Can you switch Resorts mid-stay?

[disney20something]

My family and I are staying at fort Wilderness in the cabins (we're there now). We picked it mainly because of the sleeping situation (enough beds for 6). But we're on day two, and the transportation situation at Fort Wilderness just doesn't suit us. We didn't realize you'd have to do bus transfers within the resort to get to and from parks. Having our 80-year-old grandmother with us, it's hard to walk back to the cabin in the dark in a swamp (the place is poorly lit). Now I'm regretting not having reserved the art of animation family suite instead (less room but it's nicer to be in a hotel environment that doesn't have crocodile warnings). Can we do that? Is it possible to switch resorts having already been here two days? We have five left and I don't think we can take it....

 

[LilyWDW]

You would have to see if anything is available and you would most likely have to pay a full undiscounted rate.

 

[jods]

my friend switched from one deluxe to another. They are comparable in price and she had a discount on her original booking. They didn't charge her anything extra even though the discount period was over.

 

[lolly2ga]

Last September we had a 2 night stay at one of the All-Star resorts. After the first night we regretted booking there and went to the front desk to see what else might be available. We told them our concerns, they asked where we would like to go, made a phone call and gave us a free upgrade to Caribbean Beach in a preferred room. We loved it and will be back there in 99 days! We didn't ask for a free upgrade and were very thankful to get it.

We've stayed at the cabins before and agree that it would be very difficult for an 80 year old.

 

[happymommy]

It can't hurt to call and find out what is available.

 

[Nancyg56]

I would try. You may need to pay rack rate if there is anything available, but if your grandmother is haveing trouble with transportation it may be what is for the best. I think your main issue is that you have six people, and even Deluxe resorts generally only sleep 5, so you may be somewhat limited in your choices. I would consider two rooms in a moderate or a value if they are available.

 

[VAfamily1998]

I just did a brief search online and it doesn't look like Art of Animation is available for the next 5 nights.
There is availability at a family suite at all Star Music for $234/night average.
The next lowest price option would be 2 bedroom villas at Saratoga Springs or Old Key west at $645/night

or like Nancy said, get two rooms at a value or moderate.

 

[Nancyg56]

I just did a brief search online and it doesn't look like Art of Animation is available for the next 5 nights.
There is availability at a family suite at all Star Music for $234/night average.
The next lowest price option would be 2 bedroom villas at Saratoga Springs or Old Key west at $645/night

or like Nancy said, get two rooms at a value or moderate.

Under the circumstances I think the best bet is to ask the concierge to help. I cannot imagine having to worry about a grandparent, and would think that if there was any way to help, Disney CM's will. I have no idea the cost though, and that is also a concern.

 

[Shanti]

My family and I are staying at fort Wilderness in the cabins (we're there now). We picked it mainly because of the sleeping situation (enough beds for 6). But we're on day two, and the transportation situation at Fort Wilderness just doesn't suit us. We didn't realize you'd have to do bus transfers within the resort to get to and from parks. Having our 80-year-old grandmother with us, it's hard to walk back to the cabin in the dark in a swamp (the place is poorly lit). Now I'm regretting not having reserved the art of animation family suite instead (less room but it's nicer to be in a hotel environment that doesn't have crocodile warnings). Can we do that? Is it possible to switch resorts having already been here two days? We have five left and I don't think we can take it....

Don't worry about alligators (there are no crocodiles in Florida) if you're just walking to and from your cabin and not wading around in the creeks or lake for some reason. Alligators stick to waterways- if you stay away from those you'll be fine.

All of the resorts have alligator warning signs now (due to a toddler being drowned by one at the Grand Floridian Resort while he was wading in the lake at that resort's beach). As a result they now have alligator warning signs even in Magic Kingdom. When in Florida (or any swampy area), stay out of the natural waterways. That's the message Disney is trying to drive home to its guests.

We tent camped for a week at Fort Wilderness and never had an issue with any form of wildlife or insects. Since Fort Wilderness is themed as a natural setting for camping, it is not brightly lit at night, and therefore it would help to have a flashlight.

If you can't or decide not to switch resorts, you should get a flashlight to use when walking the grounds at night (not due to wildlife, but just to avoid tripping & to help find your way around). I also recommend that with an elderly lady in your party you rent a golf cart, if any are available. That would solve your internal resort transportation problem.

I'd like to add that I agree with those who suggest getting 2 value or moderate rooms instead of holding out for a hard-to-get or overpriced family suite. If you're really unhappy with your current resort, splitting your party into 2 rooms is better than staying at a resort you don't care for.

 

[Nancyg56]

Don't worry about alligators (there are no crocodiles in Florida) if you're just walking to and from your cabin and not wading around in the creeks for some reason. Alligators stick to waterways- if you stay away from those you'll be fine. They have alligator signs even in Magic Kingdom, fyi.



If you can't or decide not to switch resorts, you should get a flashlight to use when walking the grounds at night (not due to wildlife, but just to avoid tripping & to help find your way around). I also recommend that with an elderly lady in your party that you rent a golf cart, if any are available.

Those silly signs do more harm than good I think! Scaring people!

I forgot about a golf cart. That may be the answer you need and would allow you to remain where you are, all together.

 

[terri33inne]

I wouldn't call, but actually got to concierge, and speak with someone in person. You never know what may be available.

 

[lolly2ga]

I agree that going in person is much better than calling. Kindly present your concerns and ask for their suggestions for a solution. They will find a way to help and it may not involve additional charges.

 

[Angie25]

disney20something did you have any luck switching resorts? Or did you decide to stay?

 

[VAfamily1998]

I've been thinking about you and your family and how this ended up getting resolved? And I hope you all were able to make it out of Florida ahead of the hurricane