BLT Dec. 30th or 31st into January ... Options? [Update Post 8]

[disneymath]

So at the end of this week I need to change our "first trip home to BLT" from mid-October to late December/early January. (Long story, nothing dramatic, so no need for details.)

Right now we're planning to arrive either Dec. 30th or 31st. (I've told the rest of my family that they have to figure this out within the next two days!)

I need to book a 2BR for the first part of the trip and add a 1BR towards the end. We will be checking out either January 6th or 7th (Marathon weekend).

Points-wise I've planned out options for both Standard View (which is what we really want), Lake View, and combinations of both.

At this stage of the game, do you think I would have more luck calling ASAP and trying to walk the 2BR reservation, or should I just wait for 30th or 31st with the idea that the Christmas rush may be slowing down? (I don't really want to go the walking route, but I do want to make sure that I can get this trip planned.)

Also, would you recommend that I cancel the existing booking before my new 11 month date to save time on the phone, or should I be okay by just "altering an existing reservation"?

 

[Sandisw]

If you are really wanting that SV room, I would try now and book it. If you know for sure you are canceling the Oct trip, I would do that before you call to book the room as a few minutes could make a difference.

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

Because you are coming in near New Years and all the Florida people come in then too I would definitely walk the ressie. although I suspect the rooms with a view will be more in demand because of New Years Eve. I doubt that they would give you the same ressie when you go from October to December. Dont you need those points to make Dec/ Jan ressie anway? Cancel October and get your trip booked asap. Walking is very easy. Just did it this week. Last year when I didn't do it I was waitlisted in the middle of my reservation GRRRRRR

 

[disneymath]

So I called this morning right at 9AM. They actually had a 2BR Dedicated SV available from the 27th through the 4th, but in the 2 minutes it took for the CM to cancel my October reservation, it was gone!! The CM actually said, very unconcernedly "Oops, someone else just took the dedicated 2BR." Grrrr!

The good news is that she was able to get us a SV 2BR L/O. (Once I get out dates truly finalized, I will put in a waitlist for the dedicated 2BR.)

And so the walking begins ..... sigh.

 

[Havana]

Good Luck!
I went through the pressure of booking Bay Lake last week with my Christmas reservation.

Thank goodness it's not this much pressure other times of the year.

All of your planning ahead of time and calling at 9am at the 11 month window will be all worthwhile!

 

[Boardwalk Tigger]

So I called this morning right at 9AM. They actually had a 2BR Dedicated SV available from the 27th through the 4th, but in the 2 minutes it took for the CM to cancel my October reservation, it was gone!! The CM actually said, very unconcernedly "Oops, someone else just took the dedicated 2BR." Grrrr!

The good news is that she was able to get us a SV 2BR L/O. (Once I get out dates truly finalized, I will put in a waitlist for the dedicated 2BR.)

And so the walking begins ..... sigh.

You are luckly that she booked to the 4th. They are only allowed to book 7 nights. Double check your ressie. If you need to add then do that first and go on waitlist tommorrow if you really care about 2 bedroom/2 queens. It may also be available tommorrow if you call first thing. The issue is going to be around New Years. Last year I got my waitlist in 2 days Good luck

 

[disneymath]

You are luckly that she booked to the 4th. They are only allowed to book 7 nights. Double check your ressie. If you need to add then do that first and go on waitlist tommorrow if you really care about 2 bedroom/2 queens. It may also be available tommorrow if you call first thing. The issue is going to be around New Years. Last year I got my waitlist in 2 days Good luck

THANK YOU so much for the heads up about January 4th ... I just checked on dvcmember.com and sure enough our check out day is listed as January 3rd. (The CM did confirm verbally January 4th, but )

I will be on the road for work tomorrow at 9:00AM. Fortunately, the colleagues I am travelling with are also Disney fans, so they shouldn't laugh at me too much when I call in to cancel one day and add the next!

 

[disneymath]

Well, here's the latest update.

We're are booked for our 7 nights in a SV 2BR LO (on a WL for dedicated) and have my parents booked into a LV Studio for a few nights - still need to play around with that one.

I learned something new from the MS CM today. I was under the impression at a 2BR LO could be reserved as either a 2BR or as a 1BR and a Studio. Turns out that that is not the case until 30 days prior to arrival. A 2BR LO stays as a 2BR lockoff. (This frustrated me a bit, b/c what I wanted to do was change our 2BR to a dedicated LV - which was available - and then just keep the studio part of the SV LO for most of the nights. The CM even spoke to a manager and it can't be done!

(It kinda irks me, since a dedicated 2 BR is more important to us than the view ... I would much rather pay more points for a LV dedicated 2BR than a LV studio!!!!)

Oh well, at least we have rooms for our stay. I MAY try a 7 month switch to AKL ... my little nephews are really into animals right now.