polynesian or Wilderness Lodge, but I won't be able to get a definite yes or no from them for a while - so I'm not considering this an option.

So, should I book now or wait?

Also, if I book now I can always send a little bit of $$$ here and there and then maybe have it all paid for and get credit when codes come out!

Thanks for any advice, comments and suggestions!!!

BTW, we want to go in October for MNSSHP. Is Halloween night REALLY terribly crowded???

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

Tough one, Anne. I'd probably wait until you get closer to your dates, because we both know that when discounts come out you'll go for whatever is available at a discount! Especially August, you'd probably get a nice discount then. For October, I really wouldn't count on many discounts (other than DC and AAA). It is regular season, and 2001-2002 are the only years AP rates have been available (our rate is $209 w/ tax, BC Standard). I suppose you could make a reservation at rack rate, but, you may be better off letting the money stay in your savings account until you really need to apply your deposit. I don't know - all of my upcoming trips will probably be planned 2-3 months in advance, it just isn't worth risking paying rack rate for a room that can be gotten at 40% off some other time (LOVE seeing GOOD airfares and GOOD room rates at the same time!). Now, I'm already starting to plan July 2004 WDW (our "traditional every other year trip" that we've started planning trips between them! LOL, we planned to go 7-8 nights every 'even' year, but, 2001 started changing that one!).

 

[bobcat]

I have gone the past two Augusts and I think it's a great time to go. I also teach and this is a great way to recharge before the school year. August crowds start to thin down from the June and July crowds and it is very managable. Also if you are thinking of booking a deluxe resort their value season starts the beginning of August.

I have booked our hotel rooms around March and had our pick still. Code for August haven't been coming out until after May but as you said you can always change to a better rate. Once you get a code rate though I wouldn't swithch ressies unless you are sure you want to give up the old rate. You probably won't be able to get it back if you change your mind.

 

[jeank74]

I am going to WDW in October this year and I booked my trip early in March using my discount from Disney Club. Then I have changed my reservation three times to get the discount code.

Discount codes for August will be released sometime in May while codes for October will be released in late July or August. So, you still have lots of time to decide when you need to go.

If you don't like to book the trip yourself, I would highly recommend Dreams Unlimited. The agent knows when discounts are coming and will keep checking on the discount for your until you step out of the door. Also, the service provided is free. I really love my DU agent, Rob, and I will book my next WDW trip again with this travel agent.

 

[Folkes4Fun]

As mentioned in prior posts, August has some advantages. We have gone in August 2000 & 2002 to keep the kids from missing school, and were able to get good rates both times. An earlier poster was correct in that the crowds thin in mid August.

One other point to consider not related to resorts, is that the entertainment schedule, particularly at MK, thins out at the end of August. The evening parade and fireworks are not presented every night - only on Saturdays. Plus, the parks are open longer hours in general until the end of August.

In addition, Disney typically starts scheduling routine maintenance on attractions beginning in September - you never know if your favorite attraction will be closed for cleaning, refurb, etc. whereas they don't schedule those types of things in the summer months.

Just a few more thoughts for what they are worth. Good luck!