Hi Amber,
Welcome to the Disney Parks Moms Panel! Thank you for bringing this question to us!
How exciting to plan your family's first trip to the Walt Disney World Resort! We typically book at least nine months to a year in advance. Although various promotions always come out after we book, I prefer to reserve the room category that we want in advance because I have seen certain room types sell-out prior to our trip dates. Since we prefer the
Contemporary Resort but typically cannot afford the rooms in the Tower, we book a room in the Garden Wing. The difference in price can be substantial, but if we can get a Garden Wing room within our budget, we have access to all of the amenities at the Contemporary Resort, including the
Resort Monorail.
Before booking, I always price our vacation online at the Walt Disney World Resort site and with a travel agent. I track prices for at least one month before I make a reservation. I also check prices for at least two different resorts because there could be a special offer applicable to one and not another.
If you wait, a fabulous
Special Offer could come out, but this is not guaranteed. You could also book early, then, if a special offer comes available, call and speak to someone in Guest Services at 407-939-5277 to see if a cast member can apply the new discount to your existing reservation.
Perhaps most important, remember to book far enough in advance so that you can start making your
Dining Reservations 180 days in advance.
Amber, I hope you have a magical time planning!
-Donyell