Booking sites but not staying in them.

[cousineddie]

So, how common is the issue of people booking campsites for the perks but not staying in them? I just reason another thread someone's post bragging how they used the campsite as a "throwaway" room for parking and FP+. Poster commented how it was pure profit for Disney and it was a "win-win" because they never set foot on resort grounds but got all the perks and short lines and it was worth $12/day per person.

Does this annoy anyone else? I commented how disappointed I was about them abusing the system and bragging about it. I wonder how much of this contributes to the Fort being booked Christmas break.

 

[tiggerdad]

Don't get me started on this one...

If you look back a little bit you'll find some threads talking about it. It's a sore subject sometimes and can get out of hand on other threads like the strategy board. I choose to avoid discussing it.

I do like your username though...

 

[cousineddie]

Don't get me started on this one... If you look back a little bit you'll find some threads talking about it. It's a sore subject sometimes and can get out of hand on other threads like the strategy board. I choose to avoid discussing it. I do like your username though...

Tell me about it.

I brought it up in another thread and am getting wrung out for it.

 

[tiggerdad]

We get referred to as "trailer trash" a lot over there. They have no care for anyone save themselves and they are not afraid to post it. I have now resolved myself to stick to the camping and resort thread that pertains to the Fort.

 

[JillyBean1899]

If anyone is doing this for the weekends of the EEC or ToT races, I'd be happy to "squat" on that campspot in my car ...

Yeah, I haven't gotten any bites with that offer lol. But if Disney decides to put something in place where if you aren't actually occupying the space, I have a feeling my "services" would be in demand

 

[cousineddie]

We get referred to as "trailer trash" a lot over there. They have no care for anyone save themselves and they are not afraid to post it. I have now resolved myself to stick to the camping and resort thread that pertains to the Fort.

Ha! That says nothing about some of these "trailer trash" folk wandering about the country in RVs worth more than a few houses. Mine's not, mind you, but I own it free and clear and the family loves to travel and sight-see for a fraction of the cost of airfare/cars and hotel rooms.

I may need to stay over here in the campground forum with my ilk, it's more fun here anyway.

 

[North of Mouse]

Ha! That says nothing about some of these "trailer trash" folk wandering about the country in RVs worth more than a few houses. Mine's not, mind you, but I own it free and clear and the family loves to travel and sight-see for a fraction of the cost of airfare/cars and hotel rooms.

I may need to stay over here in the campground forum with my ilk, it's more fun here anyway.

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'!!

 

[Rland8228]

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'!!

Thats ridiculous, i truly believe you either love to camp or hate it. My husband and his family grew up camping in a tent, and I grew up in RVs because that is my fathers profession. We made a very happy medium with a Pop up camper. I have to say I have not been to the fort yet by can not wait. And i will not post anything but on the camping boards, anywhere else I just feel like people are mean and cruel if you ask anything. All of you have put up with so many of my questions and I truly appreciate it. I have never been one to really care about how dirty the hotel room is and throwing the blankets off and everything else. I know, I know they are probably filled with germs and just gross but never ever gave thought to it. But now having a camper I would rather have my own stuff and a little bit of my own space then be in a hotel with loud obnoxious people!

 

[bama_ed]

Can I be honest with you guys?










Honestly,

I feel sorry for those selfish people on the Resorts Board and Strategies Board that book the throw-away campsite. Their ignorance consumes them.

It's not win-win when the Fort is in a full busy period. Otherwise, I'm glad they aren't there. Their empty site gives me more peace and quiet. Otherwise I'd have to try to be friendly and make small-talk with a self-absorbed, whiny camping newb who would probably melt the first time it rained.

True some RV's are worth more than those posters' houses (well, I saw North of Mouse's RV once). From the outside. While she made me detail it - I missed a spot. I should have followed her instructions better. But I was not allowed to make eye contact with her.

So when I'm at the Fort I hope those folks pay for my peace and quiet - one on my left and one on my right. JillyBean was clever when she wanted to squat with one of them. Now THAT's a win-win.

Personally, I'm laughing my rear end off at those folks paying for the hotels (even off-site). All the way to the bank that is. My trusty little popup is my condo at the beach, my cabin in the mountains, and my DVC at WDW. It's like livin' in my own house and sleepin' in my own bed being that close to the MK like a local (hey Stacey - ). Financial planners they ain't.

Bama ED

 

[North of Mouse]

Can I be honest with you guys?










