It’s not unusual for spring sales to pop up in early March at the Walt Disney World. As soon as the daffodils emerge, travel agents become all atwitter with announcements of resort savings. However, WDW often does not include campsites in these bargains – this time is delightfully different. And an in-depth look reveals that there are indeed some hefty savings awaiting. However, the dates and choices are quite limited, and confusion abounds. Here’s what you need to know.
Spring break discounts – fuhhgeddaboudit
From the weeks beginning April 5, April 12, and April 19, there are still sites available at the regular rate, particularly during the week beginning April 12. But there are no sites showing as available at the discounted rate. Nada.
YEP, tent/pop-up sites are included, too
There’s been some incertitude about this, but they are included – as are all other types of campsites. However, as of March 8, tents are only showing availability for March 29-April 3 ($117 per night sale price) and May 17-21 ($72 per night sale price).
this seems to work even with a one or two-night stay
Although the details indicate that a minimum stay may be required, I was able to reserve sites at the discounted rate for just one or two nights, when there were sites available.
don’t cancel your old reservation yet
If you cancel your old reservation, you risk losing it. Instead, try to make a new reservation under the sale price to see if your dates are even available for the discount. Once you’ve made this reservation, you can cancel the old one. You may also call Disney Reservations and see if they are able to update your old reservation to the new price. Results on the latter strategy seem a bit mixed from reports I’ve heard.
discounts apply only on sundays-thursdays, but
You can still add weekend days to your reservation if they are available. Those Friday and Saturday nights will be at the higher rate.
and the week with the most availability and lowest prices is . . .
May 17 – May 21. Unlike most weeks, this last one in the promo is still as wide open as a Montana sky with full availability for every type of campsite at the sale price.
- Tent – $72 instead of $91
- Full hook-up – $96 instead of $121
- Preferred is $114 instead of $143
- Premium is $120 instead of $150
- Meadows Premium is $129 instead of $162.
Other weeks with fairly good discount availability include:
- March 29 – April 3 – currently showing some discounted Tent and Premium Meadows sites.
- April 25 – May 1 – currently showing some discounted Premium Meadows Sites
- May 3 – May 8 – currently showing some discounted Premium Meadows Sites
- May 10 – May 15 – currently showing some discounted preferred, premium, and premium meadows sites
