Booking sites but not staying in them.

[articfox676]

Due to our work schedule (school) we have time off during holiday times.

How far ahead is enough to get a reservation? Called Dec. 14. 2013 for Dec. 2014 and all premium site were gone, only full and tent were available. Been playing with the dates, calling once a week with no luck. Why would over 400 sites be booked a year in advance??

Don't know just asking???

 

[bama_ed]

I like the idea of an "occupancy" rule. I believe as a Florida innkeeper/hotelier, Disney has the right to cancel a guest's stay if they haven't taken occupancy.

I also like the idea of a depost - I would not be adverse to paying it if it were refunded 24 hours into our stay (or even when we check out).

What's missing, though, is Disney's desire to do ANYTHING about it. And to have the backbone to actually follow through with it.

I also agree that violations of this results in the immediate cancellation of all FP+, dinner reservations, and on-site guest benefits since they were obtained under false pretenses.

As articfox said, they can't book a long period because maybe one day is blocked. I wonder how many 1-night reservations the Fort has. The management dweebs in the Bay Lake bunker ought to look at that. Also, how many 1-night ressies are there by campsite level (Tent, Full, Preferred, Premium). If you get a large percentage in Tent or Full, alarms should be going off.

Finally, what do you folks think about having a minimum night requirement? For folks that come in on weekends it would have to be at least a 2 night requirement. Or maybe 2 night at the cheaper levels but 1 night for Premium or Preferred. Use a minimum requirement along with the others we've listed above. (A Tent is almost half a Premium IIRC). I know one time I made a 1-night stay on the way to Key West and also on the way back in 2011 but I wonder how many legitimate 1-night stays there are? I would think not many. Or make it two nights all around. The cheaters won't bother to drag the popup down to Florida like I would. If the CM sees an RV, trailer, camper, one night would be allowed. If a tent (or claimed tent), two nights required.

Just ideas.

Bama ED

 

[cousineddie]

I like the idea of an "occupancy" rule. I believe as a Florida innkeeper/hotelier, Disney has the right to cancel a guest's stay if they haven't taken occupancy. I also like the idea of a depost - I would not be adverse to paying it if it were refunded 24 hours into our stay (or even when we check out). What's missing, though, is Disney's desire to do ANYTHING about it. And to have the backbone to actually follow through with it. I also agree that violations of this results in the immediate cancellation of all FP+, dinner reservations, and on-site guest benefits since they were obtained under false pretenses. As articfox said, they can't book a long period because maybe one day is blocked. I wonder how many 1-night reservations the Fort has. The management dweebs in the Bay Lake bunker ought to look at that. Also, how many 1-night ressies are there by campsite level (Tent, Full, Preferred, Premium). If you get a large percentage in Tent or Full, alarms should be going off. Finally, what do you folks think about having a minimum night requirement? For folks that come in on weekends it would have to be at least a 2 night requirement. Or maybe 2 night at the cheaper levels but 1 night for Premium or Preferred. Use a minimum requirement along with the others we've listed above. (A Tent is almost half a Premium IIRC). I know one time I made a 1-night stay on the way to Key West and also on the way back in 2011 but I wonder how many legitimate 1-night stays there are? I would think not many. Or make it two nights all around. The cheaters won't bother to drag the popup down to Florida like I would. If the CM sees an RV, trailer, camper, one night would be allowed. If a tent (or claimed tent), two nights required. Just ideas. Bama ED

Well, most places already require a full weekend stay, so that's not going to bother most.

I know if my circus act is coming all the way to disney, we're staying at least a week, thinking about pushing our next one longer to have more down time in the fort, take in some of the other recreational activities beside the pool.

I'll volunteer to camp host, can I do that?

 

[mmbl]

Due to our work schedule (school) we have time off during holiday times. How far ahead is enough to get a reservation? Called Dec. 14. 2013 for Dec. 2014 and all premium site were gone, only full and tent were available. Been playing with the dates, calling once a week with no luck. Why would over 400 sites be booked a year in advance?? Don't know just asking???

