Help! Is nothing available?

[Geeky]

I was holding off, waiting for AP discounts to be announced, but I got nervous this morning so I looked at what rack rate was - only to find that there are little to no resorts available!
No moderates are available
No Deluxe (with the exception of BWV)
And only a couple of values (which I'm not a big fan of)
My dates are 10/17-10/23

Am I really going to have to stay off property or is this a glitch?
It makes even less sense that there are so many ADV available at this time - especially when it is free dining during that time as well.

Can anyone help/guide me? My dates are not flexible.

 

[ErinsMommy]

I just searched that (not knowing how many in your party, just went with 2 adults/1 child) and it came up with Fort Wilderness/Pop Century/BMW. Not sure if that's what you want, but yes it appears there's very limited rooms.

 

[Geeky]

Also, there isn't even availability at Swan and Dolphin. ARGH!

 

[gwynne]

It looks you won't have much problem booking 17-21. Have you considered a split stay? Maybe book with lots of options at the beginning, and then book where you can between 21-23rd.

 

[Geeky]

Gwynne- thanks for the tip!we will be traveling with a one month old- so I was hoping to not have to do a split stay, but if that's our only option...

 

[Mom2Luci]

I think you're having issues with the later days because of Gartner. Even with a baby, I would do a split stay at this point.

 

[Geeky]

I guess I'll keep holding out for ap rates - I really want to stay on property and didn't realize there was such a large convention!

 

[TaraPA]

DH goes to the Gartner Convention & they have several Disney resorts & Swan & Dolphin booked solid starting 10/21, I think that may be contributing to the lack of availability!

 

[Desnik]

I think you're having issues with the later days because of Gartner. Even with a baby, I would do a split stay at this point.

So that's what it is!! I was having the same issues as the OP. Does this convention affect park crowds and the MNSSHP crowds or just the resorts?

I was trying to book a short stay, 10/18-10/21 just to do MNSSHP and I couldn't believe the lack of availability! I wanted a AoALM room.

 

[Mom2Luci]

So that's what it is!! I was having the same issues as the OP. Does this convention affect park crowds and the MNSSHP crowds or just the resorts?

I was trying to book a short stay, 10/18-10/21 just to do MNSSHP and I couldn't believe the lack of availability! I wanted a AoALM room.

You wouldn't find availability in LM rooms even without the convention, they've been hard to come by...

 

[im4kycats]

I'm not sure when registration for Gartner closes, but I would imagine they will have to release their unused blocks in a few weeks. There will probably be a lot of rooms available at that point.

 

[VAN]

If your dates are set in stone, I would grab whatever reservation you could get now. You can always rebook if and when a discount comes out, or more options open up.

That is what I have always done when booking hotel rooms. Book something that can be cancelled and keep checking for lower rates, etc.

If your dates are flexible, then I would change the time of your visit to when it is less crowded.

 

[Karlzmom]

I guess I'll keep holding out for ap rates - I really want to stay on property and didn't realize there was such a large convention!

I would be worried that if there is so llittle availability now, why would Disney release AP rates for those days? I would certainly book "place holder" reservations to ensure you have a room while you are looking. Good Luck!

 

[Waltgirl]

Don't panic. It's not July or Christmas/New Years. As it gets closer Disney will release more rooms. People book and then wait until the last minute to cancel and TA's will start giving unbooked rooms back to Disney.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

I'd book something now, but keep your eyes open for better options.

I can't speak to that specific convention, but my expereince is that convention guests mostly stay at the convention. A few bring families, especially to a place like WDW, but it's probably lower than you think.
Not having family is less distracting when you are supposed to be working. Though it is possible this conference is an exception to the trend.

WE've also done lots of split stays. If you pack correctly, they are no big deal. You do lose some time on the transfer to be sure, but they are very doable. You also gain convenience.

In some ways, it might be more convenient. You could stay at the BWK fora few nights (eat in that area, see Epcot and HS) then transfer to a resort near MK maybe. At the second resort, you get the plus of all new conveneitn dining options, and maybe being close to a differnet park and different pool. Instead of losing time going back and forth spread over a week, you only lose a few hours one day.

 

[Desnik]

I found this info about the convention, maybe it'll help someone.
http://www.gartner.com/technology/symposium/orlando/hotel.jsp

 

[mefordis]

Wow, I wonder why it's busy that week. What are your dates? Your ticker shows the same dates as me but I am not arriving until Nov 1.

 

[rhiansmom]

You wouldn't find availability in LM rooms even without the convention, they've been hard to come by...

We will be there the 17-22 and I booked a LM room less than a week ago... I just checked the website (stalked really) several times a day until a room opened up.

 

[Geeky]

I'm torn - should I reserve something at rack rate (which I've never paid for!) - especially when we won't get free dining - or should I just hold off to see if AP rates come out soon with something?

Wow, I wonder why it's busy that week. What are your dates? Your ticker shows the same dates as me but I am not arriving until Nov 1.

My ticker is from last year.. I should get around to changing it

 

[VAN]

Book it NOW at rack rates ... it's better to have a room at full price than no room at all !! LOL.

If discount rates are released, you can always rebook.