Getting Resort discount after the fact

[KTM1799]

Apologize up front if this has been asked 1k's before, What would most say is the easiest way to get a new Resort discount on an existing reservation? Cancel the existing and just rebook online or call and get discount applied to the existing reservation? Background on the question, I am planning a WDW trip during December '15 during a time when a discount has come out in Aug/Sept. I would like to book a hotel the next few months so I can get a specific dining reservation. A bonus question on my prior, should I book all the rooms needed and try to get a discount if it comes out or just one room to take care of restaurant needs? Thanks in advance, planned a few great trips by just lurking and reading the great ideas/thoughts.

 

[sxeensweet]

Calling is best because they can just apply your deposit towards the new booking if they have that room available for the discount. If you just cancel yourself and rebook you have to wait for the previous deposit to go back to your card, and also pay the new one when you book the other online. ***Note: They only allow so many rooms and room types at each resort for the discounts etc. So there is no guarantee the rooms you choose will be eligible or available to apply the discount to if a room discount is released later.

For your second question I would book everything now If you want a certain resort/room type because if you wait it might not be available later.

 

[BigRedDad]

Booking through a a TA that manages it for you is the best way. I am not sure about the site sponsor and how they do it. I know the TA when I use one that they are immediately changing reservations automatically to save you money when a discount comes out.

 

[HouCuseChickie]

I do this all the time. I book before 180 so that I have the 180+10 perk for dining booking and then when a room discount comes out, and I call and have it applied to my existing reservation. I call early since things can go fast and I am flexible, since my current resort may not have an discounted rooms, but another one may. And if I'm already paid in full or close to it...I get a refund for those proceeds based on the discount...otherwise, my amount due just goes down based on the discount.

Ex. We were booked in the Contemporary last year...room only discounts came out...but the Poly was the only deluxe I was willing to stay at that had any rooms below concierge that qualified for the 30% off. I was close to paid in full...so, they switched me to the Poly and refunded the difference after the discount.

 

[KTM1799]

Thank you for the replies. Great information!

 

[CaptainAmerica]

Note that they don't have to do any canceling and rebooking if your reservation is identical before and after the discount. They're able to apply the promo code to the existing reservation number.

It's a bit more complicated if a promotional rate comes available but only for certain dates of your stay.