Conference koolit::disney

502.0. "When do next year's MKC pkg prices get set?" by ANGST::QUINN (Tim, SI Appl Integr Technol 381-0426) Sat Apr 13 1996 00:44

I've been read-only for some time.  I've looked for a
centralized discussion of the question of when 
prices get set for MKC packages and didn't find one.  
Sorry if I've missed it.

We're planning a visit to Sea World, Universal, and 
(saving the best for last!) WDW.  The WDW part will 
run from 1 Jan. through 6 Jan. 1997.  I've called the 
MKC reservations folks, and they can't or won't quote 
me package rates for any dates after 31 Dec. 1996.  
They say they won't know those numbers until around 
November. Same story from three different people.  

That's okay.  I'd be willing to reserve the room at 
the current room rate and then convert that reservation 
and deposit to the MKC package when it becomes available.

I was all ready to do so, but when I called this 
evening I discovered that not *only* won't they 
quote the prices, but they won't even guarantee 
the space under the MKC package.  I understand 
that they (like airlines) limit the number of 
slots they make available at lower rates.  But 
I'm afraid that if I wait until November, the 
slots will go so quickly that I'll miss out.  
I'd be left with full-price rooms, no discounts, 
and no bank balance left!
       
I've also checked with AAA, and they say that they 
*could* reserve me space in *their* slots now, 
even though they don't know their rates until 
early May.  

(Aside...It seems to me that the AAA and MKC rates 
are nearly identical.  The MKC rates in the booklet 
seem about 10% lower than AAA's, except that AAA 
includes taxes and MKC does not.  And guess 
what...the tax is 11%!)

Now to my questions...  Does anyone have similar 
experiences in trying to reserve an MKC package 
for early in a calendar year?  Or, has anyone had 
*different* experiences?  

Thanks for any help or advice.

	- Tim

    I would like to hear an answer to this as well. I was intending on
    making reservations this August for August of '97. I keep hearing folks
    saying you've got to book early, now I'm not sure if I should or can.
    
    Rick.

    I called the CRO last week, and was told the same thing,
    they do not have the discounted rates or package rates
    available yet (I was booking for March, '97).  So, I 
    booked a room under the regular rate, and they told me to
    call back after the end of August and they should have the
    discounted rates available, at which time my reservation
    would be converted over to the lower rate.
    I checked into the package prices (using '96 rates) from
    the MKC, and Delta Dream Vacations, and in both cases it was
    cheaper to book the reservations separately ourselves (buy
    hotel, 4-day park hopper pass, airfare, and car individually).
                                                                  

    The MKC package prices are available if you call the CRO.  However,
    the rates under the MKC (or AAA) won't be available til September
    sometime.
    
    Julie