Help! Yikes! Last minute vacation switch by DVC

[FunFive]

So 18 days before the Fl big trip and an old waitlist came through! Ugh!

I had planned a week long trip for 8 of us to drive to AK in late July, with iternary all planned out. When checking reservations I noticed that my points account seemed odd. When checking further it seems that the reservation was switched from AK to HH in the last couple of days!! I didn't even remember having the waitlist which was put on back in January...

So would appreciate your comments. Is getting a week in HH in late July, like winning the lottery and I should be happy? Avoiding the parks in July is a good thing? Or should I call DVC to see if it can be switched back? This is the first trip with BF and his 3K and me and my 3K. I am worried that the teens will be bored in HH. This whole trip needs a rework...

 

[cel_disney]

Hmm..I always thought that all waitlists were cancelled 30/31 days before your stay and you'd have to add it back again if you wanted it?

Do you ever remember creating a WL (for HH or anywhere else?)?

Can MS tell you what day it went through? Or if there is anyway to get you a room at WDW?

 

[MinnieGirl33]

Hmm..I always thought that all waitlists were cancelled 30/31 days before your stay and you'd have to add it back again if you wanted it?

I have always been given the option of having it expire at 30 (31?) days or 7 days prior to check in. The rationale behind the 30 day expiration is if your WL requires fewer points than the booked res those points will go back into your account as normal instead of into holding.

 

[FunFive]

I see. The switch was made on 26 June per DVC and notice is in the mail...so that is 30 days prior. I just haven't received the notice in the mail probably due to the holidays. No availability to switch back per DVC looks like I'm stuck.

 

[poohkinandpiglet]

On the bright side, Hilton Head is awesome and you will have a great time. WDW in the summer is hot and super crowded. It could be a good thing!
Right?

 

[hmansure]

HH in July is close to hitting the lottery so I would take it and enjoy your trip. I personally am not a fan of the park crowds and Florida heat/humidity in July (though we were there last July because as our kids get older in has become more of a hassle to take them out of school...).

It's all a matter of preferences, but a nice week at HH in the summer is a real treat and less of a dent on the 'ol bank account Enjoy your trip!

 

[DisneyTravelers2008]

On the bright side, Hilton Head is awesome and you will have a great time. WDW in the summer is hot and super crowded. It could be a good thing!
Right?

I completely AGREE with this post....it will be so crazy HOT in Florida....It will be hot at HHI as well, but at least you can sit by the beach and relax...not run all aover ht parks and wait in line....I think I would go for the HH...

 

[FunFive]

Ahh thanks for the reassurance!

We haven't touched WDW in the heat of the summer in many years usually opting for April or September. But this time it was the big joining of the two families trip to see how everyone would get along. Even my 15 year old he-man DS looked downtrodden when I said we might not be going to WDW in a couple weeks. But that's the beauty of DVC right...we will go again I tell myself...soon.

So with the shock wearing off, casting off ressies and character bf's and hard to get dinners, shucking the 'give a day, get a Dis day' vouchers, and shelving the park maps, I now turn to thoughts of (egads) the Beach,bikes, minigolf, & campfires .

The girls are 8, 10, and the boys 12, 15, 16, 18. My fear is hearing the dreaded 'I'm bored' from the older set. Any tips on keeping the teens happy?

 

[ldo]

Almost impossible to get in July! There is lots for kids/teens. They have a great beach house on the ocean with pool, shade, food/refill mugs, etc. You can drive, ride bikes, or take shuttle to beach house--with shuttle, teens could come and go as they please. Rent bikes for them--they can ride all around Palmetto Dunes plantation across the street. There are teens nights out, pirates party, teen basketball, etc. It's more laid back then WDW, but we enjoyed it so much (13 yr old loved), that we are thinking of adding points.
Here is another option---drive to WDW for a few days, then head up to HHI---I think you could call and have 1/2 of your trip rebooked to WDW without losing HHI. Then you could use your GAD vouchers. It's only 5 hrs to HHI from WDW--if you are EAst coast, it's even better, perfect soptover--we do it all the time on Easter break---that would be a good compromise if you are unsure of HHI--now that would be a GREAT trip! Elaine

 

[pamjb]

shucking the 'give a day, get a Dis day' vouchers, a

Don't forget that you can donate you Give A Day Get A Day vouchers to either Make A Wish or The Boys & Girls Clubs.

 

[laura-k]

Almost impossible to get in July! There is lots for kids/teens. They have a great beach house on the ocean with pool, shade, food/refill mugs, etc. You can drive, ride bikes, or take shuttle to beach house--with shuttle, teens could come and go as they please. Rent bikes for them--they can ride all around Palmetto Dunes plantation across the street. There are teens nights out, pirates party, teen basketball, etc. It's more laid back then WDW, but we enjoyed it so much (13 yr old loved), that we are thinking of adding points.
Here is another option---drive to WDW for a few days, then head up to HHI---I think you could call and have 1/2 of your trip rebooked to WDW without losing HHI. Then you could use your GAD vouchers. It's only 5 hrs to HHI from WDW--if you are EAst coast, it's even better, perfect soptover--we do it all the time on Easter break---that would be a good compromise if you are unsure of HHI--now that would be a GREAT trip! Elaine

Thats what I was thinking and might be the perfect solution for you -You get the parks and rush rush of all the rides and fireworks and crazy fun of the world and then the warm relaxing beach -ah----------sand ,sun -
It might be hard on the budget to do a dual trip - but your GAD vouchers would help and you could probably get a FW cabin reasonable -Lotts of bonding and melding time in a couple of very different atmospheres -cool !
Let us know what you decide

 

[csidisney]

If it makes you feel better, I live down here in FL and we won't go anywhere NEAR the parks in the summer. The thought of the crowds and the God awful heat do not say "fun vacation" to me! We would MUCH rather go to HH or Vero during this time Have fun!

 

[FunFive]

Thanks everyone...we're gonna embrace the change and make the best of HH. Looking online and from all the great comments, there seems to be so many options for all ages. Maybe it will allow more opportunities to blend the families as we won't be suffering in lines and high heat.... It's still Disney after all...
Keep those suggestions coming! I welcome any further suggestions for HH fun esp for the teens.

 

[ldo]

call the front desk and ask them to fax you a copy of the activities sheet. I did for my trip. They are just about the same every week--that will give you an idea of what they have.

 

[dizneefamily5]

I have to tell you, this will be a blessing in disguise for your family! We reluctantly booked HHI for our family (3 teens - 2 dds and a friend) plus our 7 year old for Spring break last year. It was hands down our best trip ever! It was like being at summer camp all week. The kids were always busy and made so many friends, we could barely get them to leave to go to dinner. It was an amazing time! Relax and enjoy - and be sure to post after the trip to let us know that you are now thinking of adding on at HHI .

Have fun - I'm so jealous!

Edited to add: my girls recommend the kayak trip, teens night out, the Mickey tye dye, the hot tub hangout and the nature tour. They also loved the free cookies up in Big Murgie's Den.

 

[gkrykewy]

While I'm sure you'll have a nice trip, I would be totally bummed; that's quite a different kind of experience. A good lesson for me to always be mindful of waitlists.