Advice on Reservations

[LisaS]

Hi all - I am new here and can't wait to soak up your good advice in planning my WDW trip - Although we have been there many times, I am always interested in new ideas!! OK, here is my first question!! We will be in WDW from July 29 - August 8. On all of my previous trips, I have waited until discount codes have been announced before making my reservation. This year, I am wavering between the WL and CS - depending on the discounts available. Here is the question (which I am sure someone on this site has answered countless times before) can I make reservations now and convert them if and when the discounts become available? Is that necessary? Or should I wait until the codes (either general or AP) come out in late spring (if they follow historical pattern).

I've always waited before - checked Disney sites and called the very minute they were available - and never had a problem, but I would appreciate your expert advice this time - haven't visited in two years and don't want to be disappointed!!

LisaS


WL or CSR July/Aug 2004
WL - July 2002
CBR - August 2001
CSR - July 1999
CSR - July 1998
CSR - April 1997
POR - October 1994
Poly - May 1988
Contemporary - May 1980
Contemporary - April 1978
Contemporary - February 1976

[Moley]

Yes, you can convert them.

Reserving ahead guarantees you a room just in case discounts are scarce. I usually leave it to knowledgeable travel agents like Your Magical Journeys. They get me a good reservation and then keep an eye out for discounts and apply them at the first release. It is much easier than watching for the discounts yourself and maybe missing them by hours. Using travel agents does not cost you additional. The commission comes from the resort, not you.

Whatever you decide, good luck. You have chosen two beautiful resorts to enjoy. :)

[MargaretJ]

Lisa I usually book something as soon as I decide when I am going & where I want to stay & then pray for discounts. I probably should wait because I think there might be a better chance of a discount coming out but unfortunately I am just too darn impatient.

[LisaS]

Thanks Moley and MargaretJ for replying. One of the reasons I seldom post is because I have asked questions on OTHER SITES and barely had a reply. I would always notice that the "regulars" would have 82 replies and I would be lucky to have 1!! I have been lurking here to see the pattern and it is so nice to see that all posters are acknowledged! I will take your advice and reserve now - and hope for the discounts - it's not that I don't want to use a travel agent (have seen nothing but kudos for Your Magical Journey) but part of my vacation IS the planning and reserving - I love every single minute of it.

Now to decide - - - WL or CSR - guess I'll take a poll of the family tonight - but I know that the kids will vote WL and my husband will vote CSR - kind of backwards of what you would expect, huh??

LisaS

WL or CSR July/Aug 2004
WL - July 2002
CBR - August 2001
CSR - July 1999
CSR - July 1998
CSR - April 1997
POR - October 1994
Poly - May 1988
Contemporary - May 1980
Contemporary - April 1978
Contemporary - February 1976

[pixie]

Hi LisaS,

I'm with you on the planning part, it is fun. I have always made my own reservations until this year. I made our reservation and then I waited for the AP rates to come out. I called as soon as I heard they came out and waited 25 minutes before I had to hang up and go to work. I tried twice from work each time waiting over 20 minutes and was told there was nothing available at the Polynesian. I e-mailed Your Magical Journeys and by the time I got home from work Karen had scored all of the days at the AP rate.

I have found the last couple of years the Disney reservation system hasn't been very user friendly. From now on I will let YMJ take control, it's far less stressful. I'll have to admit it was hard letting go but I'm glad I did.

Let us know how your plans are going. Have fun!!!!

Barbara

[Tagrel]

I'm a control freak myself. I'm the first to admit it and have serious issues with giving up control. So I completely understand. Oh, and I love planning too! :mrgreen: There is the challenge of getting a great rate - and the sense of 'accomplishment' when you do! If you ever do try YMJ, just let them know and they will work with you to maximize your control, while still working hard to get you the best possible rate. I finally tried YMJ after joining DVC, Nanci got me great deals at AKL and Portofino Bay in Universal for my before and after DVC stay! :)

As to your original question, before DVC I always booked what I could afford first - typically a moderate - and then 'upgraded' when/if I found a deal. That way I was not disappointed with no room where/when I wanted to stay.

[Sheryl]

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to Tagrel's site. He and his crew do an awesome job here. I hope you'll continue to post.

I just wanted to add my comments on the ladies at YMJ. They do a great job at getting the best prices, and are a free of charge to do so. Tink(Nanci) has booked my last few trips and she always gets me the best price. For me the hardest choice is to choose where we want to stay. And Nanci also helps me with questions when I am choosing.

Last year, we split our stay between CS and WL and it both were excellent. In my opinion, you can't go wrong staying at either one.

Hope to see you around the board.

Sheryl :minnie:

[Rosebud]

Welcome Lisa,

The others have answered your questions, but I just wanted to mention that if you ever ask a question that doesn't get an answer it could be a variety of reasons. One reason could be the right people that know the answer aren't around at the time and then the posts gets lost amid other questions. If that ever happens to you just bump the post up a day or two later or keep asking the question until you get an answer or at least people saying they just don't know.

Also, sometimes the 1 answer as opposed to the 82 replies just says it all. Of course sometimes the 82 replies will all basically be the same response, but that is usually when people feel strongly about a subject and want to make sure people know they agree so the askee feels more comfortable with the response - kind of like the responses on YMJ in this thread (which I agree with btw).

Don't be afraid to ask or repeat ask, I know the people here don't care how long you have been around in order to reply to you.

Once again, welcome and I hope we see more posts from you!

[#1disneyfan]

Welcome LisaS,
Just last week, I converted my current ressie that I made "forever ago" to an AP rate with the new code. It was fairly easy. One phone call and it was done. But, I had been waiting very anxiously for the code to be released and I called early in the morning of the first day it was available. So, I can see where having a travel agent do it would be less stressful. Like you, I really enjoy planning the trip too much to hand the job over to someone else. If I ever do though I'll definitly call on YMJ. They are the only ones I'd trust.
Hope we'll be seeing you around here often!
Holly

[LisaS]

Hi all, I just wanted to update you on our WDW trip! When I first posted about this topic, I was pretty set on doing everything myself - many of you encouraged me to consider YMJ. Well, I just completed a transaction with Melissa of YMJ and what a pleasant experience!! We are set at CSR from July 29 - August 6!! Very excited! And as your posts indicated, if and when any codes come out, Melissa will apply for us. Boy, was that easy - and now - on with the rest of the planning. Thanks for all of your advice so far and I now disprove the old adage of not teaching old dogs new tricks!! I did learn a new trick from you and am grateful!! (No comments about the old dog stuff!!)

Lisa

WL or CSR July/Aug 2004
WL - July 2002
CBR - August 2001
CSR - July 1999
CSR - July 1998
CSR - April 1997
POR - October 1994
Poly - May 1988
Contemporary - May 1980
Contemporary - April 1978
Contemporary - February 1976

[LimeGreenCheri]

:clap: Whohoo Lisa!! You are on your way. I'm using Melissa from YMJ myself and she is soooo easy to work with!!! :minnie: