I was just there booked two rooms. Called them and said I wanted them connecting. We got there checked in and reminded them about connecting rooms. We have received connecting rooms whenever we have requested but I always call in as soon as I make the reservation.
Yeah, I get the 60 days, but last year, I was online logged in at 6am, and still could get practically nothing- most of what I wanted was booked. If hotel guests get a 1-2 hour head start, that could explain it. Last year, I hadn't linked my hotel to my disney account (didn't know I could), so I've done that this time, and will test it with checking earlier than 6am. We really just want a Trader Sam's dinner on our first night, and at least one visit to Oga's any of our park days. But those are small, popular venues.:-(
Thanks! I'll call as soon as I reserve the rooms.
100% sign up for Mouse Dining, you'll get everything you want most likely
We are returning today from our trip. I called to make the room reservations for both rooms so I could request the bedding types and that they be connecting. They still were under two different confirmation numbers. When we checked in, they told us we were given connecting rooms and the bedding we requested. I was honestly very surprised, as we always only request bedding and only get it about 50% of the time. So to get the bedding (we wanted a King and then 2Qs and day bed this time) and connecting rooms was a surprise. Our Woods Courtyard balcony on the 3rd floor overlooked a peaked roof from below; the tree top were visible, and we could see the park entrance to DCA but only if we stood up. I decided that I guess that is still “woods” and just to leave it since we got our other requests. Strangely, when we checked in, the CM specifically said “you got just what you paid for, Woods Courtyard view”. I didn’t really think much of that at the time, but once I saw the view from one room, I realized that she was probably indicating that our room was considered that view, even if it was 90% rooftop peak view. We don’t spend much time in the room, so I just didn’t worry about it. For others, this might have been a disappointment if the view is really critical.
We do the same. Room only means cancel without penalty up to 5 days before check in. And you can save a little by purchasing tickets at Undercover Tourist or similar (some of which have refundable tickets for a small fee). Booking a package (room and tickets together) has full payment due at 30 days out, and cancellation fee of $200 if cancelled with 30 days (I think). You can modify your reservation to a later time to avoid the fee, but eventually you will need to take the trip or incur the fee. The up side is that the tickets are refundable if you cancel (but again, there is that fee). You will pay full price for the tickets directly from Disney with a package. There are a few small package perks like a lanyard and a small discount at a few restaurants.
Thanks for the information. I always feel like it's 50/50 that I'll get what I request, which is why I wasn't sure what to expect when asking for connecting rooms. I'm glad you got yours, even thought you didn't have much of a view. I'd like to request woods/courtyard, but thought I might have a better chance at connecting rooms if I book standard rooms and don't worry about the view. Somehow I get the impression there are more standard rooms at GCH, but I could be totally wrong about that.
One of the reasons I love Woods Courtyard view rooms is that they are all pretty close to the Napa Rose elevators. Ours were rooms 3333 and 3335, which were just around the corner from the Napa Rose elevators (and we heard zero noise from the elevators). Perfect location every day for getting in and out of the parks so easily. Even with one of the Napa Rose elevators broken for the 3 of our 4 days, we never waited more than 45 seconds for an elevator at Napa Rose.
I love that location, too!! Another advantage to the NR elevators is that it's much more discreet to get back and forth from your room to the pool. Much nicer than traipsing through the lobby in a swimsuit, especially when you're all wet!
ok, I will keep my plan of asking for Woods/ Courtyard. They sound ideal
I have a Woods/Courtyard view room for my upcoming August trip!ok, I will keep my plan of asking for Woods/ Courtyard. They sound ideal
Poor (very poor), but not entirely impossible. Be flexible with days. Be ready at 8AM / 5AM on the dot. Have a backup plan. I booked a 1BR at 7 months earlier this year but studios are an order of magnitude more difficult.
Is it 530 am EST or PST?
PST. But based on what some people have said, I'd check even earlier, like 5am PST.
Last year I was able to make reservations at 4 AM. I don't know if I could have done it earlier because I didn't look! I was just going to practice before actually booking and discovered the reservations were open for me already that day. The next day they weren't, so I don't know how the system works.
That's how I discovered it, too! Just practicing for when it opened. It was so relaxing. I could hem and haw about what time I wanted to eat at each restaurant, or even wander off and look at menus and the time slots were all waiting there when I got back. It was the best. A great perk for staying onsite!
