Should we book onsite hotel for July 2021?

[Allyfe]

So, I'm in a quandry. We are desperate to go to Disneyworld next year. We were waiting for free dining before the world become upturned by the pandemic. We were waiting for the DDP to begin with (planning to do AKL), and then decided maybe we should just go for it and book a value and the DDP and pay for it. But, we wouldn't go if the situation was as it is no (e.g. no vaccine and facemasks in the Florida summer). So, I have kind of been waiting to see if a vaccine by then seemed possible.

It does kind of feel possible now, but the prices are so very expensive at full rack-rate (I don't count a £100 discount on tickets as a discount!). We would be four Disney 'adults' (kids 10 & 12).

I am anxious that if we don't book prices will keep going up. But if we do book, and there is a vaccine, then prices will surely go down, because Disney will be keen to get up and running at full speed, and they will put offers on to draw people in (particularly with the very shaky economic climate).

If we did book now, would we be able to switch to a different deal if one came up? Would we loose the £200 deposit?

I should add - we would be planning to go for two weeks, and would be visiting family elsewhere in the US after, so would literally be planning Disney immersion for the whole time.

My next question is IF we do book, which should we do? AoA Mermaid rooms, Pop or is it worth the extra for CBR (this is really probably more than we would want to spend - we would be hoping to add on the DDP if we could)? Our last visit to Disneyworld was on an AMAZING price to SSR, and we were close to everything there.

Any and all thoughts welcome. My head says they won't sell out so no need to book now. But if we missed the chance to go and things were 'normal' (or at least no masks) I would be gutted.

Thanks!

[tunnie12345]

All I would say is that it depends what you would be more disappointed with? Either paying a higher price and them going down or waiting and having to book a higher price later on!

I am the type that could book now and then if I can accept that price I would just not look at prices in the future. I get that some people would struggle to do that tho.

It could also go the other way with a vaccine that people are desperate to get back as soon as Disney lift restrictions. Also don’t forget all those that booked for 2020 have likely moved to next year which was already going to be heaving due to the anniversary. Just my hunch but I don’t think Disney are going to struggle to get people in the parks if a vaccine is found especially.

[Allyfe]

Originally Posted by tunnie12345

All I would say is that it depends what you would be more disappointed with? Either paying a higher price and them going down or waiting and having to book a higher price later on!

I am the type that could book now and then if I can accept that price I would just not look at prices in the future. I get that some people would struggle to do that tho.

It could also go the other way with a vaccine that people are desperate to get back as soon as Disney lift restrictions. Also don’t forget all those that booked for 2020 have likely moved to next year which was already going to be heaving due to the anniversary. Just my hunch but I don’t think Disney are going to struggle to get people in the parks if a vaccine is found especially.

See more...

So, I think I would prefer the price NOT to go up (even) more. It would already be more than AKL with free DDP (if that were not more than a fantasy at this point! - and assuming that DDP will be back by July next year).

I am thinking that if prices drop (dramatically), then I could simply cancel and re-book (at a loss of £200 deposit, but assuming a bigger price drop).

And I can't help thinking you are right, that with all of the uncertainty, they may not struggle at all to fill up.

[wdw-wanderer]

If you call and book on the US site your deposit is the price of the first night’s stay. keep an eye open for special offers, and if any affect your booking you can call and ask them to apply the discount to your existing booking.

[Allyfe]

Originally Posted by wdw-wanderer

If you call and book on the US site your deposit is the price of the first night’s stay. keep an eye open for special offers, and if any affect your booking you can call and ask them to apply the discount to your existing booking.

See more...

Do you know how I can get onto the US website by chance? I just tried in a 'blind' window, but it took me to the UK website (interestingly, with a price increase!).

[DigitalOlli]

Originally Posted by Allyfe

Do you know how I can get onto the US website by chance? I just tried in a 'blind' window, but it took me to the UK website (interestingly, with a price increase!).

See more...

You have to use a VPN

[outofdate]

Why don’t you book a room onsite for one person? That would be £50 deposit. Then you can either add the other members of your party on for free, move the booking to a different wdw resort, or cancel and lose the £50. I guess it depends if you are happy to gamble the £50, but certainly better thank gambling £200! Good luck with your decision, it’s so tricky this year.
I’ve stayed at AoA and CBR. I didn’t think AoA was too far to walk, but I am planning on CBR next time. It is so pretty we like the look of The refurbished rooms. In terms of location there, we are avoiding pirate and preferred, as the location to the skyliner is most important to us. It can be a trek to the food court, but we rarely eat at the hotel, so not so much of an issue.

[Noodle500]

Don't forget to book through something like topcashback. We got out cashback way before balance due