Could it be because everyone knows the sites fill up? Were all your dates booked completely or just a few? Maybe people booking 'just in case' they want to go for Christmas? It also seems as if maybe they weren't open to book yet , but with other types available, that probably isn't the case. Personally speaking, we've never had a problem at the campgrounds, the resorts, etc. Only on dining resv. When we've tried to change or modify too close to our date. Good luck and maybe something will open up!

 

[North of Mouse]

Well, most places already require a full weekend stay, so that's not going to bother most.

I know if my circus act is coming all the way to disney, we're staying at least a week, thinking about pushing our next one longer to have more down time in the fort, take in some of the other recreational activities beside the pool.

I'll volunteer to camp host, can I do that?

'Fraid not! The only places that we've been that have 'camp hosts' are at State or National Parks. Disney doesn't!

 

[Magic Fanatic]

I like the idea of an "occupancy" rule. I believe as a Florida innkeeper/hotelier, Disney has the right to cancel a guest's stay if they haven't taken occupancy. I also like the idea of a depost - I would not be adverse to paying it if it were refunded 24 hours into our stay (or even when we check out). What's missing, though, is Disney's desire to do ANYTHING about it. And to have the backbone to actually follow through with it. I also agree that violations of this results in the immediate cancellation of all FP+, dinner reservations, and on-site guest benefits since they were obtained under false pretenses. As articfox said, they can't book a long period because maybe one day is blocked. I wonder how many 1-night reservations the Fort has. The management dweebs in the Bay Lake bunker ought to look at that. Also, how many 1-night ressies are there by campsite level (Tent, Full, Preferred, Premium). If you get a large percentage in Tent or Full, alarms should be going off. Finally, what do you folks think about having a minimum night requirement? For folks that come in on weekends it would have to be at least a 2 night requirement. Or maybe 2 night at the cheaper levels but 1 night for Premium or Preferred. Use a minimum requirement along with the others we've listed above. (A Tent is almost half a Premium IIRC). I know one time I made a 1-night stay on the way to Key West and also on the way back in 2011 but I wonder how many legitimate 1-night stays there are? I would think not many. Or make it two nights all around. The cheaters won't bother to drag the popup down to Florida like I would. If the CM sees an RV, trailer, camper, one night would be allowed. If a tent (or claimed tent), two nights required. Just ideas. Bama ED

Why not give Disney the opportunity to fix the issue before we completely rewrite the rules for staying at the Fort? This new system is still very new and I am sure there are many issues that are being worked out. I have had several one night stays at the Fort when passing though the area and would hate to lose that access because of the two or three night minimum you are advocating. I have no doubt that this "loop hole" will be addressed, but it is probably a little lower on the priority list when you consider the big picture of Fast Pass Plus.

 

[cousineddie]

'Fraid not! The only places that we've been that have 'camp hosts' are at State or National Parks. Disney doesn't!

Well, crap. There goes retirement plan #1....

 

[tiggerdad]

Why not give Disney the opportunity to fix the issue before we completely rewrite the rules for staying at the Fort? This new system is still very new and I am sure there are many issues that are being worked out. I have had several one night stays at the Fort when passing though the area and would hate to lose that access because of the two or three night minimum you are advocating. I have no doubt that this "loop hole" will be addressed, but it is probably a little lower on the priority list when you consider the big picture of Fast Pass Plus.

This is not new. This was going on long before new policies. Probably as soon as Disney decided to give onsite guests more perks than offsiters. So no, the new system is not the reason. But booking advanced FPs has increased its use.

 

[Magic Fanatic]

This is not new. This was going on long before new policies. Probably as soon as Disney decided to give onsite guests more perks than offsiters. So no, the new system is not the reason. But booking advanced FPs has increased its use.

Ah, I wasn't aware.

 

[North of Mouse]

Well, crap. There goes retirement plan #1....

LOL, can you imagine how many retires' would love that job at Disney (FW) ?? You would have to get in line after us!!

 

[Disneyhabs]

I used to be pretty active on this board, but we haven't been back to WDW in quite a while... Then we went back with our toddler and bought dvc... So I might not be camping for a while. (Not sure I can tackle camping with a toddler... and a baby on the way!). Anyway, bc our WDW style has changed, I've been posted on the other boards a little bit. FWIW, I haven't read anything about y'all (us? Can I still say us?) being trailer trash or that they are SO much better than us or anything. Heck, I own DVC at VGF and I'd rather be at the Fort! (And, to be fair, I read a lot about how 'those VGF must be snobby and always throw their money away and they must think they are better than us'... which is as untrue and hurtful as anyone saying that Fort fiends are TT.)

