I'd appreciate advice please (non-DVC people with SSR booking)

[diberry]

We have a studio booked at Saratoga Springs Resort for 9 - 23 August and decided to upgrade to a one-bedroom villa. I keep calling but they don't have any available. Every CM I've spoken to has told me to keep calling in case there is a cancellation, so I've been calling every day. Today the CM I spoke to said that they don't "restock their inventory" so cancellations would not come back onto the system - she mentioned something about this being because it's a DVC property (we are not DVC members and just booked it as regular hotel guests). Does anyone know if this is correct or is there any other way of changing accommodation within a resort? It will cost us more so I don't understand why they wouldn't try to fill a room that's been cancelled. Any insights would be extremely welcome please.

 

[wilma-bride]

I can only assume that they meant that Disney CRO only hold a percentage of rooms for non-DVC use (20% I believe ) and that inventory will never change. Obviously, though, if somebody had a 1-bed villa booked on a cash basis and cancelled that would free up a room which is probably why previous CMs have told you to keep trying. I do have to say that I think it is unlikely that somebody would cancel this close now, though, as obviously they would have had to pay their full amount due before now. Maybe that is what the CM was referring to

Have you booked as a package Di, and paid in full? I only ask because there may be an outside chance you could get a reservation renting DVC points, however if you are already paid up that wouldn't help.

 

[diberry]

Hi Joh! I see what you mean about CRO only holding a certain percentage of rooms for non-DVC use - I hadn't thought of that and have very little idea of how DVC works! We booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company and have paid in full. Wish I'd had this brilliant idea long before now!!! The CM did suggest I ask when we arrive, to see if there are any one-bedroom villas available so I assume that's our only hope now. Thanks Joh!

 

[wilma-bride]

Hi Joh! I see what you mean about CRO only holding a certain percentage of rooms for non-DVC use - I hadn't thought of that and have very little idea of how DVC works! We booked through the Walt Disney Travel Company and have paid in full. Wish I'd had this brilliant idea long before now!!! The CM did suggest I ask when we arrive, to see if there are any one-bedroom villas available so I assume that's our only hope now. Thanks Joh!

Di, I think it is well worth asking when you arrive. Alternatively, have you thought about Old Key west - there may be availability in a 1-bedroom there and it is a similar set-up, albeit not as new, as Saratoga Springs. The rooms, in actual fact, are a fair bit bigger. Even though we own at saratoga, we actually prefer Old Key West as a resort. You still have the boat service to Downtown Disney.

Since you booked through the WDTC, Old Key West shouldn't be much (if any) different in price as they were both included in he 42% offer. Could be worth a try

 

[diberry]

Nothing at OKW either, I'm afraid (we stayed there last year). I didn't know you were DVC owners at SSR - lucky you!! Thank you very much for your help!

 

[RobDoc]

I can only assume that they meant that Disney CRO only hold a percentage of rooms for non-DVC use (20% I believe ) and that inventory will never change. ...

DVC retains a small bit of ownership at each DVC resort - in the 2-4% range. This is used to replace inventory not available due to maintenance and renovation. Other inventory is made available for cash reservations thru CRO when members use their points for non-DVC options like the cruise. In addition, any rooms still not reserved by members 60 days out is made available for cash reservations. OKW and SSR are both large resorts and cash reservations are usually available thru Disney directly but at times they have used that excess inventory to upgrade cash guests from the Value and Moderate resorts at some times of the year.

I would keep trying - you'll never know when something could become available for your dates.

Good luck!

 

[diberry]

I would keep trying - you'll never know when something could become available for your dates.Good luck!

Thank you for the explanation and for the encouragement!

 

[Spanner]

Have you thought about moving rooms during your stay.

It looks like your issue is that 1 bedroom villas are only available until the 16th. (I have checked via an online booking)

You could have the first week in a one-bed and then (if you can bear to move) the second week in a studio.

We'll be there 6th-13th.

 

[diberry]

Thank you Spanner and for checking the dates online. I would be happy to do that but have been told that I wouldn't be able to have DDP if I split my stay, unfortunately.