When to book my Resort- HELP!!???

[sjh0729]

I am looking to go to Disney at New Years. Any insight would help. This is the first trip for my 6 and 9 year old. I know it is extremely busy during New Years, so that is not the feed back I need.

When should I have my resort booked by? We would like to stay on site.
I realize we aren't going to get any deals, so I would like to book it as soon as I can. Do Tickets sell out? If I wait until June to buy them, will they still be available?

For people that have gone during New Years, any suggestions????

 

[Turk February]

Tickets will not sell out. Tickets never sell out since you aren't buying for a specific day.

Rooms are another issue though. If you plan on buying a package and can afford the $200 deposit right now, I'd book whenever I figured out where I wanted to stay just for peace of mind.

I booked our Christmas vacation 2 days ago just because I was paranoid that all the MK view rooms at the Contemporary would get booked before I reserved one. In reality, I have no idea how long it takes for them to book up, but I'm happier now knowing I made my reservation.

Another plus to booked now is that if you change your mind and want to switch resorts, you can do so with no "change fee" if it's 44 days prior to your arrival.

FYI - Right now, you can't book a room for check-in after Jan 1. Your trip would have to begin before that date, but it can extend into 2012.

 

[sjh0729]

One more question since you already booked. So the 200 dollars is all that is needed for a deposit? The rest is paid when?

Thanks! That was alot of great info. I am hoping to book by this weekend. Thats what I thought about the tickets, but of course my husband wanted me to check.

Well, I hope you have a great trip!!!!!!!

 

[pjhootch]

Yes there is a $200 deposit required for vacation packages. The remainder must be paid 45 days before your check in date. Cancellation penalties or change penalties kick in after final payment is due, 45 days from check-in.

The alternative is to make a room ONLY reservation right now, which requires a deposit = to one night cost of your room, and the remainder is due at check in. The cancellation policy is more generous for room only packages and is either 5 or 7 days from check-in. I've been told both recently but would go with 7 to be safe.

If you book room only, you CAN add your tickets at a later date. You can add dining plan at another date if you wish. Most people add their tickets within 7 days of check-in, and that allows you to have your tickets attached to your room key which simplifies things for most of us.

Also, even if you book room only right now, you can have them reserve the Magical Express on your reservations, and when you know your flight information you just call and give it to them. Another perk of staying onsite that you may as well use if you can.

 

[su_A_ve]

Note that converting a room only to a package is not guaranteed at a later date unless there is availability.

Same goes for adding promotions, however, for new years, typically there are none.

One more thing - DO NOT add insurance as it's not refundable. You can add it later up to the due date of your balance.

 

[Turk February]

The room only cancellation policy is 5 days according to the reservation I booked this weekend.

Just make sure you reserve what you can afford. This is a great time of year to do to WDW but it definitely comes at a premium!

 

[flowerpetals48]

Definitely book as soon as you can afford to so you have better room choices! Enjoy your trip!