When to book when hoping for a discount? August 2017

[Raya]

Hi I posted this in the promotions board, but I guess that was the wrong place because no responses. Trying here --

We're considering an end of August trip. Are there usually room only discounts in this time period? Our hope is to attend MNSSHP and enjoy the resort, so we won't need park tickets.

Should we book now at full price ($400+ a night) and then hope to apply the discount later or wait and book when the discount is announced?

 

[Calee]

There are folks on either side of this. There are typically discounts that come out, yes. If you have a specific resort you want, and will go regardless, you could reserve now. Some resorts or rooms get full. Then apply the discount as soon as it comes out. That is what we do.

 

[Shellyb84]

Check Mousesavers.com for a list of historical discounts.

 

[rwdavis2]

If you will go regardless then book now, as was mentioned. Discounts are offered based on predicted occupancy of the resort. The more people that book "just in case " reservations the less likely that resort will offer a discount.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I agree with @Calee. You'll have plenty of folks tell you not to book at the rack rate because that potentially lowers the inventory of discounted rooms Disney will offer. I don't necessarily buy into that, but to each their own. I have booked rack rate and then updated if a discount I like comes out, and I have waited, both strategies are valid IMHO. I'll get boo'd but I've also booked rack rate and then cancelled if a discount didn't come out that I liked.

For late August specifically, my gut says you're fine to hold off booking. It is a somewhat slower (note, not slow) time of year and discounts are usually plentiful. UNLESS you have your eye on a certain resort/room type/view category that is historically hard to get, that may change my answer.

But pay attention to when discounts are released and be quick on the draw. That's important.

Happy planning!

 

[outahere]

Our hope is to attend MNSSHP and enjoy the resort, so we won't need park tickets.

Not sure when you are planning to go, but the first MNSSHP last year was 9/2. As far as I know this year's dates have not been announced yet, but I wouldn't expect the first one until sometime in September.

 

[Raya]

Not sure when you are planning to go, but the first MNSSHP last year was 9/2. As far as I know this year's dates have not been announced yet, but I wouldn't expect the first one until sometime in September.

There are rumors about a party on 8/25 & 8/27 based on the park closing times. Of course, we won't know until the dates are released for sure, but I can always hope.

I agree with @Calee. I'll get boo'd but I've also booked rack rate and then cancelled if a discount didn't come out that I liked.

Thanks for all the great advice! Since there's a chance there won't be a MNSSHP on the dates I want (see above) can you tell me more about the cancelling you mentioned? Can I flat out cancel and get my deposit back or would I have to switch it to a later date?

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Not sure how "late August" you're planning but one other thing to keep in mind is that F&W starts 8/31 this year, which is 2-3 weeks earlier than prior years. Doubt that will impact room demand much one way or the other, but it's something different to keep an eye on. A lot of summer vacationers may try to squeeze in a little F&W!

 

[GADisneyDad14]

Thanks for all the great advice! Since there's a chance there won't be a MNSSHP on the dates I want (see above) can you tell me more about the cancelling you mentioned? Can I flat out cancel and get my deposit back or would I have to switch it to a later date?

Good question, as the details matter on this topic. I only do room only reservations, I don't do Disney's "packages." Room only reservations have the most flexibility and you can cancel without penalty up until pretty darn close to the reservation (I can't remember off hand what the exact day count is before your arrival). You pay 1 night at the time you book the reservation, if you cancel it goes right back on your credit card, simple as pie.

With a room only reservation you also have more options to tinker with your reservation online yourself - be it adding a discount, cancelling, etc. I prefer that over having to call.

Packages are different and are more restrictive with cancelations, you can't modify them online, etc.

Does that answer your question?

 

[Raya]

Good question, as the details matter on this topic. I only do room only reservations, I don't do Disney's "packages." Room only reservations have the most flexibility and you can cancel without penalty up until pretty darn close to the reservation (I can't remember off hand what the exact day count is before your arrival). You pay 1 night at the time you book the reservation, if you cancel it goes right back on your credit card, simple as pie.

With a room only reservation you also have more options to tinker with your reservation online yourself - be it adding a discount, cancelling, etc. I prefer that over having to call.

Packages are different and are more restrictive with cancelations, you can't modify them online, etc.

Does that answer your question?

Yes! That answers my question and confirms that I want room only. Thank you so much!

 

[Shellyb84]

There are rumors about a party on 8/25 & 8/27 based on the park closing times. Of course, we won't know until the dates are released for sure, but I can always hope.


Thanks for all the great advice! Since there's a chance there won't be a MNSSHP on the dates I want (see above) can you tell me more about the cancelling you mentioned? Can I flat out cancel and get my deposit back or would I have to switch it to a later date?

You have until 5 days prior to arrival to cancel if it's room only.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

I would check the August discount thread on these boards and check back their frequently. You will see what others are doing about discounts during that timeframe and you'll probably get a quick heads up on there when the August discounts are released.

 

[Parker Clan]

Hi I posted this in the promotions board, but I guess that was the wrong place because no responses. Trying here --

We're considering an end of August trip. Are there usually room only discounts in this time period? Our hope is to attend MNSSHP and enjoy the resort, so we won't need park tickets.

Should we book now at full price ($400+ a night) and then hope to apply the discount later or wait and book when the discount is announced?

We go in mid - late August every year and the last two years we got amazing deals at Magical Vacations Travel... They have a labor day special each year. If you want to PM me I can give you my travel agents email address to see if you fall within the days of the deal