When to Book Trip?

[maranara]

Hi! We're planning a trip for January 2017. I was wondering when the best time to actually book the trip is? I feel like there will be promotions for that time period, but am already getting nervous that if we wait until they come out we might miss out on the resort we want (AKL). If I book the room now can I go back and take advantage of any promotions they roll out? THANKS!

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would book at least 6 1/2 months out so you can take advantage of the 180+10 ADR perk, and then keep an eye out for discounts. Yes, you can take advantage of discounts when they come out if you have an existing reservation. Having an existing reservation, however, doesn't guarantee a discount will be available for your resort and room category.

 

[imthemamahere]

If you're booking a package, you only have to pay a $200 deposit. (Which, considering the cost of a Disney vacation, isn't much.) Payment in full is due 30 days before your check-in date. So I'd say sure, go ahead and book whenever you're ready to pay that $200 deposit. This way you have the room/resort you want all lined up. When/if discounts are released for your travel dates, you can absolutely call and make changes to your reservation - assuming there is availability at that resort. Having a non-discounted reservation doesn't automatically give you the discount, but if it's available when you call, they'll happily change your reservation for you.

If you don't get the discount you want/need and that means a Disney trip is off the table for you and your family, your reservation can be cancelled before the 30 day mark, and your deposit will be returned.

Like the previous poster said, you definitely are doing best if you book more than 180 days before your intended check-in date, so you can take advantage of the earliest chance to book dining reservations.

 

[mickeynut1]

Hi! We're planning a trip for January 2017. I was wondering when the best time to actually book the trip is? I feel like there will be promotions for that time period, but am already getting nervous that if we wait until they come out we might miss out on the resort we want (AKL). If I book the room now can I go back and take advantage of any promotions they roll out? THANKS!

The pp's are correct. If a discount comes out after you book, you can have it applied to your existing reservation as long as what you have booked is available under that discount. If you will go regardless of whether or not a discount is offered, I'd book early to get exactly what you want. However, if your trip is dependent on a discount, I'd wait to see what (if any) discounts come out for your dates as having a reservation already in place does not guarantee a discount can be applied, as the pp's have mentioned. Keep in mind that the rates for 2017 won't come out until sometime this summer. You can book RO prior to the new rates coming out, but you have to call. You will be quoted the highest rate for 2016, which will automatically be adjusted once the new rates are released. A deposit equal to 1 night's room rate + tax will be required at booking, with the balance due at check in. If you want a package or want to book online, you will have to wait until the 2017 rates are released. Also, if you book RO now and want to change to a package later, the RO will have to be cancelled/refunded and a package booked, requiring a new deposit of $200 with the balance due 30 days prior to arrival. Since RO and packages are different reservation systems, money paid toward one cannot be applied to the other.