Question on booking 2019 packages on 6/19

[Eponine178]

Hi there-

I have a question that I seem to be getting mixed answers on when I do an internet search. We all know that 2019 packages are opening up on 6/19. But can you book for the entire year or is it just 499 days out (so only until the end of Oct)?

We are lucky enough to be planning two trips, one in June and one in early December (NOT for Star Wars but to attend a Christmas party) and I'm trying to prepare for what I can book on Tuesday (especially how many deposits I'll need!). I'd like to book a package for June and a room only for December since we will probably move to APs in June.

People all over are talking like they are going to be booking Nov/Dec for Star Wars hopes on Tuesday but I see several sites with a note saying that packages are only out 499 days. Other sites say nothing other than 2019. I can't recall if this was done in the past or if it really is due to SW opening. I've never planned a trip at the end of the year before.

Thanks!

[Fangorn]

The 499 day thing is for room only reservations. It doesn't apply to packages. Packages and RO are handed by two separate business units with separate rules. Packages are set for the entire calendar year (or at least they always have been to date).

So when they release pricing for 2019 packages, they will release it for the entire year.

You likely won't be able to make a RO reservation for Nov/Dec 2019 at the time they make packages available; that's still a month or so too soon for RO. But it's possible since they will have set room rates already.

Steve

[Eponine178]

The 499 day thing is for room only reservations. It doesn't apply to packages. Packages and RO are handed by two separate business units with separate rules. Packages are set for the entire calendar year (or at least they always have been to date).

So when they release pricing for 2019 packages, they will release it for the entire year.

You likely won't be able to make a RO reservation for Nov/Dec 2019 at the time they make packages available; that's still a month or so too soon for RO. But it's possible since they will have set room rates already.

Steve

Thanks Steve. What you said is exactly what I thought was the process, but I've been confused by a couple of posts on other boards I've seen. People have copied emails that have been sent to them from their travel agents that specifically footnote that November and December packages for 2019 will come at a later date. I'd think everyone would be talking about that if it were the case since I know how popular late in the year reservations are going to be. Yet no one seems to be. Only saw one person say it was due to the 499 day rule and that didn't sound right to me. Seems like there could be a lot of angry package bookers on Tuesday if it turns out to be the case! Guess it will be a wait and see thing for next week.

With all this craziness I wouldn't even be planning on going in December, but we are going to celebrate my mom's 60th and see Christmas at Disney for the first time.

Thanks for the info!

[Isabella]

When we book packages and even RO we use the sponsor of this site, Magical Journeys. They keep track of ALL we want and even watch for price drops and specials that we might miss since were not watching daily like they are. Karen is awesome and it's a free service to you, win-win!

[DebK]

The 499 day rule is applicable to packages too.....

[Cinderelley]

I second Isabella. Magical Journeys is WONDERFUL! I like to do a lot of my own planning, but when it comes to Disney rooms, it is MJ all the way.

You don't have to pay anything, and they are quick to respond to even the smallest question I have.

We even had an airline problem on our very first trip to Disney World. I emailed Debbie all stressed about our Magical Express pick up. She had me happy again within minutes.