2 Days Away from my 7-Month Window and My Options Have Vanished...

EllieBride · Apr 27, 2015

I guess I should have known this was going to happen... I've been checking in weekly (ok, maybe 2 or 3 times a week) to see if we would be able to re-locate from BCV to an MK-area resort for our fall trip and all of our options have suddenly disappeared. Everything, that is, except for the studios at the Polynesian which DH says we will be too crammed in (although I wouldn't mind being a little bit crammed in order to bank a few points).

For the past 4 months, there has been a 1BR at VWL and I was really excited about staying there for the first time. As of today, there is availability for everything except our last night. Do you think I should book it and then pay cash/waitlist the last night? The cash price for that one night is $610!!!!!! I would be taking a very expensive risk if the waitlist didn't come through.

Maybe I should stay put at BCV and rent a car instead. We stayed there last year and while we loved it, our two-year old twins just couldn't handle the "long" bus ride to MK. They both wanted to sit with Mommy. Maybe this year, at age 3, they will want Daddy instead

CMNJ · Apr 27, 2015

EllieBride said:
I guess I should have known this was going to happen... I've been checking in weekly (ok, maybe 2 or 3 times a week) to see if we would be able to re-locate from BCV to an MK-area resort for our fall trip and all of our options have suddenly disappeared. Everything, that is, except for the studios at the Polynesian which DH says we will be too crammed in (although I wouldn't mind being a little bit crammed in order to bank a few points).

For the past 4 months, there has been a 1BR at VWL and I was really excited about staying there for the first time. As of today, there is availability for everything except our last night. Do you think I should book it and then pay cash/waitlist the last night? The cash price for that one night is $610!!!!!! I would be taking a very expensive risk if the waitlist didn't come through.

Maybe I should stay put at BCV and rent a car instead. We stayed there last year and while we loved it, our two-year old twins just couldn't handle the "long" bus ride to MK. They both wanted to sit with Mommy. Maybe this year, at age 3, they will want Daddy instead

It is still pretty pricey but DVC does offer members 25% off rack rates for DVC rooms (subject to avail)-still would be pricey but not quite as bad

EllieBride · Apr 27, 2015

CMNJ said:
It is still pretty pricey but DVC does offer members 25% off rack rates for DVC rooms (subject to avail)-still would be pricey but not quite as bad

Thank you. I didn't know this. A waitlist for one night (a Thursday night, no less) seems like it would be a lot easier to get than a waitlist for all 5 nights. But on the other hand, I will be kicking myself if I give up my BCV reservation and then end up paying out of pocket for a stay at a place that we might not end up enjoying. Decisions, decisions...

marisol72 · Apr 27, 2015

Just change the first four nights and keep one night at BCV. Waitlist that night. If you do´t get it just do a Split stay.

KAT4DISNEY · Apr 27, 2015

I agree to switch the days you can and either keep the BCV for the last night or else reserve cash at VWL but waitlist that one night. You might even find that people will be switching that night in a few days so keep checking the website.

rmcildw2m · Apr 27, 2015

EllieBride said:
I guess I should have known this was going to happen... I've been checking in weekly (ok, maybe 2 or 3 times a week) to see if we would be able to re-locate from BCV to an MK-area resort for our fall trip and all of our options have suddenly disappeared. Everything, that is, except for the studios at the Polynesian which DH says we will be too crammed in (although I wouldn't mind being a little bit crammed in order to bank a few points).

For the past 4 months, there has been a 1BR at VWL and I was really excited about staying there for the first time. As of today, there is availability for everything except our last night. Do you think I should book it and then pay cash/waitlist the last night? The cash price for that one night is $610!!!!!! I would be taking a very expensive risk if the waitlist didn't come through.

Maybe I should stay put at BCV and rent a car instead. We stayed there last year and while we loved it, our two-year old twins just couldn't handle the "long" bus ride to MK. They both wanted to sit with Mommy. Maybe this year, at age 3, they will want Daddy instead

Been there and done that ,Had 2 studios in mind at OKW for November trip and they got gone 3 days before I could book them , now I am staying at SSR WHICH IS my first time there so maybe not all bad .

ParkHoppers · Apr 27, 2015

I am afraid what the OP is witnessing is a result of walking reservations. What is probably going to be the new norm as far as the 7 month window and maybe the 11 month window for popular times. Hopefully Disney is aware of this continuing trend and can do something to curb it.

Deb & Bill · Apr 27, 2015

ParkHoppers said:
I am afraid what the OP is witnessing is a result of walking reservations. What is probably going to be the new norm as far as the 7 month window and maybe the 11 month window for popular times. Hopefully Disney is aware of this continuing trend and can do something to curb it.

Nah, walking doesn't really work at seven months out. Just someone arriving a few days before them booked up the one remaining one bedroom at VWL. It is hard to get VWL at seven months out for the holidays.

ParkHoppers · Apr 28, 2015

Deb & Bill said:
Nah, walking doesn't really work at seven months out. Just someone arriving a few days before them booked up the one remaining one bedroom at VWL. It is hard to get VWL at seven months out for the holidays.

I guess I don,t really understand walking reservations. Why doesn,t it work at 7 months. I just thought the week leading up to the #1 DVC week of the year would be a good time for someone to get a jump on others trying to book the first week of December.

tasha99 · Apr 28, 2015

ParkHoppers said:
I guess I don,t really understand walking reservations. Why doesn,t it work at 7 months. I just thought the week leading up to the #1 DVC week of the year would be a good time for someone to get a jump on others trying to book the first week of December.

