Help with Hotel Booking

[Spyne]

Hey everyone, I'm heading down to WDW September 18-26. We're planning to stay at Caribbean Beach, but we're unable to actually book the room until next month (due to money reasons). Will I be in danger of not being able to get a room? Thanks.

[Tinker Bell]

You would only need to pay a deposit right now, the trip would have to paid in full 45 days prior to check-in. Maybe you can swing the deposit right now and make sure you have the room reserved?

[Spyne]

Maybe I can. I'll see what can be done right now to have that room locked in.

[Tinker Bell]

They will then send you a monthly statement and if you want, you can make payments towards your vacation so it isn't all at once. Good luck!

[mritty]

Book a room only reservation, not a package. That way:
* Your deposit is only one-night's room rate, not $200.
* Your payment in full can be paid when you check-in, not 45 days out.

[Tinker Bell]

Oh that is a good tip, I guess they won't have a problem adding on dining or park hoppers at check-in.

[disneycrazy1956]

I think you have to add the dining plan before check-in. Also, there are discounted tickets out there. We plan on using undercover tourist to save quite a bit. A co-worker of mine just used them and it worked out great.

[mritty]

Oh that is a good tip, I guess they won't have a problem adding on dining or park hoppers at check-in.

Hang on now, I didn't say that. You canNOT add dining at check in. If you want the Disney Dining Plan, you HAVE to book a room + tickets package (or the brand new Annual Passholder package, that doesn't come with tickets) That wasn't part of the original question, and so I didn't take it into consideration.

I *think* you can convert a room-only reservation to a package reservation, but I really don't know. I've never tried to do it.

Park hopper, however, can be added at any time before the 14th day after your tickets were first used.

[Tinker Bell]

Thanks for clearing that up.

[SuzyQ]

Hey there,

It is not a bad idea at all to book a room only reservation; however you cannot convert a room only into a package (well - at least you haven't been able to; who knows as they upgrade their systems).

Currently, if you are booking a room only in mid Sept, you would be paying almost $170 for the deposit. If you are truly planning on doing a package, I would suggest simply placing the package that you want on "hold" for 14 days (that is the max hold time for reservations). By then, you may simply have the $200 for the deposit and you will not need to go back and have it switched over.

I would recommend booking as soon as you are able. Generally, September has been known as a slower month; however should Disney decide to drop Free Dining again this year, those values and moderate resorts get picked up quickly.

FYI: Last year, Disney dropped free Dining in April for September bookings.

I hope that helps.

[WDWtraveler46]

Hi Spyne,

I'm going at about the same time in September. Who knows, maybe we will pass each other when we are waiting to get on Space Mountain. LOL.

Anyway, to maybe help answer your question from my personal experience, call either Disney or a travel agent now and at least get a courtsey reservation for your room and/or vacation package. I think they give two weeks that they will hold the reservation before they want a deposit. But if you can afford it right now, put the deposit down.

I am using a travel agent that specializes in WDW travel. Usually, I would go ahead and do my own booking. However, as was stated by SuzyQ, historically Disney announces in April the "Free Dining Plan" for September vacations. Rembember, this is not a promise that Disney will do the discount or not. I figure the travel agent will have an easier time getting through to Disney to change my reservation then I will.

Also, you probably will want to start thinking about your dining reservations and making them NOW! Another advantage to using a travel agent, she makes my initial reservations. If I want to change them, then I will have to do it, but she made them for me. MMMMM, Le Celier here I come!

Finally, in terms of $$$, I am a firm believer in having use of my money until I need to spend it. I have only paid for my deposit on my vacation package right now and have purchased my air fare. (I got it before the rates went sky rocketing. As of today, I saved $200!) The rest of the money is in a savings account with my bank. It's earning interest, but, hey maybe it will pay for a couple of souviners.

Hope to see you in September!!!!

[Spyne]

Thanks everyone for your help and tips. You've all been very helpful!