I posted on the thread that's getting so much attention, but no one responded... so maybe this is a better place to ask? Can we offer a compromise? If we are getting screwed out of a week at a campsite bc someone booked a 'throwaway' on a Wednesday... could we ask that they book that night on a Monday? Sunday? Friday? Is there a day of the week that's less likely to harm camper's weeks? Instead of arguing the ethics (I haven't seen one person's mind change in the big debate) maybe a compromise is possible?

If I were to book a 'throwaway' campsite, I would have no problem having someone else actually stay there, while I got the FP+ perks. On the flip side, I also wouldn't mind giving someone else my FP+ perks while I enjoy a week at the Fort and not visit parks. To me it seems like a win, win? Could we not set this up through dis? Can't we all just get along??

I sincerely hope I didn't step into an ant bed and say something flame-worthy... I'm just trying to put some compromise/productive thoughts toward this very passionate debate.

My ex wife and I were DVC members bought in 01 and love what it offers. In 08 we did 4 weeks camping through the US and a week and a half was at FW. Now I bought her a tent trailer in 06 as she loved to camp our kids and I not so much. We have 4 children and in 08 our youngest was just 15 months old when we decided to go on this adventure. Needless to say by the time we hit FW the kids and I had gotten our fill of camping. We stayed 3 days and then moved to a 2 bdrm at a DVC resort. Like many here we get to bring our own food have a nice patio/balcony to relax on and have a cold drink etc. To each their own I mean the kids and I still go to WDW and still love going over to walk around FW and see the walking paths in the woods etc and do the campfire and movie and make smores but we just aren't camping folks. As for the throw away room/campsite to each their own if they are comfortable spending the money for it then so be it I guess. I mean I would take a cabin at FW before ever staying off property.

 

[eileenkeeney]

I have heard some of them talking about FW like it's the 'lowest of the low' - like we're just having to 'make do' because we can't afford better.

Guess it's our great secret though!

You're right - just would imagine that our homes away from home might just 'rival', or more, with their home dwellings. Kind of 'sticks in your craw' for some to act so 'uppity' about our camping, especially when they talk about 'throw away sites' like they're nothing!

Just hope Disney will soon do something about that - I 'know' that they are aware.

That's ok though, we all know that we have the 'best of it'!!

I would rather stay at a camp site, and use a tent and sleeping bag, than stay in a Disney Value hotel again.

But since I don't drive, I can not rent a car, so securing my stuff would be difficult.
So I have never stayed at a camp site.
I did stay in a Ft Wilderness cabin before buying into DVC.

 

[Mmketeer]

As for the min. night stay, I am not sure because a lot of locals may just want to come for the night. Me personally, I usually only stay 2 nights when I am not there for a holiday as I have to work and it's not far for me to pop over.

We already paying a non-refundable deposit if the reservation isn't cancelled 5 nights prior to arrival and 45 days prior if booked through WDTC with a least a $200 non-refundable deposit, so do we really need another refundable deposit?

I am not sure what the answer is to this issue, but I do like the shut off the benefits idea if not physically using the site. Course, it wouldn't surprise me if in the future Disney allows non-resort guests to purchase Magic Bands and FastPass's for a fee. Annual Passholders now get the benefit for free without a resort stay. So who knows what will happen going forward....

As for the Christmas holidays ArticFox, I missed out on Thanksgiving once again this year and I booked back in Jan. for 2014. But, I also have more than I need in the number of nights right now on hold that month just waiting for the rest of my family to decide if and when they are going. Don't you just love non-planners? So hang in there and check back for a cancellation as I am sure their are others that will be canceling nights like I will be doing.
PS
Booking for a holiday a year in advance is not to soon as people start booking those things as soon as the dates are released.

Next stop for me...Epcot Flower and Garden festival in April and then almost a week's stay end of May! Wahoo!