It's Thanksgiving week, so it makes sense that it's busy. Walking at 7 months is much more iffy because if a room fills anywhere in your reservation dates, you can't keep walking it. That won't happen at 11 months out. Also, for resorts that are just always hard to book (VGC), it's hard to ever get your first day. Almost every day when reservations open, room disappear--no first day, no reservation at all.

ParkHoppers · Apr 28, 2015

tasha99 said:
It's Thanksgiving week, so it makes sense that it's busy. Walking at 7 months is much more iffy because if a room fills anywhere in your reservation dates, you can't keep walking it. That won't happen at 11 months out. Also, for resorts that are just always hard to book (VGC), it's hard to ever get your first day. Almost every day when reservations open, room disappear--no first day, no reservation at all.

Thanks for explanation. Still learning although I wouldn,t walk reservations anyway. Just not me.

EllieBride · Apr 28, 2015

When I checked yesterday afternoon, the full 5 nights were available - yay! But when I checked this morning, the last night was gone again - boo. I guess I'll just see what happens tomorrow. When I explained the situation to my husband/prince charming last night and proposed booking the last night with cash, the first thing he said was "have I ever gotten upset about money? It's our vacation, it's about time spent together and making memories." And he's not even the Disney person in our family! Gotta love that guy!

We also agreed that we would be perfectly content just keeping our reservation at BCV. He predicts we will be spending less time in the parks anyway and more time at the pool. Anyone with 3-year-olds want to weigh in on this? We are already preparing ourselves that they are NOT going to be content to stay in their stroller as much this time around. Decisions, decisions...

CKCruising · Apr 28, 2015

The other issue you will have is most people have to wait until 9am to call when they want to switch at 7 months. Unless you have enough points to book both stays and then cancel the 2nd, anyone who can book online may snap up what you want.

thepops · Apr 28, 2015

I'd go with the waitlist and see what happens (keep your last day at BCV) I checked the website before I tried to switch mine and the last day was not available, but when I called, magically, that day was avaiable too!

CMNJ · Apr 28, 2015

EllieBride said:
When I checked yesterday afternoon, the full 5 nights were available - yay! But when I checked this morning, the last night was gone again - boo. I guess I'll just see what happens tomorrow. When I explained the situation to my husband/prince charming last night and proposed booking the last night with cash, the first thing he said was "have I ever gotten upset about money? It's our vacation, it's about time spent together and making memories." And he's not even the Disney person in our family! Gotta love that guy!

We also agreed that we would be perfectly content just keeping our reservation at BCV. He predicts we will be spending less time in the parks anyway and more time at the pool. Anyone with 3-year-olds want to weigh in on this? We are already preparing ourselves that they are NOT going to be content to stay in their stroller as much this time around. Decisions, decisions...

We also have a 3 y/o and are also going this fall-we are staying at Poly for proximity to MK-last year we spent half of our trip there so wanted to be at a MK resort again this fall-just bought a small DVC contract this year so haven't stayed at VWL but last fall we were at WL in a reg hotel room. It was great for a MK centered trip and would have absolutely stayed at VWL this fall had a studio been avail our travel dates. I really liked that resort (more than I would have ever guessed lol). The boat ride to MK is very relaxing and the bus ride is super quick to MK (if you aren't in the mood for a relaxing boat ride). I have never stayed at BC/BCV (hope to one day) but as much as my 3 y/o loved MK last Oct I suspect we will spend a lot of time there again. Plus he still needs an afternoon nap so having a close resort to the park we frequent really helps.

Pirate Granny · Apr 30, 2015

Out three year old grandchildren were more than happy to stay in their strollers...too much to see and besides it had a nice cool roof over them...this summer will be our first strollerless trip. They will both be 8 (cousins), trying to figure out who/what is going to be the pack mule now that there is no stroller. My friend takes a stroller just to carry around the "stuff", but hubby said NO WAY! I am NOT carting around those water fans..they are HEAVY...the boy can use a crampon and hook to his belt loop, but girl wears dresses...perhaps neck band?

Deb & Bill · Apr 30, 2015

Pirate Granny said:
Out three year old grandchildren were more than happy to stay in their strollers...too much to see and besides it had a nice cool roof over them...this summer will be our first strollerless trip. They will both be 8 (cousins), trying to figure out who/what is going to be the pack mule now that there is no stroller. My friend takes a stroller just to carry around the "stuff", but hubby said NO WAY! I am NOT carting around those water fans..they are HEAVY...the boy can use a crampon and hook to his belt loop, but girl wears dresses...perhaps neck band?

In our family, if you wanted to take something, you got to carry it. Tell the kids that and they'll figure out what they need to do. Maybe a smaller string bag. Not as big or as heavy as a backpack, but still able to carry stuff.

Pirate Granny · Apr 30, 2015

How about a small fanny pack...do they still even make them?

medievaldave · Apr 30, 2015

get on the wait list Its always came through for us

Pirate Granny · May 1, 2015

We held our breath and walked a two bedroom GFV lock-off for two nights in June (we needed the ten sleeping spaces, so dedicated wouldn't work). There was never availability when I started checking two month out....then two days before our 7 months it popped open. I knew it was a gamble, but took a chance. worked out for us.

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