ARGH! School Calendar December Dates Changed!!! HELP

[LoveRafiki]

Oh My Goodness!

We've been to WDW every year with my kids... not always the same time but Oct, Nov, Dec. --- 16 years.
Just learned today that my 11th Graders Christmas Break has shifted by a full week.... our December 16 -22 reservations are during Mid-Terms. Well that can't happen. Can't pull her from school in 11th Grade-- used to do it when they were little......
So, we thought about the week Dec. 31 - Jan 7. I just looked at 2 BDRM and there is almost NOTHING.....

Is there ANY hope that a wait list would work out?

I also have flights that will now need to be cancelled.... I used points for flights and could change those relatively easily still.

I am CRUSHED that our streak of trips may sadly end -- also sad that even if we get rooms -- its really, really crowded... Thanksgiving is bad enough (done that the last few years).
Thanks for your insights.

 

[com_op_2000]

IMHO, At this point in time you are so far into the 7 month booking window that getting into anything at one resort without moving every one to two days is highly unlikely. Good luck with your planning; put in a wait list but make it only for one or two days at a time and pray. Stalk with member site as often as possible and hope you can snag something to start piecing together a stay.

 

[MNDisneyMommy]

Ugh, so sorry. My kids are just starting school and I'm stressed over this, sounds like my worst nightmare! Maybe if the wait list game is too stressful, perhaps rent your week as an existing reservation, and try to get two cash rooms or something for the desired week? I know it won't be a 2BR, but it might be an option on the table too?

 

[Deb & Bill]

You are also up against the marathon for the end of your new days. That would be Jan 3-8 If people are checking out on Monday morning after running 26.2 miles on Sunday.

My guess is that this Christmas will be elsewhere. Maybe time for a new tradition?

 

[amccu18007]

Rent your existing reservation and book cash rooms. Change your flights and enjoy your family. Have fun!

 

[LoveRafiki]

Thanks for the feedback.... well, plan "C" is a Disney Cruise.... Dec. 29 - Jan. 6th. Sell my points, save the tickets money, etc.
My 16 year old is not totally thrilled "I like the parks" --- but crowd levels that exceed even Thanksgiving is not inviting. Cheers!

 

[DisneyStarWisher]

I can't offer advice, but I would just like to offer that I am shocked you are finding this out in August, just 4 months before your trip. Did the school just approve a calendar or did they amend the calendar? Either way it is unacceptable. Approving a calendar should be done MANY months before the start of school. I am a teacher, and our calendar is approved in October/November for the next school year that begins in August. If they amended the calendar, that is unacceptable as well, as many families have trips planned that close to Christmas, and I would definitely be offering my opinion to the school board. I'm sorry you are having to deal with this!

 

[cvjw]

Our school board abruptly changed the already approved calendar right before school started one year and took away fall break. Parents were outraged, as most had trips planned. Due to parent pushback, they said all students with prescheduled trips would have excused absences due to the calendar being changed so late in the game.

Just a side note - the school board member who was the driving force in taking away fall break was sent packing at the next election. It was hilarious - as she was suddenly for fall break when she realized she was about to lose her job.

To answer your question, I was able to piece together a Disney trip for the first week of January only a few weeks prior in 2015. You just need to stalk the resort availability tool on the member website. We did find the first week of January to be a less desirable week to visit. The crowds were insane.

 

[Amw1064]

Our school calendar got changed exactly the same way for this year and my daughter started high school so no pulling her out exam week either. I was/am so mad about the change. They voted it back awhile ago.

 

[christianweecare]

We have seen the same change with our grandson's school calendar and he's just in 4th grade.

 

[disneynutz]

Our local news reported that some schools are going to 10 hour days with dinner included.

Bill

 

[iivye]

That's frustrating! I think the cruise sounds like a good alternative.

My daughter's fall break was moved back a few days after being the same dates for the past 7 years. I booked an overseas trip during the usual break dates over a year in advance so she will be missing a couple of days. Luckily there are no finals during that time otherwise I don't know what I would do.

 

[christianweecare]

Our local news reported that some schools are going to 10 hour days with dinner included.

Bill

That's just crazy! What about families?

 

[MinnieGi]

I have an 11th grader and can't believe they moved break and mid-terms on you so short notice!!! Our mid-terms are not until mid/late Jan, cannot imagine them right before Christmas break! EEEk!! I like your alternative plan with a cruise!! Something different may be very good!!!!