Backup plans for waitlists?

[SafariTigger]

My DH booked a 2 bdrm lockoff at VWL for Sunday Dec. 28th and also for Friday Jan. 2nd but we had to waitlist all of the nights in between. We tried all resorts and nothing was available. To cover as much as we could we waitlisted a 2 bdrm or 1 bdrm and 1 studio combo or 2 studios for all DVC resorts in blocks of 3 nights (12/28-30 & 12/31-1/2). We don't mind changing rooms in the middle of our stay but we really don't want to change rooms too often since we will be there with our two small children and my husbands parents.

I know this is an extremely busy time at Disney so when do I start to worry and consider another option? We just did the waitlist at exactly 7 months out and I'm already worrying. What do you normally do as backup plans? We considered booking 2 rooms at a non-DVC Disney resort but we were told that if we cancel the points go into a different category and we couldn't book a DVC resort with them. We also considered renting our points and getting a cash ressie. We REALLY want to be in Disney during those days. This is a rare opportunity that we could vacation at that time of year and I've never seen Disney all decked out for Christmas. Suggestions? We could use some good wishes of luck a little hope! Thanks!

 

[lovinthemouse]

We booked that same week last year in May and waitlisted for the 31st. It did come through in August. We did a cash ressie just in case for the 1 night. This year I booked at the 11 month window for the Dec 28th thru Jan 3. It is very busy but oh so beautiful that time of year. The decorations are nothing short of spectacular. Be patient waitlists do work. Here is some pixie dust to help. Good Luck

 

[Disney_Villain]

To avoid checking in and out of rooms (or resorts), I've done what lovinthemouse has done - put cash ressies on the nights you don't get with your points, then waitlist for these nights on points. If these rooms are available as cash ressies, you have a 25% Member discount calling them in through MS.

Given that VWL is a small resort (and VERY popular over Christmas), your odds of getting a 2BR are much better if you try this strategy with SSR or OKW (which are huge resorts). If MS has any 2BR nights that you need at either of these resorts, I would recommend switching over. It would increase your odds of getting your waitlist through.

It depends on what you really want to do. If you really want the VWL stay badly, do the discounted cash ressies there (if available) and waitlist for the same on your points.

Good luck!

 

[sbittner]

We are waitlisted for 12/7. We did the cash ressie as a backup, but I was told the discount was not available for that night. When I asked why I was told that because everything is sold out for DVC they could not offer me a discount, is this correct?

 

[SafariTigger]

I have waitlisted all of the DVC resorts, I would love VWL but at this point I just want to be in Disney. I didn't know that there was a discount for cash ressies (I've never done that before) but I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't give it to you when the resorts are busy. What about non-DVC resorts? Would you consider booking 2 rooms at one of them instead and how long should I hold out before doing it?

lovinthemouse - thanks for the pixie dust - I think I'm going to need it!

 

[sbittner]

I do have a none DVC room booked from 12/5-7 at AKL. If they offer the same special rate that they offered last year, I will pay cash and save my weekend points. Last year we stayed at AKL for $175.00 per night. I plan on keeping my reservation at SSR from 12/8-12, but I will wait and see about the weekend.