Question re: WDW Resort Discount Rates

[Thumper]

Historically, are the discount rates for WDW resorts published in January of each year or do they release discount rates throughout the year for certain time periods?

I'm trying to plan for a trip the first week in December of 2005 (I know, I'm really early), so when do you think rates would be published for, say, Poly, GF or Contemporary - or even All Stars for that matter?

Thanks in advance for your help !

:girlears:
Sue

[JennyAnne]

Hi Sue! Welcome to Tagrel's wonderful site!! I don't know if I've seen you around much. This is a great place full of people who will help you! :D

On that note, no, Disney does not publish all discount rates for a year at the same time. For example, our trip is in May 2004 and we are still waiting for discount rates to come out. The trend seems to be that the discounts are announce maybe 2-3 months in advance, sometimes more, sometimes less. There are different types of rates (ie AP, general discount codes, FL resident) and they don't all necessarily come out at the same times for the same time periods. I know, it makes it a bit more difficult. I just try to check into the boards about once a day to make sure nothing has been announced that I have missed.

I'm sure if other people have had a different experience, they will be along shortly to lend their expertise!

[Thumper]

Thanks for the welcome JennyAnne!

*whispering* I've been lurking here for awhile now and I decided it's time to "de-lurk" myself. :hiding:

This site is so great - very clear and easy to follow. I love it!

Thanks for the info on the rates. I guess I'll just wait till later in the year to book.

Now am I right to assume that if I book a room say in January '05 for the first week in Dec. '05 and then discount rates come out for the hotel in September, the CM's will adjust my rate to be the discounted one? Or do I have to be the one to call and essentially re-book myself into the hotel? And if you do have to rebook, don't you run the risk then of not getting the dates you want? Does that make sense?

Sorry for all the questions. I've been to WDW many times, but have always been with a group of friends that took care of handling everything. This time I'm going solo and I need all the help I can get !

Thx,
Sue
:girlears:

[KatEnigma]

No, the CM's most definitely do NOT do it for you!

Your best bet would be to go to http://www.yourmagicaljourneys.com/default.htm They will book your trip at no cost to you (they get their money from the resorts) and when a better code comes out, they will rebook it- sometimes before you even know the code is out! Some discounts for certain resorts book up VERY quickly, and travel agents get a "heads up" beforehand, so this is really an advantage of going through them. I've never heard anyone have a single complaint about their service. In fact, one of DH's co-workers was planning their first trip to WDW a few months ago, and he referrered her to them. (Do I have him trained, or what? :wink:) She couldn't get over how much money they saved her, and how smoothly the whole thing went. Plus, she liked not having to worry over every little detail herself.

[Thumper]

Thanks Kat !

Magical Journeys sounds like just what I'm looking for!

:mrgreen:

Sue

[pixie]

I'll second what Kat said! I have always made my own reservations but this year found it very frustrating. I handed it over to YMJ and they got the AP rate that I was told by two different CM's wasn't available. That call saved me over $1500.00! They will be handling all my reservations from now on.

:tink: Barbara

[Thumper]

$1500.00

WOW !!
:shock:

I'm a convert !

:)
Sue

[MissBianca]

They saved me almost that much on my value-season trip in December! You just wait, you'll be singing their praises to the next Newbie who comes along.

And I adore your avatar!

[cshore]

Hi Thumper,

I would like to offer my welcome, and also to echo what the others have said about yourmagical journeys. I wouldn't even consider booking a trip without them Their service is fabulous, and extremely efficient! They certainly will get you the very best deal. They also answer any questions you have very quickly. For our last trip I changed my mind on which resort I wanted to stay at about 3 times, and they took care of everything. have fun planning your trip. Oh, BTW, your avatar is adorable. That Thumper is so sweet.

Chris