Didn't get CR-SOG...what now??

[IvyandLace]

Well, here's the story...last weekend my DH had the great idea of inviting his mom and dad (who is retired military) to visit with us in October as we celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. (We have APs and are squeezing out one last trip before they expire!) Not only could we show off our "World" to my in-laws, but we could do it with a significant discount with my father-in-law's military background. However, upon contacting SOG/CR, they informed me that they were full for the dates we are looking for (October 21-26) and the waiting list was full as well. They offered us a $89/night rate at the Hotel Plaza at DTD.

Needless to say, we were disappointed! I was looking forward to showing off the "World" by staying on site (and at a monorail hotel, nonetheless!!). I'm afraid my in-laws won't want to pay even an AP rate for a Disney hotel. I thought about renting points for a two-bedroom villa, but this would still be quite expensive. My DH thinks the All-Star Resorts would be okay....but I guess I just wanted something a little more....adult.

If anyone has anything to share concerning my sad story, please do!
Thanks in advance!

IVY

 

[DisneyVirginia]

I realize that CR is a "can't beat" deal, and I have my summer ressies. But, as an SOG veteran, in the past I have called hoping that SOG would be full because when I specifically ask for OVERFLOW, WDW "opens up." Almost every on-site hotel in my signature below I obtained through SOG--at better than AP rates. Last year we stayed at GF for $189, and the year before we stayed at the Swan for $108 (including the Swan resort fee). Did you exhaust the SOG offerings? For instance, did you ask if they can offer you a discount on on-site value or moderates? I would call back and be specific about what you want. Ask them to quote rates for your list of hotels. Sometimes they don't get their availability to the on-sites until closer to your ressie date, but I think you have a really good chance of finding something you like. Best of luck!!!

 

[JOC]

Did you ask for availability of overflow rates at the other on-site properties? Sometimes they won't tell you about them unless you specifically ask.

 

[DisneyFan09]

We were offered CBR for $99 in October but didn't take it, I can get it cheaper than that but a friend of my mother's who is also retired military took it! I've heard that as your time gets closer to check back because people do cancel. Don't give up!

 

[susy]

Even the AP rates for mods should be very good. CSR has a very adult atmosphere! I know you can book at least two rooms on an AP. Keep trying!

 

[polkadotminnie]

Call back and ask for overflow rates for on-site. We had POFQ for next week $89/night; after they announced POFQ closing we finally were able to get AKL for an unbelievable rate. Don't give up!!!

 

[khawk]

I booked through SOG and was told that CR was full and they put me up at Best Western Lake Buena Vista at DTD. I was also disappointed because I wanted to stay onsite. I called back to SOG and told them I really wanted onsite and they gave me POR but the price was too expensive for me so I went and book POR through WDW and got it cheaper with the discount codes that are listed on mousesavers.com. I can still buy the stars and stripes park hopper passes through SOG and that will save us a ton of money on park passes.
Kim

 

[madge]

Here's what I would do--I'd call SoG back and ask about the overflow rates. If you find something you like, go ahead and book it. Keep trying for the Contemporary--just because the waitlist is closed right now doesn't mean it will stay that way. You've got time on your side That is the week of one of the golf tournaments, if I am not mistaken--that might have something to do with availability, not sure.

good luck!

 

[IvyandLace]

Wow! Thanks a bunch for all the great advice and encouragement. To be honest, I contacted SOG through their web site-didn't even think to call and ask about overflow rates!! (Duh.) I'm calling tomorrow!

Wish me luck!
IVY

 

[JOC]

Good luck! Also, be patient if you're put on hold. Sometimes I get a reservationist right away, other times it takes 10 or 20 minutes on hold.

 

[BibbidiBobbidiBOO]

I e-mailed them Friday afternoon and asked for specific overflow rates to the resorts we are interested in. They sent them to me yesterday ! We do have CR for our next trip, but are trying CBR later this year, $84 overflow rate ! If FL or AP rates are less, we will change later!

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by polkadotminnie
Call back and ask for overflow rates for on-site. We had POFQ for next week $89/night; after they announced POFQ closing we finally were able to get AKL for an unbelievable rate. Don't give up!!!

According to the poster, they were given overflow rates on site. DD hotels are considered "on site" hotels. Perhaps you meant to write ask for Disney owned (which also excludes the D&S) hotels? It also helps to give the agent a price range instead of having them waste their time, and yours, scrolling through umtpeen different resorts, some of which you know you won't want to pay "that" rate, even at a discount.

 

[FirstNo]

Originally posted by khawk
I booked through SOG and was told that CR was full and they put me up at Best Western Lake Buena Vista at DTD. I was also disappointed because I wanted to stay onsite. Kim

If you were booked at the LBV, you were booked on site. Disney is not the only ones who have hotels on the Walt Disney World property, but if you wanted to stay at a DISNEY OWNED resort, then yes, I could see why you were disappointed.

 

[SRyba]

Ivy,

First, I agree with checking back for CR availability...we lucked into a room last year right at the 30 days out mark.

I learned a wealth of information from FirstNo and Madge a while back on one of the SoG threads, and I will try to share some of it with you here.

Plan to call when you will not be distracted by kids or work, and be prepared to hold for a while.

Do some research...check what the rack rates are for Disney hotels, and then also note what the code rates are or have been. Make a list of the hotels that are in your $$ range that you are interested in, and then call SoG and ask specifically about those 3-5 hotels and their overflow rates. (I think they said there are three levels of overflow rates, which may be why some were offered rates that did not seem like a really good deal to them compared to codes.)

Be prepared to make a decision on the spot as the rooms go fast.

Lastly, if you have a long hold time, remember that the agent helping you has been on the phone non-stop, deserves your respect, and very likely could use a friendly appreciative person! Remind yourself that its a toll free call.

FirstNo and Madge, please correct me if something I stated here isn't correct, and I am sorry I couldn't remember all the tips you gave!

Wherever you end up staying, have a wonderful trip!

Shelly

 

[DisneyKidds]

Everyone seems to have this one covered. One more word of advice - when you call SOG tell them you are interested in an overflow reservations, then tell them specifically what resort you are interested in. If they have an available rate they will tell you.

 

[pixiechick77]

I have a GREAT idea......how about going the week before and spending time with your sissy, mom and JP????????!!!!!

Couldn't resist.........

miss you so much, can't wait till next week.

pixiechick
(sis to ivyandlace)