Airmiles for hotels on trip down

[Canadave]

Has anyone 'recently' used airmiles to book hotels on the way down and back from WDW? It looks like you can only book a hotel in advance. Not preferable as we're not sure how far we want to drive each day, but if it is the only way...it will have to do. I thought that they used to have 'gift certificates'
Also, if you booked before the trip, how far in advance did you book? Has anyone booked 'as' they were travelling?

 

[Cheerio]

We booked months in advance, I am toying with booking on the way down next month as we have more than enough points - hoping someone will chime in with success.

 

[Donald - my hero]

We use our Airmiles for hotel stay often! Great success whenever we do it ... just got back and stayed a night close to MCO when we got there and a night close to Pearson last night. (if you call the 5 hours that we were actually in bed a night!!) Never had any trouble when we show up, I always print out the copy of the email i get as confirmation (but i suppose you could just show it on your phone or whatever device is handy) and the one time it was a concern because Airmiles had given the hotel the wrong date they upgraded us to a suite in the hotel attached to the Pearson Airport because the check in took a bit longer! I just checked right now for tonight and it doesn't matter what city/airport or attraction i chose (including WDW) tons of choices are popping up so I'd say it's a safe bet you can do it on the fly.

 

[Canadave]

Thanks for the replies. I forgot about the 'printout' thing. Hopefully the confirmation on the phone will do.

Cheerio, if you do try it on the way down next month, maybe you can report on this thread how it went. Would appreciate it greatly.

Jacqueline, I did notice that there are lots available tonight as well. We are not heading out until October, but I'm thinking that it may be the same then. Let's hope!