first time, need advice =)

[trevis]

Hello, a group of friends and I are planning a trip to DisneyWorld (it will be the first time for all of us!). We were looking for advice about something:

We originally planned to go the first week of October, but we're actually completely flexible, so it could be any time in September or October. We went online to check all the deals, and it seems like the discount they are offering on their website only extends through September. So, our question is, should we consider booking a trip for late September instead, or is it likely that somewhere down the road there would be a discount for October, and it just hasn't been offered yet?

Thanks for the help!

[PopPhan]

First off.... to INTERCOT!!

Now, to answer your question...I would highly suggest tht you contact Magical Journeys (http://yourmagicaljourneys.com,) an INTERCOT sponsor, and give them all your planning information - projected dates of visit, number in group, where you want to stay, etc.

They will get you the best deal on the dates you specify, and if new (better) offers come up, they will apply them automagically.

Keep checking INTERCOT for information/happenings before your trip and ENJOY!!!!

[faline]

Welcome to Intercot!

There's certainly no way of knowing whether Disney will add any additional discounts for the dates you are planning. That would only be known if, and when, Disney announces them.

Contacting Magical Journeys is excellent advice. They always keep track of your reservation and, if any discounts are announced that provide you with additional savings, they will apply those discounts for you and you won't need to do anything additional!

You will want to lock in your plans soon, though, as you're coming up on your six month mark. At 180 days prior to your trip, you'll be able to make your dining reservations and, for the more popular restaurants, it is often important to make the reservations that far in advance!

[Marionla]

You received great advice. Late Sept and Oct. Allow a chance to book mnsshp. Not scary,but fun. Do not miss the headless horseman ride on main st. It is amazing. That is if you attend MNSSHP. Enjoy your trip.

[LVT]

You are on track with using this board as a planning tool. Best of luck.

[BelleBeauty]

If you are thinking of going in October check on Food & Wine Festival dates. If you are not interested in F&W then the crowds will be higher. If you are interested it might be an added bonus along with the other fall offerings.

[trevis]

Hello! Thank you all for the advice (and sorry for the delay in getting back, was on a business trip) - we ended up deciding to just book it for the middle of September. We sure hope this mythical 'free dining' offer appears though =)

We do have one question though. Right now we have five people going, but one person is a bit tentative and may end up unable to come. We just made a reservation for 5 at California Grill on the first night (my friend absolutely has her heart set on it ). If the 5th person has to cancel, will we be able to change the reservation to 4 by calling, or do we have to start over? We'll know well in advance of the trip, but presumably not before there are no more reservations?

[Dsnygirl]

To answer your question about Cali Grill... it is one of the places that has a credit card hold, and a 48 hour cancellation policy. So, you guys should be fine as long as you cancel your friend's reservation there before you go if they can't make it. (Otherwise, you'll be charged $20 for them... yikes!) You don't have to start over and make a new reservation... people downsize and upsize all the time, sometimes even as they arrive for their ADR. But I wouldn't wait on a Signature meal... just let them know ahead of time and you should be fine. Have fun, and to Intercot!