Honestly,

I feel sorry for those selfish people on the Resorts Board that book the throw-away campsite. Their ignorance consumes them.

It's not win-win when the Fort is in a full busy period. Otherwise, I'm glad they aren't there. Their empty site gives me more peace and quiet. Otherwise I'd have to try to be friendly and make small-talk with a self-absorbed, whiny camping newb who would probably melt the first time it rained.

True some RV's are worth more than those posters' houses (well, I saw North of Mouse's RV once). From the outside. While she made me detail it - I missed a spot. I should have followed her instructions better. But I was not allowed to make eye contact with her.

So when I'm at the Fort I hope those folks pay for my peace and quiet - one on my left and one on my right. JillyBean was clever when she wanted to squat with one of them. Now THAT's a win-win.

Personally, I'm laughing my rear end off at those folks paying for the hotels. All the way to the bank that is. My trusty little popup is my condo at the beach, my cabin in the mountains, and my DVC at WDW. It's like livin' in my own house and sleepin' in my own bed being that close to the MK like a local (hey Stacey - ). Financial planners they ain't.

Bama ED

You're 'singing in my choir' Ed!!!!

Trust me, we've camped in most everything, and 'all' of it beats hotels!
Yep - "my condo at the beach, my cabin in the mountains, and my DVC at WDW"

 

[bama_ed]

You're 'singing in my choir' Ed!!!!

Trust me, we've camped in most everything, and 'all' of it beats hotels!
Yep - "my condo at the beach, my cabin in the mountains, and my DVC at WDW"

NoM,

You're a good sport. I took advantage of meeting you and put you into my meme. Say hi to Robert for me. You and he are good people.

ED

 

[katiekomo]

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.

 

[tiggerdad]

Katie,
I did see your post on the other thread, I just don't post over there due to the harshness that can arise.
A compromise would be good, but difficult to share. I think the way Disney does things might make it to where you could not really share the perks. One might get the site, but the other would get the perks. Not sure if it could really be shared. It is a good thought though.
I pull a big one, 35 foot Jayco, so I get premium for the roominess of the site. They don't use those sites as much due to the extra cost. So it doesn't affect me as much. I just don't like to see my friends in tents and smaller campers get left out.
Let's face it, Disney created the strategy, and they allow it to happen. Until they fix it, the best advice is book early and beat the others to it.
Not sure how the ********** view it, haven't been over on their site. I'm also not sure if it makes any difference which day of the week you book. Might have to research it.

 

[mmbl]

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'!!

Well, we'll soon be staying at FW at a cost of $300+ /night plus $63./day for a golf cart; granted, that is for 6 in the cabin but it's more/night than we spend when staying at the resorts and we've stayed in them all from value to deluxe! That is, with our annual pass discount.

Question: what is the dead space you're all talking about? Just wondering.

 

[mmbl]

So, how common is the issue of people booking campsites for the perks but not staying in them? I just reason another thread someone's post bragging how they used the campsite as a "throwaway" room for parking and FP+. Poster commented how it was pure profit for Disney and it was a "win-win" because they never set foot on resort grounds but got all the perks and short lines and it was worth $12/day per person. Does this annoy anyone else? I commented how disappointed I was about them abusing the system and bragging about it. I wonder how much of this contributes to the Fort being booked Christmas break.

We'll be at FW soon and have stayed there twice before. We've also stayed in many of the resorts and have annual passes. I'm confused as to which extra perks you get at the FW campgrounds? How can people get extra FP's ( with this new system) since they're tied to your ticket and nothing else. I'm confused; can you explain? Anything we need to be in the lookout for when we're there? Thanks!

 

[tiggerdad]

mmbl,
It pertains to people staying offsite. They book offsite locations to stay at, then book a night or two at FW. The sites are cheap, but you get the perks of onsite guests. They never stay on the sites, they just sit empty. It is cheaper for them to do this and still get the onsite perks of free parking, extra magic hours, etc.
It can and does prevent some campers from being able to stay at the Fort because that week you want to camp is blocked because one of the nights was taken as a "throw away" for somebody.
It isn't against the rules, but the principle that some of them will do it and flat out tell you they don't care if it kept you from going or not.

 

[siskaren]

mmbl,
It pertains to people staying offsite. They book offsite locations to stay at, then book a night or two at FW. The sites are cheap, but you get the perks of onsite guests. They never stay on the sites, they just sit empty. It is cheaper for them to do this and still get the onsite perks of free parking, extra magic hours, etc.

