Help! No campsites available!

[jenelope]

I'm planning a trip with my parents this October. They're driving their motorhome down to Orlando to have an extended trip along the way and I am meeting them down there for the WDW portion of the trip. We're staying at a DVC resort for Sunday through Friday, and just need a campsite for the previous Thursday through Sunday. I called to make a reservation today and there were no campsites available, only cabins. I haven't camped at WDW since 2002, but I don't remember having a hard time getting a site this far in advance. In fact, on that trip, we added a night the very day we checked in.

I know the usual advice for any WDW stay is to call back frequently to see if room inventory opens up. Should I just do that, or should I make arrangements at another campground as well? The only time I've ever run into the "no room at the inn" situation was DVC and I was able to go on a waiting list. I'm a little stymied by this. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Yes...keep trying! You can also play "the game" and book more days than you need, then cancel the ones you don't want. Try as often as possible, mutiple times a day. Surely something will open up before October!!!!!

 

[big kahuna1]

I agree. Sometimes you have to book 7, 8, 9 or 10 days or so just so you can get the days you want. Once booked, then cancel the days you don't need. Why it works this way I have no clue other than that is just how the system works. I have had to do this many times.

 

[BigDaddyRog]

Yeah....you've got plenty of time....dont start to freak out till the last week...you'll almost definately get a site if you keep playing the Disney "now we gotta site available, now we dont" game

 

[jenelope]

Thanks to all for the reassurance! I can always count on the DIS to know what's what. I'll keep calling and will try to stay calm until I have a reservation!

By the way, Polynesian Pixie, that's an adorable dog in your sig. Is it a West Highland White terrier?

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Thanks to all for the reassurance! I can always count on the DIS to know what's what. I'll keep calling and will try to stay calm until I have a reservation!

By the way, Polynesian Pixie, that's an adorable dog in your sig. Is it a West Highland White terrier?

Thank you! Yes, she is a Westie...and the best doggie EVER! IMHO

 

[ftwildernessguy]

A lot may depend on when you are trying to go, too. If your weekend is Columbus day weekend, you may have some problems. If it's another weekend, your chances will be better. Try making your arrival day a Wednesday or Tuesday, not closer to the weekend you are shooting for. Departure time is not as critical as arrival time.

 

[WVTinkGrl]

You can also try booking one day at a time. You may have multiple reservations, but this works as well.

 

[John VN]

If you are a DVC Member, did you call Member Services and try to see if anything was available using points?

 

[bama_ed]

Also the renovations are taking some capacity off-line so fewer sites will be available overall.

Bama ED

 

[jenelope]

Well, I followed the advice given and was able to get a site by adding a day and making it a Wednesday through Sunday reservation. I'll go back later and remove Wednesday night from my reservation. It seems odd to have to do it this way, but what do I care about odd? I've got the reservation I wanted! That's all that really matters.

Thank you all for your help! I doubt that I ever would have stumbled upon "the game" on my own.

 

[pell]

Jenelope, My advice: persevere!! We recently scored a reservation for the holidays (Pre-Christmas to New Years 2008), and it took me at least 250 calls and/or online inquiries. I am not exaggerating! I had to check multiple times per day for over three months. It became a daily ritual, like brushing my teeth. But when the ressie came, I have only one word to describe it: MAGICAL!! I wish the same for you & your family. Good luck!

 

[ntsammy5]

Now THAT"S perseverance. My hat's off to you!

 

[AlyLynn]

Jenelope, My advice: persevere!! We recently scored a reservation for the holidays (Pre-Christmas to New Years 2008), and it took me at least 250 calls and/or online inquiries. I am not exaggerating! I had to check multiple times per day for over three months. It became a daily ritual, like brushing my teeth. But when the ressie came, I have only one word to describe it: MAGICAL!! I wish the same for you & your family. Good luck!

Pell-Good for you! I know how hard it is to get that Christmas ressie!
I have been trying for MONTHS to add some time to our Christmas reservation.
(DH and I are teachers, and found out after we booked it that we have 2 weeks off for the first time ever!) Not only do I check online several times a day , I bug poor Rhonda every once in a while! Have a great trip!

 

[pell]

Keep the faith, AlyLynn!! I hope your "extension" comes to fruition!

 

[AlyLynn]

Thank you!

 

[jenelope]

Good luck, AlyLynn! I hope you get the days you need.

 

[THE GRIND]

hello, what dates do you need, we will be there oct10-17 we have to spots in the preferred with full hook-ups, we are thinking about dropping one of them and rideing with our sister-in-laws rv, pm me if you like

 

[PolynesianPixie]

Well, I followed the advice given and was able to get a site by adding a day and making it a Wednesday through Sunday reservation. I'll go back later and remove Wednesday night from my reservation. It seems odd to have to do it this way, but what do I care about odd? I've got the reservation I wanted! That's all that really matters.

Thank you all for your help! I doubt that I ever would have stumbled upon "the game" on my own.

 

[clkelley]

Glad to hear it!!!!!! Too bad we'll miss each other in October