My husband and I are planning a trip to WDW in Dec '05. How early do we need to book a hotel (2nd or 3rd week of Dec before Peak rates begin). Could we wait until September? We're planning to book a Moderate Resort on Disney properties.

December is a busy time for WDW. I would think Sept. may be a little late to be making reservations for that time of year. I would call the resort you're looking at and ask them how far in advance should you book your reservation.

ttt

I have been going to Disney World with my boyfriend for the last three years, and I havn't found problem booking last minute. I would suggest booking 3 months in advance, just so you know that your room is secured. At the Disney Resort Hotels, the prices never change, they are clearly stated from month to month on the website. For a moderate family hotel I would suggest the Disney Pop-Century Hotel. During peak season the most expensive it is would be $110 a night to as low as 77.00 I believe; they hold your room on your credit card for one nights stay($77-110) which is a deal. They have alot to offer children, and great themed rooms varying from different decades like the 50's to the 90's. It also offers free shuttles to all of the theme parks. My suggestion is to go on Disney resoorts website, it will give you all your options. Good Luck!

actually, the week after thanksgiving weekend is one of the quietest weeks of the year at wdw. we were there last year at that time and it was such a joy--no crowds, no waits. and the christmas party at magic kingdom starts that week too--which is a great event!

check out the disney message boards--those people know everything.

www.mousesavers.com gets some good discount code. I'm not sure about Disney's cancellation policy - is there any penalty if you book now and then have to cancel or change your booking? I do know that Disney is fantastic about lowering their rate if you have a reservation and then find a special or a discount code.

Make your reservation now and purchase travel insurance to protect you if rates go down. We booked the 2nd week of December and already have to pay extra for a "woods view" room, the standard was already sold out. Many more Europeans are visiting this year due to the week dollar. We are paying $70 more per night for the Wilderness Lodge this year than we did last Dec.

Go to www.dreamsunlimited.com They specialize in Disney vacations. I booked through them last time and it was GREAT. They check for lower prices on your room periodically and they do all the work of getting the lower price for you. They also will book all your PS at the restaurants for you. There is NO extra charge to you for their service. Check out www.disboards.com for ALL the info you'll ever need on everything Disney.

Disney has a lot to offer. It pays to do your homework and plan your time. Don't get scared about planning time because being flexable is also very important. We've been often with are kids and have a freind that goes twice a year. First of all check in the Entertainment Book. The Dolphin and Swan usually advertise there. ( These two Hotels are not owned by
Disney and there primary buisness is Conventions. The advantage is you can almost escape Disney yet remain on property.) If you fly in check with your Hotel about a "Town Car" picking you up at the Airport. As you don't need a car inside Disney this is a speedy way to get to the English Pub in Epcot for lunch provided you get an early flight. Once you get a room start looking thru travel books on Disney, look also at disney.com and plan you time according to preference's and early Park openings. Next make Lunch and Dinner Reservations.As these are priorty seatings and they don't track them you can make more than one per meal. ( hence the flexability ) There also a few Dinner Shows. The Hoop-Dee- Doo Revue. They're hard to get into but they are fun. Don't forget about Downtown Disney. You didn't mention kids, but if you are taking them some Hotels offer a Kids Club. They entertain and feed your kids while you enjoy an evening out. While your there remember if you choose to go to Epcot and when you get there 60 bus loads of kids are unloading to turn around and head for another Park. And never be afraid to ask for something. Disney Employees are required to make sure that they accommadate their guest, regardless of what you may ask for. As busy as Disney is you can relax there too. If you like to fish go. Hang out at the Pool, have a masssage, the opportunities are numerous.