And now the big reason for doing it is so that they can book FP+ 60 days in advance, since offsite guests have to wait until they arrive at a park to book them. I've just been flabbergasted that I can't convince anyone on that other thread that booking a room (or campsite) that they have no intention of using is wrong. They see it as a win-win situation for the hotels because the hotel gets the money for the room, but since it's unoccuppied, it's one less room for housekeeping to keep clean.

 

[katiekomo]

Katie,
I did see your post on the other thread, I just don't post over there due to the harshness that can arise.
A compromise would be good, but difficult to share. I think the way Disney does things might make it to where you could not really share the perks. One might get the site, but the other would get the perks. Not sure if it could really be shared. It is a good thought though.
I pull a big one, 35 foot Jayco, so I get premium for the roominess of the site. They don't use those sites as much due to the extra cost. So it doesn't affect me as much. I just don't like to see my friends in tents and smaller campers get left out.
Let's face it, Disney created the strategy, and they allow it to happen. Until they fix it, the best advice is book early and beat the others to it.
Not sure how the ********** view it, haven't been over on their site. I'm also not sure if it makes any difference which day of the week you book. Might have to research it.

Yeah, you're right... it's probably not really feasible... I just know this debate isn't getting us anywhere. In the pages and pages of debate it's just people calling the other side wrong... no one has said, "hey, that's a great point, I've changed my mind". And these types of threads seem to pop up at least, what? twice a year?

If we could at least ask them to NOT do it in the middle of the week? You'd think that would be a tiny bit helpful? (Come to think of it... I usually travel Wed to Wed... am I screwing over two weeks of people??)(I mean, when I camp- I do stay at the site. Sometimes tent, sometimes MH.)

Anyway, just trying to get us somewhere productive... not sure if that's possible though. "Throwaway" tent sites seem to be one of the hot buttons that might never go away! But if we're creative enough, we might find some sort of solution???

 

[mmbl]

mmbl, It pertains to people staying offsite. They book offsite locations to stay at, then book a night or two at FW. The sites are cheap, but you get the perks of onsite guests. They never stay on the sites, they just sit empty. It is cheaper for them to do this and still get the onsite perks of free parking, extra magic hours, etc. It can and does prevent some campers from being able to stay at the Fort because that week you want to camp is blocked because one of the nights was taken as a "throw away" for somebody. It isn't against the rules, but the principle that some of them will do it and flat out tell you they don't care if it kept you from going or not.

Ah, thanks. Guess I'm just not that 'devious'! Maybe it's because we always stay on property!

 

[cousineddie]

I haven't seen anyone who loves the Fort and its atmosphere, whether they be DisBoarders or Fort Fiends, who approve of the vacant campsite problem. No one seems to be able to do anything about it, and Disney doesn't seem to care. I also have a MH and book premium sites, so we are also not very directly affected by this selfish non-use of campsites. It is a shame that some people get shut out from enjoying the Fort just because of the actions of others who have no intention of using a site and the real amenities it offers. I have no need or desire to post on threads in DisBoards, except for this one and occasionally on DisAbilities...both of which provide a real service to us. If my family is trailer trash, we are proud of it. We bring out own clean linens and bathroom. We bring much of what food we want to eat. We have a nice patio where we can entertain or just enjoy the refreshing outdoors. We have a GC for moving our kids around the Fort and for participating in select holiday parades. It takes us longer to settle in than say, opening a suitcase in a hotel room. We have to make utilitiy hookups, and set out often overdone decorations, which many of us seem to enjoy. We can usually bring our four-footed family members. We can walk or ride around and speak to our neighbors, form friendships, and generally enjoy the atmosphere and the amenities the Fort offers. Yes, we have it good (or is it well) compared to those poor people who are restricted to a room and hallway. But let's just keep that among ourselves. Otherwise some of the snobs might decide to try us out.

We have noticed that the moods are decidedly different in hotels and campgrounds. I guess it takes a different mindset to be campers and everyone doesn't have the same ideals of a good vacation. I'm with you, can't tell you how many times we've set off to walk the loop or just up to the bathhouse only to find ourselves and hour and a half later three campsites down exchanging stories and making plans for a potluck dinner. You don't even get that opportunity on a hotel, most everyone seems busy and rushed and put out when you try to converse.

Their loss.