11 month window (for Dec 2006) - ???

[nhdisnut]

My DW has just about convinced me that we should take some time during our Christmas vacation next (this) year and go visit WDW. (I'm worried about crowds , but she wants to see the magic ) We have to go during Christmas week itself (YIKES!) and I'm wondering if anyone has had difficulty securing reservations at their home resort (SSR for us) in the 11 month time-frame for a Christmas week stay? Any advice is much appreciated!!

 

[CarolMN]

If you call at your 11 month window for a SSR reservation (even one for the Christmas week), I would be SHOCKED if you didn't get what you wanted.

Best wishes -

 

[bobbiwoz]

I am lucky because my school ends before Christmas week, but for years I taught with a schedule that didn't give me the week before off. We never knew how beautiful WDW was in December for Christmas! I think you'll love your experience. If we would have known we definitely would have gone, even during Christmas week.

Best wishes, you'll have a great time!

Bobbi

 

[nhdisnut]

Well, I'm still not completely convinced that I personally will survive the crowds, but it's worth a shot (at least once!)!

Glad to hear that I shouldn't have much trouble getting a reservation...Thanks!

 

[DeeDeeDis]

nhdisnut,

you might want to consider booking each night. I did this for the first time for our upcoming Thanksgiving trip and they were very nice about this. I called on the 11 month window of the first checkout day, told them that I wanted to book six nights but was calling daily, they noted that I would be linking days and my final check out day would be such & such a day. each morning i'd called, told them i had a reservation and wanted to add another day. They held the confirmation until my finals day was booked. Worked out good (didn't get my first choice for my last nite - but i'm on the waitlist).

Good luck

 

[Cruelladeville]

Booking day by day would not be necessary at SSR unless you wanted some special accommodations, like adjoining 2 bedroom villas, or something similar. I always stay at BW at Christmas, and have never had a problem booking, except two years ago when I waited until 5 months before arrival. In 2006 I will book day by day because I want a GV at OKW.

 

[Barreras Family]

I called MS this morning (after holding for 15 minutes, that had me sacred) the CM I talked to assured me that for SSR there would NO PROBLEM WHAT SO EVER booking for 1 week. When I asked for a 1 bedroom she told me there we're "hundreds available". She actually promised me I could call back and get a reservation, I held her to it and wrote her name down.

So don't fret too much.

Regards,
Rudy

 

[nhdisnut]

Thanks for the info! I've revised my signature accordingly!!

 

[brandip22]

DH was just asked by one of his best friends if we wanted to go at the same time his family goes the first week of December! They stayed with us after the hurrican this year and we were off to WDW the week they were at our house. They ended up going in November and of course I told them all about DVC. They have a sone about 9 months younger than ours. We are so excited. I just don't know yet if they want to book at the same time so we can try to get adjoining rooms or what. Hopefully I can find out this week so I can start my planning!! YIPPEEEE!

 

[nhdisnut]

An update (I'm so excited I have to share - all of you at DIS will understand ):

I just received an e-mail confirmation of our 5 nights at SRR in December! I used some advice from above and booked over several days. I didn't call, however, I used the "request reservation" link at dvcmember.com. It worked very well. MS was quick to reply. I was worried about not calling, but didn't have time during phone hours.

Now I just need to figure how we will cope with the crowds....

Only 11 months to plan!

 

[Happy Birthday Cat]

Now I just need to figure how we will cope with the crowds....

Only 11 months to plan!

Get to then park early (go back late), make your ADR's far in advance, use as many fast passes as you can and get out of the park after lunch and relax back at your hotel. We've gone 3 of the last 4 Christmas/New Year's weeks and are planning on next year too. It can be done so that you'll enjoy it but it does take planning.

See you in 11 months.

HBC

 

[Daitcher]

I might be in the minority on this but Christmas is a no for our family. You can visit in November and see all the decorations (yes, they do it before Thanksgiving). The parks are elbow to elbow with long lines everywhere. You'll swear the whole world is at WDW that week. This really kills the fun IMO and if you have younger kids, the waits will really try there, and your, patience. Vist WDW in the slower times and you'll enjoy it so much more. Besides, Christmas alone is already exciting and fun. Save your WDW visit for a time when you really need a lift. Have fun whatever you decide, just don't say I didn't warn you. Just say no to all peak times when kids are on break. You'll be glad you did.


DAVE

 

[dvc guy]

Get to then park early (go back late), make your ADR's far in advance, use as many fast passes as you can and get out of the park after lunch and relax back at your hotel. We've gone 3 of the last 4 Christmas/New Year's weeks and are planning on next year too. It can be done so that you'll enjoy it but it does take planning.

See you in 11 months.

HBC

A DVC member with the right plan. I agree with you 1000%. We are headed back this year for our 8th trip . You are right on the money. Just remember you will be back again and slow down and enjoy the sights

 

[psu4glory]

i would agree that going on off-peak times is ideal from a stress-level perspective......however - my wife is also a teacher, so we are limited to ONLY going during the times that the kids are on break!

if you have to go during the summer months, or over christmas or spring breaks, just PLAN AHEAD! we always have an awesome time - in spite of the crowds.

i mean, honestly.....it's STILL WDW!!!! an over-crowded and rainy day there beats any day anywhere else, right?! enjoy your christmas week. disney does the holidays right!

 

[funhouse8]

Mu DH hates crowds and we went over NYE a couple of years ago. I agree it was magical. We weren't rushed because we knew we would be back and spent alot of town touring the hotels and seeing all the special parades and fireworks. I am so glad we went at this time and even though there were 75000 people in epcot with us to bring in the NY it was my best NYE yet! Go enjoy all that the holiday has to offer!