When to make my reservation

[Pamela M]

Hello,
Heading to WDW in December. Planning on staying on-site. When does everyone usually make their reservations? 6-7 months in advance? Earlier?

 

[annemce118]

I would do it now if I were you, mainly in case the Star Wars opening is announced. Resorts may fill up fast after that.

 

[Wubar]

Whenever it is convenient for you. No need to follow the masses on this one.

 

[lala5176]

Hello,
Heading to WDW in December. Planning on staying on-site. When does everyone usually make their reservations? 6-7 months in advance? Earlier?

I think it depends on if you are looking for something specific.... like a particular resort or if you are looking to get a special discount. Then I would call a little sooner than later.

 

[GADisneyDad14]

I usually wait for general public or annual pass holder room discounts to come out, then take it from there based on availability, best rates, trip plan, etc. MouseSavers has a great page with historical promotion release dates: https://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/

If I have certain dates, a certain resort, and/or certain room type/view category that is critical to secure early (eg, major holidays, certain high demand periods, etc) and specific to certain plans, I’ll book in advance of discounts so I have what I know we want secured. I’ll still look for discounts later if available, but am mentally prepared to pay rack rate if it comes down to it. I would only do this in rare circumstances... eg, a theme park view room for New Years Eve or similar... but sometimes that's what's needed when a certain resort/dates/room type is important.

Otherwise as I said, I mostly discount chase to some extent and just do my best to make our schedules work with availability.

 

[Babsy]

If I wanted to be sure to stay in WDW for certain dates, I book rack rate at a resort that I am comfortable with staying in even if there no discounts become available. When/If discounts do become available, I will call or go online and try to change my reservation, to a better resort or price. Personally, I prefer to book as soon as possible. This year, with SW:GE opening in the fall, I would be even more inclined to book early. If you want to rent DVC, you need to book 11 months in advance for best availability. (or as close to that as you can)
For example:
We booked our late Nov - early Dec, 2019 trip in Dec 2018.

 

[mrsap]

If I wanted to be sure to stay in WDW for certain dates, I book rack rate at a resort that I am comfortable with staying in even if there no discounts become available. When/If discounts do become available, I will call or go online and try to change my reservation, to a better resort or price. Personally, I prefer to book as soon as possible. This year, with SW:GE opening in the fall, I would be even more inclined to book early. If you want to rent DVC, you need to book 11 months in advance for best availability. (or as close to that as you can)
For example:
We booked our late Nov - early Dec, 2019 trip in Dec 2018.

I completely agree. If you have set dates, and you want to stay those dates regardless of discounts, book it now. Good luck!

 

[Tiggerlover91]

Hello,
Heading to WDW in December. Planning on staying on-site. When does everyone usually make their reservations? 6-7 months in advance? Earlier?

I only booked our June trip just a couple weeks ago, but that was only because I was waiting for the FL ressie rates to hit for the time we were going and for husband's 20th paycheck to go through. If you have your dates, book now. I agree with other posters about Star Wars Galaxy wiping out A LOT of the rooms come this fall. Book rack rate and then if a discount hits, then just simply change your reservation to get the pricing you want. The link I'm leaving you is to Mousesavers and the historical Disney World discounts release. It's what I used for our summer trip. Pretty sure it'll help you with your December stay!

https://www.mousesavers.com/historical-information-on-walt-disney-world-resort-discounts/

 

[Pamela M]

Thanks! I found what I thought was a decent price for a value hotel but need to call as I need 2 rooms for 2 adults per room and don’t see how I can do that online. I’ve just putting in 1 room2 adults to get pricing.

 

[DisneyWishes14]

Thanks! I found what I thought was a decent price for a value hotel but need to call as I need 2 rooms for 2 adults per room and don’t see how I can do that online. I’ve just putting in 1 room2 adults to get pricing.

If you want to do it online, simply make